The Aftermath
305 Words
The pack gathered around Emily, their eyes shining with admiration and gratitude. Ryder held her close, his voice whispering in her ear. "You're a true hero, Emily. You saved me, and you saved the pack."
Emily blushed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She didn't feel like a hero, just a wolf who had done what needed to be done.
As the pack began to disperse, Lucas approached her, his eyes locked on hers. "You did well, Emily," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I'm proud of you."
Emily's instincts told her to be wary, but she couldn't help feeling a sense of gratitude towards Lucas. He had helped her, after all.
"Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lucas smiled, his eyes cringing at the corners. "No problem," he said. "I'm here to help, anytime."
Ryder's eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking between Emily and Lucas. "What's going on here?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.
Emily shook her head, trying to diffuse the tension. "Nothing, Ryder. Lucas just helped me out, that's all."
Ryder's eyes lingered on Lucas, his expression skeptical. But he said nothing, and the group began to disperse, the pack members congratulating each other on a battle won.
As they walked back to the den, Emily couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Lucas's words, Victor's defeat, it all seemed too easy.
And then, as they approached the den, they saw her. A young woman, with piercing green eyes and auburn hair, standing at the entrance.
"Who's that?" Emily asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ryder's expression was grim. "That's Sophia," he said. "Victor's sister."
Emily's instincts screamed at her to beware. "What does she want?" she asked, her voice low and menacing.
Ryder's eyes locked onto Sophia's. "We'll soon find out," he said.
- Writer
