I cursed myself as I hurried back to the east wing, each step fueling my anger. Many others could handle the arrangements—people who actually belonged in this pack. But no, he insisted that I do it. How would he expect his subordinates to help me set everything when I'm the object of their scorn?
I stopped in the hallway, slapping my cheeks lightly, trying to clear my head. Of course, this was Darius I was dealing with. He was expecting I'd handle it by myself.
But maybe I could use this to my advantage.
The week flew by in a haze of preparations, demands from Vera, and sleepless nights. Every time I thought I had things ready, she’d demand changes. But I gritted my teeth and kept going, knowing that this was my only chance.
Then the rogues came. I thought I lost it, but an opportunity presented itself that I never expected.
Sinister howls echoed through the forest, followed by the blaring siren. Panic surged through the packhouse as warriors clashed with the invaders, trying to protect the pack from the vicious attack. I had just returned from the temple, my arms full of supplies, when the chaos erupted. I sprinted toward the packhouse with the others, only to find the doors locked.