Wolves of Betrayal

Chapter: 10. A secret gamble..

Helena pulled a chair closer to the bed, her sharp eyes focused on Amara. “Close your eyes,” she instructed. “Think back to the times when Killian would talk about his ambitions, his plans. Try to recall any details, anything he might have let slip.”

Amara nodded, taking a deep breath as she closed her eyes. She felt a cold sweat break out on her skin, her pulse quickening with the familiar anxiety that came whenever she thought of him. She forced herself to focus, to push past the fear and delve into the dark recesses of her mind where she had buried memories of Killian.

She could see him in her mind’s eye—his stormy gray eyes filled with a cruel, possessive hunger, his lips twisting into a smile that never reached his eyes. She could hear his voice, smooth and commanding, dripping with arrogance and authority.

“Everything I do is for the pack,” his voice echoed in her memory. “For our strength, our survival. And you, Amara… you’re part of that vision. I won’t let anyone take what’s mine.”

She shuddered, forcing herself to delve deeper, to think back to the moments when he’d spoken of territory, of conquest. She remembered the maps he would pour over, the way he’d talk about expanding the Blood Moon Pack’s influence, about crushing any who stood in his way.

“He always talked about the western border,” she said slowly, her voice trembling. “He said it was the weakest link in your territory. That if he could control it, he’d have a foothold to launch more attacks.”

Helena’s eyes flashed with understanding. “The western ridge,” she repeated, turning to Darius. “It makes sense. If he’s been spotted there, he’s probing for weaknesses.”

Darius nodded, his expression grim. “Then that’s where we focus our defenses. We’ll fortify the western ridge and set traps to catch him off guard.”

Amara opened her eyes, feeling drained but also strangely lighter, as if a small part of the burden she carried had been lifted. “I hope it helps,” she murmured, her voice shaky.

Darius leaned down, his forehead resting gently against hers. “It does,” he whispered. “More than you know.”

Helena stood, her eyes softening for a moment. “You did well, Amara. Now rest. We have much to prepare for.”

As they left the room, Amara felt a flicker of hope stir within her chest. She was done being the hunted, done being powerless. She would do whatever it took to protect the Nightshade Pack—the first place that had ever truly felt like home.

And she would face Killian, not as a victim, but as someone who had reclaimed her strength. The thought gave her courage. She would need every ounce of it for what was coming next.

The Nightshade Packhouse was a hive of activity as the sun disappeared behind the thick canopy of the forest. Night had fallen, casting deep shadows that stretched out like dark tendrils. Wolves moved quickly through the halls, their faces set in grim determination. Word of Killian's presence near the western ridge had spread rapidly, and the pack was readying itself for what could be the first major battle in a brewing war.

Inside, Darius stood at the center of the main hall, his voice rising above the buzz of conversation. Around him, his key warriors and advisors, including Helena and several senior pack members, formed a tight circle, listening intently to his every word. The atmosphere was tense, each wolf acutely aware of the gravity of the situation.

"Killian is testing us," Darius said, his eyes moving over the gathered wolves. "He's probing our defenses, looking for weaknesses. We can't afford to let him push any further into our territory."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. Helena, who stood just to Darius's right, nodded sharply. "We need to reinforce the western ridge, set traps along the likely routes of entry. If he wants to take that path, we'll make him bleed for every inch."

Darius nodded, his jaw tight. "Agreed. We'll split into three teams. One to patrol the western ridge, another to scout the surrounding area, and a third to stay here, ready to respond if Killian tries anything."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the gathered wolves. "And remember—our priority is to protect the pack and drive Killian back. We can't let him think we're weak, or he'll only press harder."

The wolves nodded, their eyes gleaming with determination. Darius’s leadership was strong and clear, and his pack trusted him. But even as they planned their defense, a darker worry tugged at the edges of their minds. Killian’s presence was more than a threat—it was a declaration. He wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted.

Upstairs, Amara sat by her window, listening to the low rumble of voices from below. Her heart pounded in her chest, each beat a painful reminder of what was at stake. She had never felt so torn—wanting to help, yet fearing that she might make things worse. She had given them what she could, the little insights into Killian's mind and plans, but it didn’t feel like enough. She needed to do more.

The door creaked open, and Maya slipped inside, her face flushed from the preparations downstairs. She gave Amara a small, encouraging smile as she leaned against the wall, her posture casual but her eyes sharp with concern.

"How’s the leg?" Maya asked, nodding toward the bandage.

Amara glanced down at her wrapped leg, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edges of the bandage. "It’s healing," she said softly. "Helena’s been keeping a close watch on me."

Maya chuckled. “Helena watches everyone like a hawk,” she said. “And you especially. She’s worried about you.”

Amara looked up, her expression softening. “I know. She’s been kind… in her own way. You all have.”

Maya’s smile widened a fraction. “We’re family now, Amara. And family looks out for each other, no matter what.”

Amara nodded, her heart aching with a mix of gratitude and guilt. She had only been here a short while, yet these wolves had taken her in, protected her. She didn’t want to be the reason they suffered.

“I want to help,” she said suddenly, her voice firmer than before. “I need to help.”

Maya’s eyes studied her for a moment, then she nodded slowly. “I thought you might say that. Darius is putting together teams to guard the borders, but if you’re thinking of joining them, I think Helena might just tie you to this bed.”

Amara let out a small, humorless laugh. “I wouldn’t blame her.”

Maya shifted closer, her expression becoming more serious. “But there might be another way,” she said quietly. “Something risky.”

Amara’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

Maya glanced toward the door, then back to Amara, her expression serious. “There’s an old cave system near the western ridge,” she explained. “Not far from where Killian’s wolves were last spotted. It’s a maze of tunnels and hidden paths. If we could get in there without being detected, we might be able to get close enough to spy on them. Figure out what they’re planning.”

Amara’s breath caught in her throat. “You mean… go there? To the caves?”

Maya nodded. “Yes. If we can sneak in and hide out, we could learn a lot. Maybe even find out exactly what Killian’s next move is.”

Amara’s mind raced. She knew the cave system Maya was talking about—she’d heard the pack mention it during strategy discussions. It was an old network of tunnels carved into the side of a hill, twisting and turning through the rock in a way that made it nearly impossible to navigate unless you knew the paths. It was dangerous, even without the threat of running into Killian’s wolves.

“You want me to go with you,” Amara said, her voice a mix of fear and disbelief.

Maya nodded again, her expression unwavering. “You know him better than anyone. You’d know what to look for, what to listen for. And you’re smart, Amara. You could help us stay hidden.”

A cold knot of fear twisted in Amara’s stomach. She could still see Killian’s eyes in her mind—dark, stormy gray filled with that terrifying, obsessive rage. She’d been running from him for so long, and the thought of getting closer to him now sent a shiver down her spine.

“But Darius…” Amara began, her voice trembling. “He’d never allow it. He’d—”

Maya cut her off, her eyes narrowing. “That’s why we’re not going to tell him.”

Amara’s breath caught again. “What? Maya, no. If he finds out—”

“He won’t find out,” Maya insisted, her voice firm. “Look, I know it’s dangerous, but it’s the only way to get the upper hand. We can’t keep waiting around, reacting to Killian’s moves. We need to know what he’s planning. And I believe you can do this.”