Chapter 12: chapter 12
Adrian sighed, trying to tie everything together. "I think the captive knows who is behind the attack, but he doesn't want to reveal it. As for what you're saying, I don't really know if it's true or not, but I trust my instincts."
The captive looked at Adrian, his face growing paler. This reaction confirmed to Adrian that he was right—he had to uncover the secret, even if it meant facing more challenges.
"I will find out everything," Adrian whispered to himself, preparing to go to great lengths to uncover the dark secrets beginning to unfold before him.
But before he could do anything, a glimpse of the past returned.
Adrian stopped abruptly, his eyes widening as if he had been struck by a bitter reality. In an instant, he was transported back in time—to that dark place where his companion had died, where the trees had borne witness to an unforgivable crime. The image flashed in his mind like a slap in the face: the same tattoo, carved on a tree trunk, with the name "Miguel" written on it.
He stood there, trapped between the past and the present, his breathing ragged, tears glistening in his eyes. But he forced himself to hold them back.
"Miguel..." Adrian whispered the name to himself before quickly raising his head toward the captive in front of him.
The Alpha watched closely while the captive began to show signs of nervousness. Adrian took a step forward, his eyes filled with anger, but he did not waver, keeping his gaze fixed on the captive.
"You know him, don't you?" Adrian said, his voice edged with accusation. "You know him well... You're part of this group. This tattoo... I've seen it before. On the tree... next to where my companion was killed."
The prisoner stammered for a moment, then tried to evade Adrian's gaze, but he couldn't escape the truth haunting him.
"I... I'm just part of the group," the captive muttered. "I had nothing to do with what happened."
Adrian clenched his teeth, his voice low but full of menace. "Don't lie to me. There was a name engraved on it—Miguel's name. The same name as the person who killed her. That can't be a coincidence."
The captive shuddered slightly, then looked down as if searching for the right words.
"Miguel... He was our leader... but he disappeared. And we... we're just following his orders. I have no idea what... what happened."
Something unsettling seeped into Adrian's heart. He knew the captive was hiding something, but the secret was too big to keep buried.
"I want you to tell me everything. Everything about Miguel, everything about why he did what he did. If you know something, you need to speak now. Because in the end, you will pay the price."
The prisoner hesitated, then finally, as if the words were being forced out of him, he began to confess:
"You're right... Miguel was behind everything. But... I can't tell you more. There are forces greater than us involved. And if their secrets are revealed, we are all in danger."
Adrian felt the weight of those words, sensing that the captive was concealing something far more sinister. But deep down, he knew this was just the beginning—his first step toward uncovering a truth that would change everything.
Straightening his posture, Adrian took a step back, his eyes still blazing with a mixture of anger and determination. He analyzed every word the captive had spoken, every moment from the past flashing through his mind.
He wanted so badly to kill the captive, but he knew he couldn't. The captive was not under his authority, and he had to abide by the rules imposed by the Alpha.
He cast another burning glance at the captive, rage simmering within him, but he knew he had to be wise. Now was not the time for revenge.
Turning to the Alpha, who stood beside them, Adrian said, "Thank you, Alpha. I've discovered so much, and now I must continue this journey. I will uncover everything, and I will fight for the truth. But you must be careful and stay vigilant."
The Alpha nodded slowly, fully understanding Adrian's resolve. He knew this was no longer just a journey of revenge—it was something far greater.
"I understand, Adrian. But remember, we are here if you need anything. The road ahead is fraught with danger, and we cannot leave you to face it alone," the Alpha said.
Adrian offered a small smile, then looked at the captive one last time before turning his gaze toward the road ahead. He knew that many challenges awaited him, but he was ready to face them.
"Thank you all for your help," Adrian said. "This journey will remain in my memory, but it's time to move on."
The Alpha inclined his head slightly. "Safe travels, Adrian. Be careful on your path."
Adrian then walked away, his heart filled with determination.
Arkon added, "It was an honor to meet you, Alpha. We're off now."
The Alpha nodded. "I have ordered some supplies to be prepared for you. Consider it a gift."
Two Omega girls presented the provisions, and once Adrian and Arkon took them, they set off on their journey.
As they walked, Adrian was lost in thought, fixated on the tattoo. He felt it held a secret that might answer many of the questions that had long puzzled him.
When darkness fell, they decided to stop for a break and get some sleep. It had been too long since they had last rested, and they needed their strength for the journey ahead.
Arkon lit a fire to warm them. "Get some sleep," he said. "I'll keep watch, then wake you up later."
Adrian shook his head. "No, you sleep. I'm not tired. I'm still thinking about that tattoo."
Arkon shrugged. "Alright, whatever you want."
He lay down beside Adrian, who sat staring at the vast black sky. There was no moon, no stars as usual. The night was eerily still, as if the sky itself reflected his heavy emotions.
Time slipped by unnoticed as Adrian remained deep in thought. When dawn broke, he gently woke Arkon from his sleep.
Arkon blinked groggily. "Why didn't you wake me up? Why did you stay up all night?"
"I didn't notice the time," Adrian replied. "Come on, we need to keep moving."
Arkon sighed. "Alright, give me two minutes."
Adrian nodded, his gaze still distant. He longed to return to his pack and tell his father what was happening, but an even stronger urge pushed him forward. He needed to find the man who haunted his thoughts—or at least uncover a clue that would lead him to him.
Arkon placed a firm hand on Adrian's shoulder. "What's going on with you? I've been talking to you, but you didn't answer. What's on your mind?"
"Nothing," Adrian said. "Just thinking about what happens next."
"Alright, let's go," Arkon replied.
They resumed their journey, walking for hours until they finally reached the next pack as the sun began to set.
Stopping at the village's edge, Adrian and Arkon hesitated, waiting for someone to notice them. But no one came.
A strange mixture of feelings swirled inside them. Should they enter or wait? After a moment of deliberation, they decided to proceed—perhaps these people were in dire need of help, especially at such a fragile time.
A foul stench hung in the air, causing Adrian's face to twist in disgust.
Suddenly, loud noises erupted from afar—laughter, shouts, the sounds of revelry.
Rushing forward, they were met with a shocking scene.
Drunken men swayed in a stupor, while women—wearing little to cover themselves—sobbed silently. The men treated them with cruelty, as if they were mere slaves.
Arkon's gaze fell upon a young girl desperately trying to shield her body with her small hands, her tear-filled eyes wide with terror.
He froze, his heart pounding.
Then, suddenly, a deep, wolfish voice echoed in his mind, shaking him to his core.
With a sharp intake of breath, he bolted forward, his instincts screaming at him to act.
Mate ?!!!