Chapter 5 Going Back to the Group

Cassia's POV

As I huddled beneath the trees, gazing up at the imposing gates of the Autumn Pack, I felt the chill of the wind. Weeks had passed since I had last stood here, battered and bloodied, discarded as if I were nothing. I had returned, stronger, wiser, and with secrets no one had anticipated.

I drew my cloak's hood down over my face. Along with a plain brown outfit that gave me the appearance of a traveling healer, Lila had taken it for me from a traveling trader. Although it wasn't the most effective disguise, it would have to do. I had to enter.

I inhaled deeply before emerging from the darkness and making my way to the gate.

My path was barred by two guards. A man with a bushy beard and big shoulders narrowed his gaze. "Who are you?"

My head remained down. "A healer," I murmured quietly. As I was walking by, I heard rumours that the pack was getting sick. I believed I could be of assistance.

The guard scowled. "We didn't request a healer."

I played the act, shifting uneasily. "I understand, but I couldn't disregard other people's suffering. I want nothing in exchange, please. Allow me to assist you.

Younger and less suspicious, the other guard paused. Marcus, perhaps we ought to let her in. The Alpha has been tense ever since...

I tensed up. since I was exiled.

Marcus waved me in with a sigh. "All right. However, avoid roaming in places where you don't belong.

I gave a short nod and went inside.

Memories slammed into me as soon as I stepped through the gates. I had put forth a lot of effort to prove myself on the training fields. The packhouse where we used to eat together and laugh. Everything felt strange now.

I pushed myself to continue. I was on a mission.

I avoided making eye contact as I walked to the packhouse. The majority of pack members were too preoccupied with their personal problems to pay attention to a mere healer.

Voices floated toward me as I approached the main hall. I pressed myself up against the wall and stopped.

"Blake, you have to stop thinking about her."

I tensed up. That voice...

Sienna.

I peered through the door's opening. Blake stood with his jaw clenched close to the hearth. With her fingers grazing his arm, Sienna was too near him.

She said, "She's gone." Cassia fled in a cowardly manner. Blake, she abandoned us. She abandoned you.

I balled my fists. Untruthful.

Blake's shoulders tensed as he moved away from her. "I don't think so."

Sienna let out a loud sigh. "You must. By now, she's most likely deceased. And she's no longer one of us if she doesn't do well.

Blake's hands balled into fists, but he didn't answer.

Sienna took another stride. "I understand how painful it is, but you are now the Alpha. Someone must be by your side. Someone who will never turn on you. Her wide, naive eyes gazed up at him as she put a palm on his chest.

My throat swelled with disgust. She was poisoning him against me, twisting him.

And he was being duped by it.

With a racing heart, I turned away. I'd seen enough.

I was about to leave, though, when I noticed a little wooden box on the table by the fireplace. It was open and the letters were folded nicely.

I scowled. Sienna acted recklessly.

I slipped inside after waiting for her to lead Blake out of the room. As I reached for the letters, my hands shook. One of them had a broken seal with a recognized mark on the red wax.

Ronan's.

I examined the words as I unfolded the letter.

Hey Sienna,

Blake lacks strength. You will soon have control over him if you continue whispering in his ear. You'll give the pack to me when it's appropriate. Don't let me down.

My throat tightened each breath.

Ronan was working beside Sienna.

Now everything made clear. My banishment. My family was attacked. Blake's doubts about me. The strings had always been pulled by Sienna.

I was filled with rage, but I made myself remain calm. Now I had evidence. I could reveal her.

I placed the letter into my coat after carefully folding it. Then, as I was about to walk away

"Who is present?"

I went cold.

It was a familiar, deep voice.

Blake.

His footsteps reverberated down the corridor. He was near. Too near.

I felt a wave of panic. My disguise wouldn't work if he saw me. He would be aware.

Desperately, I looked around. There was no escape. No back door, no window.

Through him was the only way out.

Before I saw him, his aroma filled the room. He entered, looking around the room with a keen eye.

I huddled close to the darkness, gasping for air.

Blake scrunched his brows. His eyes clouded as he took a big breath.

I was sensed by his wolf.

His voice was low and menacing, and his head swung toward me.

"I am aware of your presence."

My heart was racing.

I had only a few seconds to move before he discovered me.

In my cloak, I clutched the letter and waited.

Fight or flee?