Chapter 3 Fate or faith

Ravena's POV.

I stood outside Kael's private chambers , my heart racing with thoughts . I had practiced this moment countless times, preparing myself for the event of rejection. But I couldn't let fear hold me back. I took a deep breath, straightened my back, squared my shoulders, and knocked on the door.

"Enter," Kael's voice called out, firm and authoritative.

I pushed open the door and stepped inside, my eyes scanning the room, darting between the painting on the walls and Kael. He looked up from his desk, his eyes narrowed as he approached me.

"Ravena," he said, his voice calm and measured . "What brings you here?"

I approached him, my legs shaking despite the calm aura that oozed out of me. "Kael, I need to speak with you about something important. My father, Thorne...he's not well. His health is failing, and he can't continue to serve on the council."

I watched as Kael's expression softened, his eyes suddenly filled with concern. "I'm sorry to hear that. Thorne is a valued member of the council. The most important member if you ask me."

I took another step closer, my heart thundering in my chest . "That's why I want to take his place. I want to serve on the council, to represent my father's interests and continue his work."

Kael raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical . "You think you're ready for that? The council is not a place for the weak of heart."

I stood straight , my heart pounding in my chest. "I'm not faint of heart, Kael. I've been watching, learning. I have ideas, strategies that could benefit the pack. And I'm willing to work hard to prove myself."

I could see the doubt in Kael's eyes. But I also saw a tiny twinkle of curiosity, a hint of interest. I pressed on, my words spilling out in a rush.

"I know the pack's history, its strengths and weaknesses. I have a vision for the future, one that goes in line with my father's goals. And I'm not afraid to stand up for what I believe in."

The room became silent, the only sound my slow and steady breathing . Kael's gaze never left my face, his eyes seemed to bear into my soul. Then, finally, he spoke.

"Very well, Ravena. I'll consider your request. But know this: the council is not a place for personal affairs. You must put the pack's needs before your own. You will also be on probation...just to be sure about who we are taking as a replacement for Thorne." Kael said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

I felt a surge of hope, a feeling of triumph. I had done it. I had presented my case, and Kael was considering my request. Now, all I had to do was wait...and hope, hope he would accept my case and make me a replacement for Thorne.

Just as I was about to leave, Kael's loud voice rang out behind me.

Kael's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "Ravena, if your father is Thorne, why didn't you grow up in the pack? You're clearly not familiar with our ways, our traditions."

I hesitated, my mind racing as I tried to think of my already prepared lies . I had expected this question, but I still needed to tread carefully. I couldn't reveal the truth - that I was a stranger, a girl who came back to ruin his father . So I did the only thing I could think of - I lied.

"Kael, my father sent me away to learn more about herbs and healing. He wanted me to explore the world beyond the pack, to bring back new ideas and knowledge. New knowledge and ideas that would take the pack to greater heights."

Kael's expression was skeptical. "Herbs and healing? That's not typical for a pack member, especially not the daughter of a high-ranking member like Thorne."

I shrugged, trying to appear casual. "My father wanted me to have a different perspective, to learn from other cultures and traditions. He believed it would make me a stronger, more valuable member of the pack in the long run. He does not want me to stay here and grow up with only skills of pack politics."

Kael's eyes still looked doubtful, but he didn't press the issue. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine. "I see. Well, Ravena, I'll consider your request to join the council. But like I said, it's not a decision I'll make lightly. You'll need to prove yourself, show me that you're truly committed to the pack and its well-being."

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. I had done it - I had convinced Kael to consider my request. Now all I had to do was wait, and hope that he wouldn't discover the truth about my past.

"I will....if you give me the chance." I said, pressing my chances.

Just as Kael was about to respond, the door burst open and Akira walked in, her eyes fixed on her brother. "Kael, we need to talk. Now."

Kael raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Akira? Can't you see I'm in the middle of a meeting?"

Akira's gaze darted to me, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I apologize, but this is urgent. And it concerns the pack's security."

Kael sighed. "Very well. Ravena, please excuse us for a moment."

But to my surprise, Akira spoke up. "No, Kael. I think she should stay. This concerns her too. After all she is Thorne's daughter."

Kael's eyes met mine, and I saw a hint of curiosity there. "Very well. Ravena, stay. Akira, what is it that's so urgent?"

Akira hesitated, her eyes darting between us. "It's about the recent attacks on our borders. I think we have a traitor in our midst. Or at least someone that is trying to weaken our defenses and become one of us."

My heart skipped a beat. A traitor? That was exactly what I was pretending to be.

Kael's expression turned grave. "What makes you think that?"

Akira pulled out a paper , unfolding it to reveal a map of the pack's territory. "I've been tracking the attacks, and I think I've found a pattern. Whoever is doing this is trying to weaken our defenses, make us vulnerable to attack."

Kael's eyes scanned the map, his brow furrowed in concern. "This is serious. We need to investigate further."

And then, to my shock, he turned to me. "Ravena, I think you and Akira should work together on this. You're both skilled in different areas, and I think you could complement each other well."

Akira's eyes widened in disbelief. "Kael, are you serious? She's a stranger, we don't even know if we can trust her! Don't get me wrong, I only asked her to stay so she can tell her father...who is the most important member of the pack, after you my alpha."

But Kael's expression was firm. "I've made up my mind, Akira. Ravena, are you willing to work with my sister to uncover the truth behind these attacks?"