CHAPTER 13

The double doors of the council chamber stood as a formidable obstacle in the distance. As I approached, my steps stumbled, and the elders' words weighed heavily on my thoughts. They were concealing information that endangered Darius and the pack as a whole. And now, I was being summoned.

Why? Did they know I’d been eavesdropping?

The doors creaked open as two guards pulled them aside. A semicircle of high-backed chairs seated the council members in the poorly illuminated circular area. I walked in, my heart racing, as their eyes stared into mine.

“Maya”. Elder Ren said in a tight voice. "We have a lot to talk about a lot."

I straightened my back, trying to look composed. “I'm listening."

"You've been… close to Alpha Darius," he said, his eyes squinting.

I looked him in the eye and answered, "Yes. Is that a problem?"

Tension increased in the room.

With a harsh voice, Elder Mira interrupted, "We've seen your influence on him. That's concerning."

I felt my chest constrict. “Concern about what? All I have done is back him up.”

Ren steepled his fingers and leaned forward. "You've muddled his judgment. He is losing focus, which is endangering the pack.”

With a flare of rage, I yelled, "That's not true. Darius is more committed to keeping the pack safe than ever."

A faint line formed between Elder Mira's lips. Determined. Perhaps but preoccupied? Definitely. He hesitates to act quickly enough to address the situation at the southern border. “

"Perhaps he is hesitant because he is attempting to save lives," I shot back, raising my voice. “Something you seem to have forgotten."

"Watch your tone, girl."With a booming voice, Ren said.

I took a step forward, not to be intimidated. "No. You watch yours. If you’re so worried about the pack, why are you hiding things from him?”

The space became quiet.

Mira's eyes became narrow and slit. "What are you implying?"

I shot back, my hands shaking, "You understand what I'm implying. I heard you. He must know that you're utilizing the rogue attack as a test.”

There was an overwhelming quiet. A scowl formed on Mira's lips as Ren's visage darkened.

“You’ve overstepped,” Ren replied icily.

"Have I?" I challenged. "Because it appears that you, not Darius, are endangering the pack."

With a towering presence despite her diminutive size, Mira got up from her chair. "You know nothing of our sacrifices to keep this pack safe."

Then tell me," I said, my voice shaking with rage. Why are you so terrified? What is so risky that you can't even confide in your Alpha?”

Ren stood up too , his voice loud. "Enough! You will leave this chamber and keep your nose out of matters that don’t concern you.”

"I am concerned about them," I stated firmly. "Because they worry about Darius."

Nobody said anything for a while. Mira's demeanor changed then, her lips twisting into a cunning smile. "Oh, I understand. The pack is not an issue here. I take it that it's about him.”

Despite the heat making my cheeks blush, I refused to give up. “This is about the truth. Something you seem to have forgotten.”

Mira laughed ominously. "Maya, you're playing a dangerous game. Even though Darius is protecting you right now, loyalty is brittle. Primarily if it is based on... distraction.”

My fists clenched at my sides as I felt a wave of rage. "Darius isn't distracted," I clenched my teeth and replied. He is a leader—better than any of you.”

"Be careful," Ren said in a menacingly low voice. "At best, “Your position here is tenuous at best.”

With a firm voice, I responded, "Maybe. But I'll taje my chances.”

I turned and rushed out of the room, my heart pounding. Outside, the air felt heavy, and my mind was racing with different feelings.

I relived the altercation repeatedly as I walked back to my room, my rage building. Whatever they had hidden, it was more bigger than I thought.

I pushed my room's door open and froze. Darius was there, his arms folded, leaning against the wall. His black eyes stared at me, his face unreadable.

With a calm voice, he replied, "You've been busy."

As I shut the door, my heartbeat accelerated. "How much did you hear?”

"Enough," he muttered, approaching closer and pushing off the wall.

Our tension was like a live wire crackling between us. He interrupted me as I opened my mouth to speak.

“Why didn’t you come to me?” His voice was a mixture of intense frustration and inquiry.

I blurted out, "I was going to." "But I had to be sure—"

"Sure of what?" he interrupted, squinting. "That the council is rife with deceitful manipulators? You think I don't already know that?

Unexpectedly, I gazed at him. "You know?"

"Of course I know," he responded sharply. But, my ability to act without proof is limited.”

I moved closer and added, "Then let me help you."

His mouth clenched. "You don’t understand what you’re asking for.”

I raised my voice and said, "Then make me understand."

He just looked at me for a while, his face unreadable. I was shocked when he drew closer and cupped my cheek.

"Maya," he replied quietly, his voice a little shaky. “This isn't your fight."

"Yes, it is," I stated in a stern tone. "“Because it’s yours. And I’m not going to stand by while you fight it alone.”

He looked into my eyes, a raw, vulnerable thing flickering in the depths. "You don't of what you're getting into."

"Perhaps not," I said. “But I'm not leaving."

Darius's fingertip brushed my cheek as he let out a loud breath. His voice had no heat as he mumbled, "You're impossible."

"Get use to it," I replied, a tiny smile pulling at my lips.

The distance between us vanished for a minute as if the burden of everything had been lifted. When his lips met me, everything vanished.

The moment was short. A jarring knock on the door broke the quiet, and we separated, gasping for air.

"What?" Darius snarled in an agitated tone.

When the door opened, one of his guards entered. "There's a breach at the southern border, Alpha."

Darius's face instantly became stern. "Get the soldiers ready. I'll be over there soon.”

We were once again left alone when the guard nodded and departed.

Darius' voice was thick as he replied, "I have to go."

"I'm joining you," I said right away.

He answered firmly, "No."

"Darius—"

His hand gripped mine, and he interrupted me. “Stay here. Please.”

Reluctantly, I nodded, surprised by the vulnerability in his voice.

His eyes met mine as he replied, "I'll be back."

With a little quiver, I responded, "You better."

He turned and walked away after giving me another kiss, this time with a promise still in the air.

I collapsed into the bed with a heavy heart as the door shut behind me. Everything was going to alter, whatever was coming.

Among Darius's possessions, I discovered a mysterious letter hinting a betrayal by a close friend or relative. Either the truth will save him, or it will ruin him.