(Maelin's secret meeting with Rufus — Night, Outskirts of Furstone)
Beyond the veil of moonlight, where the wind howled like forgotten ghosts and the trees swayed like ancient sentinels, two figures stood cloaked in secrecy. The outskirts of Furstone lay silent, save for the creaking of the dangling tree branches, long and narrow, dancing like marionettes against the silver glow of the night sky. This was the edge of the known world, the border that separated Furstone from the ruinous lands ruled by those who did not follow law or loyalty.
Maelin stepped cautiously, his cloak brushing against the dew-soaked grass. He glanced behind him once, twice, to ensure he hadn't been followed. His heartbeat was steady, but his breath remained shallow. This meeting was dangerous. But it was necessary.
Across from him stood Alpha Rufus, taller than he remembered, broad-shouldered and built like a boulder carved from war. His eyes burned amber, and his arms were stained with the remnants of the battle he'd only just left behind. Anger clung to him like smoke—thick, suffocating.
"You're late," Rufus growled.
"I had to be careful," Maelin replied evenly. "Even the shadows listen in these parts."
Rufus took a step forward, his presence alone a threat. "Half my best fighters died, Maelin. Half. You said this would be a quick strike. That Furstone would crumble from the inside the moment we breached the border."
"That was the plan."
Rufus barked a bitter laugh. "Then why did you and Oona join the battle? Why risk exposing everything? That wasn't what we discussed."
Maelin lifted his chin, calm despite the boiling rage in Rufus's voice. "We had to keep suspicion away from ourselves. If we had stood back, questions would have been asked. We didn't expect the tides to turn. Not so fast. Not with him."
"Him?" Rufus sneered. "You mean Andrew."
The name was spat like venom. Rufus's claws extended instinctively before retracting again.
"He's a child."
"No," Maelin said grimly. "He's something more. You saw how he fought. Seamlessly shifting. Rallying Furstone. That wasn't just training. That was something else."
Rufus growled, his voice low. "As long as that boy breathes, Furstone may never fall."
"That is exactly why we need him out of the way," Maelin said, voice now a whisper laced with promise. "When he's gone, my son—Cassian—will take the Alpha mantle. The Jackson bloodline has ruled long enough. It's time for a new age. A new Alpha. One who understands power. One who will not bend to sentiment... or prophecy."
Rufus's jaw twitched. "What makes you think your boy is any better?"
"He's obedient," Maelin replied. "And with your support, he'll owe you loyalty. Once Andrew is gone, there will be chaos. And in that chaos, we rise."
Rufus looked him over for a long moment. Then, slowly, he nodded. "I'll consider it. But know this, Maelin—if you double-cross me, Furstone will be the first to bleed. But not the last."
"I'm not foolish," Maelin said, offering a slight bow. "You'll get what you want."
They stood in silence, the air thick with unspoken threats and uneasy trust. Then Maelin turned to leave, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Oh... and Elder Oona sends her regards."
That made Rufus pause. His eyes narrowed slightly. "She always plays her games."
Maelin didn't respond. He vanished into the trees like mist.
But as the leaves settled and the wind died down, Rufus looked out across the moonlit trees, and a low, dangerous grin curled on his lips.
Because he had not come alone.
Hidden in the branches above, a pair of glowing red eyes watched Maelin disappear, a silent witness to betrayal brewing beneath the moon.