The tension in the pack’s meeting hall was palpable as a scout delivered his report. Cassian stood near the head of the table, his jaw clenched tightly, his fists resting on the worn wood as he listened. His sharp gaze never wavered, though his muscles tensed with every word.
“The raids are unlike anything we’ve seen,” the scout said, his voice heavy with dread. “Adrian led them. He fought alongside the Shadowbound, using his strength to slaughter anyone who resisted. Civilians—women, children—they weren’t spared.”
Cassian’s fists slammed down on the table, the sound echoing through the room. “He killed civilians?” he growled, his voice cold and cutting. “Poor, hungry wolves begging for mercy?”
The scout hesitated, then nodded grimly. “Yes, Alpha. He struck them down without hesitation.”
Lyra, standing nearby, felt her knees weaken. She reached out for the back of a chair to steady herself, her chest tightening as the words sank in. “No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “That’s not Adrian. He wouldn’t… he couldn’t.”
Cassian’s icy gaze shifted to her. “Do you think the scout is lying, Lyra?” he asked, his voice razor-sharp. “Do you think the blood of those wolves just appeared on Adrian’s hands by accident?”
Lyra’s silver eyes filled with tears. “There has to be more to this,” she said, her voice trembling. “We don’t know the full story.”
Cassian straightened, his towering frame casting a long shadow across the room. “This is war,” he said, his tone unyielding. “And Adrian has chosen his side. If we meet him on the battlefield, there’s no room for doubt.”
“But—” Lyra began, her voice breaking.
Cassian cut her off, his voice cold and resolute. “If he stands against us, he’ll fall.”
Lyra looked at him, her heart breaking under the weight of his words. “Cassian, please. He’s not the monster they say he is. You know him. You know there’s more to this.”
Cassian’s jaw tightened, but he turned away, his focus shifting to the rest of the pack. “Prepare yourselves,” he commanded. “We move soon. The King’s forces are pushing closer, and we won’t sit idle while they slaughter our kind.”
As the pack dispersed, murmurs of agreement and determination filling the air, Lyra remained rooted in place. Her mind raced with memories of Adrian, of the man she had once known. The thought of facing him in battle was unbearable, but the reports left little room for hope.
Cassian approached her, his gaze softening slightly. “I know it’s hard,” he said, his voice quieter now. “But you need to be ready. This isn’t the Adrian we knew. He’s made his choice.”