Sonia’s wolf pulled the body out of the burning section, her jaws clamped firmly but gently around the fabric of the person’s clothes. The heat was unbearable. Flames licked at her fur, and thick black smoke burned her eyes and throat. Every breath felt like fire itself. But she didn’t let go. She dragged the limp figure through the chaos until they reached safer ground.

The moment they were secure, her wolf collapsed to the ground. Her legs gave out completely. The world spun, and a heavy exhaustion crashed over her. Pain from the burns and the effort throbbed through every muscle.

"Sonia!" She heard a loud growl, deep and furious, just before her eyes closed. The voice sounded like Ramon’s, filled with something she couldn’t quite name.

When she opened her eyes again, she was staring into strange blue eyes. They were clear and bright, like a calm lake under the sky. For a moment, everything felt soft and distant.

"Beautiful," she reached out to touch those eyes with shaky fingers. "Really beautiful," she muttered, and burst into wavy laughter. The sound came out light and delirious, echoing in her own ears.

Seconds after, her hand fell beside her, and she drifted into another deep sleep. Darkness pulled her under again, warm and heavy.

*****

RAMON’S POV

"What the hell happened?!" I banged a fist on the wall as I walked into the council room. The impact sent a sharp jolt up my arm, but I barely felt it. Anger burned hotter than any fire outside.

The elders were already seated, waiting for me. Some of the visiting leaders were there too, along with Liam and Daisy. The air inside the room felt thick and tense, mixed with the distant smell of smoke that had drifted in from outside.

"Can someone explain what the fuck happened?!" My voice echoed off the walls.

"Ferins happened," the door pushed open, and Lorena stepped in. Her steps were confident, almost proud.

"What is she doing here?" Liam asked, unable to hide the irritation in his voice. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed tight.

"Yeah, what is she doing here, Ramon?" Daisy added. Her eyes narrowed at Lorena.

"With all due respect to Alpha Daisy and Alpha Liam, I think I’m a functional member of this pack, and both of you just aren’t. I have more right to be here than you both do." Lorena’s tone was sharp and smug.

"Will you let her talk to me—"

"Leave!" I growled.

Alpha Daisy jumped in bewilderment. "Are you really taking her side?" 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"Let’s go." Alpha Liam grabbed her hand, and together they walked out of the room. But not before he threw me a fierce stare that burned into my back.

"That’s more like it. Only members of the pack should discuss," Lorena gloated. She smiled like she had won something.

The door opened again, and Blane stepped in. His clothes smelled of smoke and sweat.

"How’s my—" I stopped just in time, before I could expose myself. "How’s Ivy?"

"She’s alive. Badly burnt, but alive." Blane’s voice was tired.

I hissed through my teeth, causing confusion to descend on a lot of people in the room. They couldn’t understand how I was more concerned over a maid than every other casualty in that deadly fire. The scent of burnt wood and fear still clung to the air outside.

"And Sonia?" I asked after.

"She’s surprisingly fine. There’s not a scratch on her skin either. She’s still out of her mind though, and has been going in and out of consciousness."

I felt my thumping heart start to settle down. A small relief washed through me, even if I didn’t want to admit it.

"I think we should be discussing how this whole thing happened. Not talking about who was saved or not saved," one of the elders said. His voice was dry and impatient.

"I agree with Elder Charles. I may even have an idea what happened," Lorena said.

They all turned to her in expectation. But as she opened her mouth to speak, the door pushed open, and Daniel walked in. His face looked worn, and there were dark smudges on his clothes.

"I’m sorry I’m just coming in," he bowed. "We had to make sure there was no security threat anymore."

I charged forward and stopped right in front of him. "You’re in charge of security, and we pride ourselves as the most secured pack amongst the seven. How did this happen?"

"Why don’t you let me explain it? Your security leader here was balls deep into a maid when the attack began. He doesn’t know shit about what happened."

"Lorena!" Daniel called in a warning tone. His face tightened with anger.

"What? Do you have proof to deny what I had just said? Bring your proof, and then we can discuss."

"That’s enough, you two! The alpha asked a question. Give the recipient room to answer!" Blane stepped in ferociously. His voice cut through the rising tension.

They both bowed to me and stepped back.

"I wasn’t within the pack centre when the fire began. I’m sorry, Alpha." Daniel bowed repentantly. His shoulders were slumped.

I shook my head and turned to Lorena. "Speak," I said.

"Gladly. Alpha Ferins has everything to do with this attack. I saw the markings on one of the attackers, and it was an inverted moon. We all know the only pack arrogant enough to use that sign. And I think that way because I overheard the brothers talking to their sister at the night festival of alphas. Just yesterday."

"What? And you didn’t think to tell me any of this?" I asked. My fists clenched at my sides.

"Are you sure about this? I don’t think the brothers strayed too far with their sister. If they were discussing anything, we would have heard," Blane said.

"If you did your job better, maybe Alpha Ramon wouldn’t have to deal with sagas like this," she fired back at him.

He growled and stepped forward. "Watch it," he warned.

"Or what? I think it’s time we start telling the truth. You both don’t work hard enough for the positions the alpha has graciously handed to you."

"Are you going to allow her to talk to your beta like that?" one of the elders asked in an appalled tone.

"Speak," I urged Lorena with a hand gesture, ignoring the rest.

I needed answers, and so far, she was the only one ready with it. Real or fake, I needed something to hold on to. If it truly was Ferins that easily attacked my pack, and word got out about the attack just a day after the festival of alphas, it would be disastrous to my reputation and also that of the pack. The thought made my blood boil hotter.

"I overheard her in the forest when she was running with her brother. He told her that whenever she found herself at any water body, she should call for him. I don’t know how they managed to do it, or if it’s something they’ve trained with before, but I’m almost certain she sent for her brothers. They ordered the attack."

"Don’t listen to this liar, Alpha Ramon. She’s just waffling! Everything she says is because of her jealousy of Sonia. I think this time around, this is more than Alpha Ferins," Blane said.

"You think I’m jealous of Sonia?" She laughed. "Do you think that way because you’re in love with her?"

"What?" Blane’s eyes widened in shock.

"I seem to be the only one who sees what is truly happening!" Lorena walked up to me and held my hand. Her fingers felt cold against my skin. "Listen to me, your wolves are compromised. If you don’t torture the truth out of Sonia, you’ll forever remain in the blind."

"I don’t think you’re telling the truth," Daniel said from behind.

"Shut it, all of you! Until you bring me concrete proof of how my pack was attacked, I’ll have to go with Lorena’s words."

I turned around and stormed out even angrier than I was when I stormed in. The door slammed hard behind me, echoing through the hall. My fists were still clenched tight, and the smell of smoke still lingered in my nose.