The sky was an ocean of indigo, vast and endless, speckled with stars that flickered like distant whispers. Opal sat motionless on the edge of her bed, her hands trembling as she clutched her phone, the screen casting a ghostly glow across her worried face. Nearly an hour had passed since she'd sent Ridge a message, and the silence felt heavier with every passing second. Her heart pounded, each beat echoing the same question: Where were Ash and Brooks?
The phone buzzed, shattering the quiet. Opal's breath hitched as she fumbled to unlock the screen.
Ridge:Hey, sorry for the delay. Things here are… structured. Lots of rules.
Opal's lips curled into a faint smile at Ridge's dry humor. She could almost hear his voice, laced with that familiar sarcasm that hid his deeper worries. But the smile vanished as quickly as it had come, replaced by the gnawing anxiety that had been festering all evening. She typed quickly, her fingers trembling.
Opal:Have you heard from the others? Brooks, Ash?
Three dots danced on the screen, and Opal held her breath, her chest tightening with anticipation. Each second felt like an eternity.
Ridge:Only heard from Forrest and you so far. Nothing from Ash or Brooks yet.
The air seemed to leave the room all at once. Opal's vision blurred as her fingers gripped the phone harder. They had agreed to check in regularly—always. Silence wasn't like them. Not like Ash, who was the first to call out anyone who didn't follow the plan. Not like Brooks, who never went anywhere without sending at least a dozen updates.
Her thumb hovered over the keyboard before she forced herself to type.
Opal:Do you think something's wrong? They should've contacted us by now.
The reply was swift.
Ridge:Not sure. Maybe their packs have tighter restrictions. Let's not panic yet. Give them a bit more time.
Opal exhaled slowly, trying to anchor herself to Ridge's rationality. He was always the calm one, the steady rock that never wavered, even when the world was falling apart. If he believed they were okay, maybe they were.
But the unease wouldn't let go. It wrapped itself around her chest, cold and heavy. She sent one last message before placing her phone on the nightstand.
Opal:Okay. Keep me updated.
The screen dimmed, plunging her room into darkness once more. Yet sleep was a distant hope, chased away by the endless thoughts swirling in her mind. Opal swung her feet off the bed, her movements slow and mechanical. She needed answers—needed to know that her brothers were safe.
There was one person who might have them. Alpha Marcus. If anyone could get word from the other packs, it was him.
She slipped on her shoes and crept out of her room, her steps light against the hardwood floor. The pack house was silent, its halls cloaked in shadows. Most of the pack had turned in for the night, exhausted from the day's patrols and preparations. But light seeped under the door of Alpha Marcus's study, a thin line cutting through the darkness.
As she approached, muffled voices reached her ears. She hesitated, her fingers hovering over the wood. The tone was low, serious. Whatever they were discussing, it was important.
Gathering her courage, Opal knocked softly. The voices ceased abruptly, replaced by the sound of footsteps. The door swung open, revealing Selene. Her expression immediately hardened, her eyes narrowing.
"Yes?" Her voice was clipped, a blade meant to cut.
Opal fought the urge to step back. "I need to speak to Alpha Marcus. It's about my brothers. I haven't heard from Ash or Brooks, and I wanted to know if he received confirmation that they arrived safely at their packs."
Selene's gaze grew colder. Without a word, she stepped into the hallway and shut the door behind her, cutting off the light and conversation from within. Her arms crossed over her chest, her posture rigid.
"You shouldn't be wandering the house at this hour," Selene hissed. "And you certainly shouldn't be asking questions like that."
Opal's eyes widened. "I'm just trying to make sure my brothers are safe. We agreed to check in, and they haven't. I'm worried—"
"That's exactly the problem," Selene interrupted, her voice low but sharp. "Do you have any idea what kind of risk you're putting us in by roaming around at night? By drawing attention to yourself?"
Opal's heart raced. "I didn't mean to—"
"You're a guest in this pack," Selene snapped. "A guest who is dangerously close to becoming a liability. You were told to keep a low profile. Do you think you're above the rules?"
Opal felt her frustration rise, hot and fierce. "I'm not trying to cause trouble. I just want to know if my brothers are safe. We're supposed to be allies."
"Allies, yes," Selene spat, her eyes flashing. "But don't forget that you're only here because Alpha Marcus chose to protect you. If you jeopardize his position by being reckless, it won't just be you who pays the price."
Opal opened her mouth to respond, but the door behind Selene swung open once more. Alpha Marcus stood in the doorway, his face a mask of authority and displeasure.
"What's going on here?" His voice was calm, but there was an edge beneath the words.
Selene straightened, her demeanor shifting to one of respect. "Opal was asking about her brothers. She doesn't seem to understand the importance of following our rules."
Alpha Marcus turned his gaze on Opal, his eyes unreadable. "Opal, I understand your concern. But Selene is right. Our safety depends on discretion and discipline. You should be in your room."
Opal swallowed hard, fighting the sting of tears. "I know, but Ash and Brooks haven't checked in. I'm just worried… I need to know they're okay."
The Alpha's expression softened slightly, his shoulders relaxing. "I've received no word of trouble from the other packs. As far as I know, they're safe. But if it will ease your mind, I'll reach out and confirm."
Relief flooded Opal's chest, even as shame crept in for causing a scene. "Thank you, Alpha Marcus. I appreciate it."
He nodded, his face growing stern once more. "Now, return to your room. And do not leave it again without permission. Understood?"
Opal lowered her gaze. "Yes, Alpha."
As she walked back down the hall, she could feel Selene's glare burning into her back. The shame gave way to anger, but Opal forced herself to keep walking, her head held high.
Back in her room, Opal sank onto her bed, her hands trembling as she picked up her phone. She sent a quick message to Ridge.
Opal:Asked Alpha Marcus. He says there's no word of trouble. He'll check in with the other packs.
Ridge's reply came almost instantly.
Ridge:Good. Hopefully, we'll hear something soon. Try to get some rest, Opal.
Rest. The word felt foreign, almost mocking. Opal set her phone down and leaned back, her eyes tracing the familiar cracks in the ceiling. She tried to take comfort in Marcus's assurance, but her instincts wouldn't settle.
Something was wrong. She could feel it in her bones, a cold ache that refused to leave. Ash and Brooks were in trouble—she knew it, even if no one else did.
And if no one was willing to help them, then she'd have to find a way herself.