STEADY

The Hidden Truth

Jemima Steele POV...The Pack's Territory

The sun had risen, but the forest felt shadowed, like it was holding something back. I stood near the clearing, my eyes fixed on the stones. Adrian’s words, “They’re closer than we’d like,” echoed in my mind. I didn’t know who “they” were, but I felt a presence, like someone was watching us. Even with the patrols out in force, the forest didn’t feel safe.

Adrian emerged from the trees, scanning the area like he was searching for something. He appeared calm, but I could see the tension in his movements.

“Did you find anything?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Not yet, but we will.”

We stood in silence, the weight of the moment pressing down on us. It felt like the forest itself was holding its breath, waiting for something.

“Garrett and the others are searching,” Adrian said. “If something’s out there, they’ll find it.”

I nodded, but my thoughts kept returning to that voice. The one that had whispered, “Leave.” It sent a chill through me.

“What if they’ve already done something?” I asked quietly, the fear creeping up again.

Adrian’s eyes met mine, steady and calm. “Then we’ll deal with it. But we can’t act without knowing exactly what we’re facing.”

I followed him back to the pack house, where we pored over old maps and reports, trying to piece everything together. It felt like we were solving a puzzle with too many missing pieces.

“Do you think this has anything to do with my mom?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

Adrian stopped and thought for a moment. “Maybe. But let’s not jump to conclusions. We need facts.”

I nodded, though the question gnawed at me. My mom disappeared when I was young, and now, it felt like our pasts were colliding in a way I didn’t understand.

That night, I couldn’t shake the images of the stones. The way they glowed, the sharp voice, and the feeling that they were trying to tell me something. But what?

I was staring at my reflection when a knock sounded at the door. Adrian walked in, looking tired but determined. He didn’t speak at first, just stood there, his presence solid.

“Are you ready for tonight?” he asked.

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure. “I don’t know what’s out there, but I need to find out.”

“You’re not alone,” he said softly. His words carried weight, grounding me.

We left the pack house under the cold night sky. The moonlight guided our steps as we made our way to the stones. The pull I felt was stronger now, almost overwhelming, as if the stones themselves were calling to me.

The clearing looked the same, but the hum of energy in the air was louder. My heart raced, but I kept my focus. A low growl echoed from the trees. Adrian moved in front of me, his posture tense. Kiona stirred in my mind, ready to protect.

“Stay close,” Adrian said in a low voice.

Then the voice came again, sharper this time. “Leave. Or it will be the end of you.”

I didn’t hesitate. “We’re not leaving,” I said firmly into the dark woods. “If you think you can scare us, try harder.”

The air grew colder, and the stones began to glow brighter. A shadow shifted in the trees. This wasn’t just a warning—it was a challenge.

Adrian brushed my hand, silently reassuring me. The tension in the air felt suffocating, but I didn’t back down. Kiona’s voice echoed in my mind. “Be careful. This could be a trap.”

“What do you want?” Adrian’s voice was firm, but I could hear the strain in it.

No answer came. Just the rustling of leaves in the wind, but it didn’t feel natural. It felt like something was waiting.

“We can’t just stand here,” I whispered. “If they wanted to attack, they would’ve already.”

Adrian nodded. “You’re right. They’re stalling. Let’s move.”

We slowly turned and left the clearing, the stones pulsing angrily behind us. Back at the pack house, Adrian called an emergency meeting. He explained everything that had happened, his voice calm but urgent.

“They’re testing us,” Adrian said. “They haven’t given up. Stay alert. No one goes out alone.”

The room was silent as everyone nodded in agreement. My stomach twisted. This wasn’t just about the pack anymore. It was about me. I could feel it.

Later, I sat on the porch, letting the cool night air calm me. My thoughts kept drifting back to the stones, to the voice, to the weight of what was happening. Kiona’s voice broke through my thoughts. “You’re stronger than you realize. Don’t forget that.”

“I hope you’re right,” I whispered.

Adrian came outside and sat next to me. We didn’t speak, but his presence was enough. We sat together, watching the dark forest, knowing something was waiting out there. I closed my eyes and let Kiona’s strength fill me. When the time came, I would be ready.

The next morning, I woke early. The house was quiet, but I could feel the tension in the air. Everyone was on edge. At breakfast, Garrett came in with troubling news.

“The patrols found tracks. They’re fresh,” he said.

Adrian stood immediately. “Where?”

“Near the north edge of the territory,” Garrett replied. “They were careful, but they’re getting closer.”

I could feel all eyes on me. My chest tightened, but I kept my expression calm. “What do we do now?”

Adrian turned to Garrett. “Double the patrols in that area. I want scouts on watch at all times.”

“And us?” I asked, my voice steady despite the nerves threatening to rise.

Adrian’s gaze softened for a moment. “We wait, but don’t let your guard down. If they’re getting closer, they’ll make their move soon.”

After the meeting, I walked outside, trying to clear my mind. The forest felt quieter, but it wasn’t a peaceful quiet. It made my skin crawl. Kiona spoke again, her voice calm. “They’re testing you, not just the pack. Stay sharp.”

“I know,” I said quietly. “But what do they want from me?”

The question hung in the air, unanswered. I returned to the house, where Adrian was waiting near the door. His expression was unreadable, but I could feel his strength.

“We’ll figure it out,” he said, his voice low. “You’re not alone in this.”

I nodded, grateful for his presence. Whatever was coming, I knew one thing for sure: I wouldn’t face it alone.