Chapter 11: A TRAITOR AMONGST US

REN'S POV

I slowly opened my eyes, dizziness clinging to my mind like a veil. Where was I? The last thing I remembered was Kael's angry face, his ruthless plans, and then...nothing.

Where is this place? How did I end up here? And why?

Panic began to set in; my heart started racing with every passing moment. I tried to stand, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me back onto the pallet.

What had Kael done to me?

Memories began to resurface, fragmented and unclear. I recalled Kael's words, “Whosoever comes in my way is my enemy, and you would have to stay separated so you won't ruin my plan for Zara.” his accusations...and then a searing pain.

It quickly occurred to me now that the Kael I gave up my life to support is no longer the Kael; he has been blinded by his quest for vengeance and power, and he has quickly forgotten all my sacrifice, the blood I split to always be supportive, now he wants to exploit innocent Zara.

I paced back and forth in my tiny cage, my mind racing with thoughts of escape. It just seemed like I had been trapped here for what felt like an eternity, with no sign of rescue or voices heard.

As I watched, my eyes scanned the iron bars that held me captive. They were thick and unforgiving, with no visible weaknesses. I had tried to break free countless times but to no avail.

I stopped pacing and examined the cage more closely, carefully scrutinizing its structure, my fingers probing the edges, searching for any slight imperfection. And then, I felt it - a tiny indentation, almost undetectable.

My heart skipped a beat as I realized that this could be my chance; I began to work on the crack, using my fingers to pry the metal apart carefully. It was slow, but I kept it steady, and I refused to give up.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the crack was large enough for me to squeeze through. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the pain that was to come.

With a grunt, I forced my body through the narrow opening. I felt my skin tear, and my muscles screamed in protest. But I didn't stop, and finally, I emerged on the other side, gasping for air. I looked around, taking in my surroundings.

I took a deep breath, bracing myself for what lay ahead. I had just escaped from a cage, but I knew that my journey was far from over. I had to find Zara and had to warn her about Kael's ruthless plans.

Just as I was about to set off, I caught a whiff of something familiar - Zara's scent. My heart skipped a beat as I realized that she wasn't far from where I was.

I followed the scent, my senses on high alert. As I walked, the scent grew stronger, and I knew that I was getting close.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of footsteps, I froze, my eyes scanning the surrounding area. And then, I saw her - Zara, strolling through the creepy woods alone, with mixed feelings in her eyes.

ZARA POV

Days have passed since the kiss that changed everything between Kael and me. I couldn't shake off the feeling that our worlds had collided in a way that could never be undone. The tension between us was palpable, but I needed some space to clear my head.

I decided to take a stroll into the woods, breathing in the crisp air and listening to the rustling leaves. The sun cast dappled shadows on the forest floor, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me.

As I walked, I caught sight of Kael in the distance. He was approaching Miera’s tent, the witch who lived on the outskirts of our pack. I wondered what he was doing there, but I didn't think much of it. Maybe he was seeking her advice or help with something.

I continued on my way, lost in thought. The forest was quiet, except for the occasional birdcall or snapping twig. I walked for kilometers, the silence a balm to my soul.

Suddenly, I heard a faint rustling beside the bush; I turned, my heart skipping a beat; what must it be this time around? That's when I saw him - Ren. He was standing a short distance away, his eyes locked onto mine.

My mind reeled as I stared at him, unsure of what to do. Ren was supposed to be recovering from his injuries, but here he was, standing in front of me, looking...different.

"Ren?" I called out, my voice barely above a whisper. "What are you doing here?"

“Shhhhh” He signaled me to be quiet, his eyes darting around cautiously with his finger placed in his mouth.

Ren didn't respond. He just kept staring at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and longing. I took a step closer, my heart pounding in my chest; I have always said something was wrong somewhere, and I think it's gradually beginning to make sense now.

I nodded, still trying to process what was happening. Ren's injuries were completely healed, but his eyes told a different story - one of imprisonment and desperation.

Without a word, Ren pulled me deeper into the woods, hiding us behind a thick veil of foliage. We stood there, frozen, as the silence between us grew thicker.

"Zara, listen," Ren whispered urgently, his breath warm against my ear. "Kael's plans are far more sinister than you think. He intends to exploit your powers to win his war, no matter the cost."

My heart sank, a chill running down my spine. "What do you mean?" I whispered back.

