"My warriors can help reinforce the borders. With the rogues working with Hunters from time to time, this could be a play to push Lily where they want her," Garrett offered.
Ethan nodded. He appreciated his friend's help but knew it wasn't just Lily at risk. However, that was a conversation for later. "Your offer is gratefully accepted, Garrett. We need all the help we can get."
Turning his attention to Deanna, who stood near the window with her arms crossed over her chest, Ethan said, "Deanna, let me know if you receive any pushback from Garrett's warriors. They're here to help, not hinder our efforts."
Deanna's gaze met Ethan's, and she nodded in understanding. "Understood, Alpha. But while we're on the subject, I recommend we intensify our training. I think we need to push ourselves even harder."
Ethan considered her words. The balance between protecting his people and keeping them prepared was a delicate one, but he trusted Deanna's judgment. "Very well," he agreed, his tone decisive. "Begin immediately."
"Of course, Alpha," Deanna replied, standing straighter and bowing her head in respect. Turning on her heel, she strode from the room.
Janet, who had been quiet until now, glanced around the room before approaching the door to Ethan's office. She pressed her ear against it, listening for any sounds that might indicate someone was outside. When she was satisfied they were alone, she engaged the sound-muffling feature in the room.
"Okay, we should be safe to talk now," she assured Ethan, her eyes reflecting the gravity of their situation.
Ethan nodded, his brow creased in worry. "It's not just Lily I'm concerned about."
"Is it about Kasia?" Garrett asked, his face a mix of curiosity and concern. "Because you haven't marked her, she should be safe, right?"
"Marking her wouldn't be enough to protect her from what I'm about to reveal," Ethan said, his voice barely above a whisper. "What I am about to say cannot leave this room." He looked at both Janet and Garrett, ensuring that they understood the seriousness of his words.
"Kasia is a red Lycan," Ethan finally admitted, watching as shock registered on Garrett's face while confusion clouded Janet's features.
"How? She has a wolf. Lycans don't have wolves, not in that way," Janet stammered, trying to make sense of what Ethan had just told them.
"That should be impossible," Garrett added, his voice strained with disbelief. "Lily and her grandmother are the last."
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his jet-black hair. "I don't know how it happened, but I think those experimental pills the Hunters are using may have something to do with it."
"Pills? Don't tell me they've been experimenting to try to become us." Garrett questioned. It was ridiculous. The only way humans could be turned was by a curse, and then they would become mindless beasts or be turned into vampires by a vampire.
"Yes, it seems that is what is happening. Those pills we confiscated from Kasia were only supposed to give her enhanced speed and strength, but after prolonged use, a human would slowly turn," Ethan explained, and Garrett got up, pacing.
"Do you know what this means? Do THEY even know what this means?" Garrett questioned.
"I doubt it, but it is ironic that they are turning themselves into the very thing that they say they hate," Ethan replied.
Janet frowned, her mind working furiously as she tried to piece together the puzzle. "We need to find the nearest Hunter's base."
"What are you thinking?" Ethan asked, his eyes narrowing in anticipation.
"We're not going to know for sure if they are experimenting with turning humans into Lycans or Kasia is just a fluke unless we see for ourselves," Janet explained.
"You mean to attack the base?" Ethan asked, and Janet nodded.
"Attacking their base would mean war," Garrett interjected, his expression grim. "Are we sure this is what we want? We have done everything to make sure not to start a war."
"They started this, Garrett. You of all people should understand that," Janet snapped. "We're already at war with them. Just because they haven't made any moves since the catastrophe at the Moonlit Sanctum does not mean they don't have something planned. I think it's about time we strike them back for once instead of being reactive."
"No matter if we're well within our rights, I am just saying we need to be fully prepared for the consequences of this. We need to make sure we are making decisions with a clear head," Garrett countered.
"I am calm, Garrett. I get that you're worried about putting Lily in danger, but we are already in a dangerous situation. If this is all part of their plan, we need to make a move when they least expect it," Janet explained.
"Then, tell me, how do you plan on finding out where the Hunters base is?" Garrett questioned.
"We will ask Kasia. She's no longer human. She has no reason to remain loyal to them," Janet rationalized. Kasia had been faced with contradictions left and right when she got here. It only made sense that she would help them.
"Don't be so quick to think that she would easily tell us that. Kasia is more conflicted about her situation than you think she is," Ethan pointed out. "She may have accepted that she isn't human anymore, but she still sees them as her family. They took her in at her lowest. That's not something you can easily let go of."
"You have a point," Janet said slowly. "We can ask Lana."
"Kasia will not like that we are involving her sister on this. She just now has gotten over the fact that she was a double agent," Ethan added.
"We don't have a choice. But if these experiments continue, more lives will be at risk-not just Lily's or Kasia's but countless others. We will make her understand that we're only trying to protect our people," Janet countered.
"Fine," Garrett agreed.
"Then it's settled," Ethan declared, his tone resolute. "We'll approach Lana and ask for her help."