Episode three
709 Words
Chapter 3:
Poison and Recognition
The next morning arrived swiftly, the harsh clang of bars opening jolting me awake.
I was given barely enough time to process before being dragged from the cell into a room filled with the pack's high-ranking wolves.
The Council Hall.
This was where official matters were deliberated by the pack's elders.
The same room where my so-called betrayal was judged and my punishment decided.
Kieran's eyes fixed on me, and I fought not to react. Those eyes had once looked at me with such love it stole my breath. Now they were empty, analyzing me like a problem to solve.
"Speak," he commanded. One word, but carrying his full Alpha authority.
The command washed over me, but this body, Raven's body had lived as a rogue. She'd learned to resist Alpha commands out of necessity. Still, I let myself appear affected, dropping my shoulders and lowering my gaze.
"I was just passing through, Alpha," I said, keeping my voice steady. "I meant no disrespect to your territory."
"Lies," Victor interjected. "The eastern border is clearly marked. Every wolf within a hundred miles knows to avoid it."
"Perhaps she's new to the area," a familiar voice said, and my heart leaped.
Maya stepped from behind Kieran, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from crying out.
My younger sister had grown thin, her face pale and drawn. Her copper-red hair, so like mine had been was pulled back severely. But her violet eyes still held that spark of defiance that made me proud.
"All rogues know our borders, Maya," Victor said dismissively. "Don't be naive."
Maya's jaw tightened, but she said nothing more. I memorized the interaction, noting the tension between them. Victor had never spoken to her that way when I was alive. How much has changed?
"What's your name?" Kieran asked, stepping closer.
His scent enveloped me, and my traitorous body responded. Heat pooled in my stomach, my pulse quickened. This body had never known him, but apparently my soul's recognition transcended physical form.
"Raven," I answered, using the name from the memories. "Raven Cross."
Something flickered in Kieran's eyes. "Cross. No pack affiliation?"
"Not anymore." That was true enough. Raven's memories showed she'd been exiled years ago for refusing an arranged mating.
Kieran circled me slowly, and I felt like prey being stalked. "You know the punishment for trespassing?"
"Death," I whispered.
"Death," he confirmed. "Unless you prove your worth otherwise."
"Alpha," Victor stepped forward. "Protocol is clear. She should be executed immediately."
"Since when do you make my decisions, Gamma?" Kieran's voice turned dangerous, and Victor immediately backed down.
"I apologize, Alpha. I only meant"
"I know what you meant." Kieran's gaze never left me. "But something about this feels... wrong."
My heart pounded. Did he recognize something? Some gesture, some mannerism that survived the transfer?
"She was found near Celeste's memorial," Maya said quietly. "Maybe it's a sign."
The temperature in the room dropped at my name. Kieran's face went completely blank, but his hands clenched into fists.
"We don't speak of traitors," Victor said sharply.
"She was my sister!" Maya snapped back. "And she was never proven”
"Enough!" Kieran's Alpha command froze everyone. Even I couldn't fully resist it. "Celeste Blackwood was found guilty by pack law. The matter is closed."
But I saw it, the flash of pain in his eyes when he said my name. He wasn't as convinced as he pretended.
Suddenly, Kieran swayed. His face went from pale to ashen.
"Alpha?" Elder Owen stood, concerned.
Kieran tried to speak, but no words emerged. His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed, hitting the floor hard.
"Alpha!" Everyone rushed forward.
"Get the healer!" Victor shouted. "Now!"
Chaos erupted. Wolves ran in all directions. Maya dropped beside Kieran, checking his pulse. Victor stood frozen, and for just a second, I saw something in his eyes. Not surprising. Don't worry.
Satisfaction.
He knew this would happen.
"Move back!" The pack healer, an elderly wolf named Sara, pushed through the crowd. She knelt beside Kieran, checking his symptoms. "His heart rate is erratic. Fever. Tremors. I don't understand"
"It's poison!" The words burst from my mouth before I could stop them.
Everyone turned to stare at me.
- Writer
