Plan to kill him

Elara POV. I woke up before the sun came up, and it was still pretty dark here. I could still hear the sounds of nocturnal animals in the forest, but I decided to keep going. I put on my long cloak and hood again, blending into the gray shadows of dawn, and carried my light bag. My whole body felt sore and stiff, like it was protesting after a night of curling up to sleep in the cold hollow of a large tree root. I made myself stretch out my sore muscles, ignoring the throbbing in my wrists. Bloodmoon was still a ways off, so I picked up my pace and kept going. Every step brought me closer to my goal, but also further away from the safety zone. As I walked, I kept my eyes peeled for water—a river or a spring—to fill my water bag, which was already running low. In this crazy mission, every resource was key to survival. After about an hour of walking, I heard the sound of clear water gurgling nearby. The sun had also started to rise, peeking through the trees and bringing the soothing warmth of the morning. I was starting to feel the energy come back, but it was slow and steady. I followed the sound and found a small river with clear, calm water. I didn't hesitate. I dropped my bag and immediately cupped my hands. The cold water touched my lips—it tasted so pure and fresh. I drank until I was fully hydrated, then filled up my water bag. While I was refilling my supplies, I crouched down by the riverbank. I took a quick moment to wash my face and arms, getting rid of the rest of the dirt from Ashvale and the dried blood on my wrists. It was a quick luxury break in the middle of my escape. But even then, I was still paying attention. I scanned the area, but didn't see any new tracks or broken branches that looked out of the ordinary. I knew the Bloodmoon scouts were still out there, but this river was too open to be ambushed. I finished the brief ritual quickly. Every minute I spent here was time lost in reaching my goal. I tightened the lid of the water bag, pulled the hood back over part of my face, and kept walking, carrying the new energy I had gained from the forest water. My quick, steady steps made the journey feel shorter. I caught glimpses of shadows and heard faint footsteps behind me a few times, but I didn't see any immediate threat. They weren't ready to attack yet, apparently. They were just watching me. I didn't want to waste time or energy trying to figure out who was following me—whether it was the persistent Hunter or Kael's trained henchmen. I've got to get to Bloodmoon ASAP. At last, I made it to the high cliff in the forest. I stopped, and there it was: the city of Bloodmoon below me. The city looked so big, sturdy, and invincible, as if it had been carved from the darkness itself. The noisy sounds below showed that there was a busy, strong pack that had spread its influence far beyond this area. A monster's lair that destroyed my life. I tightened the straps of my backpack, and I could feel the dagger in my pocket — it was my only assurance of survival. This wasn't about running anymore. It was about confrontation. I quickly turned, searching for a hidden, steep path to enter Bloodmoon without being spotted by the main gate. The path I found was a steep, almost vertical slope, covered in bushes and tree roots clinging to the cliff. It was dangerous, but also pretty much unmonitored. I had to move slowly, using every rock and root for support. I held my breath and trusted my wolf instincts. My fingers gripped the muddy ground and slippery moss. Every inch of descent felt like a small victory. As I got closer to the city, I could feel that heavy, cold, dominating Alpha vibe. It was Kael Draven's aura. After almost half an hour of struggling, I finally made it to the outskirts of the city. Here, there were these tall, ancient stone walls that separated their civilization from the wild. I hid behind some big bushes, making sure there weren't any guards around. Bloodmoon City was nothing like Ashvale. There was no chaotic clamor, only a terrifying order. The buildings were made of black stone and had carvings of their pack symbols. Power and brutality were on display all over the city. I took a deep breath; the air felt foreign and full of danger. I had to find their headquarters, the Alpha's palace. I held the dagger firmly under my cloak, feeling its cold blade as my last reassurance. "I'm here, Kael." I made a promise. I'll get my revenge. I'm going to try to resist this gross, basic connection. And if he's really a monster, I'll be the one to bring him down. I took a step forward, the dark shadow of Luna's future, stepping into the heart of the enemy pack. •• I got to Bloodmoon City. The city was bustling, but in a different way from Ashvale—more disciplined and alert. People passed by, selling their stuff, and pack soldiers patrolled with steady steps and sharp eyes. They were busy with their own things, but it felt like they were suspicious of me every time they looked over at me. I pulled my hood tighter and walked carefully, looking around. Here, even the smallest mistake could mean