That same night, Beta Gilbert sat alone in his room. Sleep eluded him, and his mind wrestled with questions.
"Who is this Shadow who keeps haunting my family and pack? Is there some connection I’m not seeing?" he murmured, worry creasing his face.
He clenched his fists. So many lives lost... And now Bernard, my son, lies wounded with injuries that defy natural healing. Whatever they used on him was laced with dark magic. His thoughts shifted quickly. I need answers. Maybe it’s time I speak to Spinazola—the Italian sorcerer. I can’t sit idle while my people suffer. Memories of the people dressed in white, those who had rescued them, resurfaced. Could they truly be the Mind Listeners? My father used to tell stories about them when I was younger. I thought they were myths. His brows furrowed. "Why would they help us now? What is their connection to the Blue Moon Pack?"
Determined, he rose from his seat. "I’ll see Spinazola at first light. No more waiting. No more guessing. I will protect my family and my people."
The next morning, the house was quiet. Both Beta Gilbert and Victoria had left early, heading out on separate errands.
Alone in her room, Maria sat while reflecting on the chaos that had plagued their lives over the past two years.
Her thoughts shifted suddenly. No one’s home... Bernard’s room. Without wasting a moment, she sprang out of bed and tiptoed her way toward Bernard’s room. The main door was unlocked. Slipping inside, she made her way to the hidden compartment Bernard had once mentioned.
She paused when she saw it—it was secured by electronic lock. Only a master key can open this. Rushing back to her room, she dug beneath a pile of clothes in her box until she found it—the electronic master key Cassandra had given her years ago.
Heart pounding, she returned to Bernard’s room. Kneeling before the safe, she prepared to unlock it.
But then... footsteps. They were approaching fast. Her breath caught in her throat. There was no time to escape, no place to hide.
The door swung open, Victoria stepped inside and their eyes met as she was shocked to see Maria in there...