Ren's eyes locked onto mine, I could read the warning through his eyes. "He's planned this with Emily and Miera. They're all in on it together." He said

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Emily, my friend, my confidante...how could she betray me like this? No, this is not possible; Ren must be out of his mind.

Emily is too nice to plan such, and besides the kiss from Kael the other day was too passionate to be fake, Miera had been honest to the packs and revealed only what she saw from her vision. ‘Why is Ren accusing these three’ That was the only question that hung on my mind

Just as Ren was about to reveal more, a rustling sound came from nearby. We froze, holding our breath.

Emily emerged from a corner, a look of concern on her face. "Zara, I've been looking all over for you. I was starting to get worried, you should have told me before wandering about like a dog”, she said innocently, sounding more like a friend.

Ren's eyes met Emily's, a silent warning passing between them. Emily's gaze flickered to Ren, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flash of fear in his eyes.

"Hey, Em," I said, trying to sound casual. "I was just...taking a walk, you know…needed some cool space, before I stumbled to Ren, he has healed off"

Emily's smile didn't seem forced. “Yh, or sorry I should have told you since…" “Ren, come on, let's all go back to the pack; you know it's not good out here,” she said, gesturing for Ren to come closer.

“Erm…I think I will have to wait a little longer, you know the breeze here is…” he said sounding reluctant as if afraid of coming to the pack “I will catch up later” he said with mixed feelings in his eyes

“Okay, well, Zara let's get back to the pack. It's getting late, I can't afford to lose you to any of these foes out here" she says as we motion to head to the pack

As Emily turned to leave, Ren's eyes locked onto mine, his expression grim. He mouthed a single word: "Run." Run??, I was furious to know what was going on, but I couldn't just run when I didn't feel threatened.

I quickly masked my troubled thought with something else: Emily, the thought reader, was right here, and I knew she must have got a glimpse of my thought.

As the evening drew near, I saw Ren sluggishly make his way to his tent with unreadable meanings all over his face. A few minutes later, I could see Emily lowly discussing something with Kael. I know Ren is wrong so I didn't care about whatever they were discussing. It's probably about the best of the pack.

I lay in my bedroll, staring up at the fabrics above me. Sleep eluded me with my mind racing with the secrets Ren had revealed earlier. Kael's plan, Emily's betrayal...it was all too much to take in.

I heard rusty movement outside, I looked through the tent, and I could see Brody passing by.

Earlier that day, Brody had approached me while I was taking a walk. "Have you seen Ren?" he asked, his tone casual, but his eyes searching.

“Nope” I shook my head, and he nodded, but I could sense a hint of concern beneath his calm exterior.

As the hours ticked by, my restlessness grew. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off; maybe Ren's words had only scratched the surface of a much larger conspiracy. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I threw off my covers and slipped out of my tent, making my way to Ren's tent under the light of the half-moon.

I approached his tent cautiously, noticing that it was strangely quiet. I called out softly, "Ren?"

But there was no answer.

I pushed open the flap and stepped inside, my eyes gradually adjusting to the darkness. And that's when I saw it - the state of Ren's tent was chaotic. Gear was scattered everywhere, bedding torn and tangled. It looked as though a fierce struggle had taken place and someone was left wounded.

My heart racing, I took a step forward, my eyes scanning the space for any sign of Ren. But he was nowhere to be found. And then, I saw blood littered all over the tent

Droplets of crimson splattered the fabrics, staining the ground beneath. My breath caught in my throat as I realized that something was wrong.

"Ren?" I whispered again with fear while I bent down, taking a fraction of the blood on my hands to confirm the scent; oh, it was Ren's blood.

“What have you done??” a cold, masculine voice echoed from behind me. I could recognize the voice; it was Brody.

I turned to face Brody with my heart racing. "What are you talking about, Brody?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Brody's eyes narrowed into me, his gaze fixed on the blood on my hands. "Don't play dumb, Zara. I know you were one of the last people to see Ren. And now...now he's gone, and you're standing here in his tent with his blood on your hands."

I took a step back, feeling a surge of fear. "Brody, I didn't hurt Ren. I swear. I just came to check on him"

Brody's expression didn't change. "I want to believe you, Zara. But the evidence...it doesn't look good. You need to come with me and answer some questions."

I hesitated, unsure of what to do. Brody's tone was firm, but I could see a beam of uncertainty in his eyes. Did he think I was capable of hurting Ren?

I tried to shake him off, but he held firm. Panic set in as I realized I was trapped.