The smell of blood clung to the air, a metallic scent that turned my stomach as I approached the scene. My eyes fell on the lifeless bodies scattered around, the brutality of their deaths evident in the deep gashes that marred their flesh. The cuts were precise, too clean to be the work of anything but claws.

Kneeling beside one of the bodies, I traced the edge of a wound with my finger, feeling the jagged edges. The damage was unmistakable. Wolves had been here. I couldn't ignore the knot forming in my gut—something was terribly wrong.

"Rei," I called out, not taking my eyes off the body. "How often do you see something like this?"

Rei, standing a few feet away, surveyed the carnage with a grim expression.

"Minimal to rare," she replied. "These incidents only happen if there are issues within the pact. But as far as I know, everything has been stable."

Her words offered little comfort. Stability meant nothing if there was a rogue out there, someone acting on their own, without regard for the rules that bound us all. I couldn't shake the feeling that this was more than just a random attack. The precision of the wounds, the ferocity—it felt personal.

"This wasn't just any wolf," I murmured, half to myself. "This was a rogue, acting outside the pact."

Rei's gaze snapped to mine, concern darkening his eyes. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, standing up and brushing the dirt from my hands. "I've seen wounds like these before, and they don't happen by accident. Whoever did this had a reason, and it wasn't a good one."

Silence hung between us, the weight of my words sinking in. We both knew what this could mean—trouble for the packs, and possibly something much worse.

"We need to find out who's responsible," I said, my voice firm. "Set up a meeting with the pack in charge of this area. I want to hear what they have to say."

Rei hesitated for a moment, then gave a curt nod. "I'll arrange it."

As she walked away, I glanced back at the bodies one last time, a chill running down my spine. This was just the beginning, and I had a sinking feeling that things were about to get much worse.

---

As the car rolled over the uneven terrain, I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my mind racing with questions. Rei was beside me, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard lights.

"White Stone is ruled by Alpha Francis," Rei said, breaking the silence. "He's been the alpha for almost thirty years now. The pack has been relatively stable under his leadership."

I nodded, absorbing the information. Alpha Francis had a reputation for being both fair and firm, but that didn't guarantee he would be forthcoming. My thoughts turned to the connection between the recent killings and Helios. Was there a link? Could Alpha Francis be involved, or was he as much a victim as the rest of us?

"How well do you think Alpha Francis knows about Helios?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "Is there a possibility he could be connected to this incident?"

Rei's brow furrowed slightly as she considered my question. "Alpha Francis is known to keep his pack's issues close to his chest. He may know more than he lets on, but I can't say for sure. His pack has always been discreet about internal matters."

My mind turned over the possibilities as I drove deeper into the territory. The forest around us grew denser, the trees casting long shadows under the moonlight. As we neared the pack's borders, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The silence in the woods felt heavy, almost oppressive.

Suddenly, I noticed movement along the edge of the forest. Shadows shifted and shapes emerged, wolves blending seamlessly with the darkness. Their eyes glowed faintly as they watched our approach, a silent, intimidating presence. They were waiting for us, a sign of the tension that must be simmering within the pack.

The car's headlights pierced through the gloom, and I could see the outlines of the wolves more clearly now. They were positioned strategically, their postures tense, as if ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. I slowed the car, my senses on high alert.

"Rei," I said, glancing at her. "Do you see that? The wolves in the forest?"

Rei's eyes followed my gaze, and she nodded. "Yes, it looks like they're on high alert. This isn't unusual for a pack that's dealing with something sensitive. It might be their way of showing that they're aware of the situation."

As I continued to drive, the pack's territory loomed ahead, the dense forest opening up to reveal the clearing where Alpha Francis's pack resided. The atmosphere was charged with an uneasy anticipation. Whatever was about to unfold, I could feel that it would be crucial in unraveling the mystery of the recent attacks—and the possible connections to Helios.

---

I slowed the car to a stop as the gates to White Stone's territory began to open, their creaking hinges echoing in the still night air. As we drove through, a group of wolves emerged from the shadows, guiding us with their steady, watchful presence. They moved with a practiced ease, their bodies rippling with the grace of well-trained sentinels.

