owever, today was different. The pack was engulfed in a tense silence, with Beth nowhere to be found. Her chores were left undone, and Raphael's men patrolled the area, their eyes darting in sear

eth's attic, looking f

guard reported, sn

her echoed, pulli

arking anxiety among the outside guards. The chief

ise?!" he demande

he guard stuttered, knowing

aised his hand to strike the guard, bu

ar

ouncil member, representing

Why are you her

iately," the elder repli

, frustration evident. "I'

new Raphael's summons were about Beth. Glaring at the gua

Inside, Raphael paced, anxiety consuming him. The men he sent

hief guard is here,"

ael shouted, leani

ling the tension

y began cautiously,

What did you say?

ety got the better

more anxious than I am? Where are

rds. "There is no inf

oser to Gary. "Did you send children af

with you," Gary stammere

h a bruised girl?" Raphae

men are not wea

!" Raphael demanded. An

o went after Beth are bac

Gary excha

hael ordered, his pa

r faces etched with f

?" Gary asked

xplained. "We chased her all

" Raphael asked,

ord," the

beheaded before sundow

mercy. "Please, give

at their plea. "Cross in

en no

Valley, she's as good a

sted sense of relief. "If she's in the D

the execution?" Gary as

hem. Get out of my sight

away, grateful

began, "what s

isn't, she'll be a slave in that

came on

?" Raphae

king requests your pres

Father must want

moon goddess's dea

he pack awoke to the news of the moon godd

hael entered his f

pha king shouted.

ther. I've

w you'll manage the throne?

s mind racing. He disliked his father, f

dy," the alpha king revealed, sh

ow?" Raphael as

ow will you handle this?

lan," Rapha

eth re

, Father. But why t

he moon goddess's death?"

ed it," Rapha

alpha king agreed

zled by his fat

said, "you're not the

do you

asn't the only one