Chapter 3: Traitor's Web

Adira’s POV

From the shadows, I watched Lyric, my heart racing with annoyance. She had an innocent mask on her face as she laughed with the pack warriors. However, I was aware. I could still clearly recall the whispers I had heard.

"Are you certain that nobody suspects?" Donovan had spoken in a low, icy tone. "Believe me," Lyric had told him with a smile. The fall of the Crimson Pack will begin with Caspian.

I clenched my jaw as Lyric touched Caspian's arm in a kind and supportive voice. Why would he flinch? He didn't. She was now his confidante. I felt a surge of anger. It enraged him that he was oblivious to her lies.

"Serena, stay focused," I whispered to myself as I held onto the side of the wooden post I was hiding behind. I wasn’t here to address her yet. I needed proof.

As Lyric walked away from Caspian, I silently followed. She walked me to the edge of the pack’s training grounds, her movements purposeful. I kept my distance, pressing against a tree when she stopped to greet someone in the darkness.

“The mission is tomorrow,” Lyric muttered. “I’ve given Donovan all the details. Caspian won’t see it coming.”

My stomach turned. Lyric wasn’t simply a traitor she was actively plotting to ruin us.

A quick snap of a branch made Lyric’s head jerk around, her gaze narrowing as she examined the woodland. I held my breath, praying she wouldn’t notice me.

The next morning, Caspian’s voice roared through the training grounds. “Serena, in my office. Now.”

I took a breath hard and followed him into the small, minimally decorated room. As he motioned for me to sit, his sharp eyes met mine. I remained upright.

"What are you looking for?" I asked in as bland a tone as I could.

He leaned on the desk with his arms crossed. "Really, who are you?"

A beat skipped in my chest. "I informed you. I'm a rogue looking for a place to call home.

"Falsehoods." His tone was piercing. "You have something to conceal. You battle as though you were trained by a pack, and your eyes His brow furrowed, he trailed off. "They make me think of someone."

I tensed up. Who would that be, then?

He moved in closer, looking into my eyes. "Adira."

Her name struck me hard. Even though my hands were shaking, I made myself remain composed. "Who?"

"Don't act foolish." I felt my chest tighten as he spoke in a low, intense voice. Despite being the weakest Omega in this batch, she possessed fire. Similar to you.

I clenched my hands and turned away. "I've never met her."

"You're lying," he replied in a gentle yet forceful voice. "And I'll discover why."

His words halted me as I turned to go. "You won't live to regret it, Serena, if you're here to betray this pack."

With my senses sharpened, I followed the crew as they made their way into the thick woodland. Caspian confidently led the group while his keen eyes scanned the area. Lyric had meticulously prepared this ambush, giving him just enough misleading information to trick them into falling into Donovan's trap.

"Remain near," Caspian commanded his men. "Signal right away if you see anything suspicious."

Silently, with my heart racing, I followed. This had to end. However, how could I accomplish this without exposing my identity?

I froze as I heard a stir in the bushes. The fighters stiffened and pulled out their firearms. Rogues suddenly emerged from the darkness, growling and launching a vicious attack. The pack retaliated, and chaos broke out.

While I remained undercover, I observed Caspian fending off three rogues simultaneously. Even he was unable to stop them indefinitely, despite his strong and accurate motions. Because of Lyric's treachery, the pack was at risk.

As a rogue's claws swept across Caspian's torso, he tripped, and surrounded, and his howl of pain reverberated across the forest.

I had to come out of hiding. With my fists and claws a whirl, I rushed toward the renegades attacking Caspian as I emerged from the shadows. I battled as fiercely as their Alpha and the pack warriors gaped in amazement.

"Who is she?" Someone said, but I chose to ignore them to keep Caspian safe.

His throat was the target of one rogue's thrust. I caught it, knocked it to the ground, and delivered a quick, clean punch to end it. Caspian gave me a look that was a mixture of amazement and appreciation.

He started to say, "You…," but I interrupted.

I grabbed his arm and helped him stand up, saying, "There's no time." "Your team must leave this place."

The fight continued, but the pack was able to push the rogues back with my assistance. Caspian's eyes narrowed as he turned to face me as the dust settled.

"What saved me?" he insisted.

I paused, trying to find the appropriate words. "Because I owe you," I said at the end.

Caspian took a step forward, his voice low and menacing. "What does that mean to you?"