Chapter 83: A Festival Interrupted Anna’s POV

The hum of celebration filled the air as the pack gathered in the clearing. Lanterns hung from the trees, casting a warm glow that made Crescent Grove feel like a haven untouched by the world’s cruelty. Children ran around with flower crowns, their laughter blending with the rhythmic beat of drums. For a fleeting moment, it was easy to forget the chaos that awaited beyond the borders.

I adjusted the pale blue dress I’d borrowed from one of the omegas, feeling oddly out of place despite the cheerful atmosphere. Lucas stood a few paces away, dressed in simple black, blending effortlessly with the pack’s warriors. He caught my eye, giving me a small nod, as if to say, "Relax."

But I couldn’t.

“I still don’t know why we’re here,” I muttered when he approached.

“To blend in,” Lucas replied, his voice low. “You’re the one who didn’t want to leave too soon. Consider this... camouflage.”

I frowned. “Camouflage doesn’t usually come with lanterns and music.”

He grinned. “You’d be surprised.”

Before I could react, the audience quieted. Alpha Darius moved into the center of the clearing, his presence commanding immediate attention. His typical calm was replaced with an energy that appeared to electrify the air.

“Tonight, we celebrate unity,” he continued, his voice firm. “Crescent Grove has thrived because of trust and cooperation. Let us not forget the power we receive from each other.”

The pack cheered, hoisting cups of cider and wine. I clapped along, though my hands felt heavy. Something about Darius’s statements felt targeted, like they were meant for Lucas and me.

Lucas leaned in. “He’s laying it on thick, isn’t he?”

I shushed him, though I couldn’t help but agree.

As the music resumed and the pack split to eat and dance, I allowed myself to breathe. Lucas disappeared into the crowd, likely to undertake his customary reconnaissance. I remained close to the food table, keeping my ears open while seeming to savor a plate of roasted vegetables.

"Isn't it a lovely night?"

The scout who had led us to Crescent Grove, Gareth, was standing next to me when I turned around.

"It is," I cautiously answered.

Despite it not reaching his eyes, he grinned. "The Alpha was right to allow you to remain. Nowadays, few packs would accept strangers."

"I guess we're fortunate."

Gareth's head cocked. "Lia, your luck might run out. Just keep it in mind."

Before I could answer, the celebrations were interrupted by the loud blast of a trumpet. Everyone turned to face the tree line as the music ceased. Two scouts appeared, approaching Darius with somber looks.

Lucas came back to me, his body tensed. "Something is not right."

Darius's jaw tensed as the scouts talked furiously to him. The murmurs that were circulating through the throng were silenced when he raised a hand.

Darius declared, "Scouts have returned with troubling news." "Rogue activity has escalated in the vicinity of our borders. They say there is devastation everywhere."

The pack was stricken with panic.

“Is it Oliver?” a voice said.

Darius looked around the throng before responding. Finally, he stated, "There are rumors, but we have no confirmation."

My heart fell. It felt like a kick to the gut when Oliver's name was mentioned.

Lucas's hand lightly touched mine in a quiet affirmation.

"We will not allow fear to govern us," Darius added. "Make the patrols stronger. Keep the borders safe. Crescent Grove won't collapse."

Cheers and nervous murmurs erupted throughout the pack.

Lucas leaned closer. "We must depart."

"Not yet," I said in a whisper. "It will appear suspicious to leave now."

His gaze grew gloomy. "If Oliver's name is already getting this far, Anna, it won't be long before his does as well."

I wanted to protest, but there was no denying the veracity of what he said.

Darius came toward us, his face unreadable. "A word, Lia, Caleb?"

After exchanging glances, Lucas and I followed him to a more peaceful area of the clearing.

With a controlled tone, Darius said, "I hope you've heard the news."

"Yes," Lucas said cautiously.

Darius looked at Lucas for a time while he watched us. "Rogues can't be predicted. During your training sessions, report anything strange you notice right away."

"Obviously," Lucas replied.

Darius glanced in my direction. "And you, Lia. Remain around the omegas. If things go out of control, they'll need direction."

Despite my rumbling tummy, I nodded.

With a slight softening of his voice, Darius replied, "Enjoy the rest of the evening. Remember that although Crescent Grove is a sanctuary, even sanctuaries have boundaries."

Lucas growled softly as he turned to go.

"He's aware of something," he whispered.

I took hold of his arm and dragged him into the darkness. "We must not panic. Not right now, not here."

Lucas's eyes blazed with annoyance. "Anna, don't freak out. It's a tactic. Additionally, time is running out."

I didn’t argue for once.

When the celebration recommenced, the excitement had given way to apprehension. Lucas and I remained on the periphery, our discussion interrupted by the weight of unsaid anxieties.

I kept thinking that we were being monitored as the night went on. I couldn't tell if it was Darius, Gareth, or the threat of Oliver's anger.

However, we knew that our time at Crescent Grove was coming to an end.