LYDIA'S POV

　　I stared at him, my mind racing with so many unknown thoughts.

　　Did he find out?

　　What if he could smell another male on me? After all, I did spend a night with someone else. But, it didn't change the fact that I cheated on our bond. I hadn't rejected them officially.

　　Goddess!

　　What was I thinking?

　　The room seemed to spin. "Evan... what are you doing here?"

　　He swallowed hard, his gaze locking onto mine. "I was just about to ask you the same thing."

　　"Um….were you looking for me? Is there something you need?" I questioned, trying to steady my voice.

　　He hesitated as if choosing his words carefully. "We need to talk, but not here. Follow me."

　　Confusion and apprehension swirled within me as I followed him through the palace corridors. The weight of my actions hung heavily on my shoulders and the anxiety of being discovered gnawed at my insides. Evan led me to a room where Brandon was already waiting, a deep frown etched on his face.

　　"Lydia, you're here?" Brandon's eyes met mine, and I saw a flicker of relief mixed with concern.

　　"Yes, what's going on?" I questioned, stepping closer to the desk where they both stood.

　　Brandon pointed to a map spread out on the table, detailing the kingdom and the route to the South Guard Pack. "We have a situation."

　　I studied the map, noting the marked areas that indicated potential trouble spots. "Are you both going somewhere?"

　　Evan's jaw tightened, and he exchanged a glance with Brandon before answering. "There's been some unrest near the South Guard Pack."

　　"Unrest?"

　　"Yes," Brandon said, his voice grim. "Earlier, there were just a few members going missing, but suddenly, the whole pack is under attack by some mysterious entity. No one knows what is causing this."

　　I gasped. "An unknown entity?"

　　Evan nodded. "Yes, and not only this, but now the entire South Guard Pack is on the brink of dissolution. No one has any idea what is causing this."

　　I tried to process the information, my mind struggling to shift from my personal turmoil to this new crisis. "What do we know about this entity? Any clues at all?"

　　Brandon shook his head. "Nothing concrete. It's like nothing we've ever encountered before. The attacks are swift and brutal, leaving no trace behind. It's as if the attackers vanish into thin air."

　　Evan continued, his voice steady but urgent. "We've sent scouts, but they haven't returned and now nobles don't want to send extra help because they are scared of what we might find there. The South Guard Pack is isolated, and their communication lines have been cut. We need to act fast."

　　"We can't afford to lose the South Guard Pack," I said, my resolve hardening. "They're vital to the kingdom's defenses."

　　"We know that," Brandon said, frustration evident in his voice, "but there isn't much we can do about the situation until we find out what we're dealing with."

　　"And we won't be able to find out until we go there," I insisted, my tone growing sharper.

　　"Lydia, you don't understand," Evan interjected. "This unknown entity is dangerous. No one knows what it is, but one thing is certain: whatever it is, it's powerful enough to wipe out an entire pack in a matter of days."

　　"I know that," I shot back, "but we won't find anything if we don't go there ourselves. We can't help them by sitting idly."

　　"Lydia, it's not safe for you to go there," Brandon said, stepping closer to me. "Try to understand—"

　　"Understand what exactly?" I cut him off, my voice rising. "Are you going to start again with 'we just want to protect you?' " I mimicked, my frustration boiling over.

　　"Yes!" Evan snapped. "Because it's true! You're our mate. We're supposed to protect you!"

　　"And what about my duty to the kingdom?" I demanded. "You think I can just sit back and watch our people suffer?"

　　"We're not asking you to sit back and do nothing," Brandon said, his tone more pleading now. "We're asking you to trust us to handle it."

　　"How can I trust you to handle it when you're both so determined to keep me in the dark?" I retorted. "You both act like I'm fragile, like I can't take care of myself."

　　"It's not that," Evan said, his voice tense.

　　"Then what is it?" I questioned, frustration and anger bubbling up inside me. They both remained silent, their eyes avoiding mine.

　　"The nobles don't want to help them, you don't want to help them, and now you both don't want me to help them as well," I argued, my voice rising with each word.

　　Evan's eyes flashed with anger. "You're being reckless. This isn't just about you anymore."

　　"It's never been just about me," I said, my voice softening but remaining resolute. "It's about all of us. The kingdom needs answers, and I'm going to find them."

　　"And how are you going to do that?" Evan mocked. "Do you think answers are waiting for you? Don't act rashly, Lydia. You want to go there with zero plan and preparation?"

　　"Well, you already had all this information. Tell me what you planned while I was away. You're right, I just want to go there without any plan, but what do you suggest, Evan?" When he didn't answer, I turned towards Brandon. "Well? Why are you both silent now?"

　　"Lydia… look, we are thinking—"