Plan of attack

[Ramona's POV]


[Wolf West Hall, Imperial Jade Palace]



Emperor Daniel and Empress Elizabeth sat upon their magnificent throne, a colossal white chair adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments. The back of the throne was adorned with a mesmerizing display of small and large diamonds, shimmering with a golden hue. These precious gems sparkled and reflected the ambient light, casting a radiant glow throughout the hall.


The hall itself was expansive, with lofty ceilings and ornate pillars lining the walls. The walls were adorned with depictions of historical significance, showcasing the emperor's power and achievements. The floor, made of polished marble, reflected the grandeur of the surroundings.


At the front of the room, a raised platform held the throne, emphasizing its significance and elevating the emperor above all others. The platform was covered in luxurious carpets, woven with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, further enhancing the regal atmosphere. The Wolf West Hall was utilized for discussions on matters of war and other important affairs.


Emperor Daniel sat with his head bowed, appearing lost in deep contemplation. Suddenly, a voice was heard from behind the door, prompting the two guards stationed there to open it and allow the person entry. As the emperor lifted his head, his penetrating gaze met the eyes of his most trusted advisor, Ethan, who was accompanied by Caleb. They proceeded through the hall and approached the emperor, bowing respectfully before him. After a brief moment, the emperor posed his question.


"Ethan," Emperor Daniel began, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Have you laid her to rest?"


Ethan glanced at Empreor Daniel before responding, "Yes, your highness. We discreetly buried her in the depths of the forest."


The emperor let out a deep sigh and once again buried his head in his hands. "She was our only daughter, Ethan," he whispered, his voice choking with grief. "Our sole hope for the future of our dynasty, taken from us before even drawing her first breath."


Empress Elizabeth reached out with a trembling hand to touch her husband's shoulder, tears streaming down her face. "We must remain strong, my love," she softly uttered. "Though our son is gone, we still have each other, and we will find a way to honor her memory."


Ethan, the Emperor's most trusted advisor, bowed his head in respect. "I will do everything in my power to ensure that her memory lives on, Your Highness," he vowed. "We will build a monument in her honor, a symbol of the love and loss we have endured." Caleb turned his head and saw that Ethan's eyes were fixed solely on the Emperor and Empress.


Both Caleb and Ethan bowed to the Emperor and Empress before leaving the Wolf West Hall. Confused, Caleb tried to speak to Ethan, but his questioning eyes were ignored as Ethan walked to the other side of the palace. Caleb stood there, watching him go, when suddenly he felt something hit his back. He quickly turned around to see what it was.


The grief within the palace walls seemed to intensify. The Emperor and Empress retreated from the public eye, their hearts burdened by the weight of their loss. The once lively halls of the palace now echoed with silence, as if mourning alongside the grieving parents.


Ethan, however, refused to let despair consume him. He went to the physician of Ziwu village seeking answers, determined to find a path towards healing. It was during one of his expeditions that he stumbled upon an ancient legend whispered among the villagers.


"I know the Emperor and Empress are suffering from heartbreak," Ethan said to the physician. "They need a magical potion for relief, but I don't know where to find it."


The physician began to think, stroking his beard. "Ah, that magical potion," he said. "It is said to be very rare and can only be found in Willowbrook city. It possesses great powers to heal even the deepest wounds of the heart and bring solace to those who are suffering. However, the journey to Willowbrook city is treacherous and filled with dangers. Many have tried to obtain the magical potion, but no one succeeded yet."


"Child, the path to Willowbrook city is not an easy one," the physician said, his voice filled with wisdom. "But remember, true strength lies within. Trust your instincts and never lose hope." Ethan bowed to the physician and left his pharmacy shop, believing that the potion could bring comfort to the grieving parents.


"Why did you call me here in such a hurry?" Caleb asked Jacob anxiously as soon as he arrived. "You do know that it's difficult to leave due to senior Josh's death."


"It was necessary," Jacob replied, quickly pulling him into a house.


"This... This is James's house," Caleb exclaimed, looking around in surprise and then turning to see Jacob closing and locking the door.


