Chapter 70: Fractured Loyalties

Kieran’s POV

Midnight Moon was unraveling.

The once-powerful stronghold, a representation of Jared's supremacy, had devolved into a battleground unto itself. The air was heavy with tension, and the smell of uncertainty was more potent than blood. Once blindly following Jared, the warriors now whispered in shadowy corners, their allegiance shifting like sand under a shaky tide.

With his boots resonating against the stone, Kieran strode through the darkened hallways. With each step, the dissenting murmurs became louder, but no one dared to address him directly. Not just yet.

For years, he had served as Jared's enforcer and right hand, acting as his beta. But now he was an alternative, something else. A potentiality. The warriors were observing him, anticipating his next move.

They were standing close to the war room entrance, staring at him and the heavy wooden doors separating them from their Alpha. He pushed inside without their help.

Jared stood at the head of the table, his fingers gripping the edges as though the wood was the only thing keeping him upright. His dark hair was untidy, his face was thin, and his once-dominant demeanour had diminished to a barely controlled fury.

"They dare question me?" Nights of shouting had left his voice raw and hoarse. "After everything I’ve done for this pack?"

Samuel, one of the few loyalists left, shifted uncomfortably at his side. "Alpha, they think we are losing. Additionally, some people think that you have forgotten what is best for Midnight Moon.

Jared's head jerked up, and his blood-shot eyes met Samuel's. "And what do you believe?"

Samuel paused. "I think you must take action. Right now. Before the pack completely turns against you.

Jared gave a halting laugh. "You believe I am not aware of what they are saying? Do you really believe I do not see how they gaze at me? As if I were already a ghost?

The force of his fist hitting the table rattled the strewn-about maps and scrolls.

He snarled, "They forget who built this pack," "Who gave them their strength? who shed blood for them.

Kieran took a step forward. "Then remind them."

Jared twisted his face suspiciously and turned on him. "And how do you suggest I do that, Beta?"

Without flinching, Kieran looked him in the eye. "You can choose between two options. Get them back or put an end to the uprising before it gets out of control.

There was no humour in the smirk that curved Jared's lips. "And which side are you on, Kieran?"

There was silence in the room. Thick with unsaid realities, the tension was oppressive. Kieran was aware that the question was not merely ceremonial. It served as a test.

When Kieran finally said, "I serve Midnight Moon," "Not a dying cause."

Jared stopped grinning.

They were silent for a long time. Then, with a sharp exhale, Jared leaned back against the table slowly.

"There are traitors among us," he whispered inside. "And I will not tolerate betrayal."

He turned to face Samuel. "Assemble my most devoted fighters. Kill anyone who falters.

After hesitating, Samuel nodded.

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Kieran. Jared had no intention of restoring trust. He was attempting to use fear to gain control. And the foundation of fear was fragile.

Jared looked at the map of their territories while turning his back. "In two days, we will be moving on Redwater. No matter how ill-prepared we are, I do not care. We put an end to this before they become more powerful.

Kieran's fists clenched. This was a mistake, he knew. The pack was already fractured, their numbers dwindling. Now to force an attack would shatter them to pieces.

And perhaps—perhaps that was what had to occur.

He had been observing, waiting, and making calculations. However, Kieran saw the opportunity now that Jared had sealed Midnight Moon's fate with his own hands.

He was a warrior at heart. Maybe, though, it was time to grow into something more.

A figure moved into his path as he turned to go.

It was Dorian, one of the pack's most formidable fighters and a vociferous critic.

"Beta," Dorian muttered.

Kieran cast a sidelong glance. Jared had stopped paying attention.

Dorian leaned closer. "We’re ready when you are."

Kieran felt a shiver go down his back.

It was this. That was the time when Midnight Moon would either rise under a new leader or fall.

Kieran let out a slow breath and looked directly at Dorian.

"Then let’s finish this."

Dorian's words felt like a stone pressing down on Kieran's chest.

"When you are ready, we are ready too."

It was more than just a declaration. It was difficult. An epiphany.

Kieran's eyes darted past Dorian and scanned the dark hallway. There were more warriors waiting in the shadows, their eyes alert. A few had already made their decision. Some others awaited a sign.

And he was that sign.

There would be no going back if he came forward now and showed his disobedience. It would be considered treason by Jared. He would insist on blood.

Even though Kieran's heart was racing, he spoke steadily. "Not just yet."

Dorian scowled, obviously annoyed. "Jared is no longer in control." He is pulling Midnight Moon farther and deeper into the abyss with each choice he makes. Nothing will remain to save if we do not take action right away.

Kieran lowered his voice and said, "I know." However, we will be crushed if we move too quickly. We require the ideal time.

After hesitating, Dorian nodded slowly. "Then let us know when."

With a sigh, Kieran left, his thoughts racing.

There was more to Midnight Moon than just Jared's realm. Numerous wolves who had no say in the demise of their Alpha lived there. With Redwater on the verge of attacking, the pack would not survive if civil war broke out among its members.

He had to think. He required a strategy.

He had to first determine the extent of the rot's spread.

The pack was at its breaking point in terms of tension by nightfall.

In the training grounds, the warriors honed their blades and whispered to one another. Kieran could sense the waves of uneasiness washing over them. It was more than just Redwater phobia. They were afraid of one another.

Across the yard, he saw Samuel standing with a group of Jared's most devoted enforcers. Fingers twitching towards their weapons, they were suspiciously observing the rest of the pack.

Kieran came slowly. "What is going on?"

Samuel's jaw tightened as he turned. The fighters are not at ease. Some people are doubting the Redwater attack. He lowered his voice. "Fights occurred today."

Kieran's eyes narrowed. "How bad is it?"

"Two people are dead. Six more people were injured. Samuel gave him a look. "It is becoming more severe."

Kieran maintained a neutral face, but his heartbeat accelerated within. The Midnight Moon was disintegrating more quickly than he had anticipated.

Jared had always exercised dominance, but supremacy was meaningless if no one remained to exercise it. Instead of forcing them to split apart, the pack needed an Alpha who could bring them together.

Samuel examined him closely. "You seem to be at ease about everything."

Kieran looked up at him. "What do you want me to do? Fear?

Samuel remained silent. He instead turned to face the Alpha's quarters, where Jared was still imprisoned and preparing a war they were not prepared for.

"He has changed," Samuel muttered. "He is falling apart."

Kieran remained silent. He did not have to. Both of them were aware of the reality.

Jared's pack no longer included Midnight Moon. Not at all.

Whoever was strong enough to take it had it.

Kieran stood by himself on the cliffs that overlooked the valley hours later. Across the land, the moon's silvery radiance created long shadows as it hung heavy in the sky.

He had been by Jared's side for years, upholding his authority and stifling criticism. He had trusted in the pack's strength and Midnight Moon's strength.

Currently, however, they were losing that power.

He turned when he heard a noise behind him.

Dorian emerged from the shadows. "Now is the moment."

Kieran took a while to reply. He allowed the moment to weigh heavily on him.

There would be blood if he did something now. Jared refused to give up easily. His supporters would engage in death-defying combat.

However, Kieran would not have any more packs to save if he waited any longer.

He let out a slow exhale.

Then he gave a nod.

Dorian's eyes shone brightly. "At dawn, we move."

Kieran kept his gaze fixed on the valley.

This was Jared's empire.

Kieran would take it from him tomorrow.