Chapter 13
RONAN’S POV
(Three Days Earlier)
A guard entered my office, his boots echoing on the stone floor. “A letter for you, Sire,” he said, placing a scroll on my desk before offering a curt bow and slipping out silently.
I snatched the parchment, unrolling it with a flick of my wrist. My eyes skimmed the words—Moon White Pack, begging for our healers’ aid. A strange illness was plaguing their children, one they couldn’t name but we’d conquered here. The letter carried the sharp tang of desperation, each word a plea for help.
I tossed it aside, dragging a hand through my hair as unease settled heavy in my chest. Something felt wrong—off, like a misstep in the dark. Even my Wolf stirred, restless. This wasn’t just a cry for aid; it was something more.
Without hesitation, I called for Tavian, my beta. “Verify this,” I said, handing him the scroll. “And find out if they know anything about Elana or her blood.”
Tavian nodded sharply. “At once, Sire.” He left as quickly as he’d come.
I tried to shake the thoughts clouding my mind. Elana wasn’t just a problem anymore—she was a puzzle I couldn’t ignore. Not because of the bond, no. That was only part of it. Something deeper gnawed at me. I told myself it was nothing, just fleeting desire. I couldn’t let it spiral, not for my sake, and definitely not for hers.
(Present)
I stood on the veranda, watching the carriage carrying Elana vanish into the distance. The sun hung low, half-hidden by clouds, casting long shadows across the palace grounds.
“You’re certain it’s from the Moon White Pack?” I asked Tavian, who stood beside me, his face grim.
“Yes, Sire. A strange sickness, mostly striking their young. Identical to what we faced here.”
“Then I’ve no cause for concern,” I said, my voice steady as I turned from the window. Tavian trailed close behind.
But then I caught sight of the guard who’d delivered the scroll. He was slinking into a shadowed corner, eyes darting like a cornered beast. My breath caught. He was heading for the southern entrance—a hidden passage few knew, fewer used.
“Tavian,” I said, my tone sharp.
“Sire?”
“Follow him.”
Tavian’s gaze tracked mine. “Right away, Sire.”
Back in my office, I paced, each step measured but heavy. A gnawing instinct screamed that Elana was walking into a trap. I needed proof before I could act.
Moments later, Tavian burst in, dragging the guard, who was trembling, eyes wide with fear. The man collapsed to his knees, gasping.
Tavian dropped a set of keys on my desk. “As you suspected, Sire. He was heading for the southern gate with these.”
My gaze locked on the guard. “Where were you going?” I demanded, my voice like ice.
“To… to fetch something,” he stammered, avoiding my eyes.
“Through the southwest gate?” I stepped closer, looming. “Do you think I’m a fool?”
His body shook, his eyes searching for an escape that wasn’t there.
“The scroll,” I pressed. “Was it tampered with? Switched?”
His shudder at the question was answer enough. I was right—something was wrong.
“Tavian, search his quarters. Bring me anything—or anyone—suspicious.”
Tavian nodded and left. I turned back to the guard, my voice a low growl. “How did you get those keys? And who put you up to this?”
“Please… save me,” he whispered. “I only followed orders.”
“Who?”
“Lady Marcelline.”
The name burned like venom. Marcelline? Why?
The guard quaked, lips trembling. I grabbed his collar, yanking him close. “Explain,” I snarled.
“She wanted the healer dead,” he blurted. “When she learned the Moon White Pack would seek aid, she acted first. Intercepted their letter, forced me to deliver a forgery.”
My eyes widened, then narrowed to slits. I released him, and he crumpled, begging. “Forgive me, Alpha, I only obeyed—” His words choked off as my claws slashed his throat. He collapsed with a dull thud. I wiped the blood on my jeans, standing tall.
Tavian returned, his eyes flicking to the body before he shook his head. He dropped a stack of letters and papers on my desk. “This man was receiving secret messages from an unknown source,” he said. “All aimed at one target: Elana.” He held up a single scroll. “This is the true request from the Moon White Pack. Someone set this up to ensure her death.”
I exhaled heavily, raking a hand through my hair. “What’s your order, Alpha?” Tavian asked. “Shall I dig deeper?”
“No. Send the guards. Find Elana. I’ll deal with this myself.”
By “this,” I meant Marcelline. I couldn’t risk exposing her as the mastermind—not yet.
I stormed to her chambers. She was about to leave but froze when she saw me.
“I was just coming to find you,” she said, a faint smile on her lips.
“Funny,” I said with a cold chuckle. “So was I.”
Her eyes widened as she stepped back. My hand shot out, grabbing her arm. I shoved her into the room, slamming the door shut. I dragged her to the center.
“Are you completely brainless?” I roared. “Or just reckless? When did you stop thinking?”
“What?” she gasped, eyes wide with mock innocence. “What have I done?”
“You dared to forge the Moon White Pack’s scroll? Endanger innocent lives?”
Her gaze hardened, defiance replacing her shock. “So that’s what this is about?” She yanked her arm free. “I did it for our pack’s good!”
“Good?” I scoffed. “By setting up an ambush on our best healer while she aided an ally? That’s your idea of good?”
She swallowed, tears pooling. “I can’t stand how she looks at you. I fear she’s plotting against you—against us!”
I ran a hand through my hair, exasperated. “Are you mad? You nearly sparked a war between packs. Do you even think?”
“Ronan!” she shouted. “Her presence weakens us!”
“Enough!” I growled. “Don’t test me.”
“Test you?” she echoed, incredulous. “Is this about the pack, Ronan? Or about her? I’ve seen it—the way you soften around her, the light in your eyes. You don’t even seek me out anymore!” Her voice broke, bitter. “I did this because I couldn’t bear losing you.”
I exhaled sharply, stepping back to sink into a chair by her desk. “I’m terrified, Ronan,” she said, moving closer, her hands cupping my face. “I’m scared I’ll lose you—and everything else.”