Ravena’s POV.

“Yes…sure.” I mumbled.

“Great, there’s no time to waste you two go check it out. I will join you two soon.” Kael said and dismissed us.

“Let’s go.” Akira ordered and we both walked to the crime scene.

I followed Akira as she examined the crime scene, my heart racing with anxiety. I had been so careful to cover my tracks while looking for a wolf to attack and claim his fur , but I knew I couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

And then, I saw it. Akira's eyes fixed on a paw print in the mud, her expression narrowing. I instantly recognized that paw print. It was mine.

My mind raced as I tried to come up with a plan. I couldn't let Akira discover my true identity, not now, not ever. I needed to get rid of that paw print before she could examine it further. She was too smart for her own good.

“Just great!” The voice in my head scoffed at me.

"Oh, that's probably just a stray wolf," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "We don't need to worry about it."

But Akira was not convinced. "I've never seen a stray wolf around here before," she said, her eyes still fixed on the paw print. "And this paw print looks too big, too powerful. I think we need to investigate further. Or are you scared?”

I knew I had to act fast. I couldn't let Akira discover the truth. I tried to lead her away from the paw print, pretending to follow a different lead. But Akira was too sharp, too determined. She kept coming back to the paw print, convinced that it was the key to unlocking the mystery. Or at least getting her hands on the traitor.

I knew I had to get rid of that paw print, no matter what it took. But how could I do it without arousing Akira's suspicions?

“Just let’s investigate and leave a paw print alone.” I pressed on, almost begging.

Akira's eyes never left mine, her gaze piercing. "You're awfully interested in this investigation, Ravena," she said, her voice low and even. "Almost like you're trying to hide something."

My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression calm, unreadable I hope . "What are you talking about, Akira?" I asked, trying to sound innocent.

"Don't play dumb, Ravena," Akira snapped. "I know you're hiding something. And I'm going to find out what it is."

I tried to laugh, to brush off her accusations. "You're being paranoid, Akira," I said, waving my hand.

But Akira was not buying it. "I'm not paranoid, Ravena," she said, her voice rising, filled with anger . "I'm onto you. And I'm going to expose you for the fraud you are."

“Stop it.” I hissed at her.

“Or what?” Akira fired back.

The verbal exchange continued , with both of us getting more and more heated with our words . But I knew I couldn't let it go too far, or Akira might start to suspect the truth.

Finally, I managed to walk away , pretending to be offended. "Fine, Akira," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Have it your way. But you're going to regret accusing me of something I didn't do."

As I walked away, I could feel Akira's eyes on me. I knew I had to be careful, to keep my guard up. I couldn't let her suspect the truth, not now, not ever.

Just then, I heard twigs snap behind me.

“Stay back” I said, my hackles raised in a defense move.

“It’s me.” Kael said as he approached us, his eyes scanning the area. "What's going on here?" he asked, his voice calm and authoritative.

Akira gestured to the paw print in the mud. “I found this, Kael. It doesn't belong to any wolf in our pack. And I think Ravena knows something about it." She said and glared at me.

Kael's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on me. "Ravena, what do you know about this?"

I shook my head, trying to appear innocent. "Nothing, Kael. I've never seen that paw print before."

Akira snorted. "Don't lie, Ravena. I know you're hiding something. And I'm going to find out what it is."

Kael held up a hand, his expression showing he was in no mood for arguments . "Let's not jump to conclusions, Akira. We need to investigate this further before we start making accusations."

Akira's eyes filled with frustration, but she nodded curtly. "Fine. But I'm watching you, Ravena. And I'll find out the truth, no matter what it takes."

Kael turned to me, his eyes scanning my face. "Ravena, I want you to come with me. We need to talk."

My heart skipped a beat as I followed Kael, Akira's eyes were filled with hate . I knew I had to be careful, to keep my secret safe. But I also knew that I couldn't keep running forever. Eventually, the truth would come out, and I would have to face the consequences.

As we walked, Kael's expression was thoughtful. "Ravena, I want to trust you. But I need to know the truth. Are you hiding something from me?"

I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest. Could I trust Kael? Or would he turn on me like Akira had? I took a deep breath, trying to decide what to do next.

Just as I was about to speak, a loud growl was heard through the forest, making us both stop walking . Kael's eyes narrowed, his head titled to the side. "What was that?"

I shook my head, my heart racing. "I don't know, but it sounded close."

Kael's eyes locked onto mine, his jaw tightly clenched . "Stay here. I'll go check it out."

I nodded, my eyes fixed on him as he disappeared into the bush . And then, everything went silent. No sound of wind, just silence, deafening silence.

Suddenly, a low growl was heard behind me and the familiar scent of a wolf filled my nose . "Ravena...come and play."

“Oh no!”