I sit in the corner of Lucian's mansion, my mind a whirl of emotions as I watch the Darkguard celebrate our victory. The energy in the room is electric—we've just helped secure Lucian's position as Ruling Alpha of the united packs. But underneath the jubilation, something nags at me. Kael's calm acceptance, that knowing look in his eyes... just thinking of it sends a shiver up my spine.
Around me, warriors raise glasses in toast after toast, their voices carrying triumph and pride, yet I feel like an outsider in the room. I've led them to this victory, yet the cloud of my secrets casts a dark shadow over everything. I try to focus on the celebration, but guilt clings to me, lingering like the scent of deception in the air.
Cade prowls near the edge of the room, his gaze shifting to me with a look so venomous it almost makes me flinch. He strides forward, his lip curling. "Something's not right about this. Kael gave up too easily."
The room stills, all eyes flicking to us, wary and waiting. My pulse quickens, but I hold his gaze. "Perhaps he simply accepts the will of the packs," I say, my voice sharper than I intended.
"Oh, I don't think so," he sneers, crossing his arms. "And I think you know exactly what he's planning. You were his Luna, after all."
"Enough," Lucian's voice cuts through the room, low and controlled, yet simmering with anger. He steps toward Cade, his eyes darkening. "You will watch your tone with your Luna."
Cade's face twists, his eyes flashing with defiance. "Our Luna? She knows something. Look at how calm Kael was, how sure of himself. She knows what he's planning!"
My stomach twists with guilt as I weigh Cade's words. He's right that Kael is planning something—the Celestial Flame waits beneath Shadow Ridge, its power growing stronger as Sabrina's pregnancy advances. The secret burns in my throat, begging to be shared with Lucian. But I remember Cade's threats during my Initiation, the darkness in his eyes when he cornered me. I can't trust Cade with this secret.