Chapter 74

Chapter 74
Alpha Silas’s POV
“We really have to find Diane,” I said quietly, pacing back and forth, the weight of it all pressing down on my shoulders.

But how would I find her?

Every day felt like a countdown. Every hour without word from Diane only added to the storm brewing in my chest. The air in the room felt heavy, and the silence that followed my words was deafening.

Maybe I should go to Mooncroft myself to know what’s going on?

The idea had crossed my mind more than once. I hated sitting around doing nothing while chaos stirred. But as much as I wanted to charge into Mooncroft and demand answers, something stronger held me back.

Lucien.

Alpha King of Mooncroft.

I clenched my jaw, pausing at the window that overlooked the pack border.

I can’t attack the Mooncroft pack,not under Lucien’s rule.

That would be foolish. Suicidal, even. He’s not a man you just challenge. He’s smart, powerful, and he doesn’t forgive easily. Starting a war with him wouldn’t just cost me soldiers,it would destroy everything I’ve built.

So, no… I have to find another way to uncover the truth without making it look like an attack.

I need to think. Plan. Move in silence.

And I have to do it soon.

Suddenly, the door to my room flung open, banging against the wall.

Gabriella came in, her eyes wide, her voice already trembling before she spoke.

“Darling, what are we going to do about these frequent attacks from the unknown?”

She didn’t wait for me to answer before she added with urgency, “Consult the Moon Goddess.”

I turned to her slowly, my expression unreadable. Gabriella always believed deeply in the Moon Goddess. And in most situations, I trusted her instincts. But this wasn’t something I could pray away. I had already asked. Already received the answer.

“Babe,” I said as I walked toward her, “the Moon Goddess has told me what I can do to curb the attacks…”

She looked up at me, eyes full of hope.

“…and that is to bring Diane back to the pack.”

Her expression dropped.

“But Diane is nowhere to be found in Mooncroft pack,” I continued, my voice carrying the frustration building inside me.

I watched her face fall, her lips parting slightly as the weight of my words sank in. She didn’t speak for a second. Then, slowly, she moved closer.

“What should we do now?” Gabriella asked, her tone soft, uncertain.

I could see the worry in her eyes,the kind that wasn’t just about Diane or the attacks. It was something deeper. Something more personal.

“What I know,” I said after a long pause, “is that I can’t attack the Mooncroft pack.”

“And why not?” she asked, almost too quickly.

“Because it’s ruled by the Alpha King,” I said firmly, pacing again. “Lucien is not someone we can provoke. A direct attack would mean war. And I’m not ready to risk innocent lives,not even for Diane.”

She was silent for a moment. Then her voice cracked softly.

“But… my pregnancy.”

I stopped cold.

Pregnancy?

I turned sharply to face her. My heart thudded.

“Are you pregnant?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

She looked at me, eyes round and vulnerable. “Yes,” she said. “I found out this morning.”

A beat passed. Then another.

Suddenly, something inside me shifted.

I moved toward her without hesitation and wrapped my arms around her tightly.

“You’re pregnant,” I whispered, overwhelmed. “You’re carrying my child.”

She nodded, tears brimming in her eyes. “Yes. Our child.”

I held her tighter, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. For a moment, everything else faded, Diane, the Mooncroft tension, the attacks, even the looming danger. Nothing mattered but Gabriella and the life she carried.

My mate.

My unborn pup.

A new beginning.

But reality didn’t wait long to return.

I pulled back, meeting her gaze seriously.

“This changes everything,” I said.

“What do you mean?” she asked carefully.

“If Diane doesn’t come back… and if the attacks increase…” I shook my head. “Our pup won’t even have a chance at a peaceful future. He or she will be born into a battlefield.”

She looked down at her stomach and rubbed it slowly.

“I don’t want that,” she whispered.

“Neither do I.” I sighed, running my fingers through my hair. “I have to figure something out, and fast.”

She raised her head. “What will you do?”

“I think there’s only one way left.”

“What is it?” she asked.

I hesitated, then said slowly, “I have to go to Mooncroft. Alone.”

She gasped. “Silas—no.”

“I’ll go in silence,” I continued. “Not as an enemy. Not to threaten. Just to find the truth.”

“You want to go into enemy territory?” Gabriella asked, her voice rising. “Alone?”

“I won’t bring soldiers. No guards. Just myself. That way, I won’t be seen as a threat.”

“That’s dangerous,” she said, tears forming. “You might not make it back.”

I cupped her face gently in my hands. “But if I don’t go… who will?”

She blinked rapidly, trying to hold back her emotions. “You’re doing this for Diane who killed my parent, her parents?”

“For all of us,” I said. “For you. For this pup.” I placed my hand over her stomach again. “We can’t sit and wait for death. We act now… or we lose everything.”

Just then, a loud knock echoed against the door.

We both froze.

“Enter!” I called, my voice still calm, though my heart was thudding.

A young guard stepped into the room, bowing deeply.

“My Lord,” he said, panting slightly. “We’ve received word. A messenger from Mooncroft is approaching the outer gates.”

Gabriella and I exchanged a look.

“A messenger?” I repeated, my brow furrowing.

“Yes, Alpha,” the guard replied. “He bears the royal insignia… and he says he wishes to speak to you directly.”

“To me?” I asked, stepping forward. “Not the council?”

“No, Alpha. Just you.”

I stared at the guard for a moment, then slowly turned back to Gabriella. Her eyes searched mine, fear and curiosity flickering there.

“What does this mean?” she whispered.