A soft breeze drifted through the Davidson estate as evening settled over the land, casting golden-orange streaks across the playground. The fading sun dipped behind the tall trees, casting long shadows that swayed gently in the wind. Leaves rustled quietly, and the scent of fresh grass lingered in the cool air.
The pack was gathered on the edge of the open space, lounging on wooden benches and large stones surrounding the circular playground clearing. Birds chirped softly in the distance, and the occasional honk of a passing car reminded them of the world beyond their battles.
Henry leaned back against the bench, holding a soda can he'd just cracked open. "I can't believe it," he muttered, sipping as his brows furrowed. "Do you guys really think I would lie to you?" Tyler shot back, his voice edged with frustration.
Bella, seated cross-legged beside Sophia, looked up at Tyler. "How sure are you it was Susun you saw?"
"It was really him," Tyler insisted, standing with his arms crossed tightly. "I mean… according to the description Sophia gave of him stern face, red eyes, presence that shakes your core I'm pretty sure it was him."
James leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "Did you see him too, Sophia?"
Sophia shook her head slightly, her expression unreadable.
Henry took another sip. "Tyler, literally no one has ever seen Susun. Not even Mr. Hudson or Mr. Jack. He's a shadow a myth. Why would he just show up out of nowhere like that? What exactly could he be looking for?"
Tyler's jaw clenched. "My instincts are always right. That aura… I can't mistake it."
The wind picked up slightly, rustling the trees above them as Jasper chimed in, his tone more casual. "Maybe it was just someone who looks like him?"
Tyler snapped his eyes at him. "With a vampire's smell?"
Jasper shrugged. "Yes, he may have been a vampire… but not necessarily Susun. So take a chill, Tyler."
Silence followed.
"You know what, guys? Forget it." Tyler turned sharply, grabbing his black jacket from the bench and flinging it over his shoulder. He stormed off with tense steps, his breath sharp in the chilly air.
Sophia's eyes followed him. She had come looking for him the previous night when he told her everything. She hadn't believed him then either. And even now, as the wind danced through the trees and doubt clouded the faces of his closest friends Tyler knew what he saw.
He was sure of it.
He had met Susun.
The Davidson Estate Library was alive with quiet energy. It wasn't the kind of silence that felt heavy, but one laced with curiosity and movement. Children darted between aisles, giggling as they carried picture books and old fables. A few younger kids sat cross-legged in corners, noses buried in brightly illustrated pages, while others leaned against bookshelves, whispering about mythical creatures and ancient warriors.
The air smelled of old pages and polished wood, and golden afternoon light streamed through wide glass windows, casting soft beams across the tiled floor. High bookshelves lined every wall, packed with tomes of history, folklore, and tales of wolfkind and supernatural lore. A large portrait of Alpha Hudson, the son of the founder of the estate, hung above the central reading area where two teenage boys quietly played chess.
Tyler moved purposefully between shelves, eyes scanning titles with increasing frustration. He shuffled through rows of thick hardcovers and scroll-indexed binders, fingers trailing along faded spines. "Come on," he muttered under his breath. "There has to be something."
He was looking for one name. One forbidden legend. Susun.
But shelf after shelf yielded nothing. Not even a whisper of the name. "Damn," he hissed quietly, closing a book with more force than necessary.
As he stepped into another aisle, a woman passed by in a light gray sweater, carrying a stack of books. Tyler quickly approached her. "Ma'am, sorry to disturb" he called softly.
She turned, smiling politely.
"I'm looking for a book… about Susun. Do you know where I can find it?"
The woman blinked, her smile faltering with confusion. "I have no idea which book you're talking about," she replied. "If it's history about vampires, you won't find much. Most of it's either restricted or… lost."
Tyler's face fell.
"But," she continued, brightening slightly, "we do have something on Constantine. The finest and bravest wolf to ever live. You can check it out just over there." She pointed to a tall wooden shelf along the eastern wing.
"Thank you," Tyler said, his voice tight.
"You're welcome," she said, walking away with a nod.
He stood still for a moment, disappointment weighing on him. He didn't want stories of wolves not now. He needed proof. He needed Susun books.
Still, he walked over to the indicated shelf. It was tall, carved with ancient pack markings and runes along its edges. His eyes caught on a thick black-covered book at the very top. A fierce illustration of a large black wolf snarling into the wind was etched into the cover.
Tyler narrowed his eyes.
"Alright, Constantine," he muttered, reaching for it, "let's see what you've got."