Warrior Wolf (Complete)

38 Council's move

Rose sat propped against a pillow in her tent, sipping the medicinal leaf tonic slowly, feeling the warmth ease some of the aches in her muscles. Her body still hadn’t fully recovered from the battle, and she winced every time she moved. The unconscious form of her brother, Alex, lay nearby, his breathing shallow but steady. She didn’t want to leave his side, not after everything that had happened.

The tent flap rustled, and Advisor Jackvi entered, followed closely by Alpha Chris. Both of their faces were drawn tight with concern. Rose frowned, sensing something urgent was in the air.

“Rose,” Chris began softly, his eyes flicking toward Alex. “We need to talk. Can you step outside with us? It’s important.”

“I’m not leaving him,” she replied, her voice firmer than she expected.

Rose’s instinct was to refuse. “I need to be with my brother,” she said, her voice firm but quiet. “He’s still weak. I can't leave him alone.”

Chris’s tone shifted, more insistent this time. “Please, Rose. I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t urgent.”

Rose hesitated, looking down at her brother one more time before nodding. With a heavy sigh, she set her cup down and stood, pulling her coat tighter around her. They led her through the camp to Chris’s private tent. Once inside, Captain Garruk joined them, his arms crossed, looking every bit the hardened warrior.

Once they were seated, Advisor Jackvi wasted no time, “Rose, your life is in danger.”

She blinked, momentarily stunned. “What? Why?”

Chris glanced at Jackvi, then back at Rose. “When you shifted into your wolf form at the ruins, the power that radiated from you was unlike anything we’ve seen. It’s on par with the Wolf King himself. The council has taken notice.”

“And they’re afraid,” Jackvi added. “They’re scared that if you wanted to, you could challenge the King’s position—and win.”

Rose’s confusion deepened. “Challenge the King? I don’t want to challenge anyone. I just want to be respected for who I am.”

Chris leaned forward, his voice calm but urgent. “They know you don’t want power, but that doesn’t matter to them. They see you as a threat. They’re planning to corner you—force you to pledge loyalty to the Wolf King, binding you to him for life.”

Rose stared at them, her mind reeling. “I don’t want to be anyone's slave. I just…” She hesitated, her voice faltering. “I just want to be myself.”

“And that’s the problem,” Captain Garruk cut in, his voice low. “They think your presence, your power, will eventually lead to unrest. You’ve shown a strength most wolves only dream of, and the council is already planning their next move.”

Rose ran a hand through her hair, the weight of it all settling heavily on her shoulders. “So what are they going to do? Assassinate me?”

Jackvi nodded grimly. “They might not attack you directly. The council is desperate but also clever. They’ll try poison, traps—any underhanded means they can think of.”

Chris stepped forward, his expression hardening. “We won’t let that happen, Rose. We’ll put security in place. Loyal soldiers will watch over you day and night.”

“And what about the council?” Rose asked, her voice tight. “They won’t just stop because I have guards.”

“That’s exactly why we’re here,” Chris replied. “We have to act quickly before they do. The best way to protect you is to make it impossible for the council to discredit or harm you. We’re suggesting a public event, where you speak about your loyalty to the werewolf kind and warn them about how Drake manipulated wolves into servitude.”

Jackvi added, “If we get the public on your side, the council won’t be able to move against you. They won’t risk backlash from the people.”

Rose looked between them, processing the suggestion. “You think that will work?”

Chris nodded. “If we publicly acknowledge what you’ve done for the werewolf kind, the council won’t be able to discredit you or frame you for crimes you didn’t commit. The people will stand with you.”

Rose’s fingers tightened around the edge of the blanket draped over her shoulders. It was all happening so fast—too fast. “I betrayed my kind once. Will they really forgive me?”

Chris’s expression softened. “You didn’t betray us, Rose. You were manipulated by Drake. You saw through it, broke free, and saved the King. That’s what matters now.”

She swallowed hard, doubt still gnawing at her insides. “I’m not sure I deserve it.”

Chris reached out, placing a hand gently on her arm. “You do. You were strong even though you were caught in Drake’s trap. You overcame it. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”

Rose nodded slowly, feeling a slight flicker of reassurance.

“But, if council is already on move, we don't have much time to get people on my side” she said, her voice growing more certain, “So, I want to add one more step to this plan.”

Jackvi raised an eyebrow. “Go on.”

Rose said her plan.

Jackvi’s eyes widened in surprise, then a slow smile spread across his face. “That… that could work.”

Chris frowned. “You’re suggesting we manipulate the council the same way they’re manipulating us?”

Rose nodded. “It’s the only way to ensure my survival. If they think I’m still useful—still needed—they won’t dare make a move.”

Garruk grunted in approval. “Smart. It buys us time and puts them on the defensive.”

Chris seemed reluctant but finally nodded. “Alright. We’ll arrange it.”

Jackvi leaned forward. “But remember, Rose, this is just the beginning. We’re playing a dangerous game now, and one wrong move could cost us everything.”

“I know,” Rose said, her voice firm. “But I’ve already faced death once. I’m not afraid now.”

Suddenly, Rose's body convulsed, a sharp, metallic taste filling her mouth. She doubled over, her hand instinctively rising to her lips, only to pull away and see crimson staining her fingertips. Blood.

Her chest heaved, each breath labored and shallow. The council had acted quicker than any of them had anticipated. Despite Chris's efforts, he hadn’t been able to protect her in time.

With a ragged breath, Rose collapsed to her knees, the world around her spinning as darkness began to creep in at the edges of her vision.

"No, no, Rose!" Chris shouted, rushing to her side just in time to catch her as she crumpled. His arms wrapped around her, his face pale with panic as he tried to hold her steady. "Stay with me, please!"

Jackvi stood frozen for a moment, his shock evident as he whispered, "I didn’t think they’d move this fast…"

Chris’s eyes were wild with fear as he cradled Rose’s limp body. "This can’t be happening. We need help, now!" He barked the command at Jackvi, who immediately snapped into action, pouring healing potion into her mouth and rushing to find aid.

Rose’s breaths grew weaker, her head lolling against Chris's chest. "You...you tried," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "but it’s too late."