Rogan's voice sliced through the tension like a whip, "Victor didn't destroy the pack." "He constructed it. but just to destroy it.
As Rogan entered the dimly illuminated room, I turned around, gasping for air. His face was a flurry of emotions, including rage, betrayal, and something more profound that I couldn't quite identify, and his clothing were saturated from the rain.
I started to say, "Rogan," but he silenced me with a raised hand.
His voice was scratchy but calm as he said, "I know." "Everything. Aria's involvement in Victor's deceit and manipulation.
His words sank in, and my knees became weak. "What are you discussing? What did you discover?
His eyes met mine as he took a step closer. Aria wasn't merely collaborating with Victor. His weapon was her. And I was the idiot who provided her with the ideal setting in which to do her role.
The only sound in the oppressive silence that ensued was the crackle of the fire in the hearth. Rogan's eyes were fixed on me, and I could feel his words bearing down on me.
"I went to confront her," he added in a resentful tone. "To seek clarification. However, by the time I arrived, she had left. What I discovered instead... He walked away after giving me a crumpled piece of paper that he had taken out of his jacket.
My hands were shaking as I unfolded it. A list of names, including pack leaders, allies, and even foes, was written in a hasty yet readable manner. Notes including information on their vulnerabilities, worries, and shortcomings were placed next to each name. One name jumped out at the bottom: Rogan.
With a clenched jaw, Rogan remarked, "They were planning this for years." Victor knew the pack would never voluntarily follow him, but he still desired control. In order to win our trust and control us from within, he dispatched Aria.
My heart was racing as I gazed over the list. However, why now? If she was working with him, why would she tell me this?
"Because Victor is no longer alive," Rogan stated bluntly.
I jerked my head up. "What?"
"She killed him," Rogan replied in an emotionless voice. Victor was her leash in addition as being her partner. And she can do anything she wants now that he's gone.
The ramifications of Rogan's remarks struck me like a freight train, making the room seem to whirl. However, why would she return here? What is she currently requesting from us?
Rogan's eyes became dark. "Power." Command. Ava, she wants the pack. And she is fully aware of how to obtain it.
With my head racing, I slumped into the sofa's edge. I responded, "We must warn the others." "If she has something planned—"
"She's already one step ahead," Rogan cut in, his tone piercing. "This list is more than just a list of names. It's a road map. She has been laying traps, taking advantage of past grievances, and turning allies against one another. What's the worst? She is doing it under my name.
"What do you mean?" With a knot of fear in my stomach, I inquired.
Rogan's fists clenched as he continued, "She's been spreading lies." Telling the pack that I've been working with Victor all along and that I'm the one who betrayed them. And some of them are beginning to believe her because of the evidence she has fabricated.
His remarks had a crushing weight. The guy who had spent his entire life defending the pack, Rogan, was suddenly being portrayed as a traitor.
I stood and took hold of his arm, saying, "We'll fight this." "We'll reveal the truth about her."
His face stern, he shook his head. "Ava, it's not that easy. She does this too well. Her every action is premeditated and intended to create uncertainty and mayhem. She will have all she needs to seize control if we make even one mistake.
I firmly stated, "Then we don't play by her rules."
Rogan's stony façade showed a glimmer of optimism as he raised an eyebrow. "What do you propose?"
A tremendous crash reverberated throughout the house before I could respond. Our senses were on high alert as we both froze.
Rogan walked toward the door and murmured, "Stay here," in a quiet, authoritative voice.
I shot back, "Like hell I will," and followed closely behind.
In the flickering light of the storm outside, the shadows stretched menacingly as we slipped down the corridor. As we turned the corner, the sound of footsteps intensified, and my heart began to rush.
With their back to us, the intruder stood in the middle of the room. Rainwater collected on the wooden floor after dripping from their clothing.
Rogan said, "Aria," with a menacing growl in his voice.
She turned slowly, a flare of lightning lighting up her face. Her eyes blazed with a savage intensity, yet her face was tranquil, almost placid.
She said, "Hello, Rogan," in a silky voice. "Ava, too. It's really good to see you two.
"Ariana, what do you want?" Rogan stood between her and me, his body tense, and commanded.
With a slight grin on her lips, she cocked her head. "Isn't it clear? I'm come to get back what's rightfully mine.
Rogan spit out, "You have nothing here."
She grinned broadly. Yes, but I do. You see, I've been safeguarding the future while you've been occupied with attempting to piece together the past. Rogan, the pack is already against you. And soon, they’ll have no choice but to follow me.”
"Over my corpse," he snarled.
Aria's chuckle was scornful and icy. "If it takes that much."
Every muscle in my body ached to move, to do something, and the tension in the room was electrifying. However, it was evident from Aria's assurance and unflinching poise that she had all the cards.
With her eyes fixed on Rogan, she remarked, "Victor would be so proud." You were too loyal and too soft, he always complained. He was aware that it would lead to your demise.
Despite the rage in his eyes, Rogan's voice remained firm as he continued, "I won't let you destroy this pack."
Aria's smile faded as she answered, "You don't have a choice." "The process is already underway. Additionally, it will be too late by the time you notice what is happening.
She started to walk away, but Rogan moved in front of her and stopped her. He declared, "You're not going anywhere."
Anger flared in Aria's eyes, but she swiftly covered it up with a smirk. "Brave move, Rogan. But are you sure you can stop me?
She flung something onto the table and reached into her coat in one fluid move. It was the emblem of the pack's council, a tiny, blood-stained symbol.
When Rogan realized it, his face went white.
"What have you done?" With a voice full of fear, he whispered.
Leaning forward, Aria spoke in a venomous whisper. "I've already triumphed."
She then vanished into the darkness, leaving us with only the terrifying proof of her most recent action.