Chapter 19: A Dangerous Decision. Anna POV

I sat cross-legged in the moist forest clearing, already awake as the dim light of dawn crept through the trees. Even though my clothes were wet with dew and my body hurt from the uneven ground, it didn't matter. The dream consumed my thoughts.  

This wasn't all in my imagination, as evidenced by the dim light of the mark on my wrist. I had to decipher its meaning.  

I quickly remembered what Leo had said:  "I've seen that sign before... in Oliver's room."

I had no idea why he had never brought it up before to his passing, but now my curiosity was burning brightly. There has to be a link between Oliver and my ancestry if the mark was in his room. I had to know, whatever it was.  

My spine tingled at the idea of breaking into Oliver's lodgings. Only he and his Luna were allowed access to the alpha's private area. If caught there, one would face harsh punishment, if not worse.  

What other option did I have, though?  

Oliver's authority was starkly reminded by the packhouse, which loomed in the distance as I finally made it to the edge of the woods. As I trekked back toward my regular responsibilities, my heartbeat increased. I had to wait for the appropriate time, blend in, and act normal.  

As soon as I walked inside the omega quarters, I could smell the smell of cleaning products. Maia was already there, moving quickly and effectively over the stone floor.  

Her freckled face was fixed in concentration, and her golden-brown hair was pulled back in an untidy braid. Her face changed from astonishment to worry when she looked up and spotted me.  

"Anna? Where the hell were you last night?” She dropped her cloth and hurried over, whispering sharply.  

I curtly said, "Not here," and brushed past her to get a bucket.  

"Of course. You look like you’ve been wrestling with a tree.”  

"Near enough." I dipped my rag into the soapy water while kneeling next to her.  

After a moment of hesitation, Maia lowered her voice. "What took place?"  

I leaned closer after making sure no one else was listening. "I must enter Oliver's room."  

She almost dropped the rag she was holding as her eyes grew wide. "Are you crazy?"  

I mumbled, "Probably," as I scrubbed the floor harder than was required. However, I don't give a damn. Leo claimed to have noticed the same mark on my wrist inside.  

"Anna..." Incredulous, she sat back on her heels. "Can you hear yourself at all? Sneaking into the alpha’s private quarters? That is suicide."

"Perhaps." I looked her in the eye and spoke steadily. However, I must understand what it implies. There must be something significant there if Leo was correct. There's something about me.  

"What happens if you are caught?"  

“I won’t.”  

With a moan of frustration, Maia tossed her cloth into the bucket. "You realize how amazing you are? Always recklessly and mindlessly plunging into danger  

“I’ve thought about this.”  

"Oh, you have?" she yelled. And just how are you going to enter? Even if you manage to slip past Oliver's secured quarters, his Luna is typically present.  

I said, "I'll figure it out," but in reality, I had no idea how I would manage.  

Maia got up and glared down at me while crossing her arms. "Anna, you're going to kill yourself."  

"I'll die knowing the truth then."  

She still had a frustrated expression, but it softened. “You’re impossible.”  

I smiled a little at her. "That's the reason you love me."  

Despite rolling her eyes, Maia remained silent.  

The day flew by, filled with worry and tasks. Nerves made my stomach turn, but I kept my head down and carried supplies and scrubbed floors as if nothing unusual had happened. I ignored Lucas's eyes and continued going even though he once crossed my path and his penetrating look lingered on me.  

I finally saw my opportunity as the sun sank low on the horizon.  

The torches in the poorly lighted hallway that led to Oliver's quarters created flickering shadows on the stone walls. I put my body up against the chilly surface and listened for any movement. The guards at the far end of the hallway were engaged in a quiet but clear conversation.

I inhaled deeply and moved as stealthily as I could past them. With my heartbeat echoing louder than any other sound in the hallway, every step felt risky.  

Upon arriving at Oliver's chambers, I stopped, my hand resting just above the handle. His dominance and might were symbolized by the beautiful carvings on the polished wood.  

I strained to hear any movement inside by pressing my ear against the door. Quiet.  

I turned the handle slowly and stepped inside, making a gentle click sound as the door closed behind me.  

The room was large but chilly, with a stifling feeling created by the heavy draperies and gloomy furnishings. Oliver's conceit was evident in the enormous bed that took up most of the room, complete with black linens and gold embellishments.  

I looked around the room for anything that might be similar to the mark on my wrist.  

I started by going to the desk and looking through the strewn-about papers and maps. Nothing.  

The tapestry hanging on the distant wall caught my attention next. It showed a wolf standing under a crescent moon and was quite detailed. I was more convinced that the mark's faint trace was visible on the wolf's chest the closer I looked.  

I tried to touch it, but I was stopped in my tracks by a slight sound behind me.  

The door.  

The sound of the handle turning was so loud in the quiet that my heart stopped.  

I spun around, my pulse racing, just as the door began to open.