Chapter 8 Dark Currents Rising

Vortend

I downed the whiskey in one gulp, feeling the alcohol burn through my veins.

I stood at the panoramic window of the top floor of Fenrith Industries, looking down at the pack I ruled.

My gaze fell on the newly received parchment on my desk, worry flickering in my dark golden eyes.

The spiral-shaped scar on my neck ached slightly, as it always did when I received those parchments.

I turned toward the 3D artwork behind my desk—a black wolf, dark golden eyes full of vigilance, fangs partially visible. This painting wasn’t just art; it was a carefully disguised entrance to a safe.

I placed my finger on the center of the wolf’s forehead, feeling a slight buzz and click, a faint blue light appearing under my fingertip. The floor panel slid silently, revealing a one-meter square area. Above it was an embedded panel. I crouched down and placed my hand on it, letting it scan my palm.

Next, I removed a delicate chain from my neck, one I always kept hidden under my shirt, with a black metal tag at the end. I removed it and inserted it into the waiting small square.

A dark blue light—identical to my Abyssal power—swept across the entire surface, followed by a slight hum, and the titanium alloy door of the safe slid open silently.

I took out a specific black box, opened it with iris recognition, and carefully extracted a yellowed piece of paper torn from an ancient parchment book.

Beware the one marked with chaos and rebirth, she shall destroy the old order, bringing the unknown.

But what made my heart race wasn’t this message itself, but the image on the page.

Despite centuries of weathering, the image remained identifiable—an ancient symbol that didn’t match any known language, identical to the tiny crescent pattern in Selene’s pupil...

This mark was far more important and meaningful than anyone understood. If other packs discovered it, it would only put her in tremendous danger. Even those who now adored her would betray her out of fear.

After all, who would willingly accept “destroying the old order” from a prophecy?

I carefully put down the ancient parchment and took out the parchment I’d received today, with bold black letters:

Do not attend the Mist Mountain Ball You are being watched. So is she.

This had just arrived this morning, unlike previous threats, this one seemed more like a warning. I pulled out those cards I’d received before, reviewing their contents:

Your Luna is really beautiful, isn’t she? I wonder what your dear moon’s blood would look like flowing down her pretty neck?

Most disturbing was the one I received a few months ago, accompanied by a high-definition photograph.

In the photo, Selene stood on the glass balcony of our former mansion, hands clutching her hair, her silver-blue eyes flickering with unease, her pupils circled in red pen, the crescent pattern visible. The card read:

What would the pack do if they knew their Luna would bring them destruction?

Just as I stared at the latest warning, a firm knocking at the door interrupted my thoughts.

I quickly returned all materials to the safe, ensuring it closed securely, the floor panel sliding back into place silently.

The door opened, and my Beta deputy and close friend Jason walked in wearing a crisp dark gray suit, carrying a folder and a cup of coffee, a scent of pine and leather accompanying him.

“Alpha,” he greeted briefly, then frowned, “You look terrible, what’s wrong?”

“Some files needed processing,” my voice sounded slightly tired, “What’s urgent?”

Jason handed over the coffee, which I gratefully accepted, smelling the familiar rich aroma.

This was why he was my Beta—he always appeared when I needed him, bringing what I needed.

“The formal invitation to the Mist Mountain Pack’s Winter Ball,” he put down the folder, “Personally signed by Archer Pierce. Looks like he wants to ease tensions with us.”

I opened the folder to see an elegantly designed invitation, indeed bearing the Mist Mountain Alpha’s signature.

Thinking of the warning I’d just received, my brow furrowed involuntarily.

Don’t attend the Mist Mountain Ball.

Was this a trap or a genuine warning?

Jason noticed my expression, “What’s wrong? I thought you’d be pleased with this news. It’s a perfect opportunity to enter Mist Mountain Pack, maybe you can find some of those clues you’ve been seeking.”

I contemplated for a moment, “I’m not sure attending is a good idea.”

Jason raised his eyebrows in surprise, “What?”

I walked to the window, my back to him, hiding the concern in my eyes. “We’re not going,” my voice turned cold, taking on the undeniable authority of an Alpha.

“That’s not like you,” Jason’s tone carried suspicion, “What happened? What did Archer Pierce do to make you so cautious?”

I took a deep breath. I couldn’t tell Jason the truth, but I needed a reasonable explanation for my decision.

“I received intelligence that someone might be planning trouble during the ball. I need more information before deciding whether to attend.”

Doubt flashed in Jason’s eyes, but he nodded, accepting the explanation.

“I understand. What do you need me to do?”

“Continue the investigation you’re working on. And closely monitor all movements of the Mist Mountain Pack.”

Jason looked at me seriously, “I’m your friend first, then your Beta, Vortend. If something’s troubling you, tell me. You know I’d go through fire and water for you and the pack.”

My shoulders tensed, feeling the loyalty and concern in his words. “I know. When I’ve confirmed some things, I’ll tell you.”

Jason seemed about to say something more but finally nodded and turned to leave. At the door, he paused, “Don’t forget tomorrow’s board meeting. Your father will be attending.”

The office fell silent again. I poured myself a glass, no ice.

My thoughts returned to that painful decision months ago—dissolving my mate bond with Selene. It was the hardest choice of my life; saying those words that separated us nearly tore my soul apart. And now I suspected it might have been my greatest mistake.

The words on the warning card echoed in my mind

Do not attend the Mist Mountain Ball.

But what if this was my only chance to find the mastermind?

If I didn’t go, the next threat would only be more severe, more directly aimed at Selene. She had left me, but I couldn’t let her face danger. Whether she hated me or didn’t understand me, protecting her was my responsibility.

After careful consideration, I made my decision. I had to take the risk, had to take initiative. Waiting would only make the enemy stronger.

I picked up the intercom and pressed a button. “Jason, I’ve changed my mind. We will attend the ball. Tell Adriana to get ready; this is an important social event.”

Whatever awaited me, whatever price I had to pay, I would protect you, Selene.