Many people had gathered around the border, watching as rogues fought for their lives against the pack's soldiers and hunters. The air was thick with tension and the metallic scent of blood. In the center, a lone figure exuded an icy aura. It was General Aaron from the Crimson Stone Pack, his presence commanding and formidable.
General Aaron had killed many rogues today, far more than usual. He had received information from Alpha Victor about rogues lurking near their territory over the past months. However, he didn’t expect this many. From the usual one to three trespassers, he had already captured and killed about fifteen rogues, and the day wasn’t even over yet.
Questions plagued his mind: Where did these rogues come from? Why were there so many of them now? And why did they refuse to talk or listen? They seemed blind and deaf to human words, driven solely by their wolf instincts, attacking with relentless fury.
General Aaron had no choice but to slay them quickly before they could inflict more damage, especially to the skilled hunters and soldiers who protected the borders with their lives.
“Set the bodies on fire,” General Aaron ordered his men after another chaotic skirmish.
They saluted respectfully before leaving to carry out his orders. At the same time, a faithful servant, acting as a messenger, came running to him, breathless and urgent.
“General, there’s something you must know. It’s about the main south border,” the servant panted.
“What happened? Is it infiltrated too?” General Aaron asked, worry creeping into his voice.
The servant shook his head. “No, but General Peter found something odd.” He glanced around before cautiously moving closer to reveal, “Someone saw Luna Alicia sneaking out last night. Another soldier said he’s seen her doing it for the past couple of nights and is the reason why many rogues have come to attack saying it’s probably due to her scent...”
“That’s ridiculous,” General Aaron said while frowning. “Luna wouldn’t do that.”
While he didn’t wish to pry into women's matters, Luna Alicia was still the head mother figure of their pack, the chosen wife and mate of Alpha Victor. But still, she was too immaculate to do such a thing.
Or was she?
“Who else knows about this?” General Aaron asked.
“Just General Peter, you, Sir, and that soldier,” the servant replied.
A deep sigh escaped General Aaron's mouth. He huffed and uttered deeply, “Don’t let anyone know, especially Alpha.”
The servant nodded. “What about Luna Alicia? Are we going to confront her?”
A cold glint reflected in General Aaron’s eyes. Before he could answer, a loud growl echoed from the distance.
“Rogues! More rogues!” someone shouted from the hill.
General Aaron hissed. “Just stay quiet for now. We’ll deal with her once this is over.” He then faced his men, ordering in a thundering voice, “Prepare for battle!”
***
“What are you saying? Kael will have another mate aside from the Night Ridge Pack bride?” Alpha Prince Lorenzo asked his loyal beta, Rui, his face full of shock.
“The announcement from Alpha Jake, Prince,” Rui said. “I believe the new bride candidate will come today.”
Lorenzo slammed his fists on the table, the wood creaking under the force. “Nonsense!” He began pacing back and forth, his anger barely contained. “Did he not think about Naya at all? How can he let this happen?”
As he cursed Kael in his mind, another visitor arrived. It was his own mate, Alpha Princess Jewel of the Lotus Maiden Pack. She entered with an air of sophisticated grace, her presence commanding attention.
Without preamble, she demanded, “The captured rogues. Please release them.”
Lorenzo had heard about the rogues captured by his brother Zeke last night, but as far as he knew, the matter had been taken care of. Confusion clouded his features as he stared at the princess he was destined to marry. “Why would I release them? They are rogues who trespassed on our territory.”
Jewel shook her head, her voice calm yet determined. “They are not rogues. They are our hunters.”
Lorenzo was stunned. Did he hear her correctly? Those rogues were actually part of the Lotus Maiden Pack? He struggled to believe it. He knew the Lotus Maiden Pack consisted mostly of female members, with only a few males on their warrior list. He had trained with them once when he and Zeke visited a camp near their secluded territory.
“I can’t grant your wish, Princess Jewel,” Lorenzo said honestly, his voice firm.
“Is that so?” Jewel responded, letting out a sigh. “That’s too bad, I guess. It can’t be helped.”
Lorenzo and Rui exchanged puzzled glances. Jewel was indeed a strange woman.
“I hope you understand,” Lorenzo said, his tone softening slightly.
Jewel responded with a small, forced smile before turning to leave.
Later in the day, Lorenzo went out to check if Kael and Naya had arrived from their trip. He realized he had been too gullible and underestimated Jewel. On their way to the border to aid Alpha Prince Zeke in monitoring the water levels of the rivers, Rui delivered an urgent message.
“The rogues have escaped,” Rui said, his voice filled with urgency and striking Lorenzo with shock. “The soldiers said it was done by a woman!”
***
Kael and Naya had been away from the pack for at least three nights. Over the short period of time, Kael didn’t expect things would change so drastically. As he glanced outside through the carriage window, he was met with a strange sight – two lines of soldiers, led by General Argus, stood at attention.
“Did they lock the pack or what?” Kael said, raising an eyebrow.
At the same time, Jed returned with a message. “Alpha Prince, it seems there have been more rogue attacks than usual over the past three days. Alpha Prince Zeke sent those soldiers to escort us back to the main village.”
Kael hummed, watching the soldiers. His relationship with Zeke had always been neutral. Zeke usually let him do what he wanted, but Kael knew Zeke hated rogues the most. And Naya, Kael’s mate, was still considered a rogue at this time.
Thinking of her, Kael glanced at his side. Naya sat with her eyes closed, a serene look on her face. Kael had sensed something was off about her since they left the sanctuary, but her quietness had kept him from asking.
“Let them escort us, then,” Kael said.
Jed was stunned. “Are you sure, Alpha Prince?”
Kael leaned back in his seat. “Yes. Let them be. I’m too tired to fight anyone right now.” He didn’t want Naya to stay at the border for too long.
Jed quickly obeyed. But just as he was about to reach General Argus, a loud screeching sound filled the air. The ground vibrated with the noise.
Kael stepped out of the carriage. The humor in his eyes vanished as he looked at the sky. A flock of birds flew past the treetops, appearing as though they were fleeing from something.
“Rogues!” a male voice screamed from a distance.
In a heartbeat, General Argus ordered his troops, “Assemble!”
Jed worriedly looked at Kael. They had just returned from a trip, and rogues were already welcoming them back. How unlucky could they be?
“Jed, go inside and watch Naya.”
Jed, who was busy preparing for battle, stopped at the sudden order. He looked at Kael with confusion and worry. “Prince, I can’t do that. I have to assist you no matter–”
“Must I repeat myself?” Kael asked, a smirk playing on his lips at Jed's nervous look. “Just go and watch her for me, won’t you?”
Clenching his hands, Jed let out a small huff before turning back to the carriage, obeying Kael’s words. Before heading in, he heard Kael hum and chuckle, uttering in a quiet voice that stopped him in his tracks, “A hundred of them, hm? Well, isn't this interesting?”
Jed’s eyes widened, his face draining of color.
A hundred…
It couldn’t be…