Chapter 4 Under the Surface

Kael's POV

From the balcony of my temporary residence, I peered out to see Crescent Valley all around. The moonlight gleamed off the rocky ground, giving an unsettling brightness that seemed to reflect the turbulence inside of me. Every choice seemed weighty, the weight of my obligation as Alpha thick on my shoulders crushing down. Every action we took might tip the balance; the fight that loomed was more than just a collision of packs-it was a war for our very survival.

A gentle knock on the door cut off my thinking. Raiden intervened, his typically calm manner somewhat disrupted. "Kael, we have a problem," he replied, sounding worried.

I turned to face him, arms across my chest. "What today?"

Raiden had a sad expression. "Seraphina," says She has gone.

My heart still missed a beat. "gone?" What does that imply?

"She left for the warehouse to meet Lydia Crowe," Raiden said, his voice slightly annoyed. "Without the appropriate backup."

I became suddenly angry and worried. Our plans depended on Seraphina, and Lydia Crowe was notoriously erratic. Sending a lady still struggling to establish her feet in this world, Seraphina, to manage Lydia alone was careless.

"Damn it," I said as I paced the room. "I knew she was not ready for this."

Raiden had clear eyes. "We have no time for this. She has to be taken out before something goes wrong.

I nodded, then changed direction right away. " assemble a group of people. We are pursuing her.

Ahead, a menacing shadow against the black sky, the warehouse loomed. There was obvious tension when I arrived with Raiden and a handful of my most reliable men. Every heartbeat sounded in my ears, each stride weightier than the next.

We proceeded silently; the darkness hid our path. I crawled toward the entrance, signaling Raiden and the others to occupy points around the edge. My head spun with all the possibilities; Lydia's reputation preceded her, and I knew she would be ready for anything. Should Seraphina have stumbled, this might quickly become ugly.

I pushed open the door and slipped inside. It creaked. The warehouse smelled like rust and decay and was very poorly lit. A few stray moonlight beams flickered across damaged windows on the walls. Their forms were tight and in the middle of the room, and I could see Seraphina and Lydia.

"Don't get too close," Raiden's voice murmured via the headset I carried. "We need to observe how this turns out."

With a mix of determination and worry, I watched as Seraphina, her back straight, confronted Lydia. Lydia's eyes were acute, evaluating every motion Seraphina made, yet her posture was laid back, almost informal.

"I'm here for the information," Seraphina remarked, her voice consistent in spite of circumstances. We both know the reason I'm here.

Lydia opened her lips to a smile. And what then is in it for me?

Breathing deeply, Seraphina looked straight at Lydia. "Revenge directed on Lucian." We may see to it that he pays for his activities. But I could only do that with your support.

Lydia's face changed to show a flutter of curiosity. And why ought I to believe you? You are simply another pawn in Kels' game.

The jaw of Seraphina grew tight. "This is more than Kael; this is bigger." Like everyone else, Lucian has caused trouble for you. Join us; we can finish this. Help us.

Lydia thought about this and looked over to a stack of boxes. The room was still for a minute, heavy with the weight of the choice hanging there.

I stiffened suddenly at a noise behind me. A slight rustle then a shadow moving quickly. I turned my senses to full awareness.

I said, "Someone's coming," into the earphones. Get ready for straight extraction right away.

The voice of Raiden came through, sharp. "Got it. We are now on our way.

I looked back to see Lydia's eyes. "What's occurring?"

Footfall reverberated loudly, getting closer before Seraphina could reply. Lydia's eyes closed as she shoved Seraphina away, pulling a knife from her belt.

"Looks like we have company," Lydia replied, her voice icy.

I pushed beyond the boxes quickly to establish my presence. "Lydia, please move away from her."

Lydia turned to face me, her eyes deepening with recognition. Kael Blackthorn. Not expecting you to show up.

You should have known, I continued, my voice low and menacing. "I never let things change."

Raiden and the others broke into the warehouse fast, securing the exits and guaranteeing no more surprises. Unlike the first peace, the room was charged with tension.

Lydia turned to face Seraphina, now standing behind me, her face pale but firm. "I thought I could trust you, "Lydia spat. But you seem to be merely another pawn in a more general game.

Step forward, Seraphina said with a forceful voice. This has nothing to do with trust. It speaks of survival. You will have to work with us if you wish retribution. You have to make the decision.

Though Lydia's eyes wavered, I could see the resolve stiffening. " fine. But if you are squandering my time-that is,

I stopped her and said, "I'm not." "But let's not allow two mistakes to be repeated. Lucian isn't waiting about; we have little time.

Lydia nodded, pointing her agreement with a last, pointed glance. "Alright." I'll help out. Remember, though, I will be observing all you do.

I inhaled deeply and felt the weight of the events of the evening pressing down on me as Lydia and Seraphina exchanged cautious looks. Though far from done, this was a pivotal turning point. The road ahead was dangerous and the obstacles seemed insurmountable.

I glanced at Seraphina, who caught my eye with a mix of relief and tiredness. You did good, I remarked, my voice softening. But the next time, let us manage the hazards.

Her eyes locked with mine, a flutter of sensitivity glancing through. "I was trying to prove myself."

I nodded, realizing more than she could have known. I am aware. Just keep in mind that bravery and recklessness live on a thin border.

I couldn't get rid of the impression that we were only brushing the surface of the upheaval that lay ahead as we left the warehouse. Though it had certain difficulties, Lydia's collaboration was a step forward. The stakes in the game were bigger than ever and it was far from finished.

I turned around to see Seraphina, her form silhouetted against the last of the evening. She was driven, but she also possessed fragility that I had not before completely comprehended. She was striving to carve out her spot in the middle of the anarchy, hence I couldn't afford to minimize her.

The evening was far from finished, and I knew that every choice we took would determine Crescent Valley's fate as we advanced into the night. Though the road ahead was dangerous, we had a fighting chance with allies like Lydia and a resolved Seraphina at my side.