Chapter 256

Chapter 256
Iris's POV

This was the turning point I'd been waiting for. I feigned confusion and fear. "What wolf? I don't understand what you're talking about! Please, just let me go!"

"Take her to the Beta," the leader commanded harshly. "She is not ordinary human. She carries pack scent."

Two of his men grabbed my arms. I struggled briefly before allowing them to restrain me. This was precisely what I wanted—to be brought directly to the Beta—but my heartbeat still accelerated at the reality of being in their custody. I had just willingly stepped into the heart of danger, and every step forward was filled with unpredictable risk.

As they escorted me through the territory, I deliberately slowed my pace, taking in every detail of my surroundings. The Northern European pack lands were more vast and primal than I'd imagined. In the distance, I could see a collection of low buildings, blending modern materials with ancient Nordic design elements. This suggested a pack that honored tradition while not entirely rejecting modernization—information that might prove useful.

My guards conversed in their native language, voices tense and watchful. Though I couldn't understand the words, their expressions told me they were both curious and wary about who I might be. I maintained my frightened façade while my eyes cataloged everything—potential exits, the number of pack members visible, types and distribution of weapons... each detail could become crucial.

We passed through an open area where about fifteen wolves were engaged in some sort of ritualistic training, their movements coordinated and powerful, demonstrating exceptional fighting skills. This must be the pre-full moon preparation activity K had mentioned. Watching them train, I couldn't help but assess the power imbalance—if negotiations failed, we would be facing a well-trained force of wolf warriors.

Lost in these thoughts, I almost missed the approach of a female wolf who seemed to hold some authority. Her gaze was sharp, her movements graceful yet commanding. She spoke to my captors in their language, asking something that made them respond briefly. She studied me, suspicion and curiosity mingling in her expression.

Before leaving, she addressed me in English: "You are from America?"

I kept up my façade, looking at her with confused incomprehension. She gave a dismissive smile before saying something else to my guards and walking away. The small interaction heightened my vigilance—they were already making connections about my origin, which could either work in my favor or complicate matters further.

Just then, I caught a glimpse of movement in a shadowed corner—a figure that vanished almost instantly. Years of instinct told me this might be one of K's contacts within the pack. The realization brought a small measure of comfort—at least we weren't completely without allies in hostile territory.

We moved through a series of structures, each step drawing curious and hostile stares from pack members. Finally, we stopped before an ancient building made of stone. Simple in appearance yet imposing in its presence, it clearly served as some center of authority. This had to be where the Beta resided. I took a deep breath, steadying myself for the confrontation to come.

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The interior of the building was surprisingly warm, with ancient wolf totems and weapons adorning the walls. The scent of pine wood and leather filled the air. After traversing several corridors, I was led into a spacious hall. In the center stood a massive circular table made of stone, around which several older wolves stood, resembling some kind of council of elders. At the far end, seated in an intricately carved wooden chair—clearly designed for an Alpha—was a middle-aged man of impressive build and severe countenance. This had to be the Beta of the Northern European pack.

The Beta examined me with penetrating eyes, intelligence and caution evident in his gaze. "Who are you? Why are you in our territory?" His English was unexpectedly fluent.

I adjusted my posture, careful to appear neither submissive nor challenging. "I'm just a lost traveler. I didn't know this was your territory." The lie came easily, but I needed to gauge his attitude before revealing more.

The Beta's lips curled into a cold smile, impatience flashing in his eyes. "Do not play games. You carry the scent of wolves, and..." He suddenly rose from his seat and approached me. His height and physique were intimidating up close, but I forced myself to stand firm. "Which pack sent you to spy on us?"

The atmosphere in the hall instantly tensed. Other wolves moved closer, hostility evident in their eyes. I felt my heartbeat accelerate, not from fear, but because the critical moment had arrived. My next move would determine the success or failure of our entire plan.

"I'm not a spy," I said, meeting the Beta's eyes directly, my voice steady and cool. "I've come to reclaim what belongs to me."

The Beta narrowed his eyes, clearly surprised by my response. "What are you talking about?"

Now was the moment of truth. Slowly, I rolled up my sleeve, revealing the Alpha credential I'd been concealing. The bracelet caught the hall's light, its intricate patterns seeming to shimmer with an inner power, each line and curve filled with ancient significance. In this moment, I felt an odd serenity wash over me, as if all my life experiences had been preparing me for this confrontation.

The hall fell instantly silent. All eyes fixed on the credential on my wrist. The Beta's expression transformed from suspicion to shock, then to a poorly disguised hunger. The elders exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves, heightening the tension in the room.

"That's... the Alpha credential," the Beta's voice had grown hoarse, as if struggling to control some powerful emotion. "How did you come to possess this?"

I lifted my chin, speaking with clear authority: "Because it belongs to me. I am Iris Stone, and this credential is under my protection." I paused briefly to observe their reactions before continuing, "I've come to resolve a misunderstanding. I know you've been searching for this credential, even sending people to my territory to try to take it by force."

Surprised murmurs rippled through the hall. The Beta's expression became complex, difficult to read. He knew that according to ancient wolf law, a bearer of the Alpha credential held special status in any pack territory and couldn't be harmed arbitrarily. But my words had also directly exposed their secret operations.

"Please listen," I addressed everyone in the hall, making sure my voice carried. "I didn't come to provoke conflict. I understand why you need this credential, but attacking me and my family isn't the solution. I've come willingly to negotiate a resolution that can satisfy both sides."

The Beta stared at the credential on my wrist, desire and anger battling in his eyes. My arrival had clearly disrupted whatever plans he had made, and now he needed to decide how to respond.