"Yes, this is James's house, but there is something more important," Jacob explained, leading him into a room. However, upon seeing James's lifeless body in the vast space, his steps came to a halt.


Caleb immediately knelt beside the body and hastily tore open his clothes, examining the black veins on his face and body. Jacob stood silently beside him, his usually stoic expression revealing a hint of sadness.


Looking up at Jacob, Caleb asked in shock, "What happened here Jacob? How did this happen to James?"


Jacob let out a heavy sigh, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "I don't have all the details yet, but it appears that there are seven dark forces involved. James got caught up in something dangerous."


"And... and is this the Emperor's daughter? How did she end up here? We left her in the forest because we thought she was dead. But... but... this." Caleb exclaimed, looking at Jacob in astonishment. It was becoming increasingly difficult for him to articulate his words.


"That's why I brought you here." Jacob replied, gazing into his bewildered eyes. "Only the Silver Moon pack knows that she is alive. And by now, the other ten packs must have found out including five covens."


"So, what do you need my help with?" Caleb asked, still fixated on the child.


"Only one person can save him now." Jacob said as he cradled the baby in his arms. "The Imperial Jade Palace. You must take her back to the Palace, to the Emperor."


"No, she is not safe there either," Caleb objected, shaking his head.


"Not safe there either? But why?" Jacob questioned, surprised.


"Because the Night Walker pack is planning to attack the Bullock pack in retaliation for senior Josh's death. And the Gravefur pack and the Forestbite pack are going to support the Night Walker pack in this." Caleb revealed.


"But the Bullock pack did not kill senior Josh," stated Jacob, expressing support for the Bullock pack.


"I am aware of that, but..." Caleb began to speak when a loud voice from outside interrupted them. Both of them rushed towards the window and observed that a yellow light in the dark night sky had disappeared after some time.


"Signal?....Is this the signal for the same attack?" Jacob asked, surprised, as he looked at Caleb. He nodded, feeling a mixture of fear and anticipation in his pounding heart. The recently vanished yellow light was the signal they had been waiting for, indicating that their mission was about to commence.


"The attack was planned to occur during Ethan's absence, and today I witnessed him leaving the palace myself," Caleb revealed. In response, Jacob angrily shoved him, causing him to collide with a wall.


"How could you do this Caleb? How could you plan all this against your own pack," Josh yelled at him in anger.


"I….I'm sorry Josh," he said and hurriedly left. He never intended to disclose it but unintentionally he told his old friend about the war. Because only Caleb knew about this attack in whole mansion.


Josh stood there, seething with anger and confusion. Josh's words echoed in his mind, and he struggled to comprehend how someone he considered a friend would betray his the Bullock pack in such a manner.


Caleb had been one of his most trusted allies, always by his side during their secret meetings and discussions. He had appeared dedicated to the cause, willing to risk everything for the chance of a better future. However, it now seemed that Caleb had been playing a double game all along.


Filled with a mix of anger and betrayal, Jacob stormed out of the house, determined to confront Caleb and uncover the truth behind his treachery. As he stepped outside, the cool evening breeze brushed against his face, momentarily calming his racing thoughts. He scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of Caleb.


He spotted him a few miles away, running frantically towards the palace. Jacob's anger surged, and he sprinted after him, his footsteps echoing through the empty streets. Caleb's betrayal had ignited a fire within him, and he was determined to extinguish it by confronting the traitor head-on.


Finally catching up with Caleb, Jacob seized him, compelling him to face him. "How could you?" He demanded, his voice filled with a mixture of pain and fury. "They trusted you, Caleb. They had faith in you!"


Caleb's eyes darted nervously, his face pale with guilt. "I had no other option," he stammered, his voice barely audible. "They killed my senior, and I cannot betray him. I must protect my pack."


Jacob's grip tightened, his anger reaching its peak. "Do you think they are betraying you? You could have found another solution! But you..."


Caleb's eyes filled with anger, his voice trembling. "I never desired this, Jacob. I never wanted to betray them. But I couldn't bear the thought of my pack suffering because of this."