Kaelan stood at the edge of the sacred grove, the ritual’s weight still pressing on his soul. The faint remnants of the moon goddess’s presence lingered in the cool morning air, a reminder of his solemn vow. His wolf stirred within him, restless and eager, urging him forward. He clenched his fists, the tether of the bond with Mira pulling at his heart, more intense than ever.
He returned to the packhouse, where a group of his most loyal guards awaited him. Their faces were stoic, their eyes locked on their Alpha. Kaelan stepped onto the porch, his posture commanding.
“Listen carefully,” he began, his voice steady but firm. “Liana must be found. Search every corner of this pack, every border, every hiding place. If she’s beyond our lands, track her down and bring her back. Alive.”
The guards nodded in unison, their expressions grim. Kaelan’s jaw tightened. “And for her father,” he continued, his voice hardening, “deliver a message. He has one chance to bring her back willingly. If he fails, he will bear the full weight of her crimes.”
The soldiers exchanged looks, knowing Kaelan’s resolve. They saluted sharply before scattering, their steps echoing through the courtyard. Kaelan watched them leave, his heart heavy. He turned to another cluster of guards. “You have a different mission,” he said, his tone low. “Find Mira. Discreetly. Search every neighboring pack. Speak with their Alphas, but keep this quiet. If word of this reaches the wrong ears, it could jeopardize everything.”
As the soldiers mounted their horses and rode off, Kaelan allowed himself a brief moment to gather his thoughts. The path ahead was riddled with uncertainties, but he refused to falter. Not when Mira’s fate hung in the balance.
Kaelan’s journey to the StoneWare Pack was swift and silent. The bond guiding him grew stronger with every mile, his wolf restless beneath his skin. Yet as he neared the borders, an unfamiliar energy filled the air—celebration.
The sound of laughter and music drifted on the breeze, and Kaelan’s brows furrowed in confusion. He dismounted, his boots crunching against the gravel as he approached the village. Streamers hung from the rooftops, and the scent of roasted meats wafted through the air. Pack members moved about, their faces alight with joy.
Kaelan’s heart pounded as a chilling thought struck him. Were they celebrating a mating ceremony?
He pushed open the heavy doors of the central hall, the lively atmosphere dimming as all eyes turned to the newcomer. At the head of the long table sat Alpha Aiden, his expression calm but unreadable.
Kaelan strode forward, his voice ringing out with authority. “Where is she?” he demanded, his tone brooking no argument. “Where is Mira?”
The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut. Aiden rose slowly, his movements deliberate. He locked eyes with Kaelan, his shoulders heavy with something Kaelan couldn’t place—regret.
“She’s gone,” Aiden said quietly.
Kaelan’s breath hitched. “Gone?” he repeated, disbelief lacing his voice. “What do you mean, gone?”
Aiden sighed, his gaze dropping to the polished wood of the table. “She left,” he said firmly. “She’s no longer here.”