Gwen's captivity had little effect on the tension in Barduff Castle. Even after she was put in jail, her influence persisted like a ghost. The pack was split; some were loyal to Jacob, while others muttered in the dark that they didn't trust his judgment.
Leah sat in her chamber window, gazing out at the black wilderness. Despite the moon's long silver streaks across the trees, her mind was filled with memories and the knowledge of all that had been taken from her. When Samuel reappeared, she discovered things she had never considered, and she wasn't sure how to rebuild herself.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. She turned around and saw Jacob standing there with a more subdued look on his face than she had seen in days.
"May I enter?" he said.
Leah gave a nod. He entered, shut the door, and stood next to her.
For a long time, they both looked out at the landscape in silence.
"You should get some rest," Jacob finally said. "You've been through enough."
Leah shook her head. "I struggle to get to sleep. Not quite yet. We don't know too much.
Jacob groaned and ran his fingers through his hair. "I get it. But we'll find the truth together.
She watched him, searching for any sign of hesitation. "Do you think that's true?"
He met her eyes with his own. "Yes, I do."
A gentle knock on the door cut the moment short. Samuel entered with a serious expression. "We're having trouble."
Jacob got to his feet. "What is it?"
Samuel held up a sheet of paper. "Someone has delivered messages from beyond the frontiers. One of the errand guys at the castle told me this.
Leah cautiously unfolded the parchment after picking it up. The message was succinct yet terrifying:
"The plan is still being developed. Await additional guidance.
Jacob's mouth clenched. "Gwen has a wider reach than we initially believed."
Leah clenched the page in her fist. Even though they had discovered one truth, it appeared that there were still more lies to be discovered. And the strings were still being pulled someplace.
Her voice grew stern with determination as she looked directly into Jacob's eyes. "Then, before it's too late, we have to stop them."