Chapter 8 Unexpected Ally

The Shadow Caves loomed before them, an endless maw of darkness swallowing the moonlight. Kaela swallowed hard, feeling the unease ripple through the She-Wolves. Behind them, the forest was still—too still. The male enforcers had stopped their pursuit, but not out of fear of the She-Wolves. They feared this place. “Kaela…” Elira whispered, stepping closer. “We can’t stay here.” “But we can’t go back,” Terren argued, her voice firm despite the wariness in her eyes. “Ulrich and his men are waiting for us to crawl out.” Kaela turned to Myira, their elder guide. “What do you know of this place?” The old woman’s eyes gleamed in the dim light. “They call it cursed,” she said. “A place where spirits roam and wolves vanish. But fear is often a weapon wielded by those who wish to keep power.” A cold shiver ran down Kaela’s spine. “So, is it cursed or not?” Myira only smiled. “That depends on what you believe.” The She-Wolves hesitated, glancing at each other. Their exhaustion was evident—Luna barely stood upright, supported by Elira, and even Terren’s fierce expression couldn’t hide her labored breathing. “We need shelter,” Kaela said finally. “We’ll rest here for the night.” Terren frowned. “And if the legends are true?” “Then we’ll face them, like we face everything else.” The Presence in the Dark They stepped inside. The air within the caves was damp and thick with the scent of earth and old stone. The walls stretched high, covered in twisting roots that looked almost like claws frozen in stone. The deeper they ventured, the quieter everything became, until even their own breathing sounded too loud. Kaela felt it first—a shift in the air, like something unseen was watching. Then, Luna gasped. “Someone’s here,” she whispered, pressing close to Elira. The She-Wolves froze. A sound echoed from the depths of the cave—a low, deliberate step. Kaela’s body tensed. “Who’s there?” For a moment, silence. Then— “You’re braver than I thought.” A tall figure stepped from the shadows, his golden eyes glinting in the dim light. His presence was powerful, yet not hostile. Kaela’s breath hitched as she recognized him—Dane, the Alpha’s son. And he wasn’t alone. Kaela got scared, “ is he here to hand me over” what could he want from me” Beside Dane stood Eryx, his best friend a male warrior known for his skill in battle. Unlike Ulrich and his warriors, Eryx’s gaze held something different—something softer. Terren stepped forward, her muscles coiled, ready to fight. “What do you want, Dane?” Dane’s expression remained unreadable. “I should be asking you the same thing. You do realize where you are?” Kaela lifted her chin. “A place feared by those who enforce your father’s rule.” Dane smirked. “And for good reason.” His words sent a chill through the group. Kaela studied him, searching for deception, but Dane’s posture was relaxed—not aggressive. If anything, he looked…curious. “You’re helping us,” she said slowly, testing the waters. “Why?” Dane’s jaw tightened. “Let’s just say I don’t agree with everything my father does.” Eryx sighed, stepping beside him. “What he means is—we’re not your enemies.” His eyes landed on Kaela. “But we can’t openly stand with you either.” Kaela crossed her arms. “Then why are you here?” Dane exchanged a glance with Eryx before answering. “Because you need to leave. Now.” The Warning Elira frowned. “What are you talking about?” Dane’s golden eyes darkened. “My father doesn’t just want you captured—he wants you erased. Ulrich is gathering more warriors as we speak. By dawn, they’ll sweep the entire forest, caves included.” Luna gasped, clutching Elira’s sleeve. “They know we’re here?” Eryx nodded grimly. “Not exactly. But they know you escaped, and they know you’re desperate. The Shadow Caves are one of the only places you could have run to.” Kaela’s heart pounded. If they were found here, there would be no escaping this time. Terren clenched her fists. “Then we fight.” “You’ll lose,” Dane said bluntly. “Ulrich will bring at least fifty warriors. You have…what? Ten, including a half-conscious girl?” His eyes flickered to Luna, who barely managed to stay standing. Kaela hated to admit it, but he was right. They weren’t ready for a battle. Elira sighed. “Then what do you suggest?” Dane hesitated before answering. “There’s a passage beneath these caves—an old escape route from the days of the first packs. If you go now, you can lose them before they realize where you’ve gone.” Kaela studied him carefully. “And why would you tell us this?” Dane’s gaze locked onto hers. “Because I don’t want to see you slaughtered.” But he said to himself. “Because I can’t get you out of my mind Kaela”. A heavy silence settled between them. Kaela couldn’t tell if she trusted him, but at this moment, they had no other choice. Eryx exhaled. “Look, you don’t have to believe us, but standing here debating will get you killed. That passage is your only chance.” Kaela glanced at her pack. Terren looked skeptical, Elira cautious, but Myira…she was watching Dane with quiet curiosity. Finally, Kaela turned back to him. “Show us the way.” Dane gave a slight nod and motioned for them to follow. The She-Wolves’ Escape Dane and Eryx led them through the dark corridors of the cave, deeper into the forgotten ruins. The air grew colder, and the stone walls felt older, untouched by time. Finally, they reached an archway half-hidden by overgrown roots. “Through here,” Dane instructed. “Follow the tunnel, and it’ll take you past the river. From there, you’ll be out of the hunt’s reach.” Kaela studied him once more. His face was unreadable, but his eyes… They were conflicted. She took a deep breath and turned away. “Let’s go.” One by one, the She-Wolves disappeared into the tunnel. As Kaela stepped forward, Dane’s voice stopped her. “Kaela.” She turned. Dane hesitated, then said, “Be careful. The worst is yet to come.” Kaela didn’t answer. She simply disappeared into the darkness.