Traitor

Elara, Gaia, Kevin, and Ragnar trudged back to the Nightshade pack’s territory, their bodies weary and spirits low. The sting of their failure was palpable, and a heavy silence hung over the group as they approached the pack’s mansion. They knew the news they carried would incite their Alpha’s wrath.

As they crossed the threshold, the pack members gathered around, their faces etched with curiosity and concern. The doors to Cade’s private sanctuary loomed ahead, and with each step, the weight of their defeat pressed harder on their shoulders.

Elara knocked on the door, and after a moment, Cade’s gruff voice called them in. The group entered, the atmosphere inside the sanctuary thick with tension. Cade stood by the window, his back to them, staring out into the forest. His posture was rigid, the muscles in his back taut with barely restrained anger.

“What happened?” Cade demanded without turning around.

Elara stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly. “Alpha, we... we failed. Zyra w