Chapter 24
The days after our meeting felt like a countdown to something inevitable. Viktor’s name haunted my thoughts, and every passing moment brought us closer to facing him. I knew that the only way to survive what was coming was to stay one step ahead—but I also knew I wasn’t in this alone. Ian was by my side, and together, we’d fight to the end.
But the more I thought about it, the more I realized we needed more than just the two of us.
That’s when Ian suggested something I hadn’t considered.
“We need to seek out the Silverfangs,” Ian said one night, as we sat in his car, parked on a quiet street away from campus. The night air was heavy, and the glow of the streetlights felt distant, like the world was fading into the shadows.
“The Silverfangs?” I repeated, confused. “I thought they were neutral. They’re not part of the war.”
“They weren’t,” Ian said, his voice tight with frustration. “But they might be the only chance we have to take Viktor down.”
I stared at him, trying to process what he was saying. “But… if they’ve stayed out of the war all this time, why would they help us?”
Ian’s eyes darkened, and for the first time, I saw something in them that made me uneasy. “Because the Silverfangs have their own reasons for wanting Viktor gone. And I’m not the only one with a prophecy tied to my bloodline.”
I blinked, trying to understand. “What do you mean?”
“The Silverfangs believe in their own version of the prophecy,” Ian said. “It’s different from the one I told you about, but it’s tied to the same idea: one omega will have the power to decide the fate of the packs. But instead of leading them to peace, the Silverfangs believe that power will lead to destruction. And Viktor’s the one who’s going to bring it.”
“Then why haven’t they done anything about it?” I asked. “Why are they waiting?”
“Because the prophecy says the omega will choose their own path,” Ian said, his expression grim. “And until the omega decides, there’s nothing anyone can do. But Viktor’s pushing things faster than they expected. And now, they’re willing to make a deal.”
I felt the weight of his words settle over me like a storm cloud. “A deal with us?”
Ian nodded. “If we agree to help them, they’ll help us fight Viktor. But it won’t come without a price.”
“A price?” I repeated, my stomach twisting with unease. “What kind of price?”
Ian didn’t answer right away. Instead, he looked out the window, his face shadowed by the uncertainty of what lay ahead. “We’ll have to prove ourselves first. And that means going to them. Asking for their help. And that’s going to mean making sacrifices we’re not ready for.”
I took a deep breath, my mind racing. “So we have no choice but to go to them. And hope they’re willing to work with us?”
Ian met my gaze, his eyes full of determination. “It’s the only way.”
The following morning, we made the decision. We would go to the Silverfangs, make the deal, and fight Viktor together. The stakes were higher than ever, and there was no turning back.
Abigail, ever the skeptic, wasn’t thrilled when I told her about our plan.
“You’re seriously trusting the Silverfangs?” she asked, disbelief in her voice. “They’ve been sitting on the sidelines this entire time! Why would they help you now?”
“I don’t have a choice,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “Viktor’s getting closer, and we need all the help we can get. The Silverfangs have their reasons for staying out of the war, but they’re not blind. They can see Viktor’s ambition, and they know he’s a threat to everyone.”
Abigail crossed her arms, eyeing me warily. “And you trust them?”
I hesitated. “I trust Ian. And he trusts them.”
She didn’t seem convinced, but she didn’t push any further. “Just be careful. You’re walking into dangerous territory. The Silverfangs don’t play nice.”
I nodded. “I know. But I don’t have a choice.”
Later that night, Ian and I made our way to the Silverfangs’ territory. The farther we went, the more the atmosphere changed. The woods around us grew darker, the air thicker, and the sense of danger more palpable. We were close now.
When we reached the clearing where the Silverfangs were said to reside, the silence was almost suffocating. I could feel the weight of unseen eyes watching us from the shadows. Ian’s hand brushed mine, and I squeezed it tightly. This was it. There was no turning back now.
A figure stepped from the darkness, tall and imposing, with silver hair that seemed to glow faintly in the moonlight. His eyes were a piercing gray, and his posture was that of someone who didn’t need to prove anything.
“Ian,” he said, his voice smooth, but with an edge. “You’ve come to us at last.”
Ian stepped forward. “We need your help.”
The Silverfang Alpha, known only as Rafe, studied me for a long moment before he spoke again. “And what makes you think we’re interested in helping you?”
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my nerves in check. “Because Viktor’s a threat to all of us. And if we don’t stop him now, we’ll all lose.”
Rafe’s eyes flicked over to Ian, then back to me. “You’ll have to prove yourself first, omega. And prove that you’re worth the risk.”
I held my ground, knowing that this was only the beginning of a much larger fight. “We’re ready.”
Rafe’s lips curled into a smile, though there was little warmth in it. “We’ll see.”