Broken Vows

Gathering Shadows

Rogue howls split the night air as coordinated attacks hit Silverfang borders harder than ever while everyone waited for the Lycan King's reply.

Astrid crouched low in the trees, breath steady, watching the enemy movements. She slipped back to camp before dawn and found Viktor first.

"Alpha, they are hitting three points at once," she said quickly. "I counted at least thirty fighters. They know our weak spots too well. We need to move fast or we lose more ground by midday."

Viktor nodded. "Good work. Tell the council what you saw right away. They need to hear this from you directly."

In the war tent Kieran and Draven stood over maps with Liora between them. Astrid entered and repeated her report clearly and in detail to the whole group.

Kieran barely glanced at her. "We already heard similar details from Liora yesterday. She suggested we reinforce the eastern ridge first before anything else."

Liora smiled sweetly. "Yes. My sources confirm the same movements. We should strike there first. Astrid's information is helpful but a bit late to change plans at this stage. We must act on what we already decided."

Draven pointed at the map. "Liora's advice has been solid every time. We go with her plan. Astrid, you stay on scouting duty only. No seat at this table for now. We have enough voices here making the calls."

Astrid clenched her fists. "My scouting saved lives last time. Why push me out when I bring real details from the field? This is not right and you know it."

Kieran shrugged. "We need clear heads right now. Liora sees the bigger picture for the alliance. Stay in your lane and do what you do best. Leave the decisions to us. It is for the good of the pack."

The attacks came fast that morning. Astrid's early warning let one patrol escape a trap, but the brothers still gave Liora credit in front of the warriors.

"Well done," Kieran said loudly after the skirmish. "Your strategy worked perfectly, Liora. The pack owes you for this victory today."

Draven added, "See? This is what strong alliances bring. Not old promises or solo runs. Liora knows how to win. We should listen to her more from now on."

Astrid bit her tongue and slipped away to dig deeper. In a hidden spot near the guest quarters she found fresh messages. One from Liora to her home pack. Another note in Draven's handwriting.

She read them twice. "They are working together," she whispered. Liora promised Draven power if he helped weaken Kieran and Viktor. Draven wrote back agreeing to feed information to the rogues at the right time to create chaos and blame others.

Later that afternoon Astrid cornered Draven alone near the armory. "I know what you are doing. You and Liora plan to undermine your own brother and father. Why would you betray them like this after everything?"

Draven turned slowly, eyes narrow. "You have no proof, stray. But since you ask so nicely, yes. Kieran is weak and soft. Father is blind with his favoritism toward you. I deserve to lead this pack. A few rogue attacks speed things up nicely and make me look strong in the end when I save the day."

Astrid stepped closer. "You would betray your blood for power? People are dying out there because of your games with the rogues. How can you sleep at night?"

"People die all the time," Draven said with a cold smile. "Better them than me staying second forever. Liora helps me clear the path. You should disappear before you ruin everything with your meddling and your precious vow that no one wants anymore."

"You are a traitor," Astrid said. "I will tell Viktor everything I found. He needs to know the truth about you two."

Draven laughed. "Go ahead. He will never believe you over me. Your word against mine and Liora's. Run along now before someone else decides to quiet you permanently. Accidents happen all the time."

Astrid walked away fast, mind racing. She needed more solid evidence before she spoke. As evening fell she headed back toward the main grounds alone, staying alert every step of the way.

Footsteps followed her. She quickened her pace but the attacker struck from the shadows. A blade flashed. She dodged at the last second and felt it cut her arm instead of her back.

"Who sent you?" she shouted, drawing her own knife fast. "Draven? Liora? Answer me right now."

The masked figure said nothing and lunged again. Astrid fought hard, kicking his knee and slashing his shoulder. He cursed loudly and ran into the trees, disappearing fast into the dark.

She pressed her bleeding arm and made it to Viktor's hall. "Attack on me. Inside our own borders this time. It was one of our own. I am sure of it."

Viktor rushed to her side. "Are you hurt badly? Sit down. I will send healers right now. Tell me exactly what happened. Do not leave anything out. I need the full story."

"It was no rogue," Astrid said. "Someone from inside. Draven is involved with Liora. They want you and Kieran gone. I have messages that prove it. You have to listen to me this time."

Viktor looked pained. "I hear you but I cannot act without clear proof the pack will accept. My protection still holds for you. Stay close to me from now on. Do not go out alone anymore. I cannot lose you to these shadows."

His words felt heavy like chains. Astrid nodded but inside she realized the truth. She could trust no one fully except Viktor, and even his protection was starting to feel like a cage that kept her trapped while the real threats grew closer every day.

The waiting for the Lycan King's response continued. Shadows gathered thicker around Silverfang. Astrid bandaged her arm herself and stared out into the dark. The game had turned deadly. She would have to watch every step now if she wanted to survive the coming days. No more mistakes.