Revisiting the Rift

The Pack House felt heavier that evening, as though the air itself was holding its breath. Eila arrived escorted by Zois, and together they entered the grand hall where the meeting was set to take place. Leonard was already there, pacing by the window, his sharp profile cast in the soft glow of lanterns. Lukas leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, eyes flicking to her the moment she entered, as though he'd been waiting just for her.

Alpha Magnus Baldwin stood by the long oak table, his presence as commanding as ever, with Luna Priscilla seated beside him, her silver eyes watchful and cool. Nina sat to one side, her notepad ready, eyes bright with sharp intelligence.

"Good, you're here," Magnus said, gesturing for her to take the empty seat between Nina and Leonard. "We can begin."

Leonard, without a word, pulled the chair out for her, his hand brushing her shoulder in silent support as she sat. Lukas and Zois took positions nearby, each of them alert, their bond with Eila almost palpable in the space between them.

Magnus began without preamble. "The rupture in Hollowfang Glen has grown. Our sentries report the edges of it shimmer more aggressively at night. We don't know how long before it becomes unstable again."

"And the sighting of Jeremy Soren near the borders?" Eila asked, her voice steady despite the weight on her chest.

Leonard answered, his gaze locked on hers. "It's confirmed. One of the outer patrols caught a glimpse of him, but he vanished too quickly for them to pursue."

"Jeremy doesn't appear without purpose," Nina mused aloud. "His proximity means he's planning his next move. The Varium could appear anywhere."

"Or worse," Luna Priscilla said darkly, "he might find a way to further destabilize the rupture—maybe even widen it."

Everyone went quiet at that.

Magnus looked directly at Eila. "We need to be prepared. You're the only one with a direct connection to the Veil. We can't risk you being caught off guard again."

"I agree," Eila said, sitting straighter. "But I'll need time—more training. My power is still… raw."

"Then we'll train you ourselves," Zois spoke up. Lukas nodded in agreement.

"And I will continue her magical training," Nina added. "She's making progress, but it's time to increase the intensity."

Leonard's voice was low but certain. "We should also plan an expedition. Small and fast. To gather more intel near the rupture before anything else comes through."

Magnus raised an eyebrow. "You're volunteering?"

Leonard smiled faintly. "Of course."

Luna Priscilla folded her hands. "And what about Eila's safety? She can't accompany you."

"No," Leonard agreed. "But she should remain close to the Pack House. Protected. One of us will always stay with her."

At that, Lukas and Zois immediately straightened, both speaking at once.

"I'll stay."

"No, I'll stay."

Leonard chuckled under his breath. "We'll rotate. She'll never be alone."

"Ahem", Eila cleared her throat and pulled their attention towards her. " I would like to visit the rupture. I think I can fill the gaps a bit." 

Her mates immediately said no in unison but Alpha cleared his throat with little irritation. Seeing how much his sons were interested in her. 

Finally, after huffing a long sigh, he grunted his approval. "Good. Then it's settled. We leave preparations to you four—and Nina, you'll keep guiding her."

Nina nodded. "She'll be ready."

Eila felt their eyes on her—all expecting, trusting, yet deeply worried. She swallowed, shoulders back. "I'll do whatever it takes."

As the meeting drew to a close, the weight of responsibility settled on her, but also a strange resolve. She wouldn't run from this. Jeremy Soren's shadow may have been creeping closer, but so were her abilities.

When they stood to leave, Leonard caught her hand. "Walk with me," he said softly.

Behind them, Lukas and Zois exchanged a knowing glance, but said nothing.

Eila followed Leonard out onto the balcony overlooking the quiet training grounds. The moon hung high, silver and watchful.

"We'll stop him, Eila," Leonard whispered, his hand tightening around hers. "I swear on everything I am—we'll keep you safe."

She looked into his icy blue eyes, feeling the promise there. And beneath the fear, there was fire in her heart.

She wouldn't just be protected.

She would fight.