So many things happened at once that San had a hard time comprehending it all. Handong and Bora both started running deeper into the pack without turning around to explain what was going on.

The only thing he could think of was that something had happened to one of the other Elite.

Which didn't bode well for the rest of them.

"Minhyuk-" Hongjoong started to say, but the beta just shook his head and started running again.

Just ahead of them, Eunkwang was in front of their home cupping his hands to his mouth. "Everyone! Please! I need you to gather and listen to what I have to say!"

San and Hongjoong exchanged a surprised glance, then pushed themselves to run faster.

Most of the field workers had done as he asked, forming a large cluster of people that were all trying to talk over one another.

When they got closer, Hyunsik and Changsub helped guide them to the front so they could all huddle behind their alpha.

The only one missing was Sungjae.

"Please! Please listen to me!" Eunkwang raised his voice, trying to bring order to the growing crowd. As the ruckus quieted down, he looked back at his mini pack with a grim smile.

It was rare that Eunkwang was this serious. Usually he still had a smile or a playful twinkle in his eye that was hard to snuff out. But now... there was nothing but fear spiraling in them.

"I know this is sudden." He turned back to the crowd, raising his voice and using a more urgent and demanding tone, which worked because everyone's gaze was fixed solely on him. "But I need you to listen to what I have to say with an open mind and an open heart, because I'm asking for your help."

Murmurs erupted again. The alpha let them go on for a few seconds before he raised his hands once more. "Please, we are running out of time! I fear a civil war is coming!"

Now the outrage began. Several of the male alphas started to push their way to the front, preparing to take on Eunkwang if needed, to which Peniel stepped forward and squared his shoulders. "SHUT IT! Let him speak!"

Eunkwang gave his friend a sad but grateful smile. Things were so tense right now, and there was no easy way to break this kind of news.

That knowledge made Hongjoong bow his head a little. He knew how the other alpha was feeling to an extent, but he couldn't image how hard this was for his fellow alpha. Having to break this kind of news to a pack he obviously loved so much had to be the most challenging thing he'd ever had to do.

"I know this comes as a shock, but Nova isn't who we thought she was. My friends here," he motioned back to Hongjoong and San, "Were taken prisoner by her, along with several other members of their pack. I know you've seen them working the fields with Minhyuk and Peniel, and that there have been questions that couldn't be answered, but I'm answering them now. We don't keep prisoners here, yet suddenly Nova is doing it. And now the female alphas are getting pregnant, which is also making them sick. Hyunsik and Changsub can account for that, along with Sungjae when he gets here.

"We discovered that she was using one of Hongjoong's pack mates, who we believe may be a Pure Alpha, to impregnate the female alphas who desire children. Her methods were... dishonorable to put it lightly. Now he is being protected by a few others, but Nova is after him again and mobilizing some of her alphas to help."

"So what does this mean for us?" One of the workers asked, earning nods from others around him.

Eunkwang glanced down at his feet for a moment, then looked out at the crowd in front of him with a gaze fitting for a true leader. Serious, stone cold, and determined. "I'm asking you to fight with me."

Only two things could have happened after those words. An uproar or nothing.

This time it was the latter.

No one spoke as they tried to take in what the alpha was asking of them. War was not something to be taken lightly, and Eunkwang had just planted the seed to start a civil war.

Hongjoong surveyed the crowd, how they shifted in place, how they exchanged nervous looks and murmured words, how scared they looked.

So he stepped forward to stand next to Eunkwang. The older alpha tilted his head to the side in question, then nodded once before stepping back.

When all eyes were back on him, Hongjoong clasped his hands behind his back and raised his chin. "I'm sorry we have to put you on the spot like this, and I know this isn't easy, but Eunkwang speaks the truth. Nova kidnapped my family and tortured one of my closest friends. I've been through three different wars in my life. It's not pretty and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. But I can't let her get away with this. If I could get my loved ones out of here without it happening, I would do it in a heartbeat. But I don't think Nova will let that happen."

"Is this really true, Eunkwang?" A female omega stepped forward, clutching a young child to her side.

"I'm afraid so." The alpha responded. The conflict weighed his words down, reinforcing the severity of their situation. "And The Elite have witnessed it too. They have agreed to help us."

"Those who do not wish to fight, I urge you to find a way to protect yourselves." Hongjoong continued. "I know this isn't your fight, this isn't your problem. But we will appreciate whatever help we can get."

.

.

.

.

Theo, can you hear me?

What's wrong? Theo asked, instantly sensing the panic in his mate's tone. This was the first time they'd had contact since Nova's appearance, he'd been too distracted to focus on anything else, and now he was sensing that Avayla had been in a similar situation.

T, the girls and I have been taken.

