There was a commotion in the castle. The Night Wind Pack was rocked by Samuel's escape, and tension was in the air. Whispers of treachery slithered like a serpent down the corridors, and guards doubled their patrols.
Leah watched from the courtyard's edge as warriors got on their horses and prepared to search the nearby woods for the fugitive. Jacob's command was still reverberating in her ears.
"Track him down. Return him alive."
The Beta, Paul Lyall, strode toward her, his face grim. He couldn't have traveled very far. Movement was detected by the perimeter guards close to the eastern boundary.
Leah felt sick to her stomach. The abandoned ruins, where she had frequently walked as a child, were on the eastern boundary. Samuel must have been desperate or knew something they didn't if he had gone there.
"I'd like to leave," she remarked suddenly.
Paul scowled. "It is too risky. If he has a weapon—
She interrupted, "He's my supposed brother." "I need to hear from him if he is telling the truth."
After a moment of hesitation, Paul nodded. "Remain near. Let the Alpha deal with him if we locate him.
Leah nodded curtly, her determination unwavering.
With their flames flickering against the tall trees, the search group advanced quickly through the dark woodland. As Leah followed Paul and the soldiers, her senses searching for any sound, her pulse thumping. She could feel the weight of invisible eyes on them growing as they traveled farther.
Then there was a rustle. A glimmer of motion.
Paul signaled a stop with a raised hand. As they listened, the group grew silent. An arrow whizzed through the air and lodged itself in a neighboring trunk as a low growl rumbled through the trees.
"Ambush!" a voice called out.
There was anarchy. Figures appeared out of the shadows as they moved between the trees. Before Leah could even respond, powerful hands grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.
She turned abruptly, her eyes widening as she looked directly at Samuel. "Join me," he growled.
The conflict was still going on when he dragged her into the heart of the forest before she had a chance to think or call for assistance.