CHAPTER 12: THE TRAITOR'S NAME
653 Words
The courtyard remained silent long after Alpha Lucien Draven and the Northern Black warriors disappeared beyond the trees.
No one moved.
No one spoke.
The envelope in Kade's hand suddenly felt heavier than steel.
Seven names.
Seven wolves he had trusted.
Seven wolves accused of selling Silver Moon's secrets.
He lifted his eyes to Nova.
"You knew there were traitors."
"I suspected," she replied calmly.
"And you still said nothing."
Nova's expression remained unreadable.
"Would you have believed the woman you publicly rejected over the warriors who swore loyalty to you?"
Kade opened his mouth.
Then closed it.
Because he already knew the answer.
No.
He wouldn't have.
The realization settled over him like a weight.
Five years ago, he had taught his entire pack that Nova's words held no value.
Now that lesson had become his greatest weakness.
"Commander Rowan," Kade called.
The commander stepped forward immediately.
"Seal every gate. No one leaves Silver Moon territory without my permission."
"Yes, Alpha."
"Summon the seven wolves whose names are on this list."
Rowan looked down at the parchment.
His face paled.
"Alpha... two of them are senior patrol captains."
"I know."
"And one..."
He hesitated.
"...one is Elder Rukhan's son."
The courtyard erupted into whispers.
Elder Rukhan's expression darkened.
"My son would never betray this pack."
Kade's icy gaze met the elder's.
"I hope you're right."
---
Nova watched the council descend into panic.
Exactly as expected.
Not because of Lucien.
Because of doubt.
Nothing destroyed a kingdom faster than forcing its leaders to question the people standing beside them.
She turned to leave.
"Where are you going?" Kade asked.
She stopped but didn't face him.
"My work here is finished."
"It isn't."
Nova looked over her shoulder.
"It is for today."
Without waiting for permission, she walked away.
No one dared stop her.
---
An hour later, the council chamber was overflowing.
The seven accused wolves stood under heavy guard.
Some looked frightened.
Others looked offended.
One looked completely calm.
Nova noticed him immediately.
Patrol Captain Darius.
Too calm.
A guilty man often panicked.
A dangerous man did not.
Kade stood before them.
"I'll ask only once."
His voice echoed through the chamber.
"Who has been feeding information to our enemies?"
Silence.
Captain Darius laughed softly.
"Alpha... surely you don't believe a stranger's accusations."
Kade unfolded the parchment again.
"The evidence is detailed."
"It can be forged."
"It includes meeting locations."
"Lies."
"It includes payment records."
"Fabricated."
Darius never hesitated.
Never stumbled.
Never looked nervous.
Nova folded her arms.
Interesting.
He had prepared for this.
Kade noticed it too.
"You seem remarkably confident."
"I am innocent."
Before Kade could speak again—
Nova interrupted.
"No."
Every head turned toward her.
She walked slowly toward Darius.
He smiled politely.
"Luna Nova."
She stopped directly in front of him.
"You've rehearsed every answer."
"I don't know what you mean."
"You expected to be questioned."
"I expected nothing."
Nova looked into his eyes.
Long enough to make him uncomfortable.
Then she smiled.
"There."
His smile faded.
Kade frowned.
"What?"
"He finally blinked."
Silence.
Nova stepped back.
"Guilty people fear evidence."
She looked at Darius again.
"Professionals fear observation."
For the first time, Darius looked away.
Only for a second.
It was enough.
---
Suddenly—
A guard burst through the chamber doors.
"Alpha!"
Everyone turned.
"The prison tower has been breached!"
"What?"
"The two scouts we captured yesterday..."
The guard struggled to catch his breath.
"...they're dead."
Kade's face hardened.
"How?"
"They were executed before they could speak."
Nova closed her eyes briefly.
Too late.
Someone was cleaning up loose ends.
Darius smiled again.
Almost imperceptibly.
Nova saw it.
So did Kade.
Their eyes met across the chamber.
Neither needed to speak.
They had reached the same conclusion.
The traitor wasn't working alone.
Someone far more dangerous was still hidden inside Silver Moon Pack.
And they had just declared the game was far from over.
- Writer
