Chapter 26

CARLYLES POV Upon getting to the west sub gate, everywhere was burning. The guard wasn’t lying when he said it was sudden, Cliven the position and condition of everything, it was indeed a sneak attack. The guards and pack members who were at the spot at that moment were dead. Only a few number of them survived. Stalls were destroyed and a few number of children were not left out in the peril “What the hell is going on? What is this, Alpha Carlyle? Please tend to this… our kids….our goods….

everything is all gone.” The affected pack members wailed in my presence.

“It’ll surely be taken care of.” I muttered, leaving Donald and some Gammas to take care of the damage while I headed toward the direction where the bombs were thrown from. This time around, it wasn’t a joke. I needed raw evidence to conclude it was the Canthrastras and not a group of rebels pretending to be them.

“Carl!” Donald held my hand, shaking his head. He was scared of the outcome and didn’t ” me to head there, but what choice do I have? I’m an Alpha and I mustn’t back down. I shall account for this to my pack members and elders. If I was go do that, I needed a proper account and not just speculations, especially for the purpose of those elders who were always against me.

“It’s okay, I’ll be line. Take care of everyone. Increase the number of guards around here. The ed should be taken to the hospital and arrangements should be made for the dead. You know what to do.” I patted his hand consecutively, assuring him with at smug smile that everything would be fine.

Heading there, outside my pack borders, I found no one there. Everywhere was dry and no one was in sight. It felt as though nothing ever happened there, as if no activity was ever carried out there.

Something was wrong somewhere. Scrutinizing every bit of the surrounding. I checked for clues. After several search, I couldn’t find anyone or anything. They surely take up to their name. They left a clean trail with no evidence.

Heading back, a falling banner attracted my attention. It was rolling down from the top of a nearby tree where I stood. It read:

“This is just the beginning. You shall pay for your crimes soon.”

I looked around to see who must have suspended it but I couldn’t see any being despite. using my primal senses. Returning back to my pack, I had so many thoughts and worries.

ப Donald, who was eager for information, hurried to intercept me upon my arrival. His impatience was very noticeable as he inquired, “Any news?” It was evident he had been anxiously anticipating my update and arrival.

–

“Nothing, only this.” I presented the only tangible clue I could find the suspended banner. Bewilderment showed on his face as he questioned its significance.

“What’s the meaning of this?”

“I have no idea. But I sense there’s more to this than meets the eyes.” I admitted with at hint of uncertainty. The air hung heavy with unspoken concerns, hinting at the web of unknown challenges that awaited us.

“What’s your plan?” Donald asked, fully ready for any impending role he would play. This was our pack at stake here and we’re going to guard it by all means.

“First, we need to find something definite, something we can relate to the Canthrastras before we can alert other packs and beings and get all the possible help we may need.”

“Right, but how do you plan to do that?”

“With this, it shows that the Canthrastras are ready and prepared for whatever it is they are planning.

This sneak attack wasn’t expected by us and with this,” I raised the banner for him to know what I was talking about.

“…we don’t know when they’re going to strike next. We can say it’s going to be later and it should be sooner than expected or vice versa.”

“Which means we have to be fully prepared.”

“Yes. Firstly, I want you to secretly dispatch the batch one Special garrison to the west gate and the batch two to the east gate. Those are the two weakest gates of the pack borders. The other gates can hold off till they have reinforcement.”

“Sure, however, I feel like they have a spy among us and they have someone controlling them,” Donald commented.

“Why do you say that?”

Η Since ancient times, the Canthrastras are known to act boldly and not the way this was staged. If they’re really acting on their own accord, they wouldn’t bother clearing evidence.”

Donald was right. That was just how they behave. They were always ready and bold. Always ready to go to war without surrender or backing out.

18:45 Fri, 1 Mar “I’ve contemplated it as well, and tonight, I’ll take action,” I declared with a resolute tone.

Donald was perplexed by my response and sought clarification.

பபக “What do you mean?” His uncertainty lingered in the air, prompting the need for an explanation of my impending actions.

“I’ll be heading out,” I whispered to him in a hush tone. “I’m heading to Aridah. I need to see for myself what’s going on there.”

“You could have just sent the guards and messenger. Why are you heading over there yourself?”

“It’s better off that way. I have my reasons,” I said with a tone of finality.

“In that case, I’ll go with you. Let’s pull it off together. We can have the Gammas prepare the pack.”

Donald was determined to go with me.

“No, Donald. A pack cannot live without its leader for a day. Since I’ll be leaving, it’s better you stay behind. One, if they truly have spies among us, they’ll surely take our absence as the best time to attack. Two, every pack member is on edge about the unexpected incident today, including those greedy elders. If you leave with me, what do you think will happen?”

“I understand, Carl. I’ll stay back. But be careful out there, okay?”

“You don’t have to worry, Donald. I’m going with the Death force!” I whispered to him.

“The death force? Isn’t that too attracting?” Donald was shocked.

Ever since Moon Shade was founded, there has been a special guard force called the ‘Death force.

This was because they had been trained to kill anytime, anywhere without a flinch. Anywhere they are spelt nothing but doom and death! Always wearing a murderous intent without pity for anyone. No one could tell who is force except themselves and the Alpha.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures,” I replied.

a member of the