Right Decision

Right Decision
JOSEPH

I couldn’t sleep that night. The moon hung outside my window like a pale eye, watching me, judging me. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Shanella’s face—tear-streaked, desperate, full of that strange, unshakable faith that I would do the right thing.

By dawn, I made my decision.

I had to save myself. And saving myself meant saving her.

I waited until the camp was still and quiet, most of the rogues sleeping off the night’s hunt. Then I slipped out of my room and headed to the far side of the compound where the prisoners’ quarters were.

Halfway there, I caught the scent of someone—female, rogue, but familiar.

“Joseph?” a soft voice whispered from the shadows.

I turned and saw Marla, one of the few rogue women in our pack who still had some sense of compassion left in her. She was small but quick, her dark hair tied back, her amber eyes sharp.

“What are you doing out here?” she asked.

I hesitated. “I need your help,” I said finally.

Her brows drew together. “With what?”

I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “With Shanella.”

Marla’s eyes widened. “Are you insane? If Terence finds out—”

“If Terence goes through with this, we’re all dead!” I snapped, my voice a harsh whisper. “You think the packs won’t retaliate? You think the king will let this slide? We’ll be slaughtered, Marla. All of us.”

She bit her lip, thinking. “What do you want me to do?”

“Help me get her out,” I said. “Tonight. Before the wedding.”

Marla blinked. “Get her out? Joseph, if anyone sees—”

“No one will,” I cut her off. “You can pretend to be her. Just long enough to fool the guards. I’ll take her out through the east side where the patrols are weakest.”

Marla was silent for a long time, then she nodded slowly. “You owe me for this,” she said.

“I know,” I replied.

Together, we crept to Shanella’s room. My heart was pounding so hard I was sure she could hear it from inside. I unlocked the door and slipped in, motioning for Marla to follow.

Shanella looked up at me, shocked. “Joseph?”

I crouched down beside her and started untying her hands. “No time to explain,” I said. “We’re getting you out of here.”

Her eyes widened, tears of relief welling up. “You’re serious?”

“Yes. But you need to run and never stop,” I said firmly. “Do you understand me? If they catch you, we’re all dead.”

“I understand,” she whispered.

Marla helped me untie her feet and then handed Shanella a dark cloak to cover herself.

“Who is she?” Shanella asked, glancing at Marla.

“Someone who’s risking her life for you,” I said. “She’ll stay here, pretend to be you until you’re far enough away.”

Shanella turned to Marla. “Thank you,” she said sincerely.

Marla nodded but said nothing.

I grabbed Shanella’s wrist gently and pulled her toward the back door. “Come on.”

The night air was cold against my skin, and every sound felt too loud—the crunch of leaves under our boots, the distant howl of wolves patrolling the perimeter.

When we reached the eastern edge of the camp, I stopped and turned to face her.

“This is it,” I said quietly. “Go straight east. There’s a stream about two miles from here. Follow it until you reach the ridge. You should smell pack wolves by then.”

Shanella nodded, her eyes wide but determined.

I swallowed hard. “You promised me,” I said, my voice low. “If you become Queen, you’ll pardon me. You’ll make sure no one hunts me down.”

“I swear,” she said without hesitation. “On my wolf’s honor.”

I let out a shaky breath. “Then run,” I said. “Run and don’t look back.”

For a second, she just stared at me. Then she threw her arms around me, hugging me tight.

“Thank you, Joseph,” she whispered. “You just saved us both.”

I froze, then awkwardly hugged her back. “Go,” I said roughly, pulling away.

She nodded once more, then turned and ran into the night, her cloak billowing behind her like a shadow.

I stood there, watching until she disappeared into the trees.

My heart was hammering in my chest, but for the first time in years, I felt like I could breathe.

I turned and made my way back toward the camp, my mind racing.

Marla would keep up the act for as long as she could, but eventually, Terence would realize something was wrong.

And when he did, there would be hell to pay.

But at least Shanella would be gone.

At least I had done something right.

When I slipped back into my room, I collapsed on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Tomorrow, everything would change.