Ravens and wolf

Heather - POV

My mind was a mess all morning, swirling with unanswered question where is Kayden. “Luna, you have visitors,” Harris announced, his tone casual, as if everything was normal.

“Any call from Kayden? Any update?” I asked quickly, my voice tight with worry. Harris shook his head.

“Nothing,” he said simply, and I let out a frustrated sigh. Kayden’s phone was still off. I’d tried him over and over, but nothing.

Where could he be? And why wouldn’t he tell me anything? Even Harris had no answers, which only deepened the gnawing anxiety clawing at me.

“Hey! How are you holding up?” Janice’s chipper voice pulled me out of my thoughts as she walked in. I managed a faint smile and hugged her briefly. Behind her stood Rosaline, quiet as ever, her body tense like she was ready for an attack.

“She’s so uptight,” Janice muttered under her breath, shaking her head toward Rosaline.

“I don’t trust her,” Rosaline snapped, her sharp eyes landing on me like daggers. “She’s Luna, and we’re Ravens. She could kill us if she wanted to.”

Her accusation stung, but I kept my face calm. “Don’t forget, I’m a Raven too,” I reminded her, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Well,” Rosaline spat, “you’re pregnant with the Alpha’s child, so you’re safe. And more than that, you’re his mate. We’re the ones in danger here, not you.”

Her words were harsh, but I could see through them to the fear beneath. She was on edge—not just for herself but for her baby.

She’d given birth recently, and the thought of her child being in harm’s way clearly haunted her. I understood that.

“You’re not going to say anything back, are you?” she hissed, clearly expecting a fight.

“No,” I said calmly, folding my hands in my lap. “Let it all out, if it helps.”

That seemed to throw her off. She stared at me for a moment before cautiously taking a seat across from me. Janice hesitated, her eyes flicking between us like she was bracing for a battle to erupt.

“What did you call us for, Heather?” Janice finally asked, her tone measured as she glanced nervously at Rosaline.

“I need a favor,” I said, keeping my voice even.

“What’s in it for us?” Rosaline cut in sharply before I could explain.

“No harm will come to either of you from this pack,” I said firmly. “You have my word.”

Janice relaxed slightly at my words, but Rosaline stayed rigid, her distrust palpable. “What’s the favor?” Janice asked.

“I need information on the Raven Pack elders,” I said bluntly.

Both women stiffened. Rosaline’s expression turned icy, and Janice’s face went completely blank.

“What?” I pressed, my patience slipping. “Is that too much to ask?”

“Yes,” Rosaline said, her tone like steel. “Outing the elders’ details and locations is a death sentence. Your offer of protection means nothing when I’m already under constant watch from a Lycan spy. I won’t help you.”

“Rosaline, calm down,” Janice said softly, placing a hand on her arm. Then she looked at me apologetically. “Sorry about her,” she said, but her own hesitation was clear.

“I can make arrangements to help you,” I promised, leaning forward. “Trust me.”

Rosaline’s eyes narrowed. “I want to take my son and leave the hybrid pack. I want to live among humans—somewhere peaceful, where no one can hurt us.”

“Done,” I said without hesitation.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re serious?”

“Yes. But to do that, you’ll have to renounce your son as the heir to the hybrid clan.”

“I know,” she whispered, her voice trembling. “I’m ready. As long as no one can force me to stay, I’ll do it.”

I could feel the weight of her turmoil—the years of fear, the desperation to protect her child. She was drowning in it, and I wanted to give her a lifeline.

“Janice, Rosaline,” I said firmly. “If we can get to the elders, they’ll have no power left to control any of us. Janice, you’ll be able to breathe freely without looking over your shoulder. And Rosaline, you can rest easy knowing your mother, who was held captive, has already been freed. She’s recovering in the infirmary as we speak.”

Rosaline’s head snapped up, her eyes wide. “What?”

“Yes,” I confirmed. “I’ve freed the Raven captives. We’re not on a killing spree. The Ravens who had malicious intent are being hunted, but innocent ones are being spared.”

“So the rumors about the wolves mercilessly slaughtering Ravens aren’t true?” Janice asked, her voice tinged with hope.

I shook my head. “No. We’re not killing all Ravens. The problem lies with the elders—they’ve been corrupting the minds of younger

Ravens for years. The worst of the worst are being dealt with. But if we can take down the elders, there’s a chance the Raven Pack can find peace—maybe even build a better future.”

“That...makes sense,” Janice said, her voice soft but thoughtful. “And if the Raven Pack ever strays again, Alpha Kayden and his Xael power can keep them in check.”

She turned to me with a small smile. “I’m in.”

Rosaline hesitated, her distrust flickering across her face. But after a long pause, she nodded. “I’m in too.”

Relief washed over me. “Good,” I said with a small, triumphant smirk. “The elders won’t stay hidden for much longer.”

“If I remember right, the last time they were spotted, they were hiding near Mount Foraker,” Rosaline offered.

Janice frowned. “They’re probably not there anymore. Too many people know about that location.”

My excitement faltered, and frustration began to bubble up again.

“Janice,” I said, turning to her. “You’re half-witch. Can your powers help us locate them?”

She looked uncertain. “It’ll take time, but I’ll try.”

“Good. Let me know when you figure it out,” I said.

After that, I took Rosaline to see her mother. She seemed happy. After Janice and Rosaline left for their home. I sat alone in the quiet house, the weight of everything pressing down on me. Evening had fallen, and I was bone-tired—but my mind was still racing, especially with Kayden’s continued absence.

“Kayden, can you hear me?” I tried through the mind link.

No response.

Where are you? My heart whispered into the silence, but only the hollow ache of worry answered back.