Chapter 110: Bold Plans

Chapter 110: Bold Plans
Claire's POV

I looked at Derek suspiciously as he led me through the thick trees just past the northern ridge of Redwater. "I thought we agreed there would be no more surprises," I said.

Derek smiled at me in a way that led me to believe he was keeping something from me. "Technically, we never said anything about expansion plans being off-limits."

"Expansion?" As I did it again, my steps got slower. My heart beat faster, but not because I was scared. I was just interested. I asked Derek, "What are you talking about?"

He stopped and pointed to a high ridge that had a view of a wide, golden valley. There were small groups of trees spread out across the land, and in the distance, a river sparkled like glass in the sunlight. It seemed to be untouched. Peaceful.

"I found this two weeks ago during a patrol," he stated. "No one has claimed it." The council agreed with it. No packs on the edges want it. It’s ours if we want it."

I stared at the valley, a strange flutter moving through me. “You want to expand Redwater?”

“Not just want to,” Derek said. "I think we need to." Because our pack needs you.

The wind blew against our faces for a moment as we stood still. It was already starting to feel like the decision was too heavy for me to carry.

"But why now?" To be quiet, I asked. We have only recently found peace.

Derek looked at me with serious eyes. "That is the exact reason why." Peace will not last unless we keep it safe and build on it. This land could be a safe place. For the young wolves you're mentoring. Because Jared wants to help the bad guys. For people who want to change their minds.

My chest got tight. He was right, which scared me. Change was a part of growth. There was risk in change.

I said, "I do not think everyone will be ready."

He replied, "Then we help them get ready." "Together."

His words lingered between us, making us feel warm and hopeful. We walked back toward Redwater in deep thought, and we did not talk again until we saw the gates of the pack house.

I could not sleep that night. As I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling, Derek's plan kept going through my mind. I remembered the little orphans I taught in the afternoons, with their eager eyes and tense laughs. It made me think of the older wolves who were still getting better after war and betrayal. To lead, I thought, you have to do more than just protect. You have to make things better.

I knew the answer by morning.

There was a council of our most important members in the meeting hall. They were Beta Rowan, Elder Myra, Captain Theo, and the new Midnight Moon representatives. The room hummed with quiet energy as I shared Derek’s discovery and proposal.

Some faces lit with excitement. Others darkened with fear.

“We’ve only just recovered from chaos,” Elder Myra said gently. “Do we truly want to invite more?”

“We’re not inviting chaos,” I answered. “We’re offering hope. Well-being. Growth.

Theo, who is always direct, asked, "What if another pack says no later?"

I said, "Then let us stand together." "And we show that Redwater does not give up on its dreams."

Rowan gave a small nod. "I will support it." We are strong enough to do this. “And the heart.”

It passed, but only just. The dissenting voices didn’t oppose growth itself, but feared the unknown. I did not blame them. I was afraid of it too.

Derek and I stood at the edge of the new land again that night with flags in our hands. It was symbolic, planting those flags. That way, you can claim the land with your eyes instead of your teeth or blood.

"Are you ready to jump?" Derek put out his hand and asked.

I got it. "I did it already."

We sank the first post into the ground to mark the future of Redwater.

Plans kept coming together over the next few weeks. Survey teams made maps of places to find water, natural shelters, and possible dangers. Wolves were willing to help build outposts and scout trails. We asked strong young wolves to train to be leaders for the new settlements. Our people were not just getting better; they were dreaming for the first time.

But not everyone was okay with the change.

Late one night, Rowan smashed through the door of my office as I looked over boundary plans. His eyes were big and his face was pale.

"You need to come." Right now.”

I went with him into the woods, where two border scouts were waiting near a ridge. There were cuts and tears on their clothes.

"What took place?" I asked.

"Someone set us up," one of them said. "A pack of wolves." Unmarked. Fast. Skilled. They said the land wasn’t ours to claim. They threatened to kill us if we did not leave.

I held my breath.

"Did they say who they were?"

The other scout said, "They did not have to." "I have seen them before." A long time ago. Before the Midnight Moon wars. They are from the East's lost clans. People thought they had disappeared.

My heart stopped beating.

We had stirred up something very old.

It was after us.