Liana sat in the dimly lit corner of her chambers, the fire in the hearth casting flickering shadows on the walls. The spy she had cultivated within the council stood before her, his face pale and strained. He had just delivered news that made Liana’s blood run cold: the council was seriously discussing the possibility of searching for Mira.
“They’re convinced the Moon Goddess is angry,” the spy said, his voice low but urgent. “They think it’s because Alpha Kaelan made you his mate instead of her.”
Liana’s fingers gripped the armrests of her chair tightly, her knuckles whitening. “What else did they say?”
“They believe Mira must be found and brought back to restore balance. They’re worried that if they don’t, the pack will suffer further.”
A sharp intake of breath escaped her lips as anger flared within her. “Fools,” she spat. “They don’t see what’s right in front of them. If they bring her back, everything I’ve worked for will be ruined.”
The spy hesitated, his unease evident. “What do you want me to do?”
Liana rose from her chair, her expression cold and calculating. “You’ve done enough for now. Leave. I’ll handle the rest.”
The man bowed and quickly exited the room, leaving Liana alone with her thoughts. The council’s decision was a threat she couldn’t ignore. If Kaelan found Mira before she could secure her place as Luna, it would all fall apart.
Determined to act quickly, Liana donned her cloak and slipped out of the pack house. The cool night air stung her cheeks as she made her way to Gareth’s hideout on the outskirts of the territory.
Gareth was waiting for her, leaning casually against a tree. His ever-present smirk greeted her as she approached.
“To what do I owe the pleasure, Luna?” Gareth drawled, his tone dripping with mockery.
Liana didn’t rise to the bait. She stepped closer, her voice low and firm. “I need you to find Mira. Now.”
Gareth arched an eyebrow, intrigued. “Find her? For what purpose?”
Liana’s gaze was icy. “To eliminate her before Kaelan or anyone else can reach her. She’s a threat to me, Gareth, and I won’t allow her to destroy what I’ve built.”
His smirk widened as he straightened, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeve. “Eliminate her? You don’t hold back, do you?”
“Can you do it or not?” Liana snapped, her patience fraying.
Gareth chuckled, clearly enjoying her desperation. “Relax, Liana. I’ll take care of it. Consider Mira as good as gone.”
Relief washed over her, though her expression remained steely. “Make sure you do. I can’t afford any mistakes.”
“Trust me,” Gareth replied, his voice smooth. “I always deliver.”
Liana watched him disappear into the shadows, her chest tightening with a mix of anxiety and determination. She had set the wheels in motion, but there was no room for error.
When she returned to the pack house, the night was quiet, the grounds shrouded in stillness. As she approached the entrance, she froze at the sight of Kaelan standing outside, speaking with a guard.
His piercing gaze shifted to her as she stepped closer, his expression unreadable. “Liana,” he said, his tone calm but laced with suspicion. “Where have you been?”