na's

ment countless times, preparing myself for the event of rejection. But I couldn't let fear hold m

ce called out, firm

room, darting between the painting on the walls and Kael. He l

oice calm and measured .

ael, I need to speak with you about something important. My father, Thorne...he'

led with concern. "I'm sorry to hear that. Thorne is a valued

That's why I want to take his place. I want to serve on the cou

cal . "You think you're ready for that? The c

art, Kael. I've been watching, learning. I have ideas, strategies that

saw a tiny twinkle of curiosity, a hint of intere

e a vision for the future, one that goes in line with my father

ady breathing . Kael's gaze never left my face, his ey

affairs. You must put the pack's needs before your own. You will also be on probation...just to be sure

my case, and Kael was considering my request. Now, all I had to do was wait..

o leave, Kael's loud v

father is Thorne, why didn't you grow up in the pack? Yo

question, but I still needed to tread carefully. I couldn't reveal the truth - that I was a stra

ed me to explore the world beyond the pack, to bring back new ideas and know

That's not typical for a pack member, especially no

om other cultures and traditions. He believed it would make me a stronger, more valuable member of the

leaving mine. "I see. Well, Ravena, I'll consider your request to join the council. But like I said, it's not a decisio

convinced Kael to consider my request. Now all I had to do was

me the chance." I sai

urst open and Akira walked in, her eyes fixed

is it, Akira? Can't you see I'

ing slightly. "I apologize, but this is ur

ll. Ravena, please ex

el. I think she should stay. This concerns

f curiosity there. "Very well. Ravena, s

tacks on our borders. I think we have a traitor in our midst. Or at lea

traitor? That was exactly w

rned grave. "What ma

y. "I've been tracking the attacks, and I think I've found a pattern. Whoever

w furrowed in concern. "This is seri

d Akira should work together on this. You're both skilled in di

even know if we can trust her! Don't get me wrong, I only asked her to stay so she c

ind, Akira. Ravena, are you willing to work with m