Chapter 20: Shadows of War

In the war chamber of Midnight Moon's fortress, Jared examined the map laid out before him, gripping the edge of the obsidian table. The thick, dark lines that marked Redwater's borders acted as a constant reminder of Claire's running path, Where she was shielded, where she defied him. 

Opposite him, Lila occupied a tall chair, wearing a satisfied smile on her face. Her playful golden eyes sparkled as she spun a wine goblet in her hand. 

While she took a gentle sip, she murmured, "You seem upset, darling," "Is it about Claire again?" 

At the sound of her name, Jared's jaw tightened. Claire. The omega who had embarrassed him during the Moonrise Ceremony, who had the boldness to confront him, who had run from him like a coward instead of claiming her role. 

He shouted, "I do not wish to hear that name." 

Lila laughed softly, utterly unconcerned by his rage. "Oh, Jared. You behave as though she still has authority over you. She put her chin in her palm and leaned forward. "She is nothing. An omega pretending to be free. However, we are both aware that she won't stay in Redwater for long.  

Jared balled his fingers into fists. It ought to have been accurate. Claire had always depended on others to keep her safe because she was weak. However, she had managed to get away. She had escaped Lila's mercenaries' initial assault. And now Derek Blackthorn, whose name was so imposing that even Jared had to tread carefully, was protecting her.  

He gave a sharp exhale. He agreed, more to persuade himself than anyone else, that "she won't last long." "But I won't let chance play a role."  

Lila grinned more broadly. "I prefer to hear that. My dear, it's time to quit playing defence. Now is the moment to attack.  

Jared gave her a narrowed look. "You talk like you've got a plan."  

She walked elegantly around the table and stood behind him. Her nails ran down his arms as her hands rested gently on his shoulders. She whispered, "I always have a plan," in his ear.  

Jared glanced in her direction and cocked his head slightly. "Then tell me."  

Lila walked over to his side and tapped the map with a neatly manicured nail. "You've been concentrating on Claire," she thought. However, she isn't the real issue, is she? Derek is here. Alpha from Redwater. He is the one preventing us from getting what is rightfully ours.  

Jared let his breath out through his nose. "You believe I'm unaware of that?"  

"So why haven't you taken action?"  

His irritated eyes flashed as he turned on her. The reason for this is that Derek Blackthorn is a formidable foe. He doesn't act carelessly. It will be a bloodbath if I attack Redwater without careful planning. And not to our advantage."  

Lila let out a loud sigh. "Oh, Jared. You worry too much. I've taken matters into my own hands because of this.  

Jared scowled. "What are you discussing?"  

Her smile was slow and rapacious. "I've formed a coalition."  

Jared froze. "With whom?"  

"The Pack of Ironfangs."  

His eyes grew a little wider. "Ironfang? Are you referring to the same pack that almost destroyed the Eastern Borders five years prior?  

"The same." Lila grinned more broadly. Magnus, their Alpha, has shown a great deal of interest in Midnight Moon's affairs. I've also persuaded him that we have a common foe. He is prepared to lend his troops—of course, at the appropriate cost.  

Jared's thoughts moved swiftly. Known for their vicious fighting methods and unwavering devotion to those they judged deserving, the Ironfang Pack was ruthless. Midnight Moon's power would double overnight if Magnus agreed to ally with them.  

"What price?" Jared enquired cautiously.  

Lila shrugged. "After we capture Redwater, territory." and assurance that Magnus will receive his share of the loot."  

Jared thought about it. Claire had given him no other option, but it was dangerous. None of this would have occurred if she had stayed and accepted her position. Now, though? He now needed to make sure she never again challenged his authority.  

"Fine," he finally said. "Set up a consultation with Magnus. After we've finalised the details—" With a dark smile on his lips, he trailed off. "After that, we dismantle Redwater piece by piece."  

Lila smiled and leaned in to give his jaw a slow kiss. "I fell in love with that Alpha."  

Jared laughed softly, but his thoughts were already elsewhere. Claire's running had been a mistake.  

She would now have to pay for it.  

\---  

\### **Claire's View of Redwater Territory**  

The sound of an urgent knock on my door woke me up. My mind briefly returned to the night I had escaped Midnight Moon as my heart leapt into my throat. I could sense it again, the panic, the desperation.  

Then I made myself take a breath. It was Redwater. I was secure.  

Or I had been, anyway.  

I unlocked the door, padded across the room, and swung my legs over the bed. On the opposite side, Derek stood with a sombre expression.  

He commanded, "Get dressed." "Now."  

His voice chilled me to the bone. "What happened?"  

He simply turned and strode away without responding.  

I hurriedly put on my boots, my hands shaking as I did so. There was a problem. That was the most composed Derek had ever been.  

A contingent of warriors had assembled by the time I arrived at the main hall. Their bodies coiled with barely contained energy, and their faces were tense.  

With his arms folded across his chest, Derek stood in the middle. As soon as I stepped inside, his piercing eyes fell on me.  

He stated, "Midnight Moon is preparing for war," without providing any context. "Ironfang has fallen with Jared."  

The assembled wolves let out a gasp. My breath caught, and even I was powerless to stop it.  

"Ironfang?" I said it again, just above a whisper. "That isn't possible."  

Derek had a stony expression. "It is. Our scouts verified that. Jared and Magnus are collaborating, and their troops are already assembling."  

The blood on my face started to run out. It was no longer just about me. Jared would have destroyed a whole pack to get me to return to Midnight Moon, and he wasn't just trying to do that.  

Derek moved closer, his voice lowered as if he could see the horror in my eyes. "Claire, I must know the truth. To what extent will Jared go?  

I took a deep breath. "If he's in such need that he turns to Ironfang?" I paused, then compelled myself to look him in the eye. "Until he gets me, he won't stop. Or until the fire in Redwater.  

The hallway was silent. Everyone felt the weight of what I had said descend upon them like a thick mist.  

Derek let out a sharp sigh and faced his warriors. "Get ready for battle."  

I stood motionless as the room burst into activity.  

I was to blame for this.  

And if I was the reason Redwater fell...  

I wasn't sure if I could handle that.