The Alpha's Shape of Deception

y groups, talking loudly and urgently. The centre fireplace was blazing, but th

filled with plans, potential outcomes, and everything that would help them get ready for what was

he put a hand on Lyra's shoulder, her piercing gaze softened with worry.

above a whisper. "Ryker is withholding too much information. I

r is facing pressure, but he's not the o

este's steadfast support was a constant in Lyra's stormy existence, since she had been by her si

nage." But don't worry, you don't have

vanished in an instant. "All I want to know is what

d. His icy blue eyes scanned the room before settling on Lyra, and his demeanour was s

rn yet hushed voice. "I have

ing for a response. With her pulse racing, Lyra followed after giving

there already. He was studying a large map that was laid out on the centre table with his a

he stated, "The rogues are closer than we thought." "At least thre

d groups? What is the num

bre tone. "Enough to overwhelm us i

strategically divide our forces. Take the northe

mined voice, she said,

dened as his eyes sud

on't ignore me. You know th

at one another for a moment. At last, Ryker nodded and let out a

f comfort and resolve wash ov

hroat. "Just in case, we'll need scouts on the

swiftest wolves should be sent. Upda

nishing up their arrangements. A young wolf, his eyes wi

ogue." "It crossed

me quiet. Ryker stood up straight, his face

the room without saying another word. Lyra knew

a stood close to her small room's window, gazing out into the shadowy woodland. The treetops were illuminated by a faint glow

e was doubt in the amber depths of her eyes. Lyra kept thinking about Ryker's prior hesitancy. He had enough fait

was prepared.

he made a commitment to herself. a pledge to show Ryker, the pack, and most importantly, herself, how valuable she

ining, the hours she had spent perfecting her craft with Celeste, the scrapes and bruises she had sustained as s

on the door. When it opened, she turned to se

nd remarked, "You're brooding again."

the dagger. "I'm not dwellin

an to reflect? On what? How are yo

t her lips. "All I'm trying to do is figure out how to

k a step forward. If he didn't, he wouldn't permit

concerns me. I must be certain that I will be able to

Lyra, I've witnessed you fight. You are more compassio

ct. Despite its distance, there was an eerie quality to it. Cele

a hushed voice, "They

Although the forest appeared serene, the howls conveyed a

ed as she said, "I

nod. "I'll ac

as they made their way into the packhouse. With each step, Lyra's determination became stronger. Even though fear

d throughout

ping through the silence. Lyra clutched her knife as she stood by Ryker's side, her heart racing. The warriors of the

e the din as he sa

and their coordinated attacks demonstrated a high level of preparation. Thi

motions quick and accurate. The blade of her knife sliced through skin and fur

confronted another rogue that charged at them. Her strikes were deliberate and sharp, and she moved with

in a sharp but arroga

yra's muscles ached, she persisted. Her confidence increased with each success as she subdued every

a deep, guttural growl that was more ominous and deafening than any they had

d with intelligence and ill will, and it was bigger than any rogue Lyra had ever seen. The beas

ce darkening. His voice was quiet but strained as he re