Chapter 8: The First Betrayal
"Isidora, we need to talk."
As soon as I entered the Golden Claw Packhouse's main hall, Jacob's words stopped me cold. I spun around as the uneasiness in his voice cut like a knife through me. There was something unintelligible clouding his emerald eyes, which were normally so penetrating.
"Speak?" With a furrowed brow, I inquired. "What's happening?"
Jacob took a while to respond. Instead, with stiff wide shoulders, he gestured for me to join him as he made his way to the pack's secret council chamber. The weight of each step increased.
Tension permeated the air within. Leaning against the door as if he needed its strength, Jacob closed it behind us.
I crossed my arms and muttered, "You're frightening me." "What's the matter?"
With a deep breath, he ran a hand through his black hair. There has been conversation. worries that you are present.
My stomach turned over. "Are you worried? From whom?
He avoided looking at me. "The elders." A few of the pack members. They are doubting your motives.
The words struck me like a slap and I froze. "What am I trying to do? Since coming here, Jacob, all I've done is attempt to start again. Why would anybody ask me questions?
His jaw tensed as he paused. "Because, Isidora, there are rumors." There are rumors that you have communicated with strangers and may have given information to another pack.
My heart was racing as I gazed at him. "That is ridiculous. You are aware that's untrue.
"I'd like to think so," he said. "But there is proof."
"Proof?" I said it again, raising my voice. "What proof? Who is spreading these falsehoods to you?
Jacob moved forward, a puzzled look on his face. Someone intercepted a communication. Isidora, your name was on it. The Moonshine Pack was notified about it.
My breath caught in my throat as the room whirled. "You believe I would turn on you? Betray this pack? How can you possibly say that, Jacob?
His voice cracked as he replied, "I don't want to believe it." However, it's not just about me. The elders are seeking explanations, and the pack is tense.
I stepped back and shook my head. "This isn't true. I'm being set up by someone. You must observe that.
His annoyance was visible as he wiped a hand over his face. "Isidora, I have attempted to protect you. Yes, I have. However, you have just recently returned, and now...
"You're simply going to betray me?" Anger brewing under my skin, I demanded. "After all that we've endured?"
Jacob didn't answer, but his eyes glowed with remorse.
The quiet was overwhelming.
I stepped passed him and whispered, "Unbelievable." "I'll find out who's behind this myself if you won't support me."
"Wait, Isidora."
With my eyes flaming, I turned abruptly. Why are you waiting, Jacob? For more unfounded charges? For this pack to totally turn against me?
He extended his hand, but I resisted. The rage that was blazing in my breast was not lessened by the agony in his eyes.
I responded in a shaky voice, "I trusted you." "But that was obviously a mistake."
I hurried out of the room without saying anything more, my heart racing with a mixture of pain and rage.
The murmurs of passing wolves just made me feel more frustrated, and the packhouse seemed oppressive. The chilly night air pierced my flesh as I continued till I reached the boundary of the region.
I tried to catch my breath by leaning against a tree. My thoughts were racing, again reliving the exchange with Jacob. How was he able to mistrust me? How could he allow the anxiety of the pack to sour our relationship?
I was startled out of my reverie by a stir in the woods. My senses sharpened as I strained.
"Who is present?" Despite the fury roaring inside of me, I called in a firm voice.
A dark-haired lady with sharp blue eyes stepped out of the darkness. It took me a time to locate her, even though she seemed familiar.
"Salome," I murmured, furrowing my brow.
Her countenance was inscrutable as she gave a slight grin. "You recall me."
With my arms crossed, I said, "It's difficult to forget someone who was once Jacob's shadow." "What are you looking for?"
Salome took a step forward, her eyes piercing. "I'd like to assist you."
I gave a sour chuckle. "Can you help me? That's quite generous of you.
"Isidora, I'm serious," she stated in a forceful voice. "I know who is setting you up, and I know it."
A beat skipped in my chest. "Who?"
Her words trailed down to a whisper as she looked around. "Not in this place. It's not secure.
I squinted as I said, "Convenient."
"I'm not your adversary," she said. "Come see me tomorrow night in the former hunting lodge if you want the truth. midnight.
With mistrust gnawing at me, I paused. "What makes you worthy of my trust?"
"Because you have no other option," she said plainly. Already, the pack is moving against you. It will be too late if you don't take action right now.
I was left alone with my rushing thoughts as she vanished into the darkness.
Doubt gnawed at me as I walked back to the packhouse. I was tempted by Salome's proposition, but could I truly trust her? Was this another ruse, or what?
Upon arriving to my room, I discovered a message hidden behind the door.
Watch who you put your confidence in.
As I gazed at the words, my blood froze. Someone was tugging ropes from the shadows while keeping an eye on me.
And I didn't have much time to find out who it was.