Shadowna and doubts

**Dimitri**

The sky was heavy with dark clouds, and the air felt heavy, mirroring the state of my mind. I was standing at the top of the hill, looking down at the mansion. The recent battles, Kael's arrival, and the tense atmosphere between Angel and me were consuming me. Nothing seemed at peace, neither inside me nor around me.

The conversation with Kael echoed in my head. There was something about him that unsettled me, a sense that every word he said had a double meaning, a hidden trap. We needed allies, that was true, but at what cost? And why now? The distrust was lodged in me, like a thorn I couldn’t remove, and every decision seemed to carry the weight of unseen consequences.

I descended the hill slowly, my thoughts spinning around the choices I had to make. The pack was vulnerable, still recovering from the battle with Lucian. Some members were injured, others shaken. And while I struggled to keep everything under control, the truth was that I didn’t have all the answers. The responsibility of leadership was becoming a heavy burden to bear alone, and the fear of failing everyone was a constant weight.

When I reached the mansion’s courtyard, I was met by Leonardo, who was waiting for me with a worried expression. “The wolves are restless,” he said bluntly. “There are rumors circulating about Kael and what he really wants.”

I sighed, running a hand through my hair, trying to process yet another problem. “That was to be expected. He’s not exactly the kind of ally that inspires trust at first sight.” My words came out harsher than I intended, reflecting the exhaustion that was beginning to take over me.

Leonardo nodded. “And it’s not just that. Some think your hesitation is putting us at risk, that we’re wasting time considering this alliance.”

Those words hit me like a blow. I knew I needed to act quickly, but the pressure of making the right decision was overwhelming. “I’m not going to rush into this, Leonardo. One wrong step and we put everyone in danger.” Even as I tried to sound firm, insecurity still crept into my words. Every choice felt like a shot in the dark, and the fear of making a mistake was paralyzing.

Before he could respond, I heard the sound of quick footsteps behind me. I turned and saw Angel approaching, her expression full of determination mixed with a concern I knew well.

“We need to talk,” she said, her voice firm but tinged with a tone that told me this was more than just a strategy discussion. “We can’t ignore what’s happening. The pack is divided, and every minute we spend without a response is making the situation worse.”

I looked at her, feeling the internal conflict rise again. “I know, Angel. But it’s not that simple. Kael is an unknown, and accepting this alliance without fully understanding what he wants is risky.”

Angel shook her head, her eyes shining with an intensity that reminded me of how much of a fighter she was. “I understand the risk, but we are also at risk by hesitating. The pack needs direction, Dimitri. They need to see that you’re still in control.”

Her words were a harsh reality check. I was so caught up in my own doubts that I had forgotten that everyone was looking to me for answers. If I didn’t make a decision, even an imperfect one, I could lose everyone’s trust. And more than ever, I realized that my hesitation was not only jeopardizing the pack’s safety but also eroding the fragile thread that still connected Angel and me.

“So, what do you suggest?” I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral, but knowing her response could challenge my insecurities.

Angel hesitated for a moment, but her determination quickly returned. “We need information. Whether Kael is being sincere or not, we need to find out before committing to anything. We should send someone to investigate, find out where he came from and what he really wants. We can’t afford to wait.”

Leonardo, who had been listening to everything, intervened. “And what if this is a test? If Kael is just waiting for an opportunity to strike?”

Angel crossed her arms, her posture defensive. “That’s why we need to act fast. Leaving everything in the dark makes us vulnerable. But taking control of the situation, investigating, and knowing our potential ally or enemy is what will give us the advantage.”

I considered Angel’s words, feeling a mix of pride for her insight and slight shame for having hesitated. She was right. We needed to act. I needed to act and leave my doubts behind.

“You’re right,” I finally said, looking at her with newfound respect. “We’ll investigate Kael. But we’ll do it our way, without letting him know.”

Angel nodded, a flicker of relief crossing her face. But there was something else there, a tension that hadn’t disappeared, a conflict that was far from resolved between us.

As we dispersed to put the plan into action, I still felt the weight of uncertainty hanging over me. Kael was just one of many problems ahead, and I knew the path would be arduous. But with Angel by my side, despite all the tensions, I knew we had a chance.

The battle for the pack was far from over, and every decision from now on would be crucial.