Chapter 32 Shadows Of Doubts
|| Lilac’s POV ||
The days blurred together in a haze of ink–stained fingers and late–night study sessions. Dad’s office had become my refuge–the scent of old books and coffee grounding me as I poured over pack ledgers and border reports. Numbers, treaties, supply routes–things I’d never cared about in my past life now consumed me.
Dad watched me with quiet pride, his usual stern expression softening whenever I asked a question.
“You’re going cross–eyed, sweetpea,” Dad murmured, nudging a steaming mug of cocoa toward me. The rich scent of chocolate cut through the musty smell of old parchment.
I blinked, rubbing my temples. “Just trying to memorize the southern patrol routes.” My voice came out hoarse from hours of silence.
Dad’s chair creaked as he leaned back, studying me with that quiet pride that made my throat tighten. “When did my little girl become so serious?”
A smile tugged at my lips. “When I realized how much I didn’t know.”
The truth sat heavier between us. I needed to be ready–for Ezra, for the family, for whatever storm was coming. Because in my nightmares, I kept seeing those damning photos of my brother with rogues, the way they’d shattered his future last time.
Someone had set him up.
And if history repeated itself…
“You’re diving into this like a wolf on a hunt,” he remarked one evening, leaning back in his worn. leather chair. His voice held a note of surprise, like he was seeing me for the first time.
I shrugged, flipping a page in the financial ledger. “Someone’s got to keep you on your toes.”
He chuckled, but his eyes were serious. “You’re not just doing this for the pack, are you?”
My fingers stilled.
No. I’m doing it because last time, I was blind. Last time, I didn’t see the traps until they’d already snapped shut around us.
But I couldn’t say
that.
“I just want to be useful,” I murmured instead.
Dad studied me for a long moment before nodding. “You always have been, sweetpea. Don’t be so hård on yourself.”
12:03 PM &
Chapter 32 Shadows Of Doubts
+8 Pearls
last time without being noticed? Did they have some help? But who? No wolf or pack in their right mind will help the rogues. They were the criminals of our society- most of them were murderers who escaped the dungeon and was wanted everywhere.
Then came Ezra, who had been framed–photos of him with rogues surfacing just before his royal beta ceremony. Who took those pictures? Who had been watching him?
The thought sent ice through my veins.
I needed air.
The forest welcomed me like an old friend, the evening air crisp with the promise of rain. I barely made it five steps before a familiar voice curled around me.
“You’re thinking too loud, princess.”
I turned.
Alaric leaned against a tree, arms crossed, that infuriating smirk playing on his lips. Moonlight caught the gold in his eyes, making them glow like embers.
“How do you keep sneaking into our territory?” I demanded, though my traitorous heart skipped at the sight of him.
He pushed off the tree, closing the distance between us in lazy strides. “Maybe your guards just like me.
“Or maybe you’re part shadow,” I muttered.
His grin widened. “You’re not wrong.
We fell into step together, the forest humming around us. For a while, it was easy to pretend this was normal–just two people walking beneath the stars.
Then his shoulder brushed mine. “What’s really eating at you?”
I hesitated.
Tell
Tell him. The urge was sudden, fierce. Tell him everything.
But the words stuck in my throat.The secrets I carried were too heavy, too dangerous to share.
“I’m going to the Alpha Council meeting,” I said instead. “I want to bring up the rogue sightings on the south border.”
Alaric’s steps slowed. “There haven’t been any rogue sightings.”
“I know what the reports say.” My voice tightened. “But something’s wrong. I can feel it.”
He turned to face me fully, his gaze searching. “Why this sudden obsession with rogues?”
12:00 PM ₫
Chapter 32 Shadows Of Doubts
Because I won’t let it happen again.
“Just a hunch,” I lied.
Alaric’s jaw ticked. He knew I was holding back.
+8 Pearls
I shook my head, frustration bubbling up inside me. “I know, but I can’t shake this feeling. Something’s wrong, Alaric. And… I’m worried about Ezra. He’s about to become the royal beta. What if something happens to him before he can take the position?”
Alaric reached out, his hand brushing against mine.
“Hey,” he said gently, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. “You’re worrying too much. Ezra’s a strong pup, and he’s got you looking out for him. Nothing’s going to happen.”
I wanted to believe him, to let his words ease the fear in my chest. But the memories of my past life were too vivid, too painful to ignore.
“I hope you’re right,” I whispered, my voice trembling.
He stopped walking, turning to face me fully. His hands cupped my face, his touch warm and grounding.
“Look at me,” he said, his voice firm but gentle. “Everything’s going to be okay. You’re not alone. in this, Lilac. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
I stared up at him, my heart pounding in my chest. There was so much I wanted to say, so much I wanted to tell him. But the words stuck in my throat, caught between fear and hope. Instead, I leaned into his touch, letting the warmth of his hands chase away the chill that had settled in my bones.
“Thank you,” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper, “Thank you, Alaric, for everything.”
He smiled, his thumb brushing against my cheek. “You don’t need to thank me, dove. Remember, you are mine, so your worries are mine too,” he said, his tone serious and possessive.
His words brought smile to my lips, the sound shaky but genuine and, his smirk returning.
I rolled my eyes, but the warmth in my chest told me he wasn’t entirely wrong. There was something about Alaric that made me feel safe, that made me believe that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.
We continued our walk, the tension in my chest easing with each step. The forest was beautiful, the moonlight filtering through the trees and casting a soft glow over everything. For a moment, I let myself forget about the rogues, about the council meeting, about everything except the man walking beside me.
“You know,” Alaric said after a while, his voice thoughtful, “you’re stronger than you think, Lilac. Your are sharp, caring and kind, and one day you will be an amazing Luna.”
Chapter 32 Shadows Of Doubts
+8 Pearls
He nodded, his expression serious. “I know so. You’ve got a fire in you, dove. Don’t let anyone dim that.”
His words warmed me, filling me with a sense of confidence I hadn’t felt in a long time. “Thank you,” I said softly, my heart swelling with gratitude.
He grinned, his usual playfulness returning. “Anytime, princess. Now, how about we get out of here before you start overthinking again?”
I laughed, the sound light and carefree. “Alright.”
