SWNOVELS Chapter 123
Chloe
My heart leaped and a chill ran through my entire body. The words “Are they planning to attack the Red Moon Pack?" echoed in my mind. Glancing at the werewolves camping nearby, I tightened my grip on my hands and cautiously approached, desperate to catch snippets of their conversation. "Hey! What do you think you're doing?!" Caleb whispered angrily, but I disregarded him. The forest enveloped us with its dense foliage and abundant plant life. Utilizing the cover it provided, I managed to stealthily draw closer, eager to eavesdrop on their conversation.
"Silence! This is what the beta has commanded. Or do you have intentions of defying orders?" "W-what are you implying?! I never said such a thing!" The man immediately shrank back, his face draining of color.
"Then keep your mouth shut,” the older man hissed. "Don't be an arrogant imbecile and prepare yourself for the upcoming assault!" He uttered before striding away. Once he was out of sight, the first man angrily grasped the bundle of wood he had collected and forcefully slammed it onto the ground.
"Fool? Who's the fool here? You're so terrified of an attack that you need a thousand troops! Now we're stuck camping here for three whole days because of that!" He exclaimed, venting his frustration by kicking the ground.
"Tsk! Why do you fear the Red Moon Pack when it's already on the brink of extinction?"
I watched the man’s retreating figure, my body drenched in cold perspiration.
"Hey! What are you thinking? Get down from there, they might come back!" Caleb hurriedly pursued me, gripping my shoulders in an attempt to pull me away. But I couldn't hear him.
"A thousand troops... Their intentions go beyond mere attack on the pack. They seek to annihilate every last one of the members of the Red Moon Pack!" I clenched the fabric of my clothing tightly, muttering under my breath.
"What's wrong with you? Hurry first, we need to get away from here!" Caleb hissed. "This is how it goes when a Strong alpha dies and he got no competent successor. Anyway, I heard the Red Moon Pack is quite evil. Maybe, they are getting what they deserve-" He continued but was not able to because I strongly yanked away from him.
"Evil?" I glared at him. "The Red Moon Pack indeed deals with poison. But have you heard about them using it to harm others?" I hissed at him.
"What's the matter with you? We need to hurry and get away from here!" Caleb whispered urgently. "This is what happens when a powerful alpha dies without a capable successor. By the way, I've heard rumors about the Red Moon Pack being quite malicious. Perhaps, they're reaping what they've sown--" He couldn't finish his sentence as I forcefully pulled myself away from him. "Malicious?" I glared at him. "It's true that the Red Moon Pack dabbles in poison, but have you ever heard of them using it to intentionally harm others?” I hissed in response.
Caleb's eyes widened as he gazed at me, momentarily speechless. After a few seconds, his expression grew serious, and he cautiously inquired, "You...
"Don't tell me... You're a member of the Red Moon Pack?" His eyes widened with the question.
I opened my eyes and averted my gaze from him. My eyes quivered as a flicker of pain crossed them. Taking a deep breath, I let out a mournful sigh.
"I wonder," I replied, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "I've already left the pack, so I'm not sure if I can still be considered a member of the Red Moon Pack... or any pack for that matter.”
In an instant, painful memories surged through my mind, causing an agonizing sensation akin to a thousand knives stabbing at my heart. I shut my eyes, concealing the torment within. When I reopened them, all emotions had vanished, replaced only by a chilling glint.
"But it seems that no matter what I do, an unbreakable bond ties me to the Red Moon Pack," I stated. With those words, I rose to my feet, intent on retracing our path.
"Hey! Where are you going?!" Caleb urgently questioned, grabbing hold of my hand to halt me. I turned to him and offered a faint smile. "I'm sorry, but I believe we need to go our separate ways from now on," I informed him.
"You... You're considering returning to the Red Moon Pack? Are you out of your mind? Can't you see how many warriors they have? The Red Moon Pack is on the verge of extinction! You'll be risking your life by going there!" Caleb hissed, his grip tightening on my hands.
I glanced down at our intertwined hands, a trace of softness entering my gaze. With a smile still on my lips, I spoke to Caleb. "You came all this way, didn't you? Wasn't it to save even one member of your pack?" Caleb listened, falling silent.
"It's the same for me. I have to go to the Red Moon Pack... Even if I can save just one member... 'm willing to risk my life if necessary," I said, a sad smile adorning my face.
Caleb stared at me intently, and then he sighed. Releasing my wrist, he retrieved some items from his bag and handed them to me.
"You may not possess the ability to shift, but in the few days I've spent with you, I've come to realize that you possess more courage than those who hold great power.
"These are some first aid supplies and a dagger," he explained as he placed them in my hands. "You... Although you are courageous, you must also be aware of your circumstances..."
Caleb expressed, "If it's impossible to rescue anyone, then refrain from recklessly sacrificing your own life." His eyes reflected a profound pain, as though he had personally endured a similar anguish —the struggle to survive without heedlessly abandoning oneself, despite the loss of everyone dear to you.
In response, I nodded in agreement with Caleb. Upon witnessing my acknowledgment, he distanced himself a few steps and uttered, "Well... perhaps our paths will cross again... if fate chooses to be kinder to us."
"Indeed," I replied, offering a smile.
XXX
A few days later, I positioned myself behind a tree, observing the surroundings. I found myself near the concealed entrance of the Red Moon Pack, amidst a scene of utter chaos. Burning structures and terrified cries engulfed the pack, besieged by adversaries.
"I'm late..." I clenched my teeth, surveying the devastating sight. Pain welled up within me as I witnessed the downfall of the pack my father cherished. "Father... I apologize for my tardiness..." I lamented, feeling the weight of my heart. "Even until the end, I remain powerless...” I hissed. Yet, in that moment, a frigid gleam flickered in my eyes, and I shook off the negativity.
"No. I cannot succumb to despair.” Firmly gripping my hands, I directed my gaze towards the hidden entrance once more. "I must save Vanessa, at the very least. As long as she lives, the Red Moon Pack can still reclaim its hope.”
Having resolved to take action, I swallowed nervously, preparing to sprint towards the entrance. However, before I could initiate my movement, an icy chill crept up behind me. Anxiety consumed me as I turned around and discovered five adversaries poised to strike.