Cassandra’s POV
“We saw her last coming out of the Pack Doctor’s hut… with Adolphus."
What?
My spine straightened. My breath caught mid-inhale. Katrina and Adolphus… together? The image slammed into my mind, uninvited—her hand brushing his, their heads too close. My blood began to simmer.
I inhaled deeply, swallowing the burn that crawled up my throat. I turned to the warriors, voice cold and even.
“Find them,” I commanded. “I want Adolphus by my side before my shift tonight. And bring Katrina. I think it’s time she learns a valuable lesson.”
The warriors dipped their heads and disappeared without hesitation.
I turned back to my father, forcing a composed smile to stretch across my lips.
“That’s right,” I said. “Tonight, I will shift before the entire pack and prove to everyone that I am the one who possesses the Lunar Flame.”
My father nodded, pride gleaming in his eyes. “That’s my daughter.”
But even as he said it, something twisted in my chest. A whisper—soft, uncertain. What if they’re right? What if… I clenched my jaw. No. I’m the Alpha’s daughter. The Lunar Flame is mine. It’s always been mine.
One hour passed. Then two.
When the warriors returned, they came back empty-handed.
Nicholas dropped to one knee, eyes low. “We searched the entire grounds,” he said, uneasy. “Adolphus and Katrina… are gone.”
My vision blurred.
"Gone?" My voice dropped to a whisper, lethal in its quiet. “What do you mean, gone?”
Tony stepped forward, hesitant. “No scent trail. It’s like they vanished.”
My teeth ground together. Rage coiled tight in my chest like a knot pulled too far. This couldn’t be happening. Not tonight. Not when I was so close to everything.
I forced a breath and turned to Steve.
“Summon the Pack Doctor. She was the last person to see them.”
Steve hesitated, then gave a small nod. “Yes, my Lady.”
Minutes later, the doors creaked open. The Pack Doctor entered, flanked by guards. She walked slowly but with an air of calm that irritated me more than any scream.
Her eyes flickered toward me—cautious, unreadable.
I crossed my arms. Tilted my head. “Where are they?”
She blinked. “Who?”
I took a single step forward, slow. Controlled. “Don’t play games with me,” I said. “You saw them. Where did they go?”
She remained silent. Not defiant. Not afraid. Just… silent.
I exhaled sharply. “Fine. Let’s try this another way.”
Nicholas grabbed her by the arms and shoved her to her knees. Her breath hitched as her knees slammed against the floor.
Still, she said nothing.
I crouched down to her level. Studied her face. “Tell me where they are,” I whispered. “Or you’ll regret it.”
Nothing. I grabbed her chin, forcing her to meet my eyes. “I don’t like repeating myself.”
Silence. I straightened, sharp with frustration, and motioned to Tony. “Make her talk.”
He didn’t hesitate. The first punch drove into her gut, forcing a strangled gasp from her lips. She doubled over, coughing, trying to stay upright. Blood trailed from her mouth, painting the floor.
Still, she remained silent.
Another hit. Then another. Nicholas joined him, landing a vicious strike across her cheek. She fell to the floor, barely catching herself. Her body shook, but she didn’t cry out. Didn’t beg.
I walked a slow circle around her, hands behind my back.
“You’re loyal to them,” I said. “That’s sweet. But tell me… is it worth dying for?”
She spat blood onto the floor. Her voice trembled—but not from fear.
“You don’t know what you’re playing with,” she rasped.
I leaned closer. “Oh, but I do. And if you don’t start talking, you’ll find out exactly how far I’m willing to go.”
Nicholas dragged her upright again. Her eye was swelling shut. Blood dripped from her nose. She was shaking—barely standing.
I let the silence stretch. Then, finally… she broke.
“They…” she gasped. “They’re heading to the old ruins. Beyond the river. That’s all I know.”
I smiled slowly. Straightened. Brushed invisible dust from my sleeve. “Now, was that so hard?”
I turned to Nicholas. “Throw her into the dungeon.”
He moved forward, but before she was dragged away, she lifted her bloodied face and locked eyes with me.
Her words were faint, but every syllable struck like thunder.
“The truth will reveal itself… The real Lunar Flame will rise!”