Lycan Prince Matteo

The atmosphere in the cabin was charged with tension as we contemplated the growing web of mysteries surrounding us. Every corner of the cabin was scrutinized, and every trace of evidence was examined. We knew that only by unraveling this tangled mess could we hope to protect our pack and the innocent pups that had been taken from us.

Freya’s discovery of the peculiar shirt, whose scent was distinct yet hauntingly familiar, brought a chill to the air. As she held it out for me to inspect, I couldn’t deny the unease that gnawed at me. “Do you recognize this scent?” she asked, her eyes searching mine for answers.

The scent was faint, yet there was an undeniable presence in it. It was stronger than the one we had encountered in the cabin where we had rescued Camila. My mind raced as I connected the dots. “This scent is stronger than the one in the cabin where we rescued Camilla. It means that whoever owns this came here before he went to the other cabin and left.”

Calvin, always the logical thinker, chimed in, providing a crucial observation. “This shirt is small for a Lycan or wolf rogue.” His words resonated with my thoughts.

Freya’s voice, tinged with sorrow, added a layer of complexity to our grim discovery. “I know, it must be from one of the pups they took.” The implication weighed heavily on us all. It was not just random rogues who were involved; it was our innocent pack members, our future, who were being targeted.

James, clearly struggling to make sense of the unfolding events, sought clarity. “What do you mean? Does Camilla’s kidnapping have to do with the mastermind of the missing pups as well? I thought someone from the palace was behind her kidnapping.”

My frustration bubbled to the surface as I tried to articulate the convoluted connections we were piecing together. “We had been thinking that since Freya smelled that scent. I’m getting a headache, which is not normal for us. But the only plausible reason is that they are connected. Or whoever the traitor was in the palace was being used as well, like a pawn in a sinister game.”

Calvin echoed my exasperation, voicing the collective sentiment of the room. “This is not getting us anywhere. Just when we thought we learned something from the enemy, another incident would happen that would confuse us, just like now.”

Our collective frustration was palpable, but we had little time to dwell on it. The safety of our kingdom and the resolution of these troubling mysteries took precedence. As we gathered in the cabin, thoughts turned to the imminent danger we faced.

Calvin’s pragmatic nature once again took the lead as he voiced his concerns about our precarious situation. “We were just starting our training with the packs, but we are already facing a severe problem. I don’t think our enemy will wait for the perfect timing. I have a feeling they are going to attack anytime now.”

Freya, whose intuition had guided us thus far, added her perspective, one that sent shivers down our spines. “I don’t know, but I have a feeling that they meant for us to find them. We’ve stumbled upon their hideouts one after the other with too few guards.” Her unease was palpable. “What if that’s the case? What if they see us and know all our movements? It’s not far from happening since we’re here now. And whose scent did I smell? Why did I also smell it in their hideout near the palace?” Her questions came in rapid succession, leaving us all grasping for answers. “What if we were acting according to their plan?”

Clay redirected the conversation to a more practical course. “Then what are we going to do?”

James, always diplomatic and level-headed, offered a sensible solution. “I think we have to talk to the alphas. They are the only ones we can trust to give us an accurate and more effective solution since it was their pups who were being taken.”

Calvin concurred, emphasizing the importance of transparency. “But we need to be honest with them. We have to share with them the information we have; otherwise, they won’t be able to provide better solutions.”

The gravity of our situation weighed heavily on my shoulders as I considered my role not only as the prince but also as the leader of our pack. “The fewer people involved, the better,” I asserted. “It’s not wise to scare them; they will only panic if they find out that we suspect my uncle, whom I know had no idea I existed.”

With a collective nod of agreement, we reached a consensus on our next steps. “For now, here’s what I think we should do: first, we’ll have Alec monitor the training. We, on the other hand, will continue the search for other hideouts, and once we can determine their actual location, that’s when we’ll plan our attack,” I proposed.

