Reule's Desperation

A few hours ago...

Reule's heart hammered with worry as to where Wren was. She had been missing for almost a day, and his patience was running out. He didn't like the silence in Yannis's quarters, nor the way his warlock friend seemed torn, as though holding something back. Reule could sense the tension that radiated from Yannis.

Reule went to Yannis to gather some information.

"Yannis," he demanded, his voice taut.

"If there's anything you know, anything at all that could lead us to Wren, I need to hear it now. Her life could depend on it."

Yannis's gaze flickered, hesitating. Then, he closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, there was a deep regret reflected in his expression. "Reule… I do know something. Two hours ago I had a premonition," he said, barely a whisper.

Reule took a step forward, his fists clenched, every muscle in his body tense.

"Then why didn't you come to me sooner?"

Yannis looked away, his face shadowed by a mixture of guilt and reluctance.

"Because… it's about Lila," he confessed.

"Reule, she's involved. I saw her discussing with someone about removing Wren here."

Yannis's words hit Reule like a punch to the gut. He felt his chest tighten with anger and disbelief.

"Remove her? What exactly do you mean by that, Yannis?"

Yannis took a deep breath before speaking. He was torn between one of his closest friends and his destined wife.

"She had been paid by someone from the Black Pack to lure Wren away from the pack. But I don't think she meant for the Black Pack to be involved or for Wren to get hurt. She just wanted Wren… gone."

Reule's fists clenched tighter as he struggled to contain the storm of betrayal and rage. He felt a burning need to confront Lila and make her understand the gravity of what she'd done.

"Lila," he hissed.

"She actually believes she can get away with this?"

Yannis's gaze dropped, and a heavy silence fell between them. When he spoke again, his voice was filled with regret.

"There's more, Reule. I… I need to tell you something that's been kept between us. Lila… she's my mate. She was the woman who made me come here. I didn't know it at first but after the premonition earlier, it was revealed to me."

Reule's mind went blank in shock.

"Your mate?" he asked, his voice barely audible.

Yannis nodded, his face strained, and pain flickering in his eyes.

"Yes," he said, almost in a whisper.

"I thought of telling you after the premonition but… I wasn't sure how you'd react, especially with Lila's… feelings toward Wren and to you. But it ignoring doesn't help with anything. It wouldn't let Lila to me. And this is why I am telling you this."

Reule's jaw tightened, and he took a deep, steadying breath.

"So, let me understand this... You're telling me that your mate-a member of our my pack-has been scheming to remove Wren, a threat she's imagined for herself. And now you want me to spare her?"

"Please, Reule... don't hurt Lila," he said softly.

"If you find her, and if Wren is safe, let Lila go. I'm not asking you to forgive her actions-I know they're inexcusable. But don't harm her. Send her away if you must. Just… don't take her life."

Reule's fury surged once more, but he was trying to control it. He respected Yannis, and they'd fought side by side for years, but this request felt like an impossible burden to bear.

"And you expect me to ignore the betrayal she's inflicted on this pack?" Reule asked, his voice trembling.

"No," Yannis replied, shaking his head.

"I know it's too much to ask, but she's my mate, Reule. I can't bear the thought of her…"

He trailed off, unable to finish the sentence, the anguish clear in his eyes.

Reule's gaze remained hard, but he could feel Yannis would not waver. He understood loyalty, and he knew how powerful the bond between mates was. For all Lila's treachery, he couldn't bring himself to deny Yannis's plea entirely. With a slow exhale, he nodded reluctantly.

"Fine," he said through gritted teeth.

"Help me find Wren, and I know what punishment I will give Lila."

Yannis' eyebrow arched in curiosity.

"What do you have in mind?"

Reule looked him in the eyes and said, "Yannis, you are a dear friend to me and Lila is Landon's sister. She was supposed to be important, but what she did was unacceptable. And so... since she was your mate... I wanted her banished and gone. But for her safety... she will marry you and you will take her with you."

"I understand. Thank you, Reule," Yannis said in relief.

He was actually expecting Reule to imprison Lila for days, but his decision somehow brought to Yannis. He had been waiting for his mate to be revealed and found. And now that he did, Yannis planned not to let go and let her be with him for the rest of their life.

Reule gave a curt nod, barely able to meet Yannis's gaze. A bitter taste filled his mouth at the thought of letting Lila escape harsh consequences, but he forced it down. He'd made a promise, and Reule's word was his bond.

"Now, Yannis, do you know who paid Lila? Is it the plan of Black Pack to wage war with my pack?"

"It's Acwulf. But he is not doing this as mandated by the Alpha of the Black Pack. This was personal. I had a premonition of him dying and only a unique female could help him out. And since then, I think he has been obsessed with looking for her. He thinks it's Wren."

"Stupid! Wren is not the only female. What he didn't just ask you who was the female he had been looking?"

"I couldn't see the face."

Reule sighed out of irritation and frustration.

"Acwulf was still part of the Black Pack. Regardless of what he does, the Alpha of their pack would not just sit there and not avenge him if anything happens to him."

Yannis nodded.

"What do you need me to do?"

"Go to the Black Pack. I wanted you to negotiate with the Alpha not to interfere. Regardless of what happened to Acwulf, they should not help him. Acwulf had made a decision that could jeopardize their pack, he must face the problem alone. Again, Yannis, don't let the Black Pack be involved. And are you able to talk to Acwulf by your mind?"

Yannis was surprised by Reule's plan. He planned not to go back to the Black Pack. But for the safety of Lila, he would do anything.

"What do you want me to say to him?"

"Divert his attention. I wanted to look for Wren during the moments that Acwulf was not around."

"Hmmm... I think I would be able to fool him for a few minutes. But you must act fast because Acwulf is not stupid. He must even have a witch or warlock's help, too."

"Could he do that?"

"A person would do anything to save himself and for sure he had planned this well."

Reule nodded. Then, Yannis turned and exited the room, his footsteps fading into the night. Reule watched him go, his heart pounding as the weight of what lay ahead settled over him. The stakes were higher than ever, and there was no room for error.

Reule clenched his fists, steeling himself. Lila's actions may have endangered the entire pack, but Wren's safety was his priority now. He would find her-no matter what.

As he stood alone, his resolve hardened. Whatever deals, betrayals, or sacrifices it took, Reule would see this through. Wren's life depended on it.