CHAPTER THREE: A Rogue Among the Pack

 The first rays of dawn broke over Crescent Hollow, but Gaia remained tangled in the throes of a deep sleep. Exhaustion from the night before had claimed her entirely. In her dreams, she was moving swiftly through the forest, her hands clutching a bundle of food and water. Kael's golden eyes appeared vividly in her mind, urging her forward. Yet, as she approached his hiding spot, the scenery changed. The forest erupted with cries of anger.

"Lynch the rogue! Lynch the rogue!" the voices chanted, growing louder, more menacing.

Gaia turned in her dream, searching for the source of the voices, but she could only see flickering shadows. Then came the sharp crack of a branch, and she jolted as if struck, her heart racing.

Outside her cabin, a commotion had erupted. Shouts and hurried footsteps echoed through the pack's territory. Still deep in her dream, Gaia's subconscious fused reality with the nightmare, the voices outside feeding the chaos within her mind.

"They found him," the shadows hissed.

Suddenly, a loud knock sounded at her door, followed by frantic footsteps. The door swung open, and Ethan burst into her room, shaking her shoulder.

"Gaia! Wake up!" he yelled, his voice tinged with urgency.

Gaia's eyes flew open, her breath coming in short gasps. For a moment, she stared at her brother, disoriented. "What?" she mumbled, sitting up slowly.

"The pack—they caught a rogue! A dangerous one! They're… they're about to kill him!" Ethan blurted out.

Her heart froze. The dream. The voices. It wasn't just a nightmare. "Repeat that," she demanded, her voice hoarse.

"The rogue! He's hurt, but he looks dangerous, and they've dragged him to Father!" Ethan's words tumbled out in a rush.

Gaia swung her legs over the side of the bed, her blood running cold. "It's happening," she whispered. "It wasn't just a dream." She leapt to her feet and bolted out of the room, Ethan scrambling to keep up with her.

A crowd had gathered near Darius's cabin, their voices a cacophony of fear and anger. Pack members pressed close, their faces twisted in suspicion as they watched the rogue kneel in the dirt, his body battered and bruised. Kael's dark hair was matted with blood, his golden eyes dulled but defiant. Two guards stood over him, weapons drawn, as Darius emerged from his cabin, his expression unreadable.

"Who found him?" Darius demanded, his deep voice cutting through the noise.

"We did," one of the hunters replied, stepping forward. "He was hiding in a hollow tree near the eastern border. He… had supplies, Alpha. Food and water."

Another hunter stepped forward, holding up a familiar plate and jar. "These were with him," he said, his voice heavy with implication. The crowd murmured in recognition. The dish and flask were unmistakably from Crescent Hollow's kitchens.

Darius's green eyes narrowed as he took the items, turning them over in his hands. His face darkened. "This is mine," he said coldly, holding up the flask. He turned toward the rogue, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Who are you? Who sent you? Why do you have this?"

Kael lifted his head slowly, his breathing labored. "I told you," he rasped, "I was attacked. I ran for my life."

"And yet you were well enough to take supplies from my territory?" Darius shot back, his tone laced with menace. "Answer me, rogue. Why are you here?"

Kael opened his mouth to respond but hesitated, his gaze darting toward the crowd. Their eyes were full of hostility, their growls barely restrained.

"Father!" A voice rang out, cutting through the tension. The crowd parted as Gaia stormed forward, her face pale but determined. She placed herself between Darius and Kael, her chest heaving.

The murmurs grew louder, some voices questioning, others accusing. Darius's eyes burned with fury as he addressed his daughter.

"Gaia," he said, his tone dangerously calm, "explain yourself."

She squared her shoulders, meeting his gaze. "I found him on our territory, injured. Bloodfangs were on his trail. I couldn't leave him to die."

The crowd erupted into hushed arguments, the word "rogue" hissing through the air like venom.

"You couldn't leave him?" Darius echoed, his voice cold. "And what of the danger you've brought to our doorstep? Bloodfangs don't chase wolves without reason."

Kael, leaning heavily against a nearby post, coughed—a harsh, wet sound. "You're welcome, by the way," he rasped, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Darius's eyes snapped to him, his lips curling in disdain. "You speak when spoken to, rogue."

"Kael,enough!" Gaia snapped, stepping between them. "He's injured, and the Bloodfangs are a bigger threat than he is. At least hear what he has to say."

"Alpha," a voice chimed in from the crowd, "this is reckless. What if he's a spy? A trap?"

Gaia's chest tightened, but she held her ground. "And what if he's not? What if he's the key to understanding why the Bloodfangs are moving so boldly?"

Darius's gaze bore into hers, the weight of his authority pressing down on her. Finally, he sighed, his voice grudging. "Fine. Bring him to the healer. But he stays under guard, and if he so much as breathes wrong, he dies."

The pack began to disperse, though their distrust lingered in the air. Gaia helped Kael to his feet, his weight heavy against her as she guided him toward Nora's den. Behind them, Ethan trailed nervously, casting worried glances at the crowd.