Clay, always ready to take action, highlighted our immediate advantage. “The Crimson Pack’s warriors are just outside the cabin.”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“Well, letting Alpha Jake know will not be a problem. He knows the region better than us. We just need to tell him to be discreet,” I decided, acknowledging the value of Alpha Jake’s knowledge and experience.

As our plan took shape, Calvin was tasked with relaying our discovery to the Crimson Pack warriors, ensuring they marked the newly discovered hideout’s location on their maps. With the logistics in motion, the others began to file out of the cabin to carry out their respective duties.

Freya, my mate, remained unusually quiet, her thoughts preoccupied by the complexities of our situation. Concerned for her well-being, I gently inquired, “Is there something wrong, baby?”

Her eyes met mine, and I could see the worry etched into her features. “Nothing; I was just thinking that everything seemed off. I want to know why there was the same scent here and at the cabin where Camila was held captive.”

Determined to reassure her, I took her hand in mine. “We will find out about that. It’s the very reason we are here. Let’s go and start the search again.”

With unwavering resolve, we left the cabin to rejoin the others. Our mission had taken on a renewed sense of urgency. The safety of our pack, the recovery of the missing pups, and the unraveling of the sinister plot were paramount. Time was not on our side, especially considering Freya’s safety. I knew that the stakes were high, and I was prepared to face any challenge to protect her and our pack.

The day wore on, and we continued our relentless search, eventually uncovering yet another hideout. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on my mind, and I couldn’t help but worry about what the future held. Despite my princely duties and responsibilities, my utmost concern was Freya’s safety, and the uncertainty of our situation gnawed at me.

Returning to the pack house, I called for a morning meeting. Exhausted and mentally drained, I allowed my pack members some much-needed rest, knowing that the challenges we faced required all of us to be at our best. The night passed in anxious anticipation of the meeting that lay ahead.

The following morning, as we gathered for the meeting, Alpha Jake’s question cut through the air, laden with frustration. “Your Highness, if you think that it was your uncle who was behind all the kidnappings, why don’t you know anything until it comes to this?”

I understood the weight of his words, his frustration mirroring my own. Perhaps he had begun to silently blame me and my father for not uncovering this threat earlier. Yet my focus remained unwavering. “I can’t explain it either,” I admitted, the burden of our situation evident in my voice. “Just like you, I was shocked after my father told us about him. All my life, I thought he was an only child, and I believe you did too.”

Alpha Jake’s frustration was palpable, and I could sense his desire for answers. “For now,” I continued, “we have to be extra cautious since I realized that he was around everyone. We can’t let our guard down, so we had better be prepared when he decides to attack, which I have a feeling will happen soon.”

Alpha Jake, perhaps feeling guilty for questioning me, quickly offered an apology. “I’m sorry for questioning you, Your Highness. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

With a reassuring nod, I accepted his apology. “None was taken, and I understand your concern. I want to inform you about my plan to attack the possible hideouts of our enemy. The warriors with us marked the two places where we found their fortress. Based on this, they may have two more fortresses around here, and one of them is their main fortress.”

Alpha Jake, ever the pragmatic leader, inquired further, “Do you have any idea where the other two are?”

Drawing upon the discussion Freya and I had the previous night, I confidently pointed to a location on the map. “Here, in this place, more than their men may be staying. If we’re lucky, we can catch one of the high-ranking members of their group, if not their leader.”

Freya’s interest was piqued by this revelation. Her voice, usually soft-spoken, now held a hint of determination. “Do you think the enemy himself might own that place?”

The possibility hung in the air, and for a moment, we all contemplated the notion. It was a real possibility that we couldn’t ignore. Our mission was not only to uncover their hideouts but also to reveal the true extent of their influence and connections.

As the pieces of the puzzle slowly fell into place, our sense of urgency intensified. We were on the brink of a confrontation with a formidable adversary, and the safety of our pack, our loved ones, and our way of life depended on our ability to unravel the mystery and emerge victorious. In the coming days, we will prepare for the inevitable showdown, with our determination unwavering and our unity unbreakable.

Freya