Liana paced her room, her heels echoing her troubled thoughts. Alpha Kaelan's rejection stung deeply. Choosing Mira—weak and without wolf powers—over her felt like a personal insult. She craved revenge. Once proud, she now felt like an outcast, mocked by the pack's whispers and laughter.
At her vanity, she eyed her reflection. Her golden hair and flawless makeup showed calm. Yet, a storm brewed inside. The rumors about Mira were spreading. Just a whisper or a doubtful glance was enough to sow discord.
“They’ll see her for what she really is,” Liana murmured, her lips curling into a smirk. “A fraud. A witch.”
The knock at her door was sharp, jolting her from her thoughts. She composed herself before calling, “Enter.”
Gareth strolled in, his smirk as confident as ever. His relaxed demeanor irked Liana, but she tolerated him—for now. He had proven useful, and she needed all the help she could get.
“You look particularly pleased with yourself,” Gareth remarked, leaning against the doorframe. “The rumors about Mira must be taking root.”
“They are,” Liana replied, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. “Kaelan knows about them. Soon, the council will have no choice but to doubt her. Once they start questioning his judgment, it’s only a matter of time before he casts her aside.”
Gareth let out a hearty chuckle, shaking his head. “Ambitious dreamer, aren’t you? If you believe a sprinkle of deception will make Kaelan swoon, you’re more naive than I imagined.”
Liana bristled, her irritation igniting. “What do you want, Gareth? I don’t have time for your mind games.”
Gareth raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “To help, of course. If you want Mira gone, you’ll need more than rumors. You’ll need proximity.”
“Proximity?” Liana asked, her eyes narrowing.
“How would you feel about moving to Kaelan’s pack?” Gareth proposed, his tone casual.
Liana blinked in surprise. The idea was both shocking and enticing. “Move to his pack? And how would I manage that?”
Gareth’s smirk widened. “Leave the details to me. All you need to do is decide if you’re willing to do what it takes to get close to Mira—and Kaelan.”
For a moment, Liana hesitated. The thought of leaving her home, her status, her comforts, was daunting. But the thought of seeing Kaelan, of being near him again, was too tempting to resist.
“I’m listening,” she said finally, her voice steady.
“Good,” Gareth replied, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Here’s what we’re gonna do…”