Chapter 10

His warm smile spread to his eyes. "You don't have to thank me," he said softly. "We're in a pack. "We look out for one another."

As we stood together, I felt a sense of determination running over me. I couldn't rewrite the past, but I could help shapen the future. With Kloss by my side, I felt stronger than ever. 

Later that evening, after supper, Kloss and I went back to his study to review the day's events and plan our next actions. Maps and scrolls scattered the enormous wooden table, which was illuminated by a faint glow of candlelight. Bollard joined us, reporting on the most recent patrols and scouting activities around the eastern boundaries.

"Rogue activity has increased," Bollard said gravely. "We intercepted a group attempting to breach our defenses near the River Fang." Kloss frowned, perusing the map in front of us. "Any casualties?" "Minor injuries," Bollard responded. "But we drove them off before they could do any real damage." 

I listened closely, my mind racing with the consequences of the renegade conduct. "What if Damian's allies are among them?" I interjected, expressing my concern. "What if they know something?" 

Kloss studied my comments attentively, his brow furrowing in thought. "It's possible," he acknowledged. "Rogue wolves are unpredictable." They'll join forces with anyone who offers them power or protection.

"I need to go," I stated unexpectedly, shocking myself with the urgency of my tone. "To River Fang. "Maybe I can find something there." Kloss paused, assessing the hazards. "Sheila, it's risky. "The rogues are getting more aggressive." "I know," I said firmly. "But I can't just sit and wait. Kloss, I need some answers. "And I won't stop until I find them." Kloss grudgingly nodded after a brief minute of thought. "Alright," he said. "But you will not travel alone. I will deploy a small team to accompany you." Thankful for his support, I just nodded. "Thank you."

The following morning, a small group of warriors assembled on the Northern Tribunal's outskirts, ready to accompany me to the River Fang. Bollard had been tasked with leading the expedition and ensuring that we were well prepared for whatever lay ahead. "We'll go quickly," Bollard told the group. "Stay vigilant, and watch each other's backs." I rode a strong black mare, a sense of determination flowing through me as we set off from the pack's domain. The voyage was long and difficult, complete with stressful encounters with rogue scouts and hazardous terrain. My resolve became stronger with each passing mile.

As we approached the River Fang, the atmosphere became tight, with excitement mixed with anxiety. The river flowed gently alongside, its calm surface concealing the secrets concealed beneath. "We'll split up and search the area," Bollard said quietly as we dismounted. "Report back if you find anything suspicious." I nodded, my senses on high alert as I descended deeper into the dark bush. Every rustle of leaves, every distant sound, drove a rush of adrenaline through me. But I persisted, propelled by a determination that bordered on obsession.

We spent hours combing the region, but our efforts yielded little more than false alarms and brief shadows. Frustration threatened to overcome me, but I refused to give up. I'd come too far to turn back now. As the sun began to set, spreading long shadows across the forest floor, I discovered a little clearing along the riverbed. A worn leather satchel lay hidden beneath a tangle of roots and plants. With my heart beating, I sat down and gently opened the satchel. Inside, I discovered a collection of parchment scrolls, their edges yellowing with age. With shaky hands, I unrolled the first scroll and began reading.

The words on the parchment sent a hard signal to  my brain,I was amazed,disappointed and confused. It was a list of names, all of which I recognized. 

Names of pack members, allies, and friends who abandoned me when I most needed them. "They betrayed me," I said softly, hardly audible over the rustling foliage. "They were working with Damian all along." Bollard stood behind me, his countenance serious as he examined the contents of the sack. 

"This changes everything," he remarked gently. "We have to bring this back to Kloss."

I nodded, my thoughts racing with the consequences of what we had discovered. The treachery went further than I ever thought, putting a cloud over everything I had battled for. But, armed with the truth, I understood what I had to do. Bollard and I carefully placed the scrolls in the sack. As we returned to where the others were waiting, I couldn't shake the sensation that our quest wasn't ended.