Bitter Revelations

**Angel**

When I saw my brother and mother approaching, my heart tightened. There was a gravity in their eyes that made me realize that whatever I was about to discover wouldn't be easy to bear. They approached with determined steps, but I could see the fatigue on their faces, the shadows of worry that seemed to weigh them down.

"Angel," my brother said in a firm tone, but there was a softness in his voice reserved only for me. He had always been protective, and today, more than ever, I could see that protection in his eyes. "It's good to see you, but I wish it were under different circumstances."

My mother pulled me into a tight embrace, and I allowed myself to relax a little in her arms. The warmth of her presence, the comfort of being with her, was exactly what I needed, but it also reinforced the fear of what was to come.

"I missed you," I whispered against her shoulder, feeling the tears threatening to fall.

"I missed you too, my dear," she replied, holding me a little tighter before letting go. "But we need to talk. There are things you need to know."

My brother gestured to the wolves who had accompanied us, indicating that we should go inside. They led us to an isolated cabin, one I remembered well from when we were younger. It was a place where our most serious conversations happened, away from the curious eyes of others.

As soon as we entered, they closed the door, and my mother sat in a wooden chair beside a small, unlit fireplace. My brother remained standing, leaning against the wall, arms crossed as if trying to find the right words.

"Angel," he began, his voice grave, "things have changed since you left. The situation here has become more complicated."

"I know about Lucian," I replied, trying to show that I was prepared. "I know he's a threat and that he's planning something big against us."

My brother nodded, but the look in his eyes told me there was more to it. "Lucian isn't just planning an attack, Angel. He's trying to divide the packs, create chaos that could lead to our destruction. And he isn't acting alone."

The words hung in the air like a blow. I knew Lucian was dangerous, but the idea that he might have allies, perhaps even within our own ranks, sent a chill down my spine.

"Are you saying there are traitors among us?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"Yes," my brother replied, his eyes narrowing. "We've received information that someone within your pack is in collusion with Lucian. They're passing information, helping him weaken Dimitri's defenses."

I felt the ground slip out from under me. The suspicions I already had began to solidify. Everything made sense now—the attacks, the growing tension, the strange behavior of some pack members. But who? Who could be the traitor?

"Do you know who it is?" I asked, trying to remain calm.

"Not for sure," he admitted, "but there are suspicions. The problem is, if we act without proof, we could trigger a civil war within your own pack. That's why we need to be careful."

My mind was racing, trying to piece everything together. I thought of Dimitri, of how he was handling everything alone, unaware that the threat was so close. And then I thought of Haizel, how she always seemed to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right word to sow doubt.

"What about Haizel?" I asked, my voice tense.

My brother and mother exchanged a glance before he responded. "She's a possibility, but we need proof. What we know is that she's been acting strangely, and there are rumors that she may be manipulating the situation for her own interests."

My heart raced at the thought. If Haizel was involved, it would mean Dimitri was being manipulated, led to believe lies while the real threat hid right by his side.

"I need to go back," I suddenly said, standing up from the chair. "I need to tell Dimitri what we've discovered. He needs to know."

"Angel, wait," my mother called, grabbing my arm. "Don't go alone. Lucian might be waiting for this, might be waiting for you to make a mistake. Let us come with you, or at least take an escort."

But I knew there was no time. "I have to go now," I insisted. "Every minute counts, and if Lucian is already acting, it might be too late."

My brother looked at me with concern, but he knew he couldn't stop me. "Then go, but be careful. And if you need us, we'll be right behind you."

I hugged my mother one last time and left the cabin, with my brother by my side. As we walked back into the forest, he gave me instructions on how to avoid Lucian's watch points so I could return to the mansion undetected.

With one last look of farewell, I began my journey back, my heart heavy with the revelations and the urgency to protect those I loved. I knew I was racing against time, but I couldn't fail. Dimitri needed to know the truth, and I would do whatever it took to make sure he did.

The cold morning wind wrapped around me as I ran through the forest, determined to reach him before it was too late. The shadows of the trees seemed to stretch endlessly, but I didn't slow down. I was closer to the truth, but also closer to the danger that was approaching. The fight had only just begun.