The pack house came into view—a sprawling structure that looked both imposing and welcoming, nestled amidst the towering trees. At the entrance stood Alpha Francis, a figure of authority and calm amidst the bustling activity of his pack.

I parked the car and stepped out, Rei following closely behind. Alpha Francis greeted us with a measured smile, his eyes reflecting the wisdom of years spent leading his pack.

"Alpha Francis," I said, nodding in his direction. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I must say, your security is impressive. It's clear you've built a strong and vigilant pack."

Alpha Francis's smile widened, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Thank you, Naomi. We do our best to ensure our pack's safety. It's always a pleasure to hear that our efforts are recognized."

He motioned for us to follow him, leading us towards the pack house. The interior was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the coldness of the forest outside. As we entered, the scent of freshly prepared food wafted through the air, a welcome comfort after the long drive.

"I understand you've had quite a journey," Alpha Francis said, guiding us to the dining room. "I've arranged a meal for you both. You must be starving after such a trip."

I exchanged a glance with Rei, appreciating the alpha's hospitality. It was rare to find a leader so open and accommodating, especially considering our current circumstances. As we followed him into the dining room, the warmth and light felt like a stark contrast to the tension that had preceded our arrival.

The dining room was spacious, with a large wooden table set with an array of delicious-looking dishes. Alpha Francis gestured for us to sit, his demeanor relaxed yet attentive.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable," he said. "We'll have plenty of time to discuss the matters at hand once you've had a chance to eat. I trust you'll find everything to your liking."

I took a seat, feeling a bit of the tension ease as I glanced around the room. Despite the gravity of the situation that had brought us here, Alpha Francis's hospitality provided a brief respite.

As we began to eat, I couldn't help but wonder about the true nature of the pack's connection to the recent incidents—and how much Alpha Francis knew about them. The dinner would be a chance to glean more information, but for now, I allowed myself to enjoy the brief moment of normalcy.

- - -

We sat in Alpha Francis's office, the warmth from dinner quickly dissipating as the conversation turned serious. His office was neat and orderly, a reflection of the man who ran this territory with precision. But beneath the surface, I could sense an unease.

I folded my hands in my lap and leaned forward slightly. "Alpha Francis," I began, my tone measured, "how often do rogue attacks occur in your pack's territory?"

His expression didn't waver at first, remaining calm and collected. "Rogue attacks? They're infrequent. Maybe one or two per month, if that."

Something felt off. It wasn't just his words, but the way his fingers tapped against the polished wood of his desk—a subtle, nervous rhythm. My eyes flicked to his hand, and a sense of suspicion tugged at the edges of my mind. Was he lying?

I pressed on, keeping my voice steady. "And in these cases, are the rogues typically from outside your borders, or do you suspect they're remnants of a larger group?"

He paused, his fingers still tapping. "They're... usually loners. We don't believe they're part of any organized group."

The more he spoke, the clearer it became—there was something he wasn't telling me. I narrowed my gaze, watching for any slip in his carefully composed demeanor. "It seems odd, doesn't it? That such incidents would occur with such regularity, yet no pattern or larger threat emerges. Surely a pack like yours would have dealt with these rogues swiftly?"

Francis's fingers stilled. His jaw tightened, and I knew I had hit a nerve. "We manage our territory as best we can, Naomi. Rogue wolves are dangerous, but we keep them at bay."

I wasn't convinced. "Yet, with your security as tight as it is, I find it hard to believe any rogue would get near your borders without being caught immediately."

That was enough. Alpha Francis's palm slammed against the table, the sharp sound echoing in the room. Rei hissed instantly, baring her fangs in a warning, her posture tense and ready for confrontation.

Francis blinked, taken aback by Rei's reaction. He took a deep breath, retracting his hand and holding it up in apology. "Forgive me," he said, his voice softer now. "It's late, and I'm tired. Perhaps we can continue this conversation in the morning."