Inside the healer's den, Nora looked up from her work, her sharp eyes narrowing at the sight of Kael. "What have you dragged in now, child?"

"A headache," Gaia muttered, glancing at Kael. "Can you help him, Nora?"

The healer approached Kael, her expression softening slightly as she assessed his injuries. "He's lucky to be alive," she said finally. "But I'll do what I can."

Kael smirked weakly. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Nora ignored him, motioning for Gaia to follow her to the other side of the room. "You know what you're doing, bringing him here?"

Gaia hesitated, the memory of the blood moon flashing in her mind. "I don't know yet," she admitted. "But something tells me he's important. The Bloodfangs didn't chase him for nothing."

Nora's expression softened, though her voice remained firm. "Trust your instincts, but be careful. The moon's curse touches us all in ways we don't yet understand."

Gaia nodded, glancing back at Kael. She had no idea what she was getting herself into, but she couldn't shake the feeling that this rogue—and his connection to the Bloodfangs—was only the beginning.

The village grew quiet as the midday sun cast long shadows over Crescent Hollow. Gaia's stomach growled loudly, a reminder of how little she'd eaten since dawn. Kael, lying on the cot inside the healer's den, would need food too. Determined to head home and bring something back, she stepped outside.

But as soon as she crossed the threshold, her legs felt heavy, almost unwilling to move forward. Her thoughts swirled relentlessly—Kael's cryptic words, the Bloodfangs, and the strange connection to the Blood Moon. She paused, staring down the path leading home, but every instinct screamed at her to turn back.

With a frustrated sigh, she spun on her heel and re-entered the healer's den. The scent of herbs and the warmth of the low fire greeted her as she stepped back inside. Kael stirred, his golden eyes fluttering open at the sound of her footsteps.

"You're still here," he murmured, his voice raspy but laced with faint amusement.

"I couldn't leave," Gaia admitted, crossing her arms in a mix of frustration and determination. "You owe me answers."

Kael chuckled softly, though it turned into a grimace of pain. "Fair enough. What do you want to know?"

She moved closer, her voice dropping. "Why are the Bloodfangs after you?"

Kael's playful expression faded, replaced by a solemn look. "Because I ran. And because I know things they don't want anyone else to know."

"Like what?" Gaia pressed, her tone sharp with curiosity and frustration.

He hesitated, his jaw tightening. "The Bloodfangs aren't just hunting territory. They're looking for something—or someone—connected to the Blood Moon. And they think I have the key to finding it."

Gaia's stomach churned, her earlier hunger forgotten. "What does that have to do with Crescent Hollow?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper.

Kael's golden eyes locked with hers, and for the first time, she caught a flicker of fear in them. "Everything."

The weight of his word hung heavy in the air. Gaia stared at him, her thoughts racing. "What do you mean by that?" she demanded, stepping closer.

Kael leaned back against the wall, his face shadowed by the dim light. "Your pack sits on old land," he said slowly. "Land tied to the Blood Moon. There's something here they want—something they're willing to kill for."

Her pulse quickened, and her mind raced. "But why you? What makes you so important to them?"

Kael hesitated, his face unreadable. Finally, he spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't just run from the Bloodfangs. I ran with something they need—a fragment of the truth they've been hiding."

The cryptic answer sent a chill through her, her mind swimming with questions. Before she could press him further, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the silence. Gaia turned to see Ethan standing in the doorway, his face tense.

"Gaia," Ethan said, his voice urgent. "Dad wants to see you. Now."

Kael smirked faintly. "That doesn't sound good."

Gaia shot him a sharp look before following Ethan outside. The warmth of the midday sun did little to ease the chill she felt inside. She headed toward the pack's gathering, Kael's words still echoing in her mind as she braced for whatever truth—or consequences—awaited her.

"Why are we going towards the main hall?" Gaia queried

"Because that is where he is" Ethan responded absent minded.

The main hall of Crescent Hollow was crowded and buzzing with tension. Pack members stood shoulder to shoulder, their voices low and worried. At the center, Alpha Darius stood tall, the firelight casting sharp shadows on his stern face. Beside him was Marcus, the pack's Beta, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd like a predator ready to pounce.

 As Gaia stepped into the room, the murmurs stopped. Every eye turned to her, some filled with suspicion, others with anger.

"You sent for me?" Gaia asked, keeping her voice steady.

Darius gestured for her to come forward. "We need answers, Gaia. Why did you bring the rogue here? And what do you know about his connection to the Bloodfangs?"

Gaia lifted her chin, meeting his hard gaze. "I brought him because he needed help," she said firmly. "And because I believe he knows something that could protect us from whatever the Bloodfangs are planning."

A ripple of disbelief and whispers spread through the crowd. Marcus stepped forward, his tone sharp and accusing. "Protect us? Or doom us? You've put the whole pack in danger, Gaia. The Bloodfangs won't ignore this."

"I'm not the one who brought danger to our doorstep," Gaia snapped, her temper flaring. "The Bloodfangs were coming for us anyway. Kael might be the only one who knows why."

Darius raised a hand, silencing the murmurs. His piercing green eyes bore into hers, as though trying to read her thoughts. After a long pause, he spoke.

