Chapter 165

Ashir POV :

I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Smith's words had planted a seed of doubt in my mind, and I couldn't help but wonder if Malachi was truly what he seemed.

And then there was Mitchell. Her sudden interest in me was flattering, but also suspicious. I couldn't understand why she would suddenly develop feelings for me, and her attempts to seduce me seemed almost... calculated.

I began to observe her behavior more closely, and I noticed that she would often glance at Malachi, thinking about the lasy time Malachi visited. as if seeking approval. It was as if she was playing a role, but I couldn't figure out what her true intentions were.

My mind was a whirlwind of questions and doubts. Was Mitchell working with Malachi? Were they trying to manipulate me for some reason?

I decided to keep my distance from both of them, at least until I could figure out what was going on. But it was hard to concentrate on anything else, as my mind was consumed by suspicion and curiosity.

I immediately summoned Smith to my chambers, my mind racing with questions. "Smith, what have you learned so far?" I asked, my eyes fixed on his.

Smith hesitated, his expression serious. "Not much, Ashir. But I think I know where we need to start looking for answers."

"Where's that?" I pressed, my curiosity piqued.

Smith's eyes locked onto mine. "The Darkmoon Pack. We need to go there, to see Malachi."

My brow furrowed in surprise. "Malachi? Why do you so attach on Malachi! Why him always. He's the only one by my side now you know” 

Smith's expression turned grim. "That's exactly why we need to talk to him, alpha . I think he's hiding something, and I think it's connected to whatever is going on right now. Mitchell and Malachi interest is unclear. I'm scared that something terrible is coming soon from them.”

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities. "Very well, Smith. Let's go to the Darkmoon Pack. We'll get to the bottom of this.”

I led the way out of the castle, my senses on high alert. Smith walked behind me, his eyes scanning the surroundings. As we approached the forest, he suddenly stopped.

"Alpha Ashir, wait," he whispered urgently.

I turned to him, my ears perked up. "What is it, Smith?"

He nodded towards the trees. "I saw a shadow hiding behind that oak. I'll be right back."

I growled softly, my eyes fixed on the tree. Smith slipped away, his movements silent as a ghost. I waited, my heart pounding in anticipation.

Moments later, Smith returned, his eyes gleaming with confusion"what…. No one there" he yelled. 

My ears perked up in surprise.  “Do you say you saw someone just now?" 

"Yes my lord, I'm certain I saw someone” Smith responded, her mind full of worriedness and surprise.

I shake my head. 

"Okay, Let's go," I growled, my tail twitching with anticipation. " Don't be distracted. We need to get to the bottom of this."

With Smith at my back, we ventured into the forest, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Just as we proceeded, I heard a stage footsteps struggling to walk through the forest and the sound became louder this time.

“Do you hear that!” Smith said, his voice full of confidence.

I  watched  Smith approach the tree, his movements cautious with his sword holding tightly in his hand. Suddenly, a figure emerged from behind a try as Smith had predicted. 

Smith moved closer, his eyes fixed on a girl.

I growled, my instincts on high alert. Something wasn't right.

Smith reached out, his hand grasping for her arm. But before he could touch her, she pulled out a knife and plunged it into her own chest.

My eyes widened in shock as she fell to the ground, her eyes locking onto mine. With a faint whisper, she spoke her final words: "Don't trust anyone."

I felt a chill run down my spine as her eyes glazed over, her body going limp. Smith's eyes met mine, his face pale with shock.

"What just happened?" he breathed.

I shook my head, my mind racing. Who was this girl? And what did she mean by her warning?

But before I could process the situation, Smith spoke up. "Alpha Ashir, I think we need to get out of here. Now."

I nodded, my senses on high alert. Something was off, and I trusted Smith's instincts. Together, we retreated back to the castle, our minds reeling with questions and doubts. Who could we trust? And what lay ahead?

I couldn't shake off the feeling that returning to my castle was a mistake. The mysterious girl's warning echoed in my mind, "Don't trust anyone." I turned to Smith, and my decision was made. "We need to keep moving, Smith. We'll head to the Darkmoon Pack, but we'll take a different route."

Smith nodded, his eyes understanding. We changed course, our journey taking us through a winding road that led us deeper into the forest. As we approached the Darkmoon Pack's territory, I was impressed by the soldiers securing the borders. Malachi's hard work was evident, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of confusion. Who was the real Malachi? The diligent leader or the suspected traitor?

As we reached the boundary, we were stopped by a group of guards. "Halt! Who goes there?" one of them called out.

I stepped forward, my alpha presence commanding attention. "I am Alpha Ashir, and this is Smith. We come in peace, seeking an audience with Malachi."

The guards exchanged uncertain glances, clearly unaware of what to do. One of them stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Alpha Ashir. Malachi has given strict orders to deny any visitors."

My eyes narrowed, my mind racing with possibilities. What was Malachi hiding? And who could I trust?

I  growled low in my throat, my patience wearing thin. "I don't care about Malachi's orders," I snarled, my eyes flashing with alpha intensity. "I demand to see him immediately. I will not be denied."

The guards exchanged nervous glances, clearly intimidated by my demeanor. One of them stepped forward, his voice trembling slightly. "I-I'll need to check with Malachi, Alpha. Please, wait here."

I took a step closer, my voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "I won't wait. Take me to Malachi now, or face the consequences."

The guard's eyes widened, and he quickly nodded. "Y-yes, Alpha. Follow me."

I gestured to Smith, and together we followed the guard through the pack's territory. My senses were on high alert, my instincts screaming that something was off. I could feel it in my bones - Malachi was hiding something, and I was determined to uncover the truth.