chapter 60: so be it

Elias spent the next few days carefully maintaining his role.

He let himself appear distracted, subtly adjusting his behavior as if the camp's unease was starting to affect him. He avoided the war room, lingered in the quieter corners of the camp, and let his hands tremble ever so slightly when startled.

And just as expected, people stopped paying attention to him again.

Perfect.

Because while they thought he was retreating, he was piecing together the truth.

The Vanishing Soldiers

The disappearances were getting worse.

The patrols didn't just vanish at random; they were being picked off.

The Alpha had tightened security, doubled watch rotations, yet men were still going missing without a trace.

And the camp was growing uneasy.

More importantly, Elias noticed something else—those who disappeared were all from the same units.

The ones stationed near the old border towns.

The same towns where, years ago, Omega trafficking rings had thrived.

The same towns where Elias himself had once been hunted.

This wasn't a coincidence.

The people taking the Alpha's men weren't just targeting soldiers.

They were looking for something specific.

Or someone.

An Unexpected Encounter

Late one evening, as Elias returned to his quarters, he felt it.

A presence.

Someone was watching him.

He didn't react, didn't tense or turn his head. Instead, he kept his pace measured, forcing himself to appear unaware.

He reached his room, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.

Then, after a few moments, he exhaled slowly.

Someone was testing him.

The Alpha? One of his men? Or… someone else?

Elias glanced at the candle on his bedside table. The flame flickered slightly—not from the wind, but from the faint shift of air beneath the door.

Someone was standing right outside.

Listening.

He hesitated, then made a choice.

He let out a quiet, shaky breath—an imitation of nerves—then moved around the room, deliberately making enough noise to let whoever was outside believe he was simply preparing for bed.

After a few minutes, the presence faded.

Whoever had been there was gone.

Elias sat on the edge of his cot, his thoughts racing.

This was no longer just about the Alpha's enemies.

Someone was watching him now.

And that meant he was getting close to something dangerous.

A Shift in the Alpha's Behavior

The next day, the Alpha summoned him.

Elias kept his expression neutral as he entered the war room, bowing his head slightly in respect.

The Alpha was standing by the table, his fingers idly tracing over a map—just like the first time Elias had seen him in this room.

But this time, his gaze was unreadable.

"You've been quiet," the Alpha noted.

Elias blinked, feigning confusion. "Should I have been otherwise?"

The Alpha smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Most would be unsettled, considering the circumstances."

Elias hesitated. "I… I try not to think about it, Alpha."

"Avoiding fear doesn't make it disappear."

Elias swallowed, lowering his gaze. "I don't want to be a burden."

The Alpha chuckled, stepping closer. "A burden, hmm?"

A pause.

Then, softer: "Tell me, Elias. Are you afraid?"

Elias knew this was another test. Another attempt to catch him off guard.

So he allowed himself to hesitate, then nodded slowly. "Yes."

The Alpha studied him. "Of what?"

Another test.

Elias let his fingers twitch slightly, his breath coming just a little shallower. "Of… not knowing what's happening. Of not knowing if I'll be safe."

It was a perfect answer. Vague enough to be truthful, yet still feeding the Alpha exactly what he expected to hear.

The Alpha hummed, tilting his head. "Good."

Elias blinked. "Good?"

The Alpha leaned in slightly. "Fear keeps people from making foolish mistakes."

Elias swallowed but nodded. "I understand."

The Alpha's smirk returned. "I wonder if you do."

Then, just like that, he dismissed Elias with a wave of his hand.

Elias left the war room, his mind spinning.

That conversation had not been about fear.

It had been a warning.

The Alpha knew something was coming.

And Elias was running out of time to figure out what.

The Silent Truth

That night, Elias sat in his room, staring at the candle's flickering flame.

Someone had tried to kill him.

Someone had sent assassins.

And now, someone was taking the Alpha's men.

All of it was connected.

Elias closed his eyes, exhaling softly.

He had been playing it safe. Staying unnoticed. Avoiding risk.

But that wasn't going to be enough anymore.

If he wanted answers, he would have to take a step forward.

And if that meant revealing more of himself—if that meant making himself a target—

Then so be it.