The Traitor's Shadow

**Dimitri**

The sun had barely risen when I found myself back in the courtyard, watching the pack as they prepared for a new day. The threat of Lucian loomed over us like a dark cloud, and I knew I needed to keep the pack united and vigilant. But there was something even more disturbing: the traitor among us. Someone was playing both sides, and I had to find out who it was before it was too late.

As I walked among the wolves, Leonardo approached, his eyes reflecting the same concern I felt. "We're ready for the border patrols, Dimitri. But the tension is high. The wolves are nervous, and the presence of the traitor is putting everyone on edge."

I nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. "We need to make sure Lucian doesn't catch us off guard. I want double patrols, and everyone needs to stay alert for any suspicious movement. We can't afford any mistakes now."

Leonardo agreed, but I could see the doubt in his eyes. "Do you think the traitor will reveal themselves soon?"

"They'll have to," I replied, my voice grim. "With the tension rising, they'll make a mistake. And when they do, we'll be ready."

As Leonardo moved away to organize the patrols, I continued walking among the wolves, watching each of them carefully. Trust was the foundation of any pack, and knowing that someone was betraying that sacred bond was a hard blow to endure.

My thoughts returned to Angel. Since the confrontation in the study, the distance between us had grown even more. The pain in her eyes still haunted me, but I couldn't afford to be weak now. I had to protect our son and the pack. And if that meant making tough decisions, so be it.

I was about to head back to the mansion when I sensed something strange. A slight movement in the shadows near the forest caught my attention. I stopped, my heightened senses picking up something out of the ordinary. The wolves around me seemed to notice as well, their bodies tense and ready for action.

"Who's there?" My voice echoed through the clearing, filled with authority.

For a moment, silence was the only response. But then, a wolf emerged from the shadows. It was one of my own, but there was something wrong in his eyes, a glint that I didn't like. He hesitated before approaching, as if he were nervous.

"Dimitri," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "I saw something... strange on the northern border. I think you should see it."

I observed him carefully, my instincts warning me of danger. But I couldn't ignore a potential issue at the border. "Show me," I said, keeping my voice firm.

The wolf nodded and started moving towards the forest. I signaled for Leonardo and two other wolves to follow us. I couldn't take any chances, especially with the possibility of a traitor among us.

As we advanced through the forest, the air seemed to grow heavier, as if nature itself was warning us of danger. The wolf ahead moved quickly, but I kept my guard up, my senses alert for any sign of betrayal.

Finally, we reached a clearing near the northern border. The wolf stopped, pointing to a spot among the trees. "There," he said, his voice tense.

I looked in the direction he indicated and saw something glinting in the faint sunlight. I approached cautiously, followed closely by Leonardo and the others. When we got close enough, I saw it was an amulet, an ancient symbol of alliance between packs, but it had been corrupted by Lucian's touch.

"Dimitri, that's..." Leonardo began, but I raised my hand to silence him.

"I know what it is," I said, my gaze fixed on the amulet. "It's a sign. Lucian is trying to intimidate us."

Suddenly, the wolf who had brought us here took a step back, his eyes showing a mix of fear and desperation. "Dimitri, I had no choice. He... he forced me to do this."

Before I could react, Leonardo lunged, grabbing the wolf by the neck and pinning him against a tree. "Traitor!" he growled, his voice filled with fury.

The wolf tried to defend himself but knew he was cornered. "Lucian threatened me. If I didn't help, he would destroy my family."

Anger burned inside me, but I managed to stay calm. "You put all of us in danger," I said, my voice cold as ice. "But there's still a chance to redeem yourself. Tell me everything you know."

The wolf, trembling, began to speak. He recounted how Lucian had approached him, promising protection in exchange for information about our pack. He had been forced to pass on crucial details, believing he was protecting his own. But now, seeing what he had caused, he regretted it bitterly.

"You betrayed us," Leonardo said, still holding the wolf tightly. "And you almost cost the safety of everyone here."

I looked at Leonardo, pondering what to do. Betrayal was unforgivable, but perhaps we could use him to learn more about Lucian's plans. "Take him back to the mansion," I ordered. "We'll decide his fate there. And see if he can still be of use."

Leonardo nodded, dragging the wolf with him. I stayed behind for a moment, silently observing the clearing. Lucian was on the move, and the threat was real. But now that the traitor had been uncovered, we had a chance to prepare for what was coming.

As I headed back to the mansion, my heart was heavy with the responsibility I bore. The war was approaching, and I knew I had to be ready to face Lucian with all the strength of my pack. There was no more room for doubts or distractions. The safety of everyone depended on me, and I would not fail.