Chapter 9 – The Betrayal
336 Words
When we returned to the cabin, Lyra was waiting — Rylan’s sister, all perfect hair and a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“You’ve been busy,” she said, her gaze flicking between us.
“What do you want, Lyra?” Rylan asked, voice cold.
“To protect the pack,” she replied sweetly. “And that means getting rid of her before she destroys you.”
I froze. “What?”
Lyra held up a bloody scrap of fabric. “Found this at the border. Smells like her. Smells like betrayal.”
Rylan’s eyes snapped to me, gold flashing dangerously. “Explain.”
I shook my head. “I’ve never been near the border!”
But doubt had already settled in his gaze.
Lyra stepped forward, her smile sharpening like a blade. “You can deny it all you want, Ayla, but the pack doesn’t lie. Someone’s been helping the rogues — someone who knows our secrets.”
I clenched my fists, refusing to let her see my fear. “I haven’t betrayed anyone. I’m here because of him… because of you.”
Rylan’s eyes flickered between us, torn. “If she’s lying, Lyra, you’ll answer to me.”
Lyra’s gaze hardened. “I don’t answer to you anymore, Rylan. Not when the pack is at risk.”
The room crackled with unspoken tension — sister against brother, loyalty against suspicion.
I swallowed hard. “If you don’t trust me, then why am I still here?”
Rylan’s voice was low, almost broken. “Because despite everything… I need to believe in you.”
Suddenly, the door slammed open, and Kael stormed in, breathless and wild-eyed. “We’ve got trouble. The rogues are moving again — and they’re not alone.”
Rylan’s jaw clenched. “Get everyone ready. Tonight, we fight. No more secrets. No more betrayals.”
As Kael left to rally the pack, I stood frozen — caught between a love that could save me and a pack that might destroy me.
- Writer
