Chapter 47: Damn It

Chapter 47: Damn It Magnus The patrol units have been scouring the pack’s territory in relentless circles for the past two days, practically turning the entire forest upside down. They’ve searched every trail, every shadowed corner, and every half-buried crevice, desperate to find a clue, any sign that could explain how another ghoul managed to slip through our defenses unnoticed. But nothing. Not a trace. The mystery of its appearance gnaws at me. A heavy thought presses down on my chest as I come to a stop in the dense heart of the forest, near the place where Kaya was attacked. The way that thing moved... it wasn’t normal. It drifted like a shadow, like a wraith caught between worlds. Even as it crept up on her, I could tell its form was wrong. Incomplete. As if it hadn’t fully emerged from the darkness it was born in. Like it hadn’t finished taking shape. And then there’s the way it died. That, too, felt... off. The first ghoul we encountered, and now this one, neither followed the patterns we’ve studied nor the behaviors we’ve come to expect. None of it makes sense. "Alpha Magnus," Aksel’s voice cuts through my thoughts, bringing me back. "It’s been two days. We’ve come up empty. Maybe it’s time to head back." I turn toward him, my eyes narrowing slightly as I study his face. I know he’s only doing his duty, trying to keep things practical, but frustration bubbles inside me all the same. We’ve found nothing. How the fuck is that even possible? "It’s the second time this week," I say at last, my voice low and tight with restrained anger. "We can’t afford to treat this lightly anymore. One occurrence was already a breach. Two is a damn threat." Aksel lets out a long sigh, dragging a hand through his damp, tangled hair, clearly wrestling with his own irritation. "I know, Magnus—I do. But we can’t keep stretching our forces this thin. There are other pressing matters waiting for you, too. Things to handle." "Is that bastard still at it?" I mutter, my brows knitting together in frustration before I can stop them. Aksel scoffs, a bitter sound that perfectly mirrors my thoughts. "Like clockwork. It’s practically become his daily routine at this point. Alpha Damien is desperate to get your attention. I don’t know how much longer the King can keep covering for you before Damien decides to take matters into his own hands and crosses into our territory." "Won’t be new for him," I retort, folding my arms across my chest. Just the mention of Damien’s name is enough to make my stomach churn. That conniving, arrogant bastard has always had a talent for getting under my skin—and now, he’s only getting bolder. "The King makes the laws here," Aksel reminds me, his tone more grounding this time as he places a firm hand on my shoulder. The slight squeeze he gives feels steadying, a quiet show of support. "Let him deal with that nuisance for now. If I had to guess, he’s just giving Damien a bit of rope before he finally yanks it tight." My frown deepens, but there’s a small flicker of reassurance in his words. I don’t fully trust it, but right now, when exhaustion weighs on me like armor, I’ll take what I can get. "You haven’t slept in two days," Aksel adds, and for a brief second, I look at him, wondering if he somehow heard my thoughts through the link. "Your reflexes are slowing down. You’re pushing yourself too hard. There’s not much more you can do in your condition—at least not out here. Let the rotation teams handle the patrols for now. Go back to the pack house. Get some rest." I don’t respond right away. Instead, I stand there, staring into the forest as a quiet sense of defeat settles over me. Is it the fact that we haven’t uncovered a single clue about the ghouls’ sudden infiltration? Or is it the creeping suspicion that one of them distracted me on purpose... because its true target was Kaya? Just a theory, of course. A wild theory. But the thought refuses to leave me. No. I’ll keep it to myself for now. The last thing we need is panic before I know for sure. "Fine then," I mutter, nodding as I pull a spare T-shirt over my head. Aksel lingers nearby, waiting patiently as I finish dressing. "I’m heading back with the morning team. Once you rotate the patrols tomorrow, send Oliver out in your place. I’ll need you with me." "Sure thing," Aksel replies with a small, reassuring smile. And somehow, that simple gesture makes the weight on my shoulders feel a little lighter. I decide not to rush. Instead, I take my time walking back to the pack house, letting the quiet of the forest help me think things through. The leaves rustle above me, and the afternoon breeze is crisp—yet none of it can soothe the thoughts swirling in my mind. I know what you’re thinking. And I agree with it, Athan speaks up, stepping forward in my headspace, pacing restlessly like a reflection of my unease. The first ghoul showed up right when she arrived, I reply, a bitter knot twisting in my stomach. It barely crossed the border before it died. But this one... this one made it all the way through the forest. It was fast. And— Intelligent, Athan finishes for me, his amber eyes gleaming with intensity. Too intelligent for a mindless creature. Which can only mean one thing. Yeah, I know, I respond grimly, though I’m still holding onto the hope that we’re wrong. Because if we’re not... Kaya’s stay here may not be as safe as I wanted it to be. Athan doesn’t take kindly to that thought. His lips peel back to reveal his fangs, a low growl reverberating through our bond. Alpha Damien’s wife tried to kill our mate, he snarls. Unless you want me to walk away from you completely, Kaya stays. No discussion. I exhale sharply, dragging both hands down my face as another wave of frustration crashes over me. The worst part is—he’s right. He’s right. I can’t send her away—and, truth be told, I don’t want to. Damn it.