death. Then, I saw something familiar—the shadow of a man wearing a black cloak and a dark hood. He was moving too calmly and deliberately; it was like he was following me since I got to the city. It wasn't a Hunter. It must've been one of the Bloodmoon scouts. I quickly moved towards another crowd, blending in with the merchants and locals, trying hard to avoid his attention. "I'm going to find Kael," I said to myself, determined. I was positive. On a day like this, Alpha definitely wouldn't be sitting on his throne doing nothing. He'd definitely leave his palace, walk among his people, whether just to take a stroll or to check on his power. That was my best shot. If I could find Kael in a public place, surrounded by people, my mission would be a lot easier. And it's way riskier. Soon, the firm, echoing footsteps started to be heard, getting closer and closer. Instantly, everyone in the crowd lined up neatly and quietly on the side of the road, as if they knew what was expected of them. I was standing behind a big guy, and I tried to move a little, my heart beating super loudly—it must be Kael. And sure enough, it did. He showed up, looking proud and with a few of his soldiers with him. He strolled through the empty path, among his people. It looked like he was checking out the area, or maybe he was just taking a slow walk. The people of Bloodmoon bowed their heads for a moment as a sign of respect, which made me feel a bit sick. "Ugh! I haven't seen that jerk in ages." He looked cold and in control. He nodded at his people, but he didn't look friendly. He looked like a total boss. But I knew the Bloodmoon people were also cold and rigid, just like their Alpha. Kael Draven was the ringleader of this whole organized cruelty thing. I clenched my fist behind my cloak, feeling the dagger ready to be drawn. This was it. This is the perfect opportunity for me. I just had to wait for the right moment. The Bloodmoon folks were still lined up on the side of the road, making a safe path for their Alpha. A few minutes later, the crowd started moving again, mingling, creating the visual chaos I needed. I followed Kael's lead, moving quickly from the shadows. When I was sure my position was perfect—the angle that would give me one shot—I stopped moving. I drew my blade—it was cold and I knew it well—and raised it high, ready to plunge it into Alpha's back. "Almost... just a little more." Just as the tip of my blade was about to touch the air behind Kael's back, a strong hand wrapped around my wrist. I gasped, totally surprised. The next thing I know, my body is being pulled. I staggered and was dragged, and then immediately taken to the dark and almost invisible side of the narrow alley. "Mmph!" My mouth was covered tightly by an unfamiliar hand. I had a hard time biting it, and the grip was really tight. You couldn't see his face because he was wearing a dark robe with a hood. He didn't look at me, but he checked the side of the alley to make sure that Kael's soldiers weren't following us. "Damn it, who is he?" The emotion disappeared, leaving pure anger. He really threw a wrench in the plan I'd spent two years working on! I was so close to nailing this golden opportunity! After making sure no soldiers were following, the man let go of my mouth. As soon as I could catch my breath, I punched him as hard as I could in the stomach. "Ugh!" He groaned, bending over a bit. “Who are you, damn it?! How dare you drag me here! I failed to kill that bastard Alpha!” I swore at him, my breath ragged from anger, not from running. I raised my dagger again, ready to strike. The man slowly stood up and opened the hood of his cloak. I didn't recognize him at all. His face had soft yet firm features, and his eyes were a cold, sparkling emerald green. I was sure that he was not a Bloodmoon soldier. I was sure he was not a scout sent by Kael. His skin was clean and white, and his hair was very black. I recognized these physical traits. He was from Moonvale. "Are you from Moonvale? What are you doing here? Ruining the plan I've carefully laid out!" I demanded, my voice full of suspicion. He stood tall again, leaning against the wet wall of the narrow alley. "You can't kill him now, it's too risky. Look at all the security guards! They're on top of those buildings, in spots where you can't see them. He can smell you at any moment," he said, his voice now low and urgent. "I don't need your pity," I replied coldly. "At least he'll be hurt by my dagger." "Yes. And you'll be killed on the spot afterward. Brilliant plan," he said angrily. He sounded like he was mocking me. I held the dagger more tightly. "So, what's your plan, Moonvale? Hand me over to your Alpha?" He shook his head, his green eyes looking at me intently. "Kael Draven isn't my Alpha. And I'm not here to capture you." "That's a lie! Then why are you getting in the way of my mission? I came here to kill him!" The man from Moonvale let out a deep sigh, as if facing me was the most draining thing in the world. "We're on the same page. I know you're the last Silverfang. And I also want to see Kael Draven dead."