Chapter 7; Whispers Of Rebellion

“ I have news from our spies in Shadowfang Pack Luna Ravena.”

Tall and battleworn from years of fighting and bloodshed she was a powerful presence.

 She wore her dark hair in a tight braid with silver streaks at the edges and her skin was marred by scars that were evidence of her battle. 

She had fought countless battles and betrayals from people she had once trusted but she remained steadfast as ever. 

The young messenger knelt before her bowing his head respectfully. 

Even though he was only a boy he had a disciplined demeanor and a steady voice that matched the words he spoke. 

Ravena did not turn right away. She seemed to be looking for answers in the dancing flames as her eyes stayed fixed on the fire. 

It took a long drawn-out moment before she finally spoke. “Go on,” she uttered in a steady, composed tone.

 The boy took a deep breath and went on. “Luna Selene's death sentence is tomorrow. “

 There was a sudden hush. Ravena's body was motionless despite the crackling fire. She remained silent for a heartbeat, taking in the information like a knife cutting through flesh.

 After that, she turned. Her eyes were so intense that the boy recoiled as he looked into her eyes.

“ What?” 

The word was quiet but the way it was said carried a deadly tone.

The boy stood up forcing himself not to squirm at her stare. “They claim that she was planning to kill Alpha Rylan and that she had a blood bond with Alpha Kieran.” 

Although Ravena's face remained expressionless, a storm was building behind her eyes. 

 “That’s impossible! She doesn't strike me as one who would do such.”

 The messenger paused, hesitant to reveal more information. “Elder Vulcan presented evidence of her treachery.”

 Ravenas jaw became tense. 

That was it.

The name she detested the most. “ Elder Vulcan,” she murmured in bitterness.

A bloodthirsty, cunning old idiot. She was aware of the crafty, vicious, and power-hungry nature of the man. 

It was because of him that she was expelled, her people suffered and she was labeled a rogue. Because she had dared to question him, he plotted her downfall.

Due to her refusal to bow. And he was now aiming for Selene. 

Her hands at her sides clenched into fists. She was brought down by him. He is now doing it to her.

A dark consuming fury started to coil in her chest, deep and pulsing. She had been collecting information on the Elders Council for years waiting for the perfect opportunity to attack.

 She was aware of their corruption. She was aware that they had been concealing a dark secret. 

And this was the confirmation. Elder Vulcan will not stop.

 He'll do more. Unless she intervenes.

 She inhaled deeply and then looked back at the boy. “You did well. You may leave.”

The young messenger paused for a moment as though anticipating more but then bowed and rushed outside.

The room became more silent as soon as the door closed. 

She was not alone. Her second in command, Ethan was standing with his arms folded across his wide chest.

 His piercing eyes had been silently observing the conversation, taking in every detail. 

Strong, quick, and completely deadly in combat, he was a true warrior. His skill was unparalleled and his loyalty was undeniable.

 Through the worst of times, including exile and war, he had been by her side. But she could feel the disapproval coming from him  

“ Don't tell me you're thinking about saving her,” he said.

 Without flinching Ravena looked him in the eye. “If Vulcan is involved then she's innocent.”

Ethan laughed without humor and shook his head. “ You're going to risk everything based on a hunch?”

“Not at all.” She said in a steely tone. “ I'm willing to take a huge risk because I am aware of  what Vulcan is capable of.”

Ethan wiped a hand down his face and let out a sharp breath. “Come on Ravena, pay attention to me. We have struggled too much to survive. Facing the Elders Council—. 

She interrupted him. “Do you remember the Seer’s warning?”

Ethan's face was calm, but he tensed up a little. He laughed. “The Seer? You really believe that nonsense?.”

Something fierce burned in Ravena’s eyes. 

“The Seer was right.” Her voice was deep but focused as she stepped closer. “Ethan, I did my own research. I looked closely. Do you know what I discovered too?”

He failed to respond. And yet she went on. “The Elders Council has been involved in something sinister… something evil. Young Lunas have been offered as sacrifices by them.”

Ethan frowned. “Sacrifice?”

“Not just any Luna,” Ravena explained. But those that bear the Moonfire Mark.”

Ethan shook his head and gave a little laugh. “ That's an old wives tale. The Moonfire mark isn't real.”

Ravena clenched her jaw.  

Ethan gave a deep sigh. “You're talking about fighting the Elders Council over a girl who may or may not be innocent.”

Ravena's face grew stony. “ I don't care if you believe me or not.” She looked away and again at the fire. “ The fact that a Luna will die tomorrow unless we take action is what matters to me.”

 Ethan remained quiet for a while. Shaking his head. “Ravena,  I'd suggest you don't get involved in this. As it stands, we are barely maintaining our position. It's suicide to go against the Council once more.”

 With unwavering eyes, Ravena turned back to face him. “If we allow Selene to die then  we are not different from the Elders we hate.”

Rubbing the back of his neck Ethan exhaled slowly. “You won't let this be, will you?”

“ No, I won't.”

 Ethan muttered a curse under his breath. He had known Ravena for a long time; he knew that nothing could change her mind once it was made.

With all the weight of her authority in her voice, she stepped forward. “Get the warriors ready,” she ordered in a tone that left no room for debate. 

Ethan paused a second longer. He then nodded.

“We attack at dawn!”