Chapter 28
Elara’s POV
“You think I’m dead?”
Garron flinched like I’d fired a bullet instead of a sentence. The murmur of the soldiers behind me died instantly. The air tightened.
I stepped forward slowly, every bit of my body aching, blood crusted over my side and dried in my hair. But none of that mattered.
What mattered was the look on Garron’s face–the guilt, the fear, the pathetic attempt at defiance.
“I asked you a question,” I said, voice low. “You thought I died in there, didn’t you?”
“I–I didn’t know for sure…” Garron stammered, eyes darting toward Thorne for help. He didn’t get any.
“I gave you the benefit of the doubt when this mission started. I thought you were an ass, not a coward. But now I know you’re both.” I tilted my head. “Tell me something. Did you send us that map on purpose?”
Garron’s throat bobbed. “What–what are you talking about?”
“The trail led us directly to a den of variant bears–thirty of them,” I snapped. “The map you handed my team was altered. You sent us to die.”
Thorne turned his head sharply toward Garron.
“I didn’t-” Garron began.
“Then how did we end up in a cave that’s not even marked on the official territory map?” I took another step, and Garron backed away instinctively. “Don’t play dumb with me. I’ve lived in this pack. I know every inch of that forest. You can’t explain this away.”
Cael returned, now without Vessa in his arms. He must’ve handed her off to the medics. His jaw was clenched, his eyes like ice shards. “Say it, Garron. Say what you did.”
Garron looked around, desperate for an exit. “It was just a joke. I didn’t know it’d be that bad.”
“A joke?” I repeated, my voice sharpening like a blade. “You thought sending me and my soldiers into a death trap would be funny?”
The crowd was silent. Even Thorne didn’t interrupt. His hands were at his sides, but his stance was alert–ready.
Garron shuffled again. “You’re all still alive, aren’t you? So what’s the problem?”
I was on him before anyone could blink.
My palm slammed into his chest, shoving him back against a tree. “We lost blood, we nearly died, and you call that a joke?” I snarled. “My team was almost buried in that cave. You don’t deserve to wear a Gamma pin.”
He tried to push me off. “Get off me-”
“Or what?” I hissed. “You’ll send me another forged map?”
Cael didn’t step in. Neither did Thorne. Garron was on his own. 1/3
Chapter 28
Co
“You’re done,” I said coldly. “I want him stripped of his Gamma rank.”
Garron laughed, but it was weak and trembling. “You don’t have the authority to demand that-”
“I do,” Thorne cut in, stepping forward at last. His voice was low but deadly. “I gave her full command of this operation. And if Gamma Elara wants you out, you’re out.”
Garron’s mouth dropped. “Alpha, please-”
“Save it,” Thorne snapped. “You forged an official pack document and risked the lives of allied warriors. You’re lucky Elara didn’t kill you where you stood.”
I took a breath and stepped back. My body was aching more now that the adrenaline had begun to fade.
Cael looked at me. “You should sit down.”
“No.” I said. “Not until I’m finished.”
I turned to the crowd. “Let this be a reminder. We are not enemies here. We are allies, training to survive what’s coming from the rogue territory. If you treat your allies like prey, don’t be surprised when no one comes to save you.”
Silence. A few people lowered their eyes. Even Bex, the usually easygoing Gamma, looked uncharacteristically grim.
Garron dropped to his knees, face pale. “I’m sorry-”
“Your apology is as worthless as your leadership,” I said.
Thorne nodded at Myles, who stepped forward and ripped the Gamma pin off Garron’s chest. “You’re relieved,” Myles said quietly.
Two guards came forward and took Garron by the arms. He didn’t resist.
As they dragged him off, Cael turned to me. “You really should be resting.”
“Not yet,” I muttered. “Where’s Jory?”
“Already at the field clinic,” Cael said. “The medics are on it. Vessa too.”
Relief washed through me, just for a moment. “Good.”
Thorne cleared his throat and stepped closer. “You fought like a damn legend today.”
I looked up at him, expression unreadable. “You look surprised.”
He hesitated. “Not surprised. Just… regretful.”
“Regret’s cheap when the damage is done.” I turned my back and walked toward the edge of the clearing.
“Elara, wait-”
“Save it for someone who wants to listen,” I called over my shoulder.
I didn’t look back.
2/3
