Chapter 63: Betrayal’s Shadows
Melissa’s POV
As I marched toward Gregor’s tent, I felt as though my heart was being crushed. The traitor was the man I considered a brother and had trusted to assist in leading our pack. I tried to control my emotions by clenching my fists. I couldn’t afford to show him how hurt I was.
With a steely expression, Kane walked next to me. “Are you ready for this?” he asked, his voice low.
“I must be,” I answered. To be honest, though, I wasn’t prepared. How could I be?
I pushed the flap open without knocking when we arrived at Gregor’s tent. He was looking at a map of the area while seated at a little table. He didn’t look up at first.
He drew a line on the map and stated nonchalantly, “Melissa, Kane.” Why have you come here at this hour?”
My voice trembling with repressed rage, I entered. “Gregor, stop the performance. We are aware of the reality.
After his hand froze, he slowly raised his head to look at me. For a second, I thought I saw shame in his eyes. But it was gone as swiftly as it appeared, replaced by a serene, unreadable mask.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he responded evenly.
Kane slammed his fist on the table, making the map jump. “Don’t lie to us! We found the evidence. You’ve been working against us!”
Gregor leaned back in his chair, his expression still calm. Proof? What sort of proof?”
I grabbed the ripped piece of cloth and tossed it on the table. “This. Your uniform is the source. Last night, we caught you attempting to undermine us.
After a long minute of staring at the fabric, he groaned and got to his feet. “You’re right,” he said. “I did it.”
I felt like I was punched in the stomach by the admission. I staggered back, looking incredulously at him. “Gregor, why? How could you harm us like this? To me?”
His expression twisted into something cruel. “You wouldn’t understand, Melissa. You’ve always had authority, respect, and a position in this pack. But me? I’ve had to struggle for every shred of recognition.”
“That is not a justification!” I snapped, my voice rising. “Your family was deceived by you. Your bundle!”
His laugh was hollow and icy. “Relatives? Strength is all that matters to this pack. Am I not strong enough to handle them?”
With clenched fists, Kane took a step forward. “So you choose to turn on our adversaries? Is that your answer?”
With bitterness, Gregor’s gaze shifted to Kane. “They assured me of power.” the ability to prove myself at last. Do you have any idea how it feels to constantly feel inadequate?”
With tears in my eyes, I shook my head. “Gregor, you had the opportunity to speak with me. I would have been of assistance to you.
“Aid me? He scoffed. “Like you helped everyone else? Melissa, I’m sick of living in your shadow.
Before I could reply, Gregor raised his hand, and a burst of dark energy erupted from his palm, flinging me and Kane across the tent. I struck the ground hard, gasping for breath as pain surged through my side.
“Gregor, halt! I yelled as I stumbled to my feet. “This is not necessary for you to do!”
However, his expression was contorted with anger and despair. For that, it’s too late. They’re already arriving, Melissa. And there’s nothing you can do to stop them.”
Kane launched himself at Gregor, but Gregor was ready. With a flip of his wrist, he launched a burst of energy that sent Kane falling into a stack of crates.
“No! I ran to Kane’s side and yelled.
He pushed himself up and mumbled, “I’m fine.” “But this is not something he can get away with.”
Now that Gregor had let go of his power, the tent was in disarray and the air was exploding with electricity. The roar of the devastation was so loud that I could hardly hear myself thinking.
The other wolves were aware of the conflict when it overflowed into the camp. As they crowded around, they watched in disbelief as Gregor battled us.
“Avoid him!” I shouted, but no one moved. They were too bewildered and too shocked.
“Avoid standing there!” Kane roared. “He’s the traitor!”
That shocked them out of their trance, and a few wolves stepped forward to aid. But Gregor was faster, stronger, propelled by the wicked power he’d been given.
I leapt at him, transforming into my wolf form mid-leap. He let out a cry of agony as my claws cut at his arm. But he sent me sprawling with another burst of force in return.
He snarled, “Melissa, stay down.” “If I have to hurt you, I will, even though I don’t want to.”
I screamed, my voice shaking with rage and despair, “You’ve already hurt me.”
We tried, but Gregor was too powerful. He left a path of devastation in his wake as he battled his way through the group.
He gave me one final look as he came to the edge of the camp. “Melissa, you cannot win this war. You underestimate their strength. They are now aware of all your flaws.
We were left to pick up the bits when he vanished into the darkness.
My body ached from the struggle, and I stood there gasping for air. The camp was in ruins all around me, and the wolves were turning to me for guidance.
However, I didn’t have any. All I could think about was Gregor’s closing words-and the scary truth that he now had the upper hand.
A terrifying thought gripped me as I gazed into the shadows where Gregor had disappeared. What if we were not the only ones who were traitors? What if Gregor’s treachery was just the start?