Chapter 3 Unveiling Shadows

Seraphina's POV

As the animosity between packs simmered under the surface, Kael's complex pulsed with restless energy. My footsteps echoed on the cold stone floor as I moved across the poorly lit halls. Rushing past me, wolves were getting ready for the certain collision with Lucian's army. Every face I met was stern, deliberate, each wolf bearing the weight of a fight felt both old and extremely personal.

Expecting me to match his unrelenting speed, Kael had thrown me right into the middle of it. But I felt out of place, like an invader in a world I didn't completely know. Neither was I a strategist like Kael nor a fighter. My only edge was my will to defend Aiden, and Kael's risky conviction that I could be more than what everyone had defined me to be.

Raiden showed up by my side, his look opaque, and broke off my thoughts. Not thinking through politeness, he said, "Kael wants you in the strategy room." Small chat had no place in Kael's life.

My nerves tight, I trailed Raiden throughout the meandering hallways. Since the border confrontation yesterday night, I hadn't seen much of Kael, and the little glances I did catch of him were tinged with a sullen rage. The pressure was building, and Kael was not the kind of person to gently manage tension.

We walked into the strategy room, which was dominated by a big, scarred table strewn with records and maps. Standing at the head surrounded by his closest group was Kael. His eyes turned up as I walked in, evaluating me with the same icy precision. But there was another element there too, a trace of expectation that tightened my chest.

"Seraphina," Kels started, his voice sharp. "I have our next action on some thought. You will assist us in approaching Lucian. We must get closer to him.

Knowing this discussion would be yet another challenge of my will, I stiffened myself. "What do you need me to accomplish?"

With his finger following the territory lines separating our packs, Kael motioned to the map laid out on the table. "Lucian has plans; I need ears and eyes inside. You will be reuniting with an old buddy of his who has access to data required.

I scowled, attempting to retain a calm voice. "Who?"

Kael's lips quenched into a slight smile, but there was no comedy about it. Lydia Crowe is here. She used to run with Lucian's pack before their relationship soured. She still has her contacts even if she is working alone now. She is erratic, slick, yet she also yearns for an ally.

Lydia Croche. I had heard of her; she was always playing both sides of any argument and was known for her capacity for manipulation and dishonesty. She was, yet, nevertheless fiercely independent, with loyalty just to herself. Lydia would be the one who could come near Lucian without drawing suspicion. Getting her to collaborate with us would present yet another difficulty completely.

" Why would she assist us?" I inquired about Kael's proposal. She is not particularly known for her teamwork.

Kael's eyes become steely. She owes me, therefore. And since she despises Lucian practically equally to what I do. She will come around if you can persuade her that serving us will benefit her most.

I missed the way Kael's eyes narrowed as he talked, as though he were challenging me to challenge him. But I could see the computation underlying his strategy: Lydia would only be persuaded by someone else; Kael needed Lydia. I entered there at that point.

"What's the Catch?" Pressing, I knew Kael never gave without wanting anything in return.

Kael leaned forward, his voice lowering to a threatening whisper. Though Lydia is brilliant, she also exhibits paranoia. She won't trust you readily. You have to play your cards well, win her confidence, and keep her in line. She will turn on you should she feel weak.

I agreed, the weight of the work squarely falling on my shoulders. This was a game of dishonesty, one in which the stakes were greater than I had ever encountered before, not a straightforward mission. Still, I couldn't back down. Aiden's life relied on my success; Kael's haphazard approach was our best chance.

Raiden cleared his throat, then pointed Kael back toward the others. "Lucian's men have been sniffing around Lydia's old haunts," he continued, his voice dark. "They are observing her quite attentive. There is no money for mistakes.

Kael nodded with a tense face. Seraphina must approach this gently. Lydia is not aware of our whole scheme. She just has to know what is absolutely required.

I took a hard gulp, sensing the weight building. Kael was depending dangerously on me, and I wasn't sure I was qualified for the weight. But I refused to let anxiety rule me-not now, not when so much was online.

"Don't worry," I said, trying to give my voice confidence. "I'll bring her on our end.

Kael's eyes stayed on me for a moment more, as though he was looking for any trace of uncertainty. He then nodded, content. Excellent. We go tonight.

The conference broke up, and I was left by myself in the corridor, the weight of the work ahead crushing down on me. Lean against the wall and attempt to control your breathing. In Kael's perilous environment, this was my first actual test. And failing would not be affordable.

Footsteps followed me while I worked through my ideas. I turned to find Raiden walking forward, his demeanor strangely austere. With a worried tone, he asked, "You're really going through with this?"

I nodded and matched his look. "I have no option here."

Raiden groaned and ran a hand over his hair. "Just be cautious, Seraphina." Plans usually have layers, and occasionally the people closest to Kael find themselves caught in the crossfire.

My shiver came from his warning. Raiden had been by Kael's side for years, and he was without doubt devoted. But his comments alluded to something more, a warning story I was not really aware of. Kael lived in a world of continual danger, and connections were as flimsy as they were required.

Though my voice faltered somewhat, I answered, "I can handle myself."

Raiden's gaze softened, and for a minute I sensed a flutter of empathy. You are capable, as I know. Lydia is, however, a wild card. Maintaining your guard.

Thank you; I nodded. I needed this direction. Raiden's real concern was sincere, and it made me realize that even in Kael's inner circle there were still human moments despite the conflict and continuous power play.

Night fell and I got ready to head to see Lydia. The words of Kael kept coming back to me, a continual reminder of the gravity. I couldn't afford to be hesitant or afraid. This was my opportunity to show myself-to Kael, to Aiden, most especially, to me.

I left into the chilly night air, the moon low in the heavens like a mute observer of the developing anarchy. Every step I took felt more weight than the next; the road ahead was dark. But I couldn't reverse it now.

At a run-down warehouse on the outskirts of the city, deals were done and secrets revealed in the dead of night. Lydia was already there, leaning against the rusting frame of an old car and her sharp eyes gleamed in the darkness.

She raised her head as I walked up, a smile flickering on her lips. "Seraphina Thorne," she said, her voice laden with scorn. "Did not think I would find you here."

I forced a grin to cover my anxiety. About you, Lydia, I could say the same.

Lydia's eyes furrowed and her laughter vanished. "Kael's got you now running his errands? Had to be really desperate.

I shrugged, not allowing her to get under my belt. "I'm here to offer you.

Lydia's look became dubious, yet there was a flutter of interest. "I am listening.

Knowing this moment might either run or save everything, so I inhaled deeply. "We require Lucian's details. And we will grant you something you have always yearned for in return: retribution.

Lydia's eyes narrowed and for the first time I noticed a fracture in her façade. Between her own aspirations and the weight of a grudge she had never let go of, she was tempted.

Her voice laced with danger, "You better not be wasting my time," she cautioned.

I met her eye, my will strengthening. Lydia, trust me. This is only the start.

I became determined as Lydia thought about my comments. Every action was a gamble and every alliance a possible betrayal as I was entering unexplored ground. Still, I was ready to meet whatever was ahead.

This was about seizing control of my destiny, regardless of cost, not only about survival.