Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 37 - Truth unveiled

Bartholomew's pov:

So, my little daughter is working with the enemy. What did she think? That I wouldn't find out about her activities? I trusted her—gave her everything—and she betrayed me. Jordan was right all along. Elektra is the spitting image of her mother in every way. A traitor, just like her.

All evening, I watched the pack. Then I saw Alexander, flanked by two guards, heading toward my office late at night. I expected Elektra to imprison him or throw him out, but she did neither.

Alexander stayed in my office for about forty-five minutes and then left, just like that. Why did she let him go? He knows he's the cause of my imprisonment and exhaustion. There is only one reason: my daughter is a traitor. But soon, she'll learn what happens to those who betray me.

First, I must visit the mountains and talk to the elders. They're too old to know about my incarceration or prison break. I need to find out where the holy sword is.

I took the hidden trail to their mountain. It wasn't easy to find, but I know those mountains like the back of my hand.

The climb was fast-paced and took two hours. The sun was just rising when I reached the small village—a few simple houses built on a plateau at the summit. I headed straight to the chief's house and knocked.

After a few minutes, the door opened. A short, thin old man appeared.

"How can I help you, son?" he asked in a hoarse voice.

"I need your advice and guidance on some urgent matters," I said cautiously. I had to play the part of a lost traveler. The elders were clever; they couldn't be easily fooled.

"Please come in," he said, ignoring my real identity. He pulled up a chair. "Sit here. Would you like some herbal tea?"

"No, I'm fine. It's urgent—I must talk to you."

"Don't rush. We have plenty of time. I'm not going anywhere," he replied, slowly setting a pot over the fire. As he added herbs and stirred, he called without turning around, "Stop standing there—start talking."

"My name is Ben. I was sent by the current Alpha of the Black Shadow Pack. She seeks your advice on something important."

"Her, or you?" the man asked, still stirring.

"I don't understand," I feigned confusion.

"I know who you really are, Bartholomew. I can guess your purpose."

"Which is?" I asked calmly. I don't lose my temper easily.

"That's unimportant. Our goddess led you here, even if your intent was different." He poured the tea into cups, set out some biscuits with honey, then sat slowly. "Do you want some honey?"

"No," I snapped, irritated by his games.

"Since you're here, I feel compelled to share some truths."

"I don't care about your truths, old man. Just tell me where the holy sword is," I demanded.

"When I finish, you'll learn about the sword," he said calmly.

My claws lengthened as I began to shift into my wolf form.

"Careful," he warned coolly.

"But you're not," I said defiantly.

"Thank Goddess I'm not," he said smugly, sipping his tea. "Well done, Bartholomew. From a poor woodcutter's son to Alpha of one of the strongest packs. I congratulate you, though your path was cruel and unfair," he added sarcastically, and I bristled.