Chapter 6 Echoes

Jaxon

The echo of my boots against the polished wooden stairs broke the evening silence as I descended into the main hall. The moon streaming in through the wide windows painted soft lines across the floor, but I barely noticed. My gaze had already found Ronan standing by the corner, speaking in low tones with Kara.

Their heads were close. Kara's expression looked tight, a little too serious for gossip. Ronan's shoulders were drawn, and the moment I stepped off the last stair, Kara's eyes widened.

She bowed quickly and made herself scarce.

Something was definitely off.

I strode toward Ronan, keeping my steps slow but purposeful. "What's going on?"

Ronan hesitated-never a good sign. His usually sharp tongue now caught in his throat, eyes darting to the side.

"Ronan?" I said more firmly.

He straightened. "Alpha Jaxon... we just received a message from Alpha Deric."

My body tensed involuntarily at the name. "And?"

He exchanged a glance with Kara, who had just entered the hall. I crossed my arms tightly, my posture coiled like a spring. Ronan continued.

"He claims there's a runaway wolf."

I arched my brow. "A runaway?"

Jaxon's jaw twitched. "He's referring to her. I don't know her name."

I felt the temperature in the room shift, or maybe it was just my blood heating.

Ronan added, "He says she's a spy. From Blood Moon."

Blood Moon....i already knew Elivira was from blood moon but hearing it again felt almost new to me. A pack that brought bitter memories and deep scars that my pack still bore. The very mention of it stirred old wounds in me but I had to push it away.

Ronan took a breath. "You know what they did to us. We can't ignore the risk, Alpha. We shouldn't be harboring a Blood Moon wolf."

I didn't reply at once. I glanced toward the high windows, watching the sky shift as if the heavens were trying to mirror the anger brewing inside me.

"What do you suggest we do?" I asked finally, voice low.

Ronan didn't hesitate this time. "Have you noticed anything suspicious about her? Anything at all?"

My mind flashed to earlier. Her skin against mine. That shimmer-silver, ethereal-glowing at the point where our hands touched. It couldn't have been a trick of the light. But it also didn't make sense. Blood Moon wolves didn't possess abilities like that. Not unless...

"You must be careful now," Ronan said, his voice cutting through my thoughts. "Remember the last girl? She poisoned you."

The words hit harder than I expected. That betrayal had left me bedridden for weeks, my instincts dulled by trust I had foolishly given.

"I think you should take her back," Ronan added, more resolute now. "She's wanted. They're hunting her."

"I can't," I said flatly.

Ronan's face tightened. "You can't or you don't want to?"

I met his gaze. "I don't want to."

His hands clenched at his sides. "Alpha Jaxon, this is dangerous. The king won't like this. If the Council finds out-"

I raised my hand. "Enough."

The hall grew cold. My words echoed.

I didn't owe them an explanation. Not yet. Not until I knew exactly what I was dealing with.

Because part of me, a part I hated admitting-felt something the moment I touched her. Not just attraction, not just curiosity. Power and something familiar.

"I need to check something," I said quietly, still watching the window as clouds scattered. "Then I'll tell you what we'll do."

Ronan opened his mouth to object, but I stepped forward, shaking my head subtly, my eyes out, a sign to tell him that I won't be entertaining anymore questions. Ronan finally bowed and backed away.

I turned without another word and walked out the east doors toward the training field. The wind was sharp, carrying the scent of sweat, and grass. Our warriors were in full swing, swords clashing, boots pounding, battle cries ringing out across the open space.

When they saw me approach, they paused.

"Alpha!" several voices called out, fists over their chests.

I raised a hand. "Carry on."

They resumed with more vigor, but I only had one thing on my mind now.

Elvira. Just; what happened to her ?

And what the hell did that silver glow mean?

She didn't look comfortable to talk, and it didn't look like she wanted to talk either. My mistake was telling her the name of her pack, and that must've scared her. I hope she's able to open up , I need to know everything about her. And Deric's message... was it genuine? Or a trap?

My mind raced through possibilities.

She was from Blood Moon, yes, but something was off. Their wolves were known for ruthlessness, bloodshed, cruelty. She didn't fit.

Elvira had strength, but not the type they trained. Hers was wild, restrained, as if she didn't even know what she carried.

Was that why her own pack turned on her?

Or worse... were they trying to eliminate her before she could unlock it?

I clenched my jaw.

I needed answers. And I wasn't going to get them by handing her over like some parcel.

I made my way past the field, ignoring the questioning looks of my soldiers. My heart beats faster with each step. I needed to see her again. I needed to see if it would happen-if that glow would return.