Chapter 8 First Failure

I rushed into the cell. Two guards were inside, busy checking the shackles that were locked. That was impossible. I touched the wall of the room. That couldn't be happening.

"The guard only left briefly to get the food delivered by the waiter. They were gone when he returned. The shackles around their hands and feet were not open at all. We don't know how they did it," Harris reported.

"They couldn't have gone through the wall because there were no broken walls. The cell was also locked, and there were many guards outside. They couldn't have escaped without anyone knowing or breaking the wall," Gale added.

"What about the bodies of their colleagues?" I questioned.

Watching them elbow each other again, I knew the answer. I rushed to the hospital. The person in charge of the morgue was pacing back and forth with some soldiers. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it myself.

"A dozen bodies are missing, and no one has found a trace?" I asked in frustration.

"Maybe they don't want us to know their secrets," Gale guessed.

I sighed loudly. "My wedding is in two days. It doesn't bode well, Gale. Someone can get in and out of my neighborhood without us knowing. Our security system will be the laughing stock of the other packs if they find out," I complained.

"We've done everything, but to no avail. The CCTV didn't find anything strange around the dungeon or the hospital. We're doing everything to find out what happened, Boaz," Gale reported. "I'm also confused as to how this happened."

"Did you get a chance to interrogate the two prisoners?" I asked expectantly.

"The guards tried, but they wouldn't open their mouths."

We were really in danger. Gale had told our people to guard the area we were going through, but the Rogues managed to get close to us. Who helped them get through the perimeter without being spotted?

"Fine. Behave as usual. Don't let anyone know about this, and increase security. I suspect that evil witch has something to do with this." I looked around me.

"What do you mean?" Harris asked.

"I'm the tenth generation. This curse will end with me, and my descendants will be the first generation to escape the curse. Think about it. Celyn's death must have something to do with the curse, too," I reasoned.

"If your guess is correct, why didn't they attack us as soon as we left the palace? Why wait until in front of the gate?" Harris pointed out.

"They wouldn't want to face our troops and the royal warriors at once. That was why they waited until we were away from the reinforcements. Don't forget. Our territory is located far away from other packs," Gale replied.

"The King and Queen are coming tomorrow. I'm ready for an open attack. What I'm worried about is another ambush. The disappearance of our captives is their way of showing they know the weakness of our security system." I massaged my suddenly throbbing head.

"I'm the feared Alpha in this kingdom. Do you know what it would mean if I failed to protect my guests on my wedding day?" I looked at them solemnly. "So, don't fail. Tighten security and handle any suspicious matters as quietly as possible."

"Yes, Alpha." Gale and Harris' expressions turned frantic. Good. That would keep them on their toes until we figured out who was behind this attack.

My comrades and I returned to the packhouse. Even though we had just come from a long journey, we were still working. I left the wedding preparations to Harris, while Gale inspected our security system. I headed to my study to check the latest witch's list.

The scent of someone familiar entered my nostrils when I opened the door. A woman was sitting at my desk reading a book. I opened the door wide, a signal everyone in the pack knew was my way of asking someone to leave the room.

"She's a beautiful woman. You must think of your beloved Celyn every time you see her." The woman smiled, ignoring my order. "You're lucky. You were furious when you found out Celyn was dead, yet the Moon Goddess gave you a replacement that resembles her.

"I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse that you hate your fiancée so much. Have you tasted her? Does she taste the same as Celyn?" She got off the table, placed the book near my nameplate, then approached. "Is she better than me?"

I dodged just as she was about to touch my cheek. "I respect you because your father was the greatest Beta in the pack, and your brother is my best friend. Don't test my patience."

She pouted. "You've never been like this before. We were best friends. Why have you changed? Am I not your friend anymore?" she complained.

"You've repeatedly acted like more than a friend. You're the one who changed." I nodded to the guard standing by the door. "Escort her back to her post."

The man obeyed me and took the girl away. She protested loudly, but I ignored her. I closed the door and sighed as I returned the book she had carelessly taken from the bookcase. I was in big trouble.

Guests would be arriving tomorrow, including Crystal's parents. I hadn't acted carefully. I shouldn't have brought prisoners and their friend's corpses into my pack. My men could have interrogated them outside and buried Rogue's dead body.

However, I was so arrogant that I invited the enemy into my territory. I had to pay dearly for my negligence. I was so focused on my desire to escape the curse that I forgot who I was dealing with. That witch must have something to do with today's ambush.

"Good evening, Boaz," Gale greeted as he entered the dining room.

I return his greeting while looking at the entrance in confusion. Where was Crystal? I had told her about our dinner. Her maid picked her up a few minutes ago. She should have arrived minutes before.

"Can't wait to meet your fiancée?" Harris teased.

"Wait until you meet your girl, Harris. You'll act the same way," Gale mocked.

"Oh no. I forgot something important." I scrambled to my feet. How could I be so stupid? "I haven't seen Crystal since lunch. Could the intruder have kidnapped her?" I ran outside and darted toward the stairs with my two partners.