The dawn light filtered through the ancient windows of the council chamber—but one seat sat cold and empty.
Amara arrived just after sunrise, expecting to find Lucian and the council gathered as usual. Instead, she found Lucian pacing, fists clenched at his sides. "He's gone," he said without looking up. "Theo is missing."
Amara's heart lurched. "Missing? As in… gone?"
Lucian nodded grimly. "No one's seen him since last night's session. His quarters are empty, the window open."
Word spread through the pack like wildfire. Guards were everywhere, searching corridors and the surrounding woods. Amara joined Lucian at the manor's edge, where the scent of pine and dew mingled with tension. "Do you think he left on his own?" she asked quietly.
Lucian's eyes were storm-dark. "I don't know.
I know Theo he is stubborn btw he loves this pack. He wouldn't just leave.
In Theo's chamber, Amara found the only hint of his departure: the black powder vial shattered on the floor, and footprints leading toward the old training fields—tracks too small for a wolf, too precise for a guard's boot. She traced them with her finger.
Lucian appeared at the door. "Good eye." He pocketed the vial shard. "We're not just looking for Theo. We're looking for whoever's pulling these strings."
At midday, the council convened with hushed voices. The gray‑bearded elder addressed Lucian and Amara: "Theo's betrayal cut deep. His disappearance cannot stand. But neither can further dissent." He turned to Lucian. "Will you lead the search?"
Lucian caught Amara's gaze. She nodded, silent agreement passing between them. Together, they would root out this new threat—even if it meant confronting allies turned enemies.