The tension lingered as he gestured to his beta, a woman named Sarah, who had been silently observing from the side of the room. "Sarah, please escort Naomi and Rei to their quarters."

I stood, exchanging a glance with Rei before following Sarah out of the office. The hallway was dimly lit, the silence hanging heavily between us as we walked. The walls were adorned with photos of pack members and memorabilia, but my thoughts were far from the decor.

Sarah led the way with a steady stride. Tall and imposing, her muscular frame moved with a fluid grace that reminded me of the wolves she commanded. Her brunette hair was pulled back into a tight braid that fell down her back, leaving her sharp, angular features on display. There was a quiet intensity about her, a sense of purpose in the way she carried herself, as if nothing could shake her resolve. Even her silence felt deliberate, like she was weighing every word, every step.

I studied her discreetly, wondering what role she truly played within this pack. She was Francis's Beta, yes, but her loyalty to him ran deep—deeper than what I'd seen in most packs. There was a fierceness in her eyes that hinted at more than just duty.

Still, as composed as she appeared, there was something unreadable about her expression, a veil that she kept tightly drawn.

I glanced at Sarah, breaking the silence. "What's Alpha Francis's true stance on rogues? He seemed... agitated when we brought it up."

Sarah didn't look at me, her expression unreadable as she led us down the corridor. "Alpha Francis doesn't take the matter of rogues lightly. He's done everything in his power to eliminate any threat that comes near White Stone. He takes pride in keeping this pack safe."

Her words were measured, but I sensed a deeper loyalty in her tone. "And has he been successful?" I asked, probing further. "It sounds like rogue attacks aren't uncommon."

"They're rare," she replied, a slight edge to her voice. "When a rogue is spotted, we act fast. We don't let them linger near our territory for long."

I nodded but couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't adding up. As we neared our room, I filed away her words, knowing that this conversation wasn't over. There was more to this pack—and to Alpha Francis's actions—than met the eye.

I entered the quarters, my body finally relaxing after the tension-filled conversation with Alpha Francis. The room was simple, yet comfortable—nothing like the grandeur of the council chambers back home, but it had its own charm. I wandered over to the balcony, the cool night air brushing against my skin as I stepped outside.

The moon hung high above, bathing the forest in a silver glow. It was full tonight, its light making the leaves shimmer like glass. I leaned against the railing, admiring its beauty, allowing myself a moment to just breathe. It had been a long day, and tomorrow promised to be no different.

I was about to retreat to bed, my body craving rest, when a sudden, eerie sensation crept over me. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end, a chill skittering down my spine. Something—no, someone—was watching me.

I turned back toward the forest, scanning the tree line slowly. The shadows were thick, but I could feel it—an energy, a presence that was unmistakable. My eyes narrowed as I searched, and then I saw it—a dark figure nestled in the dense forest. My heart skipped a beat as its golden eyes met mine, glowing like embers in the darkness.

I stared hard, trying to make out its form. Was it a wolf? One of Alpha Francis's? It seemed too distant, too still. And those eyes... there was something unnatural about them. I couldn't tell if it was hostile or simply curious, but the way it stood there, watching, unnerved me.

Before I could discern its shape more clearly, a flurry of movement caught my attention. Several wolves from Francis's pack emerged from the trees, chasing after the figure. It darted away, disappearing into the shadows without a sound. The wolves pursued it, but within moments, they too vanished from sight, leaving the forest eerily quiet once more.

I lingered by the balcony, my mind racing. What was that? A rogue, perhaps? It hadn't attacked the pack, hadn't even tried. It just... watched me. Odd. The wolves hadn't hesitated to chase it down, which made me wonder if they knew something I didn't. Could this have something to do with the attack?

Pushing the thoughts aside, I rubbed my temples and sighed. Maybe it was just my imagination. A rogue, likely.

I retreated into the room, pulling the curtains shut behind me. As I climbed into bed, my thoughts drifted back to those golden eyes in the forest. They lingered in my mind, even as I lulled myself into sleep, my body sinking into the mattress.

Tomorrow would bring answers—hopefully.