What?!

I don't know what's going on, but a few alphas I didn't know came and took us away. They restrained Minji, Gahyeon, and Siyeon and said something about how they aren't in charge anymore. I need you to get Dad out of here. His alpha pleaded.

No! I won't leave you! Theo rose from where he'd been sitting on the couch writing out a few questions he had for Angelo. He'd been wanting to find a better place to hide Mingi, but that didn't matter now.

Everything was falling apart, and now his family was in even more danger...

Theo I'm alright at the moment. They've locked me in a small bedroom but the girls are with me. They said as long as I cooperate they won't hurt us. My guess is they are waiting for Nova to come.

The beta paused, forehead creased in concentration. That may be awhile. She collapsed while she was here. I think whatever sickness is attached to these pregnancies finally got the bitch too.

There was a flicker of amusement that came from his mate at his choice of wording before Avayla continued. Then that buys us a little time. Please, T, please get him out of here.

Don't ask me to leave-

Then I'll order you if I need too.

There was no arguing with her tone. She would use her alpha power to make him do it if she needed to, because she was just as stubborn as her father...

Theo closed his eyes and tried to fight the overwhelming, emotional conflict warring within him. It was so unfair of her to ask this of him... And he wanted to hate her for it, get mad, scream, run to her...

But then her soft, perfect, melodious voice entered his head once more and all of his resolve drifted away like dust in the wind. I love you too, Theo. Please... Please do this for me.

The beta turned on the spot and started scribbling furiously on his notepad once more. He left words out where he could, shortened others that he knew would still make sense, until he was able to hand the notebook to Angelo.

His new friend's eyes darted over the surface quickly, a frown growing more and more prominent as he did. 'I don't think this is a good idea. But you're right... After Yubin left, we have no eyes on Nova or what is going on.' Angelo sighed and nodded a few times. 'Go north. It'll take you deeper into the forest. It's where the main hunting grounds are so you should be able to cover your scents with the wild game and foliage. I'll send someone to look for you when I have news, and I'll try to find Avayla.'

Theo bowed in thanks before running to the closet Mingi was still hiding in.

The alpha was curled in the corner, although he'd pushed aside the clothes covering him for now. He looked so small, thin, hopeless, and his eyes... they were completely empty and devoid of life.

They were eyes that looked over Theo's shoulder when Mingi sensed him and turned to look in his direction. 'Theo? What's going on?'

Even though he was unable to answer, the beta bent over to grab Mingi's hands and pulled him onto his feet. Then he placed a finger on Mingi's lips, and only when he received an understanding nod did he turn around and guide Mingi's left hand to rest on his right shoulder.

He was hesitant at first, but once the alpha realized they were going somewhere, he let his guard down and followed Theo as best he could. His right hand was held in front of him, drifting from side to side as if it had a mind of its own so he could try to protect himself from running into anything.

Not that Theo would let that happen, but he sort of understood the insecurity the alpha had.

Angelo and Annabelle were waiting by the door, both with grim expressions, to make sure the coast was clear. A quick jerk of their hands was all Theo needed to slip out the door. They followed after him with the scent-covering spray until he reached the tree line.

That's when he took Mingi's hand and started to jog.

He wasn't sure if it would have been better to be silent, because he knew Mingi had to be making a lot of noise behind him, but something in his gut told him that speed would be the their ally at this point in time.

The faster they could get away from Nova, the more distance they could gain, the better their chances would be at keeping Mingi out of her hands.

Even though every step took him farther and farther away from his Soulmate and daughters.

Mingi must have sensed his pain, because the alpha squeezed his hand harder.

That small action gave Theo the strength he needed to push forward.

He tried to pick the easiest path to take, one that wouldn't put too many obstacles in the way for Mingi to trip over. Closer to the pack houses it was easier because trails had been made, trees chopped down, and foliage cleared.

But the forest was quick to regain control and eventually he was forced to slow to a walk. Especially when it started getting dark...

Large, leafy bushes that had long branches coming from them were the biggest hinderance. Theo had to constantly pull or push them out of the way to check for rocks or fallen logs, or even holes.

He'd nearly broken his ankle when he didn't check once and ended up stepping in a burrow, sinking up to his knee with a scream of surprise and pain.

Mingi had felt his way across the beta's body until he could hook his arms underneath Theo's armpits to help pull him out.

Then... he just hugged Theo from behind for several, long minutes with his forehead pressed against the back of his neck. He refused to let Theo walk anymore, refused to do anything but just... stand there.

Theo let it happen. It was the kindest thing he felt he could give the alpha right now. Just that little bit of comfort, that little bit of support.

And he would never reveal that he could feel hot tears rolling down his back.