CHAPTER FIVE: THE WARNING
771 Words
(Mirabel's POV)
The journey back to Moonstone Pack territory felt like walking toward my own execution, and maybe in some ways it was. Solomon insisted on coming with me despite knowing how dangerous it would be for him to set foot on his former pack's land, and he brought five of his strongest warriors as backup in case things went badly.
I knew they would go badly because Vincent had made it abundantly clear that I was never welcome back, but we were out of options and out of time. The full moon ceremony was tonight, less than twelve hours away, and if we did not convince Vincent to cancel it or at least increase security dramatically, Philip would succeed in his assassination plan and everything I had seen in my visions would come true.
The thought made me physically sick with fear and frustration because even now, even after Vincent had rejected me and thrown me out like worthless garbage, I still cared about him enough to risk my life trying to save his. Love did not die just because someone hurt you, unfortunately, it lingered like a ghost haunting the ruins of what used to be.
Solomon noticed me shaking as we approached the border and reached out to take my hand, the gesture surprisingly gentle for someone with his fearsome reputation. The moment our skin touched I felt steadier, calmer, like his presence was anchoring me against the storm of emotions threatening to overwhelm me.
We crossed into Moonstone territory and immediately wolves started emerging from buildings, their expressions ranging from shock to outrage. Someone shouted for the Alpha and within minutes Vincent appeared on the pack house steps with Philip right beside him, both of them staring at Solomon with barely contained fury.
"You were exiled seven years ago," Vincent said, his voice cold enough to freeze blood. "The penalty for breaking exile is death, Solomon. You know this."
"I am aware," Solomon replied calmly, though I could feel the tension radiating through his body. "But preventing your assassination seemed more important than following your ridiculous rules, brother."
Philip's face went carefully blank at the word assassination, so fast most people probably missed it, but I saw and so did Solomon. We had him rattled already, which meant he knew we were onto his plan.
"This is pathetic, Mirabel," Philip said, recovering quickly with an expression of exaggerated concern. "I understand you are hurt about the rejection, but convincing Solomon to help you fabricate conspiracy theories is a new low. Do you really hate us so much that you would bring a dangerous exile back just to cause trouble?"
"We are not here to cause trouble," I said, forcing my voice to stay level. "We are here because my vision about Vincent's death is going to come true tonight during the ceremony, and Philip is the one who is going to kill him."
Vincent's expression flickered with something that might have been doubt before hardening again. "You already tried this, Mirabel. I am not falling for your manipulation twice."
"Then you will not mind Philip being searched," Solomon said smoothly. "If he is innocent as he claims, he should have no problem showing everyone the scar on his left hand that I gave him during a training accident when we were fifteen."
Philip's hand twitched toward his pocket instinctively before he caught himself, but it was too late. Everyone had seen the movement and suspicion was spreading through the gathered crowd like wildfire.
"Search him," Vincent ordered quietly, his voice carrying absolute authority that made even Philip hesitate.
Philip's friendly mask finally cracked to show rage underneath. "You are making a mistake, Vincent. I have been loyal for years and this is how you repay me?"
But two warriors were already moving forward and when they grabbed Philip's arms and forced his hands open, the long white scar was clearly visible across his left palm, exactly where I had described it in my vision.
Vincent's face went deathly pale as the implications sank in, and I watched something break in his eyes. The realization that he had been betrayed by his closest friend and had rejected his mate for telling the truth.
"Search his quarters," Vincent said hoarsely. "Find the blade."
They found it within minutes, ornate silver etched with dark symbols, hidden exactly where my vision had shown. Vincent took the weapon with shaking hands and stared at it like he could not quite believe what he was seeing.
"She saved your life," Solomon said quietly to his brother. "Remember that when this is over.”
- Writer
