Chapter 5: Claire Decides

Claire POV.

The howl continued to resonate in my ears as I remained there, motionless, gazing at Rowan. The intensity in his gaze was clear, but I couldn’t understand why he wanted me to abandon the safety of the pack, particularly now—especially following what had just occurred.

I slowly shook my head, the acute pain of rejection still vivid in my heart. "What’s happening, Rowan?" What is the reason for the haste? "What is this concerning?"

Rowan clenched his jaw, and for a brief moment, he paused. I could perceive the conflict raging inside him. He looked around swiftly as if making sure no one could hear him. However, the corridor was vacant, except for the reverberation of our discussion reflecting off the stone surfaces.

"Claire," he began, reducing his tone to almost a whisper, "You must go." Currently. Sure! Please provide the text you would like me to paraphrase. Jared... it's not as you believe. There's a lot more happening here than you think. "I'm aware that you're seeking answers, but it's not safe for you to hear them at this moment."

I wanted to laugh, but it turned into a harsh chuckle. "Unsafe?" "Do you want me to simply walk away?" My voice elevated, strained with feeling. "He's picked her, Rowan." He has stated it clearly. And now, you want me to jog? To what extent? "Conceal?"

He moved a bit nearer, his hand placed on my shoulder. The action, intended to soothe, merely sent a quick shock through me. It didn’t calm the storm in my head, yet his following words held significance—true significance.

"You need to believe me on this." It’s larger than Lila. It's larger than the Moonrise Ceremony. You have no idea who you are truly facing. Not only Jared but also the others—those who have their intentions for you, for the pack. A conspiracy is developing, and I... "I am unable to keep you safe in this place."

His remarks hurt more than I wanted to acknowledge. Plot? Which conspiracy? What was he discussing? My thoughts attempted to assemble the fragments, but it felt like trying to grasp water in my palms. Everything was sliding away from my grasp.

Sure! Please provide the text you would like me to paraphrase. "I don't get it," I murmured, my voice breaking. I felt like collapsing, yet there was a fire, an unexpected surge of adrenaline, compelling me to remain upright. "Why at this moment, Rowan?" What brings you to me? "Why not earlier?"

He did not reply immediately. Instead, he surveyed the hallway again, and his demeanour grew grim.

"I can't clarify everything at this moment." However, I can say this: they have been strategizing this for some time. Your position in this group isn't as solid as you believe. "You are under surveillance."

I sensed my chest constrict with fear, but I suppressed it. "I don't mind," I replied, even though I sensed the deception in my voice. "I've faced enough humiliation already." "I’ll go, but solely because I refuse to witness their joyous celebration."

Rowan's gaze mellowed, yet his hand remained steady on my shoulder. "It’s more than just Jared and Lila, Claire." This concerns your survival. I’m urging you, for your good—go now, before they determine your next fate."

The pointed edges of his words struck me more forcefully than I anticipated. I was no longer a powerless puppy. I had endured the harshness of rejection from my mate; I had withstood the whispers and stares of the pack. What could be more difficult than what I had already encountered?

However, a deep intuition within me indicated that Rowan was being truthful. The story had deeper layers, and I was on the brink of confronting something far more sinister than the pain I had experienced in the past few hours.

I gulped down. "Where should I head?" "What would I possibly do?"

His hold became slightly firmer, almost as if lending me the strength to persevere. "I’ve organized everything." There exists a secure location. However, you must go now. "You can no longer remain here."

His voice, incisive and pressing, echoed in my thoughts. Depart immediately. The words resonated, so relentless, so authoritative, that for the first time in what seemed like an eternity, I experienced a spark of hope.

Perhaps this was my opportunity. Perhaps this was the way I could ultimately break free from all that restrained me—the group, the suffering, the anguish of being shunned.

"Secure location?" I inquired, my tone little more than a murmur, yet it carried the significance of all my emotions. "Are you saying you’ve been organizing this?"

Rowan gave a single nod, his facial expression impossible to decipher. "I didn't wish to include you unless it was entirely essential." However, it has become so now. I have very little time to clarify. "Simply understand that this is for your protection."

My hands trembled, yet I tightened them into fists. It was an unusual sensation, an adrenaline surge that caused my blood to feel hot in my veins, combined with a lingering anxiety in my gut. I doubted my readiness to escape, yet something within me shouted that I had no option.

I gazed into Rowan’s eyes, looking for any hints of deceit, but all I discovered was something—something that eluded my understanding. A profound sorrow, maybe, or a feeling of remorse.

I inhaled deeply, compelling myself to soothe my frantic thoughts.

"Okay," I replied, although I wasn't completely certain if I was prepared to make that decision. "I will leave."

Rowan's expression relaxed, and he offered me a slight nod, albeit one brimming with urgency. "Well." Claire, grab a bag. We are leaving now.

This time, I did not hesitate. I pivoted on my heels, my head swirling with thoughts and feelings as I hurried to my room. Every step felt more burdensome than the previous one, yet I understood this was the only path ahead.

I shut the door forcefully and exhaled deeply, the tension increasing in my chest. As I collected the few items I still owned—apparel, necessities—I couldn't dismiss the sensation that I was on the verge of losing all that I had ever experienced. The group, my relatives, Jared... even the faintest hint of normalcy.

However, I was not able to take the time to reflect on it. There was no moment for doubt. I needed to go before it was too late.

I draped a jacket over my shoulders and packed a few items into a small bag, but as I approached the door, something caught my attention. It was the necklace I had stowed away—the one Jared had gifted me when we were still friends. The person who once meant everything to me.

I extended my hand toward it, gliding my fingers across the sleek silver, but just as I was about to place it in my pocket, a loud knock echoed at the door.

I was motionless.

"Claire," Rowan shouted from across the way. "Are you prepared?" "We have to leave."

I hesitated, my heart pounding, then chose my course of action. Without glancing at the necklace or the life I was departing from, I stepped through the door.

I stepped into the unfamiliar, realizing that from this instant forward, I would not be the same.

Upon entering the dimly lit corridor, prepared to depart from the Midnight Moon Pack, I heard it once more—the unmistakable noise of boots reverberating through the passage. This time, it wasn’t the footsteps of Rowan.

I stopped moving. The pack wasn't going to allow me to escape so easily.

A voice emerged from the darkness, and I was certain—without question—who it belonged to.

"Where do you believe you're headed, Claire?"