Chapter 74: Shadows Within

Mariana’s POV

The tension in the war room was suffocating.

Julius sat in a chair near the center of the room, wrists bound behind his back. He looked infuriatingly relaxed despite the situation, his smirk never quite fading.

Alexander stood at the head of the table, his expression carved from stone. His pack, his council—everything he had fought for—was now at risk from an enemy hiding in plain sight.

Garrick leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching Julius like a predator waiting to strike. Eva, standing beside me, tapped her dagger against her palm, restless energy rolling off her in waves.

I exhaled, trying to keep my own emotions in check. “We need more than riddles, Julius.”

He sighed. “I already told you. Look at the ones who stand to gain the most.”

Alexander’s hands clenched into fists. “If we don’t know who to watch, we can’t act.”

Julius tilted his head. “Then perhaps the best course of action is to give them an opportunity to reveal themselves.”

I frowned. “What do you mean?”

Julius’ smirk widened. “Set a trap.”

Silence.

Then Eva scoffed. “Oh, great. Let’s just roll out a red carpet for the traitors to stroll in.”

Alexander didn’t react immediately, but I saw the flicker of consideration in his eyes.

Julius continued, his voice smooth. “The council is already watching, waiting for weakness. If you push forward with a decision they won’t like, they’ll either show their hand or make a move.” He leaned forward slightly. “Force them into action before they’re ready.”

The idea had merit, but it was also dangerous.

Alexander turned to me. “What do you think?”

I hesitated. “It could work. But we need to be careful. If we push too hard, we could trigger a rebellion instead of just exposing the traitors.”

Julius chuckled. “Oh, don’t worry. That rebellion is coming whether you want it or not.”

Alexander ignored him, his gaze shifting to Garrick. “Increase patrols near the council’s quarters. I want their movements tracked.”

Garrick nodded. “On it.”

Eva sheathed her dagger. “And what about him?” She gestured toward Julius. “Because if it were up to me, he wouldn’t be sitting here breathing.”

Julius grinned. “Aw, Eva, I didn’t know you cared.”

She took a step toward him, but I grabbed her arm, shaking my head.

Alexander sighed. “For now, he stays locked up. We’ll decide what to do with him once we confirm his information.”

Julius didn’t protest, but his smirk remained. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”

I wasn’t sure if that was a comfort or a threat.

But one thing was clear: the real battle hadn’t even begun yet.

The meeting ended with heavy silence. No one spoke as the room emptied, but the tension lingered like an unspoken threat.

I stayed behind, watching Alexander as he ran a hand down his face. He hadn’t moved from his spot at the head of the table, his mind likely racing through every possible outcome.

“We need to be careful,” I said softly.

His eyes met mine, filled with quiet exhaustion. “I know.”

I stepped closer. “If there are traitors in the council, they won’t sit idly by while we try to expose them. They’ll push back.”

His jaw tightened. “Then we push harder.”

I reached for his hand, my fingers brushing against his. “And if it comes to war within the pack?”

For a moment, he didn’t answer. Then, his grip tightened around mine. “Then we fight. And we make sure we win.”

I wanted to believe it would be that simple.

But something deep in my gut told me that whatever was coming would test us in ways we weren’t prepared for.

A storm rumbled in the distance as I walked through the dimly lit corridors of the castle. The weight of everything pressed heavy on my chest, but sleep wouldn’t come—not with the knowledge that enemies lurked within our own walls.

A flicker of movement caught my attention.

I stopped, every sense sharpening. The hallway ahead was empty, but the faintest scent of something unfamiliar lingered in the air.

Someone had been here.

Heart pounding, I followed the scent, leading me toward the council chambers. The doors were closed, but soft voices murmured behind them.

I pressed myself against the wall, straining to listen.

“…can’t wait much longer. He’s growing suspicious.”

A second voice, lower, steadier. “We move when the time is right.”

My breath caught.

Traitors.

I didn’t recognize the voices, but it didn’t matter. This was the proof we needed—confirmation that the council was compromised.

I took a careful step back, but the floor creaked beneath me.

The voices inside went silent.

Then—

The door burst open.

I spun, ready to run, but a hand shot out, grabbing my wrist.

A hooded figure loomed over me, their grip iron-tight.

“You shouldn’t be here,” they hissed.

Fear shot through me, but I clenched my teeth and fought back. I twisted my arm, using their grip against them, and managed to break free.

I ran.

Their footsteps thundered behind me.

The castle was a maze of darkened hallways, but I knew them better than they did. I cut down a side passage, taking sharp turns, pushing my legs harder.

Then—light.

A guard patrol.

“Stop them!” I shouted.

The hooded figure skidded to a halt. For a second, they hesitated—then they turned and disappeared into the shadows.

The guards rushed toward me. “Luna, are you alright?”

I caught my breath, nodding. “Find them. Now.”

They scattered in pursuit, but deep down, I knew the traitor had already vanished.

Still, the damage was done.

The council’s betrayal wasn’t just a suspicion anymore.

It was real. And it was already in motion.