Chapter 2 2

The days that followed were strange. Luna, usually so present and warm, began to behave distantly. Our conversations once full of complicity and laughter, were becoming increasingly rare. At the start, I put this on the account of the stress and obligations of the pack. But soon, I couldn't ignore the evidence.

One morning, when I went out to train, I crossed Luna near the meeting room. She seemed restless, throwing furtive looks around her. I approached a smile, hoping to hunt the apparent tension.

- Hi, Luna. Are you doing well ? It's been a few days since we saw each other, I said with a slight hesitation.

She jumped slightly, as taken in fault, then turned to me with a forced smile.

- Oh, hi Everly. Yes, sorry, I was ... busy, she replied, avoiding my gaze.

- Are you sure everything is fine? It looks like something bothers you.

She shook her head strongly, but her smile couldn't hide her discomfort.

- No, everything is fine. Just ... things from the pack, you know how it is.

I nodded, although my intuition shouted that there was something else. We exchanged a few banalities before she found an excuse to move away quickly. I stayed there, perplexed and worried.

The following days, his behavior became even stranger. She avoided my gaze, found excuses not to spend time with me, and seemed constantly on her guard. One evening, coming back from a race through the forest, I decided to follow it discreetly, hoping to understand what was wrong.

I saw her sneak in the woods, throwing nervous glances over her shoulder. My sharp senses allowed me to follow it without being spotted. After a few minutes, she joined a small group of werewolves, some of whom belonged to our pack. Among them was Kael.

I hid behind a tree, holding my ear to listen to their conversation.

- ... And if we manage to have it expelled, we can finally establish a new order, said Kael, his tone full of determination.

- But how can we convince the pack council? Luna asked, her eyes brilliant with a concern that I didn't know.

Kael smiled coldly.

- Don't worry about that. I have my means. You just have to continue to discredit it. Make sure that she makes an irreparable error.

My heart was hugged as Kael's words infiltrated my mind. Luna plotted against me, with my own brother. The betrayal burned in me like a lively flame, and I had to bite my lip so as not to shout.

Once the meeting was finished, I discreetly returned home, my swirling spirit of anger and sorrow. I had to confront Luna, but how? Part of me refused to believe it, still hoping that it was a misunderstanding.

The next day, I found Luna near the stream where we used to meet. She seemed nervous, and I took a deep breath before I advance towards her.

- Luna, we have to speak, I say, my voice firmer than I had planned.

She turned to me, her usual smile absent.

- What do you want to talk about, Every?

- I know everything, Luna. I know you're plotting with Kael to get me kicked out of the pack, I said, crossing my arms, trying to contain my anger.

His face fell into an expression of surprise and fear.

- Everly, it's not what you think...

- Not what I believe? I heard you! You are trying to discredit me, to have me chased away! How could you do this to me? You, my best friend!

She took a step back, tears beginning to fall.

- I...I had no choice. Kael threatened me. He told me that if I didn't help him, he would attack my family.

I shook my head, feeling my anger turn into deep pain.

- And you thought that betraying your friend was the best solution?

She burst into tears, falling to her knees in front of me.

- Everly, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm trapped. I don't know what to do.

I looked at Luna, torn between compassion and anger.

- You should have talked to me. We would have found a solution together. Now it may be too late.

I left her there, at the edge of the stream, my emotions boiling. How could I trust anyone again after such a betrayal?

When I got home, I found Kael and my father talking. Their gaze turned to me as I entered.

- Everly, where have you been? Alaric asked, his tone dry and authoritative.

- I was talking to Luna, I replied, my gaze fixed on Kael with a burning intensity.

He raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence.

- Oh, and what were you talking about? he asked nonchalantly.

- About your attempt to get me kicked out of the pack, Kael, I spat. I know everything.

Alaric frowned, turning to Kael with a glint of suspicion in his eyes.

- Is this true, Kael?

My brother laughed, shaking his head.

- Everly, you are really paranoid. Why would I want to have you expelled?

I took a step forward, my fist clenched.

- Because you always wanted to be the sole heir. You can't stand the idea that I might have a place in this pack.

- Enough ! Alaric thundered. Kael, is it true what your sister says?

Kael crossed his arms, adopting a defiant posture.

- Father, Everly is losing her mind. She makes up stories to attract attention. You know I had nothing to do with that.

I gritted my teeth, feeling frustration building within me. I knew proving his guilt would be difficult, especially with my father biased in his favor.

- Father, I just ask you to keep an open mind. If you're not ready to believe me, at least watch Kael and Luna. Their actions will speak for themselves.

Alaric nodded, although his gaze remained cold and distant.

- Alright. But know that I will not tolerate any unfounded accusations. Everly, be careful what you say.

I left the room, feeling tears welling up. My own family was plotting against me, and the person I trusted most had betrayed me. The loneliness I once felt intensified, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

That night I couldn't sleep. Luna's words echoed in my head, mixed with Kael's mocking laughter. I needed a plan. It was no longer enough to defend myself, I had to counterattack. But how can they prove their conspiracy without tangible evidence?

I woke up early the next morning, determined to find answers. Walking through the forest, I met Jarek, one of the oldest and most respected members of the pack. He had always been impartial and wise.

- Jarek, can I talk to you? I asked, my voice trembling with emotion.

He nodded, motioning for me to sit next to him on a tree trunk.

- Of course, Everly. What is happening?

I explained everything from Luna's recent distance to the discovery of their plot. Jarek listened attentively, his face serious.

- Everly, your situation is delicate. But know that the truth always comes out in the end. If Luna and Kael are really plotting against you, they will end up making a mistake.

I sighed, grateful for his support.

- But what can I do in the meantime?

- Continue to be yourself. Show the pack that you are worthy of their respect and trust. And keep your eyes open. The truth will eventually reveal itself.

His words brought me some comfort. I had a long way to go, but I was not alone. I had allies, even if their numbers were small.

Returning home, I faced a

New reality. Luna's betrayal had broken something in me, but it had also made me stronger, more determined. I was willing to do anything to prove my worth and protect my place in the pack.

As the sun set on a new day, I felt a new resilience born within me. The battle had only just begun, and I was ready to face whatever challenges came my way. For my pack, for my family, and most importantly, for myself.