"If he's as important as you claim, then he stays," Darius said. "But under strict watch. If he proves to be a threat…"

His voice trailed off, but the warning was clear. Gaia gave a small nod, though her stomach churned at the thought.

 After the meeting, Darius dismissed Gaia. She left the hall with Ethan, who had been waiting by the entrance. Together, they walked home in silence, the weight of the day heavy on both of them.

Once home, Gaia and Ethan went to the kitchen and prepared some food. The familiar routine of cooking helped calm Gaia's restless thoughts. Before long, the scent of stew and freshly baked bread filled the small home.

As they set the table, Darius entered, his presence as commanding as ever. He sat down, and Gaia served him a plate. For a moment, the only sounds were the clinking of cutlery and the crackle of the fire. Then, Darius broke the silence.

"Why didn't you tell me about this sooner, Gaia?" he asked, his tone firm but not harsh.

Gaia hesitated, her fingers gripping her fork. She looked down at her plate, struggling to find the right words. "I wanted to, Father," she said softly. "I really tried, but… I just couldn't bring myself to say it.

Darius sighed, his sharp features softening slightly. "You should've come to me. But what's done is done. Just be careful from now on, alright?"

Gaia nodded, relief washing over her. "I'm sorry, Father. Please forgive me."

Darius gave her a small nod. "Eat quickly, freshen up, and then take some food to the lad," he said, referring to Kael.

Before Gaia could respond, Ethan spoke up. "I'll take it to him, Father. Gaia's been through enough today. She should rest."

Gaia turned to her brother, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Ethan," she said softly.

Ethan gave her a small smile. "It's no problem, Sis. Just take it easy."

As Darius continued eating, Gaia felt a sense of calm return.

 Later that night, Gaia returned to the healer's den, her thoughts weighed down by the meeting with Darius. Inside, Kael was sitting up, his wounds freshly bandaged. He still looked pale, but he was awake and alert.

"I take it your Alpha wasn't happy about me being here," he said dryly, a faint smirk on his lips.

"You could say that," Gaia replied, sinking into the chair across from him.

Kael's golden eyes studied her closely. "You didn't tell them everything, did you?"

Gaia crossed her arms and leaned back. "Why should I? You've barely told me anything. If you want me to trust you, Kael, then stop talking in riddles."

His smirk faded, and his voice turned serious. "It's not that simple. The Bloodfangs don't hunt for sport. They hunt for power. They believe the Blood Moon is more than a curse—it's a key. And your pack… your land… is at the center of it all."

Gaia's heart skipped a beat. "A key? A key to what?"

Kael hesitated, as though choosing his words carefully. Finally, he said, "A key to control. Or to freedom. It depends on who holds it."

Gaia frowned, frustration bubbling inside her. "You're not making sense."

"I know," he said softly. "But trust me on this—the Bloodfangs won't stop until they get what they're after. If Crescent Hollow stands in their way, they'll destroy it."

His words hit Gaia like a blow. She stood up abruptly, her piercing gaze fixed on Kael. "Then why come here? Why bring this trouble to us?"

Kael's eyes locked onto hers, unwavering and intense. "Because you're the only ones who can stop them."

 That night, Gaia couldn't sleep. Her thoughts churned with questions, and Kael's cryptic warnings only made things worse. She lay in bed staring at the ceiling, the distant howls of wolves reminding her of the dangers lurking outside.

When she finally drifted off, the dream came again—the same one that had haunted her for weeks.

The Blood Moon glowed low in the sky, its red light casting eerie shadows over the forest. She stood in a clearing, surrounded by strangers with glowing golden eyes, just like Kael's. A deep voice echoed in her mind, commanding and haunting: The blood of the earth will seal the fate of the moon.

Gaia woke up with a start, gasping for air. Her heart pounded as the words of the dream echoed in her mind. The faint light of dawn seeped into her room, but the unease stayed with her. She knew one thing—Kael held the answers, and she needed to hear them.

 The next morning, Crescent Hollow was waking up under the golden sunlight, but the tension from the night before still hung in the air. Ignoring the curious glances of the pack, Gaia made her way back to the healer's den.

She pushed open the door and found Kael sitting by the window, his recovery faster than she'd expected. He turned to her as she entered.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," he said lightly, though his tone was curious.

Gaia didn't bother with small talk. "I need to know more," she said firmly. "About the Blood Moon. About what the Bloodfangs are after. No more riddles—tell me everything."

Kael sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're persistent. I'll give you that."

"And you're avoiding the question," she shot back.

His smirk faded, replaced by a rare seriousness. "Alright. The Blood Moon isn't just a legend—it's real. It's connected to the land, the packs, and the power in our blood. But there's a way to break it. That's what they're after."

Gaia's stomach twisted. "And you? What's your part in this?"

Kael's golden eyes met hers, filled with a mix of regret and determination. "I was part of it once. But now, I'm trying to stop it."

Gaia's breath caught. "And you think Crescent Hollow can help?"

Kael's gaze didn't waver. "I don't think," he said firmly. "I know."