---- Chapter 12 "Are you sure it was him?" Lina whispered, shocked. "That Kael is really the Nightfang Alpha? " Inodded, my eyes fixed on the tall figure passing by outside the window. For three days, Kaelen - no, ''Kael" now - had kept his distance, yet never left my sight. He was like a shadow, silently guarding my cottage. Every time I went out, he was always nearby, quiet and alert. "The whole werewolf world is buzzing about the Nightfang Alpha's disappearance," Lina continued. "They say the pack is in chaos, Betas fighting for control, and the Northern Pack has started to chip away at their borders." I frowned. "Marcus didn't mention any of that." "Maybe he didn't want to worry you," Lina said ---- hesitantly. "But word is... without an Alpha, Nightfang is falling apart. The strong warriors refuse to bow to a Beta, and a few duels have already broken out." I turned to Lina. "How do you know so much?" "T have a cousin in the Eastern Pack. News travels fast, especially about the fall of the most powerful Alpha." She leaned closer. "They say it's because of the Moon Eclipse severance. That you..." "Enough," I cut her off. "That's all in the past." But deep down, an unshakeable worry was spreading. The Nightfang pack had been the strongest for centuries, maintaining balance in the surrounding territories. If it collapsed... I shook my head, pushing the thoughts away. That wasn't my responsibility anymore. Later, I decided to go to the Sanctuary's library to look for information on childbirth. The cub was ---- getting more active, and I had a feeling it would be born soon. Walking along the quiet path, I sensed a familiar presence following me. Without turning, I said, " If you're going to follow me, at least try not to be so obvious."" The footsteps paused, then came closer at an even pace. Kaelen - Kael now - walked beside me. "T'm just making sure you're safe," he said quietly. "Tn the Sanctuary? This is the safest place in the world." "For ordinary threats, yes," he said, his expression serious. "But Lyra isn't an ordinary threat." I stopped and turned to him. "What exactly do you know? Why are you so sure she'll find us here?" He hesitated for a moment, then handed mea letter. Marcus sent this three days ago."