Claire's POV.

The meeting hall was filled with tension.

Alpha Damien is at the head of the table, strong and serious.

The Betas sat beside him, the Elders close by and omegas standing while others spread out the maps showing borders and patrol lines.

"We can't leave the east side unguarded again," one Elder said. "The rogues will see us as weak."

One of the Betas agreed. "We need more patrols, but we are short of warriors."

I was about to speak when my phone buzzed in my pocket.

I wanted to ignore it, knowing the rules that no one was supposed to be disturbed during pack meetings, but my phone continuously buzzed, causing a distraction in the meeting.

I quickly hid the phone to avoid further distraction.

I gave a small, awkward laugh, trying to cover it up. "Uh... I'll... come back to that," I said, forcing a smile.

Alpha Xavier raised a brow while the Elders exchanged quiet looks.

Alpha Damien's sharp eyes stayed on me as if he knew something.

Inside, I was cursing myself just one message from Betty, and I had forgotten everything I meant to say.

For the first time, I wanted the meeting to end so badly that I ignored it even with the Alpha watching me closely.

When the meeting finally ended, everyone started to leave the room.

The Elders and betas bowed to the Alpha, and they talked quietly as they walked out.

I gathered my papers, trying to act calm, when Alpha Damien's voice rang.

"Claire," Alpha Damien's voice stopped me.

I turned around, and I saw him still sitting at the head of the table with a small smirk on his face.

"You seemed lost today," he said.

I tried to smile. "Just a little tired, Alpha."

He raised a brow. "Or maybe your human friend sent something that distracted you?"

I stopped my movement for a while. "You... heard?" I asked, though I already had the answer.

His smirk grew lightly "You wear your emotions too openly, Claire. Don't let a human pull you away from pack matters."

"Yes, Alpha," I said softly.

He gave a small nod, then stood. "Be careful," he added before walking past me.

I watched him leave, while my fingers wrapped around my phone. "No warning could keep me from calling Betty," I said, smiling to myself.

First of all, I need to hear the voice note to know what happened.

Her voice played in my ear, full of excitement. "Claire! It's me! Please call me back the moment you hear this. I have something really good to tell you. You won't believe it!"

What news could make her that happy? I wondered.

I quickly looked for a quiet hallway and around and made sure no one was looking.

My heart beat a little faster as I raised my hand and whispered the words. A soft blue and golden light formed in the air, slowly spinning until a portal opened in front of me.

Without looking, I stepped inside

The light quickly disappeared and I found myself inside Betty's apartment.

Claire's POV. 

The warm smell of soup and porridge instantly filled the air. Before I knew it, I saw Betty coming out of the kitchen. 

"Claire!"

Betty rushed toward me and wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. I froze for a second, surprised, then slowly hugged her back.

"I tried calling you!" she said, pulling back a little. "You won't believe what happened!"

"I can tell," I said softly. "You sounded happy in your message."

 "Can you believe it, Claire? I got in! Texas Fashion University actually accepted me!"

I smiled, patting her shoulders. "I can believe it," I said softly. "You worked hard for this."

She grinned with her excitement lighting up the whole room. I waited for her to calm down a little before I told her mine.

"Actually," I said, "I got admitted too."

Her eyes went wide. "What? Claire! You too?"

I nodded. "I already saw my result earlier. I was just waiting for you to get yours before saying anything."

Betty gasped and laughed at the same time, pulling me into another tight hug. "We're going together then!" she said, her voice full of joy.

I laughed with her, feeling her excitement and warmth. "Yes," I said. "Together."

We were laughing and cheering in the living room and Grandma looked proud and full of joy.

"My girls!" she said, smiling. "Let me bring a tray of fruits to celebrate."

She stood up and walked to the kitchen, humming a song until we heard a loud shout "ahh!" coming from the kitchen.

My heart jumped. "Grandma?" I called.

Claire and I looked at each other very scared, then we ran straight to the kitchen.

When we got there, we saw Grandma already on the floor. The tray was beside her, and the fruits were scattered everywhere. She held her waist and looked like she was in pain.

"Grandma!" I cried, kneeling beside her. "Are you okay?"

She tried to smile but her voice was weak. "I slipped, dear."

Claire came closer and said softly, "Don't move her yet."

"Please be okay, Grandma," I whispered, holding her hand tightly as tears filled my eyes.

Claire and I helped Grandma stand up slowly.

"It's okay, Grandma," I said. "We'll take you to your room."

We walked her carefully down the hallway to her room. When we reached her bed, Claire helped her sit while I fixed the pillows behind her back.

"There, better?" I asked.

She nodded, but I could still see the pain in her eyes.

Claire went to get some balm, and I stayed beside Grandma, holding her hand. "You really scared us," I said quietly.

