Silence falls over us as the gravity of this discovery sinks in. These are powerful, influential people.
“Then we have our next move,” Aksel says, his expression darkening. “We need to investigate these two further, find out what these drops are and how they are connected to their operation.”
“Agreed,” Griffyn nods solemnly. “But we have to be cautious. If they’re as powerful as you say, Aksel, they won’t take kindly to us sniffing around.”
As we discuss our plan of action, a sense of hope envelops me. Tonight was more than I was expecting but we got a lead from it which makes everything worth it.
Twenty Two
Anna
“You have another package,” Adelina lets Aksel know on their weekly phone call.
Aksel swears under his breath before he can stop himself.
“What’s wrong?” Adelina asks, suddenly urgent and worried.
Aksel looks at me and grimaces. We both know we can’t drag Adelina and Jen into this.
“Sorry, not you or the package. Griffyn just came and bothered me.”
It’s a horrible excuse but she seems to accept it.
They continue talking about all his responsibilities and I tune them out after hearing that their version of the police stopped by again.
I gather everyone else so we can talk as soon as Aksel is off the phone.
When we are all settled Aksel hangs up and faces us.
“I’ve just been informed that there’s another package for me,” Aksel says, his voice tense as he glances at us. The air inthe room is thick with anticipation, and I can feel my heart rate quickening.
“Go get it, then,” I insist, trying to keep my voice steady. As much as I hate the idea of more drugs being involved, we need to know what we’re dealing with.
“Are you sure?” Aksel asks, his eyes searching mine. “It’s probably just more of the same. Plus, they might be suspicious after that mage disappeared.”
I hesitate but Griffyn steps in for me. “You have to maintain this role, remember? So you have to get them. Just be careful. It will be more suspicious if you stop now.”
Aksel sighs, clearly not thrilled by the prospect, but he knows we’re right. He needs to keep up appearances.
“Fine,” he concedes, his tone heavy with resignation. “I’ll go get the package.”
“Be careful,” I whisper as he leaves, knowing full well that he’s more than capable of looking after himself. But still, I can’t help but worry.
“Always am,” he replies, flashing me a brief, tight-lipped smile before disappearing through the door.
Once he’s gone, I find myself holding my breath, my green eyes trained on the spot where he was just standing. My mind races with the endless possibilities of what this new package could contain, and I can’t help but feel a growing sense of unease.
An hour later, the door swings open again, and Aksel strides back into the room, clutching a second package. I exhale in relief, barely realizing that I’ve been holding my breath this entire time. My heart still pounds in my chest as everyone gathers around, eager to see what’s inside.
“Alright,” Aksel says, his voice betraying none of the tension that I know must be coursing through him. He tears off thewrapping paper with controlled precision, revealing a small cardboard box. As he opens it, I can’t help but lean in.
Aksel’s eyes widen in surprise and his brows furrow. “It’s not wev.”
“Then what is it?” Griffyn asks, his eyes narrowing in concern as he peers at the contents of the box.
“Wolfsbane concentrate,” Aksel replies, and I feel a chill run down my spine. “Wolfsbane concentrate is a dangerous drug – one that specifically targets shifters, causing unbearable pain and even death. It is derived from the wolfsbane plant.”
“Is there anything else in the package?” Blaze asks.
