Chapter 28
KAEL’S POV
According to Duskbane’s intel, Elara had treated a specific pack in the werewolf territory once. The Moon White Pack—they’d battled some enigmatic disease. Word was it had been brutal, but if it led me to her, the trek would be worth every grueling step.
I couldn’t wrap my head around it. She’d ventured all the way into werewolf lands? Alone? It sounded like courting disaster barefoot. My wolf cringed at the image of her struggles, and it was my doing.
I didn’t dawdle. I geared up to slip out of the Lycan realm quietly. I fed Seraphina and my beta a story about routine business, saying I’d travel low-key.
Seraphina’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, like she was judging my every word, but instead of grilling me, she shrugged and yanked me into an embrace.
I exhaled as I boarded the carriage, glancing back at the palace. With any luck, on the return, Elara would be right here beside me. With any luck, she’d forgive me and hear me out.
After three solid days trudging through woods and dense thickets, we reached the Moon White Pack. I’d dispatched a letter ahead, announcing my arrival.
Alpha Kane waited at his palace’s grand entry. It resembled an old estate with solid defenses and a mystical feel. Guards around him shifted, eyeing us warily like potential threats—or worse. Next to the Alpha was an older man. Oddly, he seemed the friendliest of the bunch.
The carriage halted, and I stepped down. “So,” I whispered to Fenwick, my trusted guard, “the Alpha greets visitors personally?”
Fenwick shrugged, scanning the scene. “Probably just wary, Lycan. Your visit notice only hit two days back.”
“Huh… makes sense.” Better vigilant than ambushed—smart leader.
“Lycan Kael,” Alpha Kane said, advancing. He had a polished stride that felt relaxed but wasn’t. He moved forward, sizing me up like a predator assessing prey.
“Alpha Kane,” I replied, offering my arm. With a faint smile, he clasped it.
“Honored to host you in my pack,” he said, his tone even but guarded. The elder beside him dipped his head.
“I’m Elder Theo,” he introduced.
“Pleasure, Elder Theo,” I said with a small smile.
Kane motioned toward his palace. “Please, come inside.”
We headed in together, our guards trailing, Elder Theo at Kane’s side. My gaze roamed the place. The palace felt timeless, with a welcoming ethereal vibe. Once inside, Kane turned to me.
“Let’s skip the pleasantries and go to my office, yes?”
“Yes,” I agreed. “Let’s.” I appreciated his directness—the quicker I got details on Elara’s location, the better. But my instincts warned this guy wouldn’t spill easily.
He guided me to a plush office, his guards posting outside. Mine were directed elsewhere; I told Fenwick to stand watch by Kane’s door, just in case. Elder Theo joined us, along with Kane’s beta.
“Have a seat,” Kane indicated the wooden chair across from his leather one. As he sat, his eyes pierced mine. Elder Theo took the couch behind me, while his beta loomed at his back.
I figured Elder Theo wasn’t your average elder, or he wouldn’t be in here.
“So,” Kane started, “what brings you here?”
I straightened, cutting to the chase. “I’ll be upfront—I’m seeking a healer.”
The room’s tension spiked instantly; his beta’s eyes narrowed. Kane’s brows lifted. “An outbreak in your clan?” he asked, suspicion lacing his words.
“Well,” I rubbed my palms, “it’s minor now… but untreated, I worry it could turn lethal and threaten my pack.”
Kane shook his head slowly. “That’s how it started here, until a passing healer intervened.”
Passing? That smelled like a dodge.
“Yeah, I heard. That’s why I made the trip,” I kept my expression neutral, but inside I was boiling. Where was she? I needed her now.
“Ah,” he shook his head. “Naturally. Word must’ve traveled, but I’m surprised it reached the Lycan realm so fast.”
I chuckled lightly, holding my facade. “Well, we’re all wolves, Lycan or werewolf. Gossip flies.”
He shrugged. “Suppose so.”
Even as he played casual, I sensed the unease pouring off him; his beta looked downright fidgety. Couldn’t gauge Elder Theo from this angle, but I bet it matched.
“So,” I prodded, “mind if I borrow her for my clan?”
“Sure,” Kane said, reclining. I was stunned by his ease. “Sadly,” he frowned, “I’ve no clue where she is now.”
My optimism crashed, my mouth twisting down. Hard to tell if he was truthful or toying. “Why not?” I pressed, my words rushing despite myself. “You’d track someone who saved your pack, right?”
He plucked a fruit from a bowl on his desk I hadn’t noticed. “She’s not local, Lycan Kael, and she kept to herself. We were just fortunate she showed up.”
Wow—the textbook evasion. The enigma healer appeared, then poofed away. Flawless alibi. My expression soured; no hints, no trails. And Kane wasn’t coughing up Elara’s name, let alone details.
“But,” his look softened, “I can hook you up with a solid healer, or one near her level.”
“Appreciated,” I said.
“But if word gets back that you’re after her specifically,” he added.
My eyes locked on his. Tough to read if he was bluffing or genuine. From what I’d pieced about Kane, he was a ruler who mastered his feelings, balanced and unyielding, not slipping easily. I admired that.
“Thanks,” I said.
“Oh,” he waved it off. “No need. We’re both leaders; we can’t stand by while our people suffer.”
“Agreed,” I nodded. “Agreed. In that case, you wouldn’t mind if I crashed here for the night?”