“What if it’s revenge?” Thea’s quiet voice draws every eye. “For the suffering the Shaman caused because of the Moon Curse?”
Ethan stilled, his sharp focus overtaking his face as pieces suddenly clicked into place. “No, this wasn’t a wolf. This was one of the Shaman.”
I stare at Ethan with enough intensity to burn through steel as I scramble to piece together his logic.
“The Shaman gave Dr. Olcan a large box of Blackroot,” Ethan continues, words tumbling out faster now. “When you add in the seers’ visions, and Jayme using Blackroot to dye his hair, that can’t all be a coincidence. They must know Jayme is a Scarlet. They’re using magic to control him.”
“But the first victims were Haron and Holden,” Conan protests. “Why would the Shaman attack their own?”
“We’ve seen people do worse in times of war,” I say. “I wouldn’t put it past someone to sacrifice their own children.”
Akila nods. “Especially if Stasio knew they’d survive. No one witnessed their attacks, so they could’ve been staged somehow. But the attack on us in the dungeon?” She shakes her head. “That was meant to kill us. Stasio just didn’t account for Ethan, Branson, and our Alpha showing up.”
Xander’s expression shifts from anger to cold determination. “I will speak to Stasio. I’ll see what he has to say about this, and what his explanation is for gifting the Blackroot.”
“I’m coming with you.” The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. “My Lord, if Stasio is behind this, you are likely the ultimate target.”
“She’s right,” Thea interjects, rising carefully from the couch. “Six of you struggled to subdue Jayme during this last attack.Stasio could unleash him on you whenever he chooses. It’s too dangerous alone.”
“Fine, I’ll take Ethan,” Xander says. “Stasio won’t sense danger from him, and Ethan can watch for deception.”
Ethan raises his eyebrows in surprise, but he nods.
My wolf suddenly snarls, clawing within my chest at the thought of Ethan walking into danger. The same rhythm from the courtyard tries to resurface. I clamp down on it, burying it deep where it can’t give me away.
“Rhiannon, you’ll take your position outside Stasio’s chambers with Conan and Akila,” Xander continues, already strategizing. “If Stasio tries anything—”
“We’ll be ready.” I straighten despite my injuries.
“Branson,” Xander studies him for a long moment.
“Yes, My Lord?” Branson’s voice is quiet, uncertain.
“Stay with Thea. Protect my Luna and my unborn whelp.”
It’s not forgiveness, but it’s trust.
Branson nods once. “With my life, Alpha.”
“When do we move?” Akila asks.
“Now. Before they realize we’ve figured it out.” Xander’s gaze sweeps over all of us. “If you’re right about this, then this summit was doomed from the start.”
Chapter 33 — Ethan
Earning Xander’s trust ranks as my biggest win since arriving in this world. I’ve been busting my ass since day one. Hell, it seems like everything here is a challenge, from training to simply eating and breathing.
Xander understands the real problem here. And he gets how much bigger this is than just having a Scarlet Wolf among his ranks. I don’t know what will happen to Jayme after all this is done, but I guess I have to take this the same way I’ve taken everything else in this place: one step and day at a time.
We move through the halls as a group with Xander leading us, and I start to rethink my coming along. As much as I’ve trained, I’m not a warrior. Not like these guys. If Stasio is guilty and he decides to fight back, I don’t know how much help I’ll be to anyone, especially seasoned warriors like Akila, Conan, and Rhiannon.
Rhiannon nudges me. “Are you okay?”
I nod. Then I shake my head immediately after. “Not really,” I say with a nervous laugh. “Feeling a little out of my element here.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” she says. “You’re doing well as far as I can see. You remind me of Thea when she first arrived.”
“Do I?”
