Chapter 8

**Laura's POV**

I was going to walk out and get rest to be able to proceed everything that was happening.

I'm confused, I don't know or understand what's going on.

Who's the real enemy? The unknown man or the council of elders, Sonia and Alex? From my past life, Alex, Sonia and the council of elders where my foes. Sonia who keeps lying that Alex is her cousin meanwhile her lover, Alex who wants to ascend the Alpha throne, the council of elders, betrayers... Maxwell was the only ally revealed to me.

Who is this man? What does he want the spectra for?

As the pack members dispersed, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Well, everywhere looks okay now. We performed a funeral for the deceased not without Sonia trying to force words out of my mouth.

Who was this mysterious man once again? Those runes on his face clearly tell that he's a rouge, a rebel... Everything evil lurks around him. What's the significance of the spectra? I knew i had to het to the bottom of this.

I called a meeting with the top advisors, including Maxwell, Alex and few others. Well, I didn't inform Sonia but she would come. We gathered in the council chamber, our faces grave with concern. The atmosphere was tense.

"Let's start with what we know," I began. "The spectra... The spectra is an ancient artifact, taken away from our pack centuries ago, that was what i was made to believe. But, what's the significant and why does this stranger want it badly?" I asked.

" I've heard stories of the Spectra's power.. it's said to grant immense strength and control over the elements. But at a terrible cost. " Maxwell explained, I directed my gaze to the elders watched them nod in acknowledgement.

" The cost being what? ", I pressed because I needed clear explanation.

"The spectra feeds on the life force of our pack members, " Xavier stated and that was the very first time in a while he had talked. "it's a curse and not a blessing. " He added his voice low.

I felt a chill run down my spine. " So, we could tell that this stranger wants to use out pack as a sacrifices to power the spectra? " I asked.

" That could be one possibility, or maybe he is the best of the east. " An elder stated making all heads swerve to his direction and he half shrugged.

" That's a rough prank Draco!" Another elder scolded.

The room fell silent, the weight of the situation sinking in.

Wr need to find out more about this stranger and his true intentions," I declared. "Maxwell, gather our best scouts and send them out to gather Intel. Alex, work with our warriors to prepare for battle. We won't let him take the spectra without a fight.

"Don't you think you're forgetting something?" Xavier asked abruptly. Of course I totally forgot about him.

"You'll join Alex." I answered.

"I'm the one in position if whatever you gave to Maxwell." He argued.

"You won't tell me what to do." I hollered but it was a low one.

As the meeting adjourned, I couldn't help but wonder what other secrets lay hidden in our packs history. And what lay in store for us in this brewing storm.

As the meeting adjourned, I couldn't help but wonder what other secrets lay hidden in our pack's history. And what lay in store for us in this brewing storm.

As days passed, tensions shimmered beneath the surface. Alex's disdain for me was palpable, and k knew he was plotting something. The council of elders, once wise and just now seemed to be in cahoots with him. Their eyes would gleam with an unsettling intensity whenever they mentioned the importance of mating me with Alex.

Maxwell remained my rock, confidant. "Laura, be careful." He warned one night as we walked under the moonlit trees. "Alex and the council are not what they seem. They'll stop ay nothing to take you down." He doesn't know yet, I already know their minutes though.

I nodded, my heart heavy with words of the unknown. Sonia was once my friend or rather, never my friend... Now everything and everyone seems to be in league. Her smiles and laughter had become a mask, hiding her true intentions.

*

One fateful evening, as I strolled through the pack's central courtyard, Alex approached me. His eyes gleamed with an unsettling light, and his voice dripped with malice.

"Laura, it's time we put our differences aside and united our pack. Let's mate, and secure our future together."

I recoiled, my instincts screaming warning. "Never, Alex. I'll never mate with you or anyone else just to satisfy your ambition."

His face twisted in rage, and for a moment, I thought he'd strike me. But he controlled himself, his voice dripping with venom.

"Fine, Laura. But know this: you'll regret defying me. You'll regret not taking my offer... while you still can."

The threat hung in the air like a dark cloud, and I knew I had to act fast. But how could I protect myself from those I once trusted? The web of deceit was closing in around me, and I had to find a way to escape before it was too late.

After drawing a long breathe, I stood up and pondered on the nightmare I just had.

Days passed, and tensions simmered beneath the surface. I knew Sonia and Alex were plotting something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Maxwell remained my loyal ally, but even he seemed troubled by the growing unease.

One night, as I walked through the pack's central courtyard, I noticed a strange glow emanating from the shadows. The moon was full overhead, casting an eerie light on the proceedings.

I remembered that for days now, words hasn't been heard of the mysterious man.

Maybe he's tired and wouldn't come for the spectra again.

I needed him as an ally, but how? How do I go about this?

I was still contemplating when a shadow hovered over me.