She gave a small smile. "I didn't mean to, my dear."

When Claire came back, we rubbed the balm gently on Grandma's leg and side. She winced a little at first, then sighed in relief.

"That feels much better," she said.

Claire smiled. "You'll be fine, Grandma. Just rest now."

I nodded, feeling calmer as I saw her relax.

Grandma looked at us and said softly, "I'm lucky to have you both."

I smiled and squeezed her hand. "We love you, Grandma."

The room felt warm again, and everything felt a little peaceful.

Claire's POV. 

After we helped Grandma lie down, I made sure she was feeling less pain using my power to ease her pain.

"She'll be okay," I whispered to Betty. "Stay with her, please."

Betty nodded. "I will."

I gave Grandma one last look before walking out of the room quietly.

Outside the house, the night air instantly engulfed me.

I took a deep breath and raised my hand. A soft blue light appeared around my fingers, swirling gently until a glowing portal formed in front of me.

I stepped inside and the portal led me to Alpha Damien's private room. 

Inside, the air changed at once.

 The smell of herbs and smoke filled my nose. The walls were made of dark stone, and fire from the torches flickered, lighting the space in a soft orange glow.

Alpha Damien stood near a round table, talking with the High Priestess. She wore a white robe that seemed to shine in the dim light. When she saw me, her sharp eyes met mine.

"Claire," Damien said in a serious voice. "You came just in time."

I nodded, feeling my heart beat faster as the room suddenly became quiet. 

Alpha Damien stood beside me with his arms crossed, his face was calm, but I could feel the tension in the air.

The High Priestess stepped closer, her white robes brushing against the floor as she spoke. 

"The next full moon falls in thirty days," she said. "That is when the ritual must take place."

My heart skipped a bit. Thirty days. That wasn't much time.

She turned her gaze to me, and I felt a chill crawl down my spine. "Claire, you and Alpha Damien must prepare in silence.

This moon only comes once in many years. If you miss it..." She paused, her tone turning colder. "There will not be another chance."

I swallowed hard, feeling my throat tighten. "Yes, High Priestess," I said quietly.

Damien nodded too, his jaw firm. "We'll be ready."

The High Priestess' eyes lingered on me for a moment longer, "Gather everything needed before the thirtieth night," she said. "The moon's light must meet the sacred mark before dawn, or there will be consequences."

Her voice echoed in my head even after she turned away. I could feel the weight of her warning pressing on my chest. One mistake could ruin everything.

As she disappeared into the dim light, Damien looked at me. "You heard her," he said. "We have to move fast."

I nodded, though my hands felt cold. "I'll start tonight. I'll make sure everything is ready."

You know what to do," he said.

I nodded again. "I'll start tonight."

I was lost in thought after the High priestess left, leaving Damien and me together, when he suddenly spoke. 

"Claire, I need you to focus on this ritual. It's very important. You'll have to give less attention to your human friend for now."

I blinked in surprise. "Betty?" I asked softly.

He nodded. "Yes. I know she means a lot to you, but she doesn't belong in this part of our world. If you get distracted, we might fail the ritual and you know we can't risk that."

His words made my heart burn. I didn't expect him to say that. Betty had nothing to do with this.

Claire's POV. 

As soon as I came out of the private room, I almost bumped into Alpha Xavier.

"Claire," Alpha Xavier said sharply. "Why are you coming out of the private room?"

I turned slowly, my hand still on the door. His tall frame filled the hallway, his golden eye locked on me with suspicion.

"It's... nothing, Alpha," I said quietly.

"Nothing?" His tone dropped lower, firm and cold. "You expect me to believe that?"

I stayed silent, my heart beating fast. I couldn't tell him because I am not permitted to involve anyone else.

He stepped closer, in his wolf's voice quiet but strong. "When I ask a question, you answer. I won't ask again."

His authority pressed against me like a wave, almost forcing me to speak. But I bit my lip and whispered, "I can't tell you."

His eyes darkened, anger flashing in them. "You're testing my patience, Claire," he said slowly. "And that's not something you want to do."

I looked down, feeling the weight of his power. "I'm sorry," I said softly. "But I can't."

For a moment, there was silence. Then he sighed sharply. "Fine. But don't think this ends here."

He brushed past me, his shoulder almost touching mine. My heart pounded, but I turned away and started walking down the hall.

"Claire," he called again, warning in his voice, but I didn't stop walking. 

 I kept going until I reached the end of the corridor. Only then did I breathe out, pressing a hand to my chest to calm myself.

After I left Alpha Xavier, I went straight to the old cabin behind the east woods. There, I met one of Alpha Damien's trusted allies.

When I walked in, he was already waiting. "You're late," he said quietly.

