Chapter 38: Whispers in the Dark

Claire POV.

I no longer needed to prove myself as one of the Redwaters because I was already accepted; however, I learned one thing from pack after pack loaded with betrayal: trust doesn't exist. Trust, to me, has to be earned, and once earned, cherishing it is a must. 

I have some whispers that I listen to, and that is the first sign.

These murmurings, so heard, came with warnings. Words that rolled from my lips should never have been heard, and sentences were cut off as I walked through the doorway. Why would I be surprised? I used to be the second in command of my old pack, Midnight Moon. My story would ring in every Redwater's ears, and there was little chance that it would be forgotten so easily.

Things escalated even more when they cut off the supply lines, switched patrol routes without Derek's command, and weapon shipments were delayed. Alone, no one of these events was earth-shattering, but the combination painted a grim picture that turned my story upside down.

Someone is pulling something off against Redwater.

Which remains to be seen. The oncoming was bound to hit us before the battle even started, and without addresses, we were done for.

The problem is, as tribal and close-knit as Redwater seemed to be, I was already getting every conversation noted, every interaction observed and figuring out who spent the most time in the corners and by the walls. This was a pack built on trust, quite unlike Midnight Moon, where changes in power meant that alliances could easily be broken or created at will here; betrayal was never an option.

Thus, it stands that whoever masterminded this plot was probably waiting until the last possible moment to strike or was desperate.

I need proof, though.

Chance occurrence completely and easily caught the evidence.

An inky night during which the moon was dampened by clouds, but I heard voices coming from the direction of the old storage barracks. Quiet voices filled with an intensity that made the hair on my nape tingle.

I pressed my back against the rough wooden wall and focused on the conversation.

“Derek is watching too closely. The supplies are delayed because they had to be delivered via a different route, remember?”

I pause.

"Doesn't matter. We have to ensure that everything is ready before the next full moon or else we will lose a lot. We all know that Midnight Moon is not considerate."

I was squirming in my seat. They were talking about Midnight Moon, weren't they?

With the light of the lantern upon me, I could see two people, one woman and one man, dark silhouettes concealing their features.

The dim light of the lantern was just enough for me to distinguish the outlines of a man and a woman, their faces hidden in shadow.

I am not sure about the female still, but the male... I can remember him. Theo.

My breath stopped in my throat. Theo was specifically Redwater's strategist, which meant that he had the trust of Derek himself. I had fought with him. He stood in defence of me when people refuted my assurance about being one.

And now, here he was.

A traitor.

The woman next to him pivoted slightly sideways, and my eyes caught a glint of a sharply cut familiar profile. Lydia. Another highly-ranked warrior who had been working nonstop to undermine me. That's at least not shocking.

But Theo?

Every bone in me screamed to stand and confront them, but not until I gathered more information.

"How much longer?" Lydia inquired.

"A few more days," Theo replied. "We move when the signal comes."

"And Claire?"

I stiffened.

"She's a problem," Theo said. "But Derek won't suspect her. He trusts her now."

A low humorless laugh escaped Lydia’s lips. "Then he's a fool."

Theo did not argue, "She'll be dealt with before the attack."

That was the last thing I needed to hear.

My heart raced as I moved slightly backward.

I have to reach Derek.

The voices behind me died the instant the wood creaked beneath my footfalls.

Seconds later, the sound of blades being drawn reached my ears. 

I ran.

Something hit my side before my feet could carry me to the fifth step, throwing me to the ground. Just as Lydia lunged with a dagger, cutting the air a mere finger's breadth from my throat, I twisted my arms up in protection. 

I kicked out as Theo was closing in, throwing her off balance, and then rolled to my feet. I was faster than he was. I grabbed his wrist, twisted violently, and dodged his blow. The dagger clattered out of his grasp, and he grunted in pain. 

Lydia huffed and pushed herself up, saying, "Should've killed you when I had the chance."

With both of them in my view, I retreated toward the entrance. Turning on your pack? Even for you, that is low. 

Theo's expression darkened. Claire, you don't understand. Redwater does not have enough muscle to win this battle. 

I snorted. "Better to hand it over to Jared, then?" 

"He is giving a future," Lydia said coldly. An age in which none of us perishes in vain. 

I shook my head. "No. He is lying to you. And you can't see it because you're blind. 

Theo was quick and precise at that moment, but I anticipated and side-stepped. I slammed my elbow into his ribs and kicked Lydia's dagger out of her hands. 

I ran, not giving them a chance to recover. 

They were right behind me. 

My heart raced, and my feet barely touched the ground as I sprinted through the night. I had only to reach the main compound, which was not far away. 

Then something heavy hit me from behind. 

All the breath was knocked from me when I smashed into the ground. 

In no time at all, Theo was on me, hands tightening around my throat. 

"You should have kept your mouth shut." 

My pulse roared in my ears and black spots obscured my vision. 

I did not know that this was how I was going to die. 

I drew the dagger from my belt and stabbed it into his side. 

With a choked scream, Theo's hold relaxed enough for me to push him away. I got up quickly, my lungs burning.

Lydia paused, her gaze flitting from Theo, who was holding his bleeding side, to me.

Keeping the dagger in my hand, I looked her in the eye.

"You wish to complete this?"  With a hoarse voice, I challenged.

Lydia paused for an excessive amount of time.

She turned and ran after that.

Coward.

I didn't go after her.  My breath was still erratic, and my legs were already trembling from the struggle.  Theo moaned and pressed a hand against his wound as I returned my focus to him.

He snarled, "You won't survive this."

I looked down at him while wiping blood from my lips.  "You won't either."

After that, I sprinted in the direction of the main hall.

Derek needed to know.

And this time, there wouldn’t be any doubts about where I stood.