DARIUS’S POV
The cold night air bit at my face as I waited at the border of Northern Pack territory. I pulled my cloak tighter around me and checked the moon's position. They would be here soon. I had sent word three days ago for this secret meeting, and I knew they wouldn't dare to be late.
I heard footsteps approaching through the thick trees. Two figures emerged from the shadows, both wearing dark hoods to hide their faces. They were being careful, just as I had instructed them.
"Darius," the taller one greeted me with a nod. "We came as quickly as we could."
"Did anyone see you leave?" I asked, my voice low and sharp.
"No," the shorter one replied. "We made sure we weren't followed."
"Excellent." I smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "We have much to discuss tonight."
The three of us moved deeper into the forest, away from any possible ears that might be listening. When I was satisfied we were alone, I stopped walking and turned to face them.
"You both know why I called you here," I began. "The time has come to act. Prince Kade must be removed from power."
"We've been waiting for your signal," the tall one said eagerly. "But we need to know your plan."
"All in good time," I replied, holding up my hand. "First, there's something new you need to know. Something that changes everything."
They both leaned in closer, their eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"There's a new woman at the castle," I continued. "She goes by the name Ivy, and she's been seen constantly at the Prince's side."
"A woman?" the shorter one asked. "What does that matter to us?"
I let out a dark chuckle. "It matters because I know exactly who she is. This Ivy is from Northern Pack."
Their eyes widened in surprise.
"Are you certain?" the tall one demanded.
"Absolutely certain," I confirmed. "She's the daughter of the former Beta, the traitor who betrayed our pack years ago."
The shorter one spat. "That changes things."
"Indeed it does," I nodded. "But there's more. Much more."
I paused for dramatic effect, watching their faces in the moonlight.
"She's a witch," I said quietly.
The silence that followed was deafening. Both men stared at me with shock and fear written across their features.
"A witch?" the tall one whispered. "Are you sure?"
"I've seen the signs," I lied smoothly. "Strange things happen when she's around. Unnatural healings. Mysterious occurrences. Mark my words, she has dark powers."
"This is worse than we thought," the shorter one muttered, shaking his head.
"Exactly," I agreed. "Which is why we must spread the word. The pack members need to know what kind of danger lurks in their midst."
"What do you want us to do?" the tall one asked.
"Start talking," I instructed them. "Tell everyone who will listen that there's a witch living in the castle. Tell them she's dangerous, that she could put the entire Fenrir Empire in chaos if we don't act soon."
"And people will believe this?" the shorter one questioned.
"Of course they will," I said confidently. "Fear spreads faster than wildfire. Once the rumors begin, they'll grow on their own. Soon, everyone will be demanding that something be done about her."
"But what about the Prince?" the tall one pressed. "How does this help us get rid of him?"
I smiled my most wicked smile. "That's where the real plan comes in."
I began pacing back and forth in front of them, my mind racing with the details of my scheme.
"For years, I've been waiting for the perfect opportunity to eliminate Kade," I explained. "I've considered many methods, but they all had flaws. Too risky, too obvious, too likely to be traced back to me."
"So what's changed?" the shorter one asked impatiently.
"Everything," I replied. "The appearance of this witch has given me the perfect cover for my plan."
I stopped pacing and looked directly at both of them.
"Do you remember my original plan when Kade visited Northern Pack a few weeks ago?" I asked.
They both nodded.
"I was going to poison him then," I continued. "I had everything prepared, the perfect opportunity. But at the last moment, something went wrong."
"What happened?" the tall one inquired.
"That witch," I spat. "She interfered somehow. I don't know exactly how, but Kade escaped my trap because of her."
I clenched my fists, remembering my frustration from that failed attempt.
"But now," I said, my voice growing stronger, "she's going to help me finish what I started."
"I don't understand," the shorter one said, looking confused.
"It's simple," I explained. "This time, when I poison Kade, he won't escape. I'll make sure of it."
The two men stared at each other, uncertainty written on their faces.
"But wouldn't he suspect something?" the tall one asked hesitantly. "After what happened at the Northern Pack, won't he be more careful?"
"No, he wouldn't," I interrupted quickly, waving away their concern.
"Why do you think so?" the shorter one pressed.
"You can't be so sure," the tall one added, doubt creeping into his voice.
I smiled with pure mischief, feeling the thrill of my plan coursing through my veins.
"He would never suspect if he is served by his favorite," I said with confidence.
They stared at each other again, their confusion evident.
"Who is his favorite?" they asked almost in unison.
My smile grew wider as I delivered the final piece of my plan.
"Ivy, the witch."