Chapter 3 Tensions and Shadows

The sunlight broke through the tops of trees on Silver Ridge casting long shadows upon the field that was still littered with the things left over from the Reality Moon Festival last time. Lorne couldn't stop himself. He happened to be drowning in disbelief combined with anger. Such incredible events were so hard to digest for him that there was this strong feeling inside him that something must be wrong.

He made his way towards Finn's territory; his thoughts were aware of Finn having a great advantage because he had the biggest pack in Silver Ridge. It was known prior he was an aggressive and unpredictable Alpha as he went near; therefore, Finn' s Betas were very much attentive relatively to Lorne. They were looking at him closely while being tense enough just In Case anything should happen.

Lorne raised his hands indicating that he meant no harm,"I am looking for Finn,"he said, trying hard not to show any signs of frustration even though it was evidently there in his tone.

After a short period of silence one of the Betas nodded before motioning Lorne to follow him; it had been agreed between Finn and himself that the meet would take place at a neutral location-the small secluded glade where nobody else had a claim.

Finn was already at the place where he stood back against a tall oak outside whose king else had been his tranquil yet watchful face. When Lorne got close enough, Finn greeted him with an incline of his head: "Lorne."

"Finn," Lorne replied tightly; this was an adjusting voice on his part, always stubbornly declaring: "We need to discuss what happened last night So I am really disbelieving about everything," obtained with difficulty .

'But there's this one thing,' Finn said, rolling his eyes slightly.

It was so strange; it made no sense at all! A pack not to be divided? Unbelievable!

Still, that didn't work for them since Finney was home – Lorna had been forced to make him understand it with her words that did nothing really make sense on the face of things. His words seemed convincing enough then but at least Lerner had always known what mattered most about true love for her enthralled spirit mate' - Beth Green

Those were indeed Finn's last words and Lorne could hardly believe them really. Did they actually mean "right on" or "how could you..."?

This person would be truly crazy trying all these things; indeed could it let alone back up the years and gather seasons unlike anyone else. Nothing ever happened among predecessors before too here?

Suddenly they went round again asking themselves: What if this guy was lying?

"If it doesn't have any relevance," Lorne stated slowly shaking his brown locks in despair just looking at Finny.

And so it was put to Lorne by words to understand him in putting it this way: Just like men place power before glory so does Finn want Cooperation instead of Rivalry?

"True, Lorn!" cowed him down in acquiescence, slightly shaking my head and gazing into the horizon silently till he nodded again.

Looking forward to a different future where she would be in charge of her own destiny, was Elara's move. It was a goal without a plan but she didn't have much of an option.

Meanwhile, Elara's heart was pounding with trepidation and faithfulness as it was night time. She sneaked through the neighborhood quietly evading the sight of those who could restrain her path. Her way led her in the direction of the forest edge where she wished to vanish into darkness.

Deeper into the woods however; a feeling of disquiet began clogging around her. The usually tranquil woods were too silent. She shivered, looking around, aware that something was not right.

Then out of nowhere shadows came out of trees and before anyone could do anything strong hands rug her from behind and pulled her into obscurity. It was every bit a panic situation, yet there was resistance since her captors were too strong.

"Release me!" Elara cried, wriggling away.

They didn't respond; in fact they took her hands off and covered her eyes with suckers making sure she would not see them anymore. On one hand, there was terror but on the other hand she tried talking herself out of her fear.

All that was happening to her there was still in the forest; the people behind it seemed to be marching deliberately. They eventually stopped and let her fall upon the ground. Elara lay quietly listening to every sound, trying to inform herself what could be of assistance for her escape.

The black mask was taken off her face and she had to blink rapidly because of the overall brightness produced by a campfire. In proximity of where she was there stood some figures whose faces were hidden under shades. One came close enough until he was defined within the framework his body made.

"Elara," he uttered with an accent that she did not recognize as his voice was smooth. "We've been expecting you."

"Who are you?" she inquired, sounding composed although she was terrified.

The man smiled without using warmth. "Those who see the truth behind the Moon Goddess's schemes are we. Those who intend to alter the course of destiny."

Elara's heart sank. Rather than running away from danger it had seemed like a trap instead. "What do you want me for?"

"You're essential," he told her; his eyes gleamed with ambition. "Your marriage to Alphas threatens our purpose. We will show you what you need and because we have understood your power; it should help us restructure our future."

As defiance burnt in her chest, Elara shook her head vehemently. "I didn't select this and I do not want anything to do with this at all."

The man's face darkened. "Whether you want it to or not, you are part of this now. And you will help us, Elara. One way or another."

As the fire crackled and shadows danced around her, Elara felt the weight of her predicament settle over her. She was caught in a web of fate and intrigue, with no clear path forward. But deep within her, a spark of resilience flared. She would find a way to escape, to reclaim her destiny-no matter the cost.