Chapter four: Fateful Meetings
1203 Words
Hidden Trusts
The packhouse was quieter than normal in the morning, but there was still a lot of tension in the corners, dense and unsaid. The sensation that I was being watched persisted. Perhaps Aiden's residual doubts were the cause. Or maybe it was Lyra's piercing eyes as if she was waiting for me to make a mistake.
I decided to fit in more and try to allay the pack's suspicions. They had to trust me, or at the very least, stop treating me as if I didn't belong, if I wanted answers.
I didn't anticipate the chance.
I heard a piercing shriek as I was moving across the courtyard, and it made my heart skip a beat.
"Please, just give me some space!" a little voice pleaded.
When I rounded the corner, I saw a bunch of elder wolves around a young omega who was no older than a kid. They shoved him against the wall while sneering and laughing.
One of them shoved the boy's shoulder and said, "You're nothing but a runt." Why don't you just break away from the group? Nobody wants you here.
My chest erupted with anger, and I was moving forward before I realized it.
"Hi!" My voice pierced the atmosphere like a whip as I let out a bark. The bullies turned to me and froze. The expression in my eyes made their sneers falter.
One of them crossed his arms and questioned, "Who the hell are you?" I said, "Someone who doesn't put up with cowards making fun of children," and positioned myself between them and the omega. Another responded in a contemptuous tone, "This doesn't concern you." "Rogue, stay out of it."
I said, "Try me," in a steady, quiet voice.
The gang leader moved forward with a menacing stance. "Are you even aware of who you are speaking to? If we so desired, we could tear you to pieces.
Without flinching, I met his stare and answered, "Then do it." "But you'd better move quickly because I promise you won't like the outcome."
Tension-filled quiet fell for a minute. I could sense that others were watching us from the courtyard, waiting to see what would happen.
The leader sneered at the end. "Anyway. He isn't worth it.
Their harsh words faded into the distance as they turned and left.
The omega was shaking and holding his arm as I knelt in front of him.
"Are you all right?" Gently, I inquired.
His big eyes were filled with appreciation and dread as he nodded. "Thank you."
"Iris," I responded, grinning a little. "Come with me, okay? They can never match your strength.
After giving me a tentative grin and racing away, I got up and wiped the dust from my hands.
I turned to see Aiden standing at the courtyard's edge, his arms folded, his face impassive.
With a calm but inquisitive tone, he questioned, "Was that wise?"
"Perhaps not," I said, looking him in the eye. "But it was essential."
After examining me for a while, he nodded. It's uncommon to have such bravery. Particularly for someone in your position.
I tried to ignore the heat that was rising to my cheeks from his stare, so I shrugged. "Someone had to take action."
Aiden took a while to reply. Rather, he gave me an incomprehensible glance before turning to go.
The meeting of the council started later that day. Naturally, I hadn't been invited, but I still found myself hanging around the open door and listening.
Lyra's voice was clear and powerful, with a dominating but impatient tone. Patrols along the eastern border need to be increased. There have been rogues detected there, so we cannot afford to seem vulnerable.
As she spoke, the Betas and senior wolves in the room buzzed in accord.
Calm yet solid, Aiden's voice broke through the cacophony. One possibility is to increase patrols, but we also need to take into account the resources we currently have in excess. We must not leave other regions exposed.
Lyra's lips formed a narrow line as she scowled. "With all due respect, Alpha, resources are not as vital as projecting strength. Anyone who believes they can confront us will be discouraged by a display of force.
"And what occurs if we overstretch our forces and allow an attack to occur elsewhere?" Aiden shot back; his voice uncompromising.
There was silence in the room, and I couldn't help but smile. Being challenged, particularly in front of other people, was something Lyra detested.
"You're quiet, Luna," I said as I entered the room without being asked. Everyone looked at me, and I smiled calmly in response to Lyra's stare. "Given how much you value appearances, I thought you'd have more to say."
She squinted. "Rogue, you don't belong here."
"Perhaps not," I tipped my head. However, I am aware that strategy consistently outperforms raw force. A Luna with your level of wisdom must know that.
Suppressed grins twitched the lips of a couple of council members as they exchanged amusing looks. Lyra's fists tightened at her sides as her cheeks became red.
"You're not in line," she yelled.
"Am I?" I responded with ease, maintaining a kind but direct tone. "I just wanted to share my viewpoint. I've seen what happens when packs prioritize appearances above tactics, after all. It never ends nicely.
As if holding back a grin, Aiden's lips quirked as his gaze shifted to mine.
"That's enough," he said, but there was no genuine rebuke in his voice. "This is a private meeting, Iris."
I bowed slightly and answered, "Of course, Alpha." "I'll let you handle it."
I saw the irritated expression on Lyra's face before turning and leaving.
I lay in bed that night and gazed up at the ceiling. I kept thinking about the day's events, but I was also bothered by an odd feeling in my wrist.
I slid aside my shirt sleeve, sat up, and froze.
My skin had developed a faint, luminous mark, the borders of which glistened in the moonlight coming in through the window. It was elaborate and exotic; unlike anything I had ever seen.
"What is this?" I traced the symbol with my fingertips and said.
I felt an odd warmth creeping through my body, and the air appeared to buzz with electricity. It felt powerful as if my whole existence were being awakened, yet it wasn't unpleasant.
I walked to the window and let my skin be illuminated by the moonlight. The mark brightened and began to pulse in time with my heartbeat.
I kept hearing the Moon Goddess say, "Your journey is far from over." There is power in this body that you do not yet comprehend.
"What do you want me to understand?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.
The mark pulsed once more, as if in reaction, and I experienced a rush of power and clarity. This was not random, whatever it was. It served as a warning and a reminder of what was to come.
I was startled out of my reverie by the sound of footfall outside my door. As the door handle twisted, my heart pounding, I hastily pulled my sleeve down.
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