Chapter 2 2

The sound of the matching rogue wolves approaching was more closer and it sent a new wave of fear and unrest into the warriors. The moon had barely dipped below the horizon when Killian gave a prolonged howl. It was one that sent fear into the rogue wolves. The noise that once brought the forest alive gave way into silence. At once, the rogue wolves that were about satisfying their bloodlust suddenly retreated into the shadows of the forest, disappearing as quickly as they had come. The territory grew silent again except for the sounds of crickets that filled the air.

Amelia stood still, her heart still pounding from the weight of her decision settling on her and the imminent danger that was just averted. Now that the danger of an attack is averted, she cannot shake off the effect of her decision. She just made a deal with the most feared rogue Alpha, and there is no turning back.

The weight of her choice settles upon her, but she reminds herself that she needs answers, and this is the only way to keep her Pack alive. "Amelia!" Darius's voice cuts through the silence. She turns to see her brother storming towards her, his eyes blazing with anger. "What have you done?" he asks. "I did what I had to," she answers calmly. "Our pack is in danger. Killian can help us." "Help us?" Darius scoffs.

"He's a rogue! You just betrayed our family and everything Father stood for!" At the mention of their father, Amelia felt a pang of pain. "Don't speak to me about betrayal Darius! I've been in the dark far too long and not anymore. If you keep the truth away from me, I have no choice than to do what I need to do to lay my hands on it"

Darius's jaw tightens. "You don't know what you're getting into." " Enlighten me," she challenged. "Tell me what happened to Father!" He pauses, shifting away his gaze. "This isn't the time." "It's never the time with you!" Amelia shouts, her frustration taking over. "What is it you are hiding, Darius?" Before he could answer, a group of pack warriors who had gone scouting returns and were drawn by the commotion. Their faces showing a mix of confusion and concern.

Killian?

"Amelia just decided to ally with a rogue," Darius announces, pointing an accusatory finger at her.

"She just turned her back on the pack." Murmurs spread across the pack. Some look at Amelia with distrust, while others seem thoughtful. "Is this true?" another warrior questions. Amelia takes a deep breath. "Yes, I bargained with Killian. He has information about the threats we are facing-and about Father's death.

Also, we need his protection too since someone cannot stand up for his pack" A hush falls over the group. The mention of their former Alpha stirs emotions among the pack. "I think she has a point," an older warrior says. "We have been struggling to keep our territory while facing constant attacks. Maybe it's time we try a different approach." Darius fires his looks at the man.

"Siding with rogues, going against everything we believe in- is the different approach?" "Does it stand against what we believe?" Amelia interjects. "Or we are just too proud to admit that we need help?" There is mixed reactions among members of the pack. The division was clear-some side with Darius out of loyalty or fear, while others were swayed by Amelia's words.

Killian approaches them, his presence commanding attention. "Decide quickly," he coldly said. "There's much to do."

"We just decided." Amelia replied quickly. Darius bristled. "Don't think you can order us around." Killian raises an eyebrow. "I have no interest in leading your pack. But if you want to survive what's coming, you'll follow my lead."

"Your arrogance is irritating,"

Darius spits. Amelia steps between them. "Enough Darius! This won't help. Killian, what do you propose?" "Straight to business. We go beyond our borders. There's someone we need to find-he holds the key to the enemy's plans." "Who?" she asks. "You will meet him soon." He replies. "For now, prepare to leave at first light. Bring only those you trust." Darius laughs bitterly. "You're not actually considering this, are you?" "Its already decided Killian" Amelia says firmly. Killian leans closer to her.

"Be careful who you trust, Amelia," he whispers. "Not everyone is as they seem." She looks into his piercing eyes.

"What do you mean?"

With a slight smile, he says "Just a friendly warning." Without another word, Killian turns and vanishes into the forest. Amelia watch him go, her mind swirling with doubts. His cryptic message only deepened her suspicions about Darius.

Can her brother be hiding something? She look at him sadly. "I am thinking of the pack. And I need to know the truth about Father's death." Darius's eyes flashed with something-fear? Guilt? "Father died honourably. That's all you need to know." "Is that so!" she challenged. "Or is there more you're not telling me?"

He clenches his fists. "You're making a mistake."

"Maybe," she concedes. "But it's mine to make." The tension between them rises and the pack watch, breathless. Then, with a low snarl, he turns his back on her as he heads into his tent. Amelia calls out to the warriors. "Those who wish to join me, meet me at the northern edge by dawn. The rest can stay and protect our home."

A few nod in agreement, while others shift uncomfortably. The line between her supporters and Darius's loyalists is clear. As the crowd disperses, Darius retreat into his tent. His face is darkened with anger. He summons his most trusted allies.

"We can't let Amelia get through with this! "She is going to ruin everything." "What do you suggest?" one of them asks. Darius's eyes narrowed. "We must stop her alliance with Killian, by every necessary means." "That's risky," another cautions "If the pack finds out..."

"They won't," Darius interrupts sharply. "We'll make sure they won't."

In her tent, as she got herself prepared, Amelia's thoughts are heavy. She feels a mix of determination and doubt. Can she really trust Killian? And what is Darius planning.

"Amelia," a soft voice called. Startled and jolting back into reality, she turns to see her caller. It's Lena, her childhood friend. "Lena, what are you doing here? Anything the matter?" "I came to warn you," Lena whispers, looking around nervously. "I overheard Darius talking. He's planning something-and its against you." Amelia's heart skip a beat.

"What did he say?" "I couldn't catch everything, but he's gathering men to sabotage your plan." Amelia swallows hard. "Thank you." "Be careful Amelia, tread with caution" "I have no idea what is going on. but whatever it is, it's tearing the pack apart." "I will," Amelia promised.

As Lena slip out of the tent into the night, it's as though the weight of the world is crushing on her. With this new information from her friend, she felt betrayed. Standing outside her tent, at the entrance, she looked toward the dark forest where Killian had disappeared. The path ahead hold danger, but she is resolved to see it through.

The moon hides behind thick clouds, leaving the camp in near darkness. Unknown to Amelia, a pair of eyes is watching her from the shadows. The game has just began, and the stakes are higher than ever.