Chapter 4 - The Council's Hidden ArmyThe enemy had been living inside Damian's kingdom all along.Damian shifted instantly.
His wolf stood between Alora and the soldiers.
Varek smiled.
"Do not make this difficult."
"You attacked my castle."
"I reclaimed it."
"You are a traitor."
"No."
Varek stepped forward.
"I am the only wolf still loyal to the Voss bloodline."
Damian's eyes narrowed.
"The men behind you disagree."
"They don't know the truth."
Varek pointed at Alora.
"She is the danger."
Alora held Wren tighter.
"You wanted me to open the gate."
"Exactly."
Damian realized the trap.
The gate was never meant to protect the royal family.
It was a seal.
And Alora had broken it.
Varek lifted his hand.
The soldiers advanced.
Damian roared.
His guards attacked.
The underground chamber exploded into violence.
Alora ran.
Not away.
Toward the old stone altar at the center.
She recognized symbols from her healer training.
"Damian!"
He looked at her.
"There's something here."
She brushed away dust.
A carved wolf appeared beneath the stone.
And beside it...
A woman.
The ancient symbol of the true mate.
Alora's hand shook.
"Your family didn't build this."
Damian fought another soldier.
"What?"
"It was built for my bloodline."
He stopped.
"Your family?"
"My mother's."
Serafina stared from across the chamber.
She looked terrified.
"That's impossible."
Alora turned.
"Why?"
Serafina whispered.
"Because your mother was supposed to be dead."
Alora's blood froze.
"What did you say?"
Serafina stepped forward.
"Your mother was the last true mate before you."
Damian's eyes widened.
The war around them seemed to disappear.
Alora slowly shook her head.
"My mother died when I was six."
"That's what they told you."
"Who?"
Serafina looked at Varek.
"He ordered it."
Varek's smile disappeared.
"Enough."
He lunged.
Damian intercepted him.
The two Alphas crashed into the stone altar.
Varek was powerful.
Far more powerful than an old council member should have been.
Damian was thrown into a pillar.
Alora saw Varek raise a dagger.
She grabbed the nearest weapon.
The dagger struck.
Blood sprayed across the floor.
But not Damian's.
Serafina stood between them.
The blade was buried in her side.
Varek stared.
"You."
Serafina collapsed.
Alora rushed toward her.
Damian seized Varek by the throat.
"Why?"
Varek laughed through blood.
"You still don't understand."
He leaned close.
"The pups were never the target."
Damian's grip tightened.
"Then what was?"
Varek's eyes moved to Alora's abdomen.
Her face went pale.
"You."
Before Damian could demand an explanation, an arrow flew through the chamber.
It struck Varek directly through the heart.
The traitor fell.
Everyone looked toward the passage.
A hooded figure stood there.
May you like
And before disappearing into the darkness, the stranger said:
"Your real enemy is already carrying your blood."
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