THE CURSED LUNA

Arian pov

I am aware that you were responsible for the maiden's death, and I would prefer that you do not deny it. Therefore, I must ask you directly: did you kill the lady? I inquired of Sheelah, having observed her earlier actions. She possesses capabilities that I would not wish to endorse. Instead of responding, she fixated on the door where the alpha had previously stood. "Did you kill her?"

"You are quite foolish! I should be the one posing that question, as you excel at taking lives without remorse," she retorted with evident anger. Sheelah is undoubtedly more astute than most, which lends credence to my suspicions regarding her involvement.

Her gaze abruptly returned to mine, her eyes gleaming with defiance. "You believe yourself to be clever, do you?" she challenged. "Accusing me without any evidence."

I maintained my stance, my gaze unwavering. "I witnessed your actions earlier. You were lurking near the victim's quarters, and now you are dodging my inquiry." Sheelah's smile was frigid. "You are merely conjecturing. There is no solid proof to support your claims."

"Perhaps not," I conceded, "but my intuition suggests your involvement. You are perpetually calculating, Sheelah, always seeking opportunities to further your own agenda."

Her face contorted with rage. "You have the audacity to speak, destined mate of Alpha Christian. Do you believe yourself superior to me? You are just as driven by power as I am."

I moved closer, my tone measured. "I am not questioning your ambition, Sheelah. I am accusing you of murder."

Sheelah's gaze flicked to the door once more, confirming our solitude. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "Alright. Yes, I killed her. But it was essential. She posed a danger to the stability of our pack."

A wave of nausea washed over me. "A danger? What could she possibly-"Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Sheelah's laughter interrupted me. "You are so gullible. Do you really think Alpha Christian is the only one harboring secrets? The victim possessed knowledge that could dismantle us, our very foundation. I acted before she could reveal it." My thoughts spiraled. What could be so catastrophic? And what did Sheelah imply by "our foundation"?

Suddenly, footsteps resonated in the hallway. Alpha Christian entered, his expression sharp. "What is happening here?"

Sheelah's demeanor shifted to one of feigned innocence. "We were merely discussing pack matters, Alpha."

Alpha Christian's attention turned to me. "Is everything in order?"

I found myself hesitating, uncertain about the extent of my disclosure. Yet, Sheelah's words reverberated in my thoughts: "You're just as power-hungry as I am." Was I prepared to engage in her game?

I was aware of her involvement in the death of the pack worker. I pondered why, despite our ongoing concealment of Emily's murder, she felt compelled to commit another crime. I regarded her with a growing sense of apprehension.

I quickly pulled her aside. "Why did you kill her? We are still entangled in the cover-up of Emily's murder, and now you have taken another life. Why?"

Sheelah's eyes narrowed with a warning as I drew her close, her voice a mere whisper. "You are playing with fire by making such accusations. Be cautious about whom you trust."

I maintained my grip on her, my stare unwavering. "Provide me with an answer, Sheelah. Why did you take the life of that pack worker? We have not even resolved the situation surrounding Emily's murder."

Her expression contorted into a snarl. "You believe you are so astute, don't you? But you fail to grasp the larger context. Emily's murder was essential, and so was this one."

"Essential?" I repeated, incredulous. "Two innocent lives lost, and you deem it essential?"

Her voice was laced with malice. "Innocent? Ha! You are oblivious to what they knew. What they could have revealed. The survival of our pack hinges on secrets, and I will do whatever is necessary to safeguard it."

A chill coursed through me. "What secrets? What else are you concealing beyond what I already know?"

At that moment, Alpha Christian's voice pierced the tension. "Sheelah, what is happening here?"

Sheelah quickly restored her facade. "You have inquired before." Alpha Christian's gaze sharpened. "Have I? Were you meant to pose such a question to me?"

I released my hold on Sheelah, my grip easing. "Perhaps it would be prudent to discuss this matter privately, Alpha."

Alpha Christian's attention remained fixed on Sheelah for a moment before he nodded. "Very well. Let us proceed to my quarters."

As we followed him, Sheelah's hushed warning sent a chill through me: "You are treading on dangerous ground. Betray me, and you will face the repercussions."

Upon entering Alpha Christian's quarters, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The truth was on the verge of revelation, and I pondered who would ultimately prevail.

Once inside, I resolved not to divulge any details of my conversation with Sheelah to Alpha Christian, and she would certainly not permit me to do so. The misdeeds were solely between us, prompting me to concoct an alternative narrative. Alpha Christian shut the door behind us, his gaze sweeping the room before resting on Sheelah and me. "What is this about? You both seem... rather intense."

I managed to maintain a composed smile. "Actually, Alpha, I wished to address the recent patrols. I believe we should consider increasing both their frequency and range."

Sheelah's eyes briefly met mine, revealing a trace of surprise beneath her otherwise calm demeanor. She was aware that I was steering the conversation away from its original topic.

Alpha Christian's expression grew serious. "Patrols? That is not the impression I received. You are concealing something."

I shrugged, keeping up the pretense. "I am merely concerned about the safety of the pack, Alpha."

Sheelah interjected, her tone smooth and measured. "Indeed, Alpha. We must exercise caution given the recent... tensions."

Alpha Christian's gaze sharpened, detecting the underlying evasion. "Tensions? Are you referring to those between our pack and the rival pack?"

I seized the moment to affirm. "Precisely. We ought to prioritize fortifying our alliances and securing our borders."

Sheelah's eyes bore into mine, conveying a silent admonition: Do not stray from the narrative.

Alpha Christian began to pace, deep in thought. "I concur. However, I need to understand what is truly happening between the two of you. This discussion about patrols seems rather... convenient." The atmosphere grew tense, laden with unspoken truths. Sheelah's unwavering gaze remained fixed on me, her eyes flashing a warning: Remain silent.

"I will leave you two," Sheelah announced, departing without hesitation. I turned to watch her walk away.

"Foolish woman!" I muttered under my breath, harboring a dislike for her.