"I had a small problem," I replied and sat down. "Let's start before anyone notices."

We placed some papers on the table and began to plan. We talked about how to get everything ready for the ritual. What to buy, where to hide the items, and when to start.

"The ritual must happen on the next full moon," he said.

"I know," I answered, writing down notes.

Together, we made a list of what we needed, which were rare herbs, moonstones, sacred oil, and a silver dagger for the offering. Every item had to be found and kept secret.

When we finished, I looked at the list and felt a bit worried. "What if Alpha Xavier finds out?" I asked softly.

"He won't," the ally said firmly. "Just follow the plan."

I folded the paper and hid it inside my cloak. "Then let's begin," I whispered.

After we finished planning, we decided to go our separate ways to avoid suspicion, so I left the cabin quietly. The night air was cold, and the forest was filled with the sound of crickets and a soft breeze. Sound of crickets.

As I walked, I took out my phone and called Betty. She answered quickly, sounding happy.

"Claire! Where have you been? I was just about to call you!"

I tried to sound normal. "Hey, Betty... I just wanted to tell you that I won't be around for a while, and I can't come to Texas with you. We will meet in school OK."

"What? Why? Is something wrong?" she asked, with the expression of worry in her voice.

"No, everything's fine," I lied softly. "I just have something important to do. I'll explain later."

"Are you sure you're okay?" she asked again.

"I'm fine," I said quickly. "Please don't worry, okay?"

"Alright," she said quietly. "Just promise you'll call me soon."

"I will," I said, even though I wasn't sure I could.

When the call ended, I slowly lowered my phone and sighed. I hate lying to her, but I have no choice. 

Betty's POV. 

I ended the call and stared at my phone for a few seconds. Claire's voice still echoed in my head but it was a little strange.

Grandma looked up from her files she was arranging "So, what did Claire say? Is she coming with you to Texas?"

I shook my head slowly. "No... she said she can't come."

Grandma stopped and looked surprised. "She can't? Why?"

"She just said she has something important to do," I replied quietly. "She didn't tell me what it is, only that I shouldn't worry."

Grandma frowned, looking a bit worried. "That doesn't sound like her."

"I know," I said softly and sat on the edge of the bed. "We were supposed to travel together, start school together... but I guess she changed her mind."

For a while, the room was silent. Then Grandma sighed and said, "Maybe something serious came up. Don't be too hard on her."

"I'm not," I said, softly. 

Grandma gave me a small smile. "We'll still go, dear. Maybe she'll join us later."

Yeah... maybe," I said quietly, still thinking about Claire. But then her words replayed, and I blinked. "Wait, what do you mean we'll go?"

Grandma chuckled softly. "I mean we, Betty. I'm coming with you to Texas."

My eyes widened. "You're what? You're coming with me?" My voice came out louder than I expected, and I was full of surprise.

She nodded, still smiling. "Of course, dear. You didn't think I'd let you go all the way to Texas alone, did you?"

I jumped to my feet, almost tripping over the suitcase. "Grandma! You're serious?"

She laughed at my reaction. "Yes, I'm serious. I've already applied for a transfer to Texas. I'm just waiting for approval."

"Are you kidding me?" I covered my mouth with both hands, unable to stop smiling. "Grandma, that's amazing!"

She gave me a proud look. "So now you don't have to worry about being alone there."

I threw my arms around her, hugging her tightly.."This is the best news ever!" I said, my voice full of excitement. "Texas is going to be so much better with you there!"

She chuckled, patting my back. "I thought you'd like that."

I pulled away, grinning from ear to ear. Now, all I could think about was going to Texas and the fact that Grandma would be right there with me. 

Claire's POV. 

Morning training had just started. 

The sound of staff hitting filled the air and warriors chanting a war song as they practised. 

I was very tired as sweat dripped from my forehead to my cheek, causing me to pant.

I tried to focus but my mind kept going back to the secret plan and what still needed to be done.

Then my phone suddenly buzzed in my pocket.

I stopped for a second, took it out, and saw Betty's name on the screen.

She must have sent a message after our call last night. I unlocked the phone and was about to read it when suddenly a strong hand grabbed it from me.

I gasped and looked up quickly to see Alpha Xavier standing in front of me, locked in his cold gaze.

"What are you hiding, Claire?" he asked in a low voice.

My heart began to beat fast. The others around us stopped training and pretended not to look.

"It's nothing, Alpha," I said quietly. "Just a message."

He lifted one eyebrow. "Then you won't mind if I see it."

Panic rushed through me. "Please," I said quickly, taking a small step toward him. "It's private."

His face stayed hard. "Private?" he repeated. "You seem to have many secrets these days, Claire."

He froze as he looked down at the phone, his thumb sliding over the screen.