Chapter 8 Betrayal and Conflict

The High Fang pack's fire snapped and crackled, casting long, dancing shadows. Naku sat on a rock, staring into the flames. His body was still sore, but his mind was on the war to come.

Tabitha watched the fire beside him. The alliance with the High Fang was great, but they both knew it wasn't enough. Meldus had a ton of power, and his followers were brutal. They needed more than just muscle to win.

Then, footsteps approached. Naku's senses went on high alert. Krahn, a werewolf from the High Fang pack, stepped out of the shadows. He'd been giving Naku the cold shoulder. His eyes were hard, but he forced a smile.

Prince Naku, Krahn said, his voice smooth but with a sharp edge. Thinking about tomorrow?

Naku nodded, wary. What do you want, Krahn?

Krahn got closer, glancing around before lowering his voice. We respect your strength, Naku. You're the Alpha's son, no question. But some of us aren't sure you can lead.

Naku's jaw tightened. He knew some rogues wouldn't like him, but hearing it out loud still stung.

And what do *you* think, Krahn? Naku asked, his voice even.

Krahn smirked. You've been gone too long. Your dad was a strong leader, sure, but things change. Wolves don't care about blood anymore. They care about power. He paused, looking toward the forest. Some say Meldus is stronger than you.

Naku's fists clenched. Before he could say anything, Tabitha stepped up, her eyes narrowed. What are you up to, Krahn?

Krahn's smirk disappeared. I'm giving you another option, Tabitha. Some of us think joining Meldus is smarter. It's better to live under him than die fighting.

His words hung in the air.

Naku stood, anger burning in his eyes. You think betrayal is the answer? After everything Meldus has done, you'd bow to him?

Krahn shrugged. Survival, Naku. Some of us just want to live.

The silence was thick. Naku's heart pounded, but he held back. Krahn was dangerous, not because he was strong, but because he could make the pack doubt Naku. If that happened, the rebellion would fall apart.

You think Meldus will let you live? Naku said. He'll use you, like he uses everyone. You'll be a pawn.

Krahn's eyes gleamed. Maybe. But I'd rather be a pawn than a dead rebel.

Tabitha stepped between them, her voice cold. Enough! This is not the time for fighting ourselves. If you want to join Meldus, Krahn, go ahead. But we won't forget this.

Krahn smiled. You'll see, Naku. Power wins wars. Not loyalty. Not blood.

He turned and vanished, leaving Naku and Tabitha by the fire.

He's going to Meldus, Tabitha whispered. We need to be ready.

Naku stared after Krahn, his fists clenched. The betrayal hurt, but it was more than just Krahn. He wondered if he was a good enough leader, period. Could he beat Meldus?

His father's legacy was heavy, and his father's words echoed in his head: *Never reveal your true form*. Naku had broken that rule, but it hadn't fixed everything. Would being a werewolf help them win, or would it destroy them?

Tabitha put a hand on his shoulder. Naku, don't let him get to you. We've faced worse. We still have the High Fang. We just need more allies.

Naku nodded, but he was still tense. We need to hurry. Meldus will come for us, and Krahn will lead him here if we aren't careful.

That night, Naku gathered the High Fang leaders. They made a plan to find more packs, reach out to witches and mages who hated Meldus, and prepare for battle.

But Naku couldn't shake the feeling that the betrayal was just starting. Krahn wasn't the only one with doubts, and it Naku knew he had to prove himself fast, or the whole rebellion could crumble

Later that night, Naku lay in his tent, his mind racing. What if Krahn was right? What if they couldn't win? He had been running for so long, and now he carried the weight of leadership, and it was crushing.

His father's voice still haunted him. His mother's warnings echoed in his ears: You're not ready for this, Naku. You're not strong enough.

But then he remembered his vision, the throne, uniting the wolves and witches. *You are the alpha. You are the king.*

Naku sat up, gasping. He couldn't be afraid. Meldus had to be stopped, and the rebellion had to win.

He would prove he deserved the throne, period.