The pack
As I stepped away from Cedric, the weight of his words hung heavily in the air, wrapping around me like a suffocating, overly tight hug. The moonlight barely pierced through the trees, and shadows seemed larger than normal. My heart pounded in my chest, driven by both fury and fear.
I had made a deal with the devil, and now I had to stick to it. But can I? I don't even trust him. Is every second I wait for him to bring her back a mistake? With every step back down the darkened trail, my mind raced with thoughts of Chhaya and what Cedric's cruel game meant for her. I couldn't let her become a pawn in someone else's twisted motives. I won't let him hurt her; I will kill before something happens to her.
The forest seemed alive, every crackle of twigs or rustle of leaves played on my anxiety. I picked up my pace, determined to return to camp, but my thoughts kept trailing back to Chhaya and Cedric's smirk. Who did he think he was, messing with my pack like this? And me, everyone knows what I am capable of.
"Get it together," I muttered to myself, brushing aside the panic rising within me. I needed a plan, and fast. The deal was on me now; I had to protect Chhaya without resorting to violence, no matter how much Cedric provoked me.
When I finally reached camp, Jane, Atohi, and Waya were still by the fire, the flames flickering like the doubts in my mind. They turned as I approached, worry visible on their faces.
"Where have you been?" Waya asked, his voice a mix of concern and impatience. "We thought you were lost looking for Chhaya."
I took a deep breath, composing myself. "I…I found out where Chhaya is," I managed, every word, but felt he puke coming up my throat. "But she's in trouble. We need to come up with a plan to get her back."
"What do you mean?" Atohi leaned in, his eyes narrowed. "What happened?"
I explained everything, from Cedric's twisted deal to my own desperation. Their expressions shifted from surprise to determination.
"We can't let him toy with her," Waya said fiercely, clenching her fists. "What's the game plan?"
"I needed to uncover his weakness; he knows mine. I know he said she'll be here by morning, and if she's not, we're taking Saturn."
"What if he decides to retaliate? You could be putting Chhaya in even more danger."
"I will kill the bears if I have to. " I snapped before quickly calming my tone. "I can't let Chhaya suffer because of my mistakes. This is my fault; I should have seen this coming."
"Then let's make it right," Atohi said. "We're with you, no matter what it takes."
Feeling a flicker of gratitude, I nodded. "Thank you. We need to divide and focus. I'll head for Saturn, but I need you three to stay alert and keep an eye on the camp. If Cedric makes any move, let me know."