Chapter 24

My mother’s expression hardened as she processed the information, her strategist's mind swiftly calculating their next steps. "Gather the warriors. We will investigate this disturbance immediately," she commanded, her voice slicing through the tension in the air like a knife.

The beta wolf nodded, briskly turning to relay her orders to the assembled pack warriors. As he hurried away, my mother’s gaze turned back to me, the weight of her scrutiny settling heavily on my shoulders.

"Rio," she began, her tone firm yet tinged with concern. "We will discuss this so-called 'delicate situation' after we assess the issue at the border. But mark my words: secrets can tear a pack apart, especially one as close-knit as ours. Now, let's see what is occurring at the eastern gates.”

I swallowed hard, the gravity of her words settling like a stone in the pit of my stomach. Despite our efforts to maintain a cloak of secrecy, the truth now loomed, threatening to emerge and expose th