Chapter 89: Shadow Conspiracy

Caire POV

The night air clung to my skin like a warning.  Chilly. Yet too silent.

Two days had passed since the Lunar Council approved the alliance. Two days after Rowan was taken, the serpent sigil was scorched into our memories. Yet still, no solutions—just murmurs.

I had not slept much. Always active, my mind was trying to fit together what we lacked. Rowan was still missing despite Derek's increased Redwater security and scouts dispatched in all directions. The worst was the Council's silence from those who had always spoken the loudest.

Something felt off.

I had to talk to Soraya today. She was among the handful I trusted up here in the mountains. Her insights were keen, her instincts keener. Should anyone know what was truly going on behind closed doors, it was her.

I came across her strolling the stone corridor winding around the outer temple. She did not seem shocked to see me.

"You are concerned," she said sans welcome.

I agreed. More than that. Something is wrong. This threat—whoever is behind it—they knew about the vote. They sent that scroll before it occurred. That is not only planning. That is an entry.

Soraya's lips thinned. You believe in inside involvement.

I do.

She said nothing. She instead gazed across the valley, the early morning sun barely piercing the fog. "There have been... changes," she said gently. Tensions growing where none previously existed. Tomas has become distant. Overly cautious. He once spoke openly. He now sees every word.

I squinted. Has he mentioned anything unusual?

Soraya paused before adding, "Three nights ago, I heard him arguing with Elias, one of the younger council aides. Something regarding power and "restoring the natural order." At the time, I did not give it much thought.

I felt sick. Do you know where Elias is at present?

She agreed. He assists in organising the reports and scrolls arriving from scouts. Should someone be leaking information or creating threats, he would have the means to access it.

"Then I have to talk to him," I said, already moving towards the inner library where scrolls were stored.

Ancient, dusty but vibrant with life, the library of the temple was. Scrolls piled in immaculate rows under shelves towering over me. I crept down the aisles till I heard motion. Near the back corner, where fewer people dared to go, a flicker of shadow passed.

Elias, I shouted.

No response.

I moved forward carefully. Elias, I only want to speak.

No response still.

But I heard it at that time. Inhaling. Uneven, acute.

Turning the corner, I discovered Elias crouched over a scroll, hands shaking. His eyes were wide with terror as he looked up to see me.

You should not be here, he said quietly.

Why not? I moved nearer. What are you concealing?

In his haste, he toppled a pile of scrolls but managed to stand. I put up a hand.

Hold on. I beg you. I am not here to harm you. I require solutions, though. Regarding the scroll. Regarding Rowan.

His shoulders drooped. I had no idea they would go that far.

I felt a pang. "So you are engaged?"

Not in that way. I was meant to relay messages. That is all. I had no idea they intended to take anybody.

Who sent you the messages?

He wavered.

"Elias," I said, softer this time, "please."

He glanced about and then moved closer. Tomás. Revik, one of the outer council guards. The council, they claimed, had to be reset. New blood was required. That Redwater's partnership would undermine everything.

What did you think of them?

At first, I did not. They claimed, however, that the Flame would restore equilibrium. That she would bring justice to the packs long neglected. They claimed Claire and Derek were diversions.

I looked at him. The Fire?

He agreed. She is genuine. She is already one of us. She even has followers inside this temple.

A shiver ran down my back. Do you have any idea where Rowan is?

Not at all. Still, they brought up the Shadow Caverns. I believe that is where they have brought him. It is not far from here. Deep below.

I rose fast. You have to accompany me. You will inform the rest of them—

But a loud sound interrupted me.

Footsteps. Weighty. Operating.

Then a scream.

I dashed to the front of the library and stopped.

Elias had left.

A red stain was left on the wall in his absence. The snake sigil. New. Still losing blood.

My heart pounded in my chest. He had been taken by someone. And left a note just for me.

I dashed directly to Derek after leaving the library.

"They are here," I said. Within the temple. This is part of someone on the council—or more than one.

Derek had faith in me. He never did. But I noticed the burden in his gaze.

He stated, "We have to act now." We can not wait for permission if they are attempting to undermine the council from within.

We rounded up three of our Redwater guards and Soraya. Quiet, armed, concentrated.

We moved in the direction of the Shadow Caverns.

Sealed by ancient stones, they were concealed behind a waterfall close to the cliffs. Few went there anymore—too deep, too forgotten.

The temperature fell the moment we walked in. The way became narrower and the air wetter. Footfall echoes ricocheted off the jagged walls.

We then heard it.

One voice.

Soft. Chants.

I waved for the rest to cease. Derek came on with me and we looked around the corner.

There, in a faint circle of firelight, stood Tomas.

Beside him, Revik. And five more people dressed in black, their faces obscured.

In the middle, tied to the wall—Rowan.

He was feeble. Losing blood. Still living.

Tomas held a torch aloft.

He shouted, "The old ways have failed us!" The council has become weak. Now they bow to outsiders. For her!

He indicated a rough cave wall painting of the serpent and the flame.

The Flame shall rise! We will reclaim what was ours!

The robed people applauded.

Derek then entered the light.

Not at all. You will not.

The traitors spun around, surprised.

Tomas scoffed. Derek, too late. The Flame has already commanded her.

But I also left.

Lies have worn me out.

The room stopped moving.

Tomas appeared astonished. "You..." You were never meant to—

I shoved him backwards quickly. Derek seized Revik and threw him to the floor. The Redwater guards burst into the chamber.

A battle ensued. Quick. Harsh.

We were more powerful, though.

The shadowy figures ran away. Revik lay unconscious. Tomas attempted to flee, but I stopped him.

I said, "I trusted you." You let Rowan suffer.

Tomas said, breathless, "He stood in the way." He selected frailty.

I said no. "He picked respectability."

I got Rowan up off the ground. He groaned, barely conscious. 

Derek stated, "We have to remove him from here."

We acted fast. Behind us, the tunnels quivered.

Rowan moved just as we surfaced, the sun rising over the mountains.

“They said… the Flame is coming,” he whispered.  "Not only for Redwater." For everyone.

I gazed at Derek.