Page 194 of Moonlit Fate

“Always,” he replied, then went back to his routine.

Good. They thought I was just another set of eyes. Little did they know I was prying deeper, searching for loyalties, for cracks in the allegiance to my father.

Surprisingly, their heads were wide open. No barriers. It was almost too easy, like Caius had left me a key under the mat. Was it arrogance? A test? Whatever it was, I was going to use it.

I felt my way through the thoughts that swirled around me. I had to be careful not to get caught.

“Hey, you’re not looking so good,” a young wolf remarked, stopping before me.

“Been better,” I said, brushing him off. “Keep your head in the fight.”

“Right.” He hesitated, then turned back to his training partner.

I steadied my mind and kept working. I needed allies, and this was the place to find them.

I dived into the sea of thoughts, a silent intruder among the training soldiers. They were grunts, snarls, and the dull thud of paw against flesh in my ears, but in my mind, it was a din of loyalty, ambition, and distress.

“Push harder,” someone shouted nearby.

“Is he watching us?”another wolf’s whispered thoughts came to me.

“Once I’m alpha, I’ll show them all,” one boasted silently, drunk on promises of power. I noted him as a potential threat—and perhaps an ally.

“Something’s not right with Caius,”a third reflected, a kernel of doubt amidst blind faith. I focused on that one—a free thinker. Might be useful.

“Watch your flank—” The physical warning matched the mental one.Keep your guard up, Atticus.

“Hey, Atticus, you’re zoning out,” someone called.

I blinked, returning to the present. “Strategizing,” I lied easily, locking eyes with the speaker.

He nodded, satisfied, and turned back to his sparring partner.

That was good. It would keep them guessing.

When I’d gleaned enough to know which of the shifters I could turn against Caius, I let my shields slip, just for a second, and reached out to Aria. Stress hit me first, a tight knot in her chest. Interest piqued, sharp and keen, then the steady fire of determination.

What’s got you wound up? I wondered, feeling the echo of her emotions. I pulled back, erecting my mental barriers once again.

“Atticus, come give us some pointers,” a young wolf jeered, beckoning me over with a taunting smile.

“Maybe later,” I said as I stood. “Keep your eyes open. There’s more to learn than just fighting.”

“Sure thing,” he replied, though I could feel his confusion ripple through the air.

I walked away from the yard, each step heavy with newfound knowledge. Aria was planning something, and I had a list of names to remember—shifters who might not be as blindly loyal as Caius believed them to be. It was a start.

Caius was waiting for me at the door. “Where have you been?”

“I went out to watch the sparring,” I lied.

“I want you in the grand hall in thirty minutes.” He eyed me critically. “And Atticus, wear something smart.”

I nodded and went up to the chamber he had appointed to me. There wasn’t much time to get ready, so I hurried through a shower and dressed.

The grand hall shone like a beacon of forced celebration. Gold banners hung heavy, their edges fluttering in the draft coming through the windows. The tables groaned under the roasted meats and exotic fruits, but the feast was just window dressing. It couldn’t quell the anxious murmurs rippling through the pack.

“Tonight,” Caius boomed, “we mark the union of two great destinies.” His chest puffed out with each word, soaking in the power he wielded over us all.

---