A new fact was revealed. Everything was confirmed. Rowena had examined all the surviving victims, and her suspicions were correct. The Frostholm Pack had indeed been poisoned by Bernathra magic.
The cause was known, and now Vione’s focus was on finding the culprit who had spread the magic to the pack. She needed to uncover the person who had been helping the Nimbria Pack all along. In other words, there was a traitor who needed to be caught as soon as possible.
“I must find this traitor quickly,” Vione vowed, holding back her anger. Everything that had happened indicated that the traitor was someone close to her, someone with free and extensive access to the pack, someone who wouldn’t be suspected by anyone. “I will not forgive them. I will make sure they pay for their actions against the pack.”
Vione made a hard decision. For the moment, she had to put aside her desire to gather strength to strike back at the Nimbria Pack. Her priorities had changed. It was impossible for her to move freely with a traitor among them. All plans and movements would be in vain.
So, Vione immediately summoned Garth. She ordered him to investigate.
“Find this traitor at all costs, Garth. I want to see who has the audacity to betray the trust of the pack.”
Garth nodded. “Understood, Luna.”
The investigation began. Garth, assisted by Cora, began to investigate any suspicious activity. Piece by piece, information was gathered that led them to a possibility that prepared them to pursue a name that actually had the potential for betrayal. Finally, an Omega said,
“I and the others know nothing, Beta. Besides, all food supplies and anything related to the palace’s aid to the pack is Walter’s responsibility.”
Garth was stunned, as was Cora. As someone who lived in the palace, they knew that all logistical responsibilities and distributions were handled by Walter Mendoza, a human who worked as a watcher for the Frostholm Pack.
This possibility sounded both plausible and implausible. Walter had a great opportunity to be the traitor and sabotage all of the Pack’s logistics, but it seemed impossible, since the Mendoza family had been devoted to the Frostholm Pack for centuries.
“Now that I think about it, I seem to remember seeing something strange.”
Garth blinked and then asked the Omega, “What do you mean?”
“Walter is always checking the logistical supplies of the palace, but sometimes he takes a long time on certain occasions. Usually we’re told to leave,” the Omega said, frowning as he remembered an event that now seemed strange. “One day I happened to look through a door that was slightly ajar. It looked like Walter was sprinkling powder on the food supply.”
Cora’s eyes widened. “Garth.”
“That’s just a theory, Cora,” Garth replied quickly, not forgetting to remind the Omega. “Only the three of us know about this conversation. Do you understand?”
The Omega nodded. “I understand, Beta.”
When the Omega left, Garth and Cora were alone. Their expressions were serious, their alertness heightened. They had to confirm and act quickly. After all, Walter was among them now.
*
The silence was disturbed. Vione’s peace was broken by the soft footsteps entering her tent. Her concentration, focused on the current situation, was shattered by Walter’s arrival, carrying a tray.
Walter approached Vione as he sat down. He glanced at the map on the table. “Luna,” he greeted politely as he presented the contents of the tray. “Please enjoy.”
Vione took a deep breath as she received a cup of tea and a plate of snacks. She blinked, then looked disinterestedly at the offerings. She simply nodded and said briefly, “Thank you, Walter.”
Walter smiled gently at Vione’s unenthusiastic response. “I know our situation is dire, Luna, but I hope you will take care of your health,” he said warmly, full of concern. “You must remain strong in the midst of the trials we face.”
The air caught in Vione’s chest. She said nothing in response to Walter’s words. Instead, she reached out and took the teacup. She looked at the tea for a moment before finally sipping it slowly.
Walter waited patiently for a while, ready to receive orders from Vione at any moment. Maybe she needed something. But Vione remained silent.
“If you don’t need anything,” Walter said after a moment, bowing his head slightly in respect. “I will take my leave. Rest well, Luna.”
Walter began to move, his feet kicking away. He wanted to leave, but Vione’s words stopped him for a moment.
“Wait, Walter.”
Walter turned and asked, “What is it, Luna? Is there something you need?”
Vione did not answer Walter’s question. Instead, she asked a question back, not really waiting for an answer. “Do you know?” She continued to look at the tea, which was now half full. “I received some shocking information today, information I never expected.”
A faint wrinkle appeared on Walter’s face. “What information is that, Luna?”
Vione put the teacup back on the saucer. Now she stared at Walter without blinking. Her expression was extremely serious. “Before I answer, I would like to ask you something, Walter. How long have you been a watcher for the Frostholm Pack?”
“It seems to be about sixty-two years, Luna,” Walter replied as he remembered. A fleeting smile appeared on his face. “I started serving the Frostholm Pack when I was twenty-five.” His gaze was vacant for a moment, as if he was remembering the time that had passed. “I never imagined that I would have been a part of the Frostholm Pack for so long.”
“The Mendoza family has always been part of the Frostholm Pack,” Vione said as she rose from her seat. She began to walk slowly around the tent. “Even long before you became a watcher.”
Walter nodded. “You’re right, Luna.”
“So…” Vione’s steps stopped. She positioned herself at an ideal distance to look at Walter more closely. “… was there any treatment by the pack that might have hurt you enough to betray us, Walter?”
Walter’s eyes widened. His face changed instantly at Vione’s accusation. He could barely breathe out of shock. “Luna, what are you saying?” He shook his head. “I have never betrayed the pack. I swear on my ancestors, who dedicated their life and death to the pack. I would never…”
“You know the risks your family and descendants will face if you even try to defend yourself, Walter!” Vione shouted, her emotions exploding. Her gaze sharpened, as if she wanted to pierce Walter to the core. “Have you forgotten?”
Walter froze. The calm expression he had tried to maintain crumbled. He immediately fell to the floor, kneeling. “Forgive me, Luna.”
*