Adams’ POV
Bartholomew’s words re-echoed in my thoughts, and I nodded while thinking carefully about what he said. I could sense the tension that was present in the air, and it felt quite heavy too. The situation we found ourselves in was very serious and the importance of what was happening was making me feel uneasy.
“I completely agree with you, Bartholomew,” I said in a calm voice. “It is really important for us to take action against the packs that are supporting Augustus before the major war starts. If we can weaken him at this point in time, it might just change the course of the battle and work out in our favor.”
Bartholomew gave a short nod and as he did so a look of deep thought crossed his face, causing his forehead to crease into a frown. “This seems the only way we can make sure that Augustus does not become too powerful and go too far in his actions. If we manage to cut off his supply lines and weaken the morale of the pack he leads, then he will become weak and easy to defeat-especially considering the rumors that are spreading about his increasing instability and madness.”
I shifted my attention to Ronan. I could see that he was thinking very deeply about something as there was a serious look on his face.
I asked him, “What are your thoughts on this Ronan? Do you believe that this plan we have will provide us with the advantage that we are looking for?”
“Absolutely,” he said confidently with his voice steady.
“We are going to create a situation that will catch Augustus off guard before he even has a chance to understand what is going on. He definitely won’t expect it at all.”
Lilith leaned closer and her expression showed that she was worried as she spoke softly. “What you just said makes a lot of sense, and it seems like a smart idea. However, we have a serious problem that we need to think about; Ben. He is not just an ordinary supporter of Augustus. In fact, he is incredibly determined to ruin everything!”
As soon as I heard the name Ben, I felt a powerful wave of anger rush through me. It was so intense that I could feel my wolf awakening.
“Ben has made his choice,” I said firmly. “If the situation demands it, I will take it upon myself to deal with him personally.”
Bartholomew and Raoul looked at each other with worried expressions on their faces. The seriousness of what I had just said hung in the air like a thick fog.
For a brief moment there was complete silence among us, almost as if time had paused. Raoul appeared to think very carefully about what he wanted to say next.
Lilith finally decided to ease the tension in the room with her gentler and kinder tone.
She looked at me and said, “But is that truly what our people really need from us right now, Adams? Do they need us to carry out another execution, especially when we have already witnessed so much bloodshed and suffering?”
I looked straight into her eyes without looking away or showing any signs of fear. “Lilith, dear, we have to keep our pack safe. It’s something I promised I would do.”
As our discussion gradually wined down, everywhere became silent, with each one of us engrossed in our own thoughts about the things that had just been spoken of.
I could sense the gravity of our problems heavy on me and I realized how necessary it is for us to act quickly. We can not just sit here and dwell on uncertainty.
I decided it was important to take charge of the moment. “Let’s put aside our worries for now,” I said. “Instead let’s concentrate on our plans and make sure we stay focused and ready to tackle whatever comes next.”
Bartholomew and Raoul got up from where they were sitting and started walking toward the door to take their leave. Lilith was right behind them, following closely as they moved. Ronan chose to stay back for just a little while, taking a moment to look around and feel the mood of the room before he decided to leave as well.
When the door closed behind them, Dale paused and stopped for a moment at the entrance, unsure of whether to go through the door or not.
Before she had the chance to decide what she wanted to do, I spoke up and interrupted her. “Dale, could you stay here for just a moment? I would like to have a word with you.”
She hesitated a little, like she was not sure of what was coming next, then she went back to her seat. As she moved, her body language showed that she was confident, but at the same time nervous. “Of course, Your Highness,” she said in response.
I leaned forward in my chair while trying to keep my eyes fixed on her.
“Dale,” I said with a serious voice. “I really do not accept the fact that you deceived me, although your actions might be justified based on the cruelty you went through.”
“I… I really wanted to say I’m sorry again,” she said with her voice shaking as she felt less sure of herself because of how intensely I was looking at her.
I cut her off abruptly, feeling a strong determination building up inside me. I said firmly “No. What you said to me isn’t enough to make things right. You have this loyalty in you and, because of that, I have chosen you to be Lilith’s personal bodyguard. I really need to be sure that you won’t deceive me again and disappoint me.” Although my tone was strict, deep down I understood Dale’s plight. But I was worried for both Lilith and the entire community. I was trying my best to protect them all.
Dale took a deep breath and swallowed, clearly feeling the weight of what I had just said. It was obvious to me that she recognized how serious her actions were.
“I understand what you’re saying. I promise I won’t do it again,” she said earnestly. Her words reflected a genuine commitment and I could sense that she truly meant it.
However, even though she seemed sincere, a small part of me still felt uncertain and worried at the back of my mind. Will she go ahead to take revenge for her family? Hope not on the innocent ones.
“You really need to understand this,” I said while crossing my arms and thinking carefully about my words. I let the harsh truth of our situation settle around us.
“The results of being deceptive in this world can be very serious.” Each word I spoke was meant to remind us both of the many dangers we encounter every day in a place filled with betrayal and trickery…