Chapter 9: Fang Factor
Evanora (Faith) POV
The garden paths were quiet, but not peaceful.
I walked them slowly, counting my steps without meaning to. Stone. Gravel. Shadow. The pack house had rhythms—guards changing positions, torches burning down, wolves watching from corners they thought I hadn’t noticed.
Beta Kaden had avoided me for days.
Not distance.
Avoidance.
That meant intent.
I spotted him near the outer wall, speaking in low tones to a guard. His posture was relaxed, but his attention wasn’t. He was listening to everything except me—on purpose.
Interesting.
“Beta Kaden,” I said.
The guard startled. Kaden turned slowly, amber eyes locking onto mine. No amusement. No softness. Just assessment.
He dismissed the guard with a flick of his hand and faced me fully.
“What do you need?” he asked.
Not what you want.
Not why are you here.
Progress.
“I need permission,” I said evenly.
“For?”
“To attend Caleb’s birthday gathering.”
His jaw tightened—barely. “That event is canceled.”
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
“Because of the rogues.”
“Because of the risk,” he corrected. “And because you’re involved.”
There it was.
“I didn’t realize I’d become a security threat simply by existing.”
“You became one the moment rogues started asking for directions to the Alpha.”
I studied his face. “Then perhaps your defenses need improvement.”
His eyes sharpened. “Careful.”
“I always am.”
Silence stretched, heavy with unsaid things.
“There will be no gatherings,” he said finally. “No distractions. Until the Alpha returns.”
“So authoritarian,” I murmured.
He stepped closer—not invading, not retreating. “Authority keeps people alive.”
“And yet,” I said softly, “people still die.”
For a heartbeat, neither of us moved.
Then footsteps echoed.
Zagan appeared, breathless and dramatic as ever. “It’s time, Your—” he stopped himself, eyes flicking to Kaden. “Faith.”
Kaden didn’t miss it.
“Time for what?” he asked coolly.
“Feeding duty,” Zagan replied. “Dungeon animals wait for no one.”
Kaden waved us away without another glance.
We regrouped near the kennels.
Zagan lowered his voice. “The engagement invitation arrived.”
I stilled. “They invited a werewolf pack?”
“Supernatural Council,” he said. “They’re baiting allies.”
“Bold,” I muttered. “And stupid.”
“You can’t enter that realm,” Zagan said quietly. “They’ll sense you.”
“I know.” My jaw tightened. “And someone helped me escape Bloodsworth. Someone beyond the Exanimates.”
Zagan hesitated. “Ryker gave the order. But… there’s another presence. Someone is watching your fate.”
A shadow behind the shadows.
I didn’t like that.
By dusk, the pack house buzzed with movement. I slipped away to a quiet tree near the perimeter, needing space to think.
That’s when the wolves found me.
A few warriors lingered nearby, eyes too interested, smiles too sharp. I ignored them.
Then the air shifted.
The Gamma stepped into my path.
Tall. Young. Confident in the way only unchecked authority allows.
“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked.
“Walking,” I replied. “Is that illegal now?”
His smile was lazy. “No one gave you permission.”
“No one said I needed it.”
His hand shot out, fingers closing around my throat.
“Know your place, parasite,” he snarled. “One snap, and you disappear.”
Pain flared. Stars danced at the edges of my vision. I forced myself to stay still. Struggling would only amuse him.
He shoved me back. “Get to your room. Before we decide you’re helping the rogues.”
He walked away laughing.
I stood there for a long moment, breath ragged, fingers trembling as I touched my throat.
Then something colder hit.
I ran my tongue along my gums.
Nothing.
No sharp edge. No familiar ache.
I pressed harder.
Smooth.
Blunt.
Gone.
They hadn’t just taken my kingdom.
They hadn’t just taken my power.
They’d taken my edge.
I closed my eyes, forcing my breathing to steady.
That was a mistake on their part.
Because when you take everything from a predator—
You leave it nothing to lose.
And I would take it back.
