The Lightning Wolf Chronicles Chapter 101

**Evelyn's POV**

Alistair's eyes went wide. "That's impossible. They couldn't have gotten this deep without triggering the alarms."

"Well, they did," I gestured at my bloodied body. "I was just washing up when five rogues appeared out of nowhere. Three came at me while two others hung back like lookouts. I didn't smell or hear a thing until they were right on top of me." I scanned the area anxiously. "Where are Aria and Rowan? Are they okay?"

All around us, Sentinels secured the scene while others fanned out to patrol the perimeter. Alistair and Taric exchanged a look that made my blood boil. More secrets.

To keep from snapping, I examined my injuries instead. My leg throbbed where claws had caught me, and my side ached from the bite. The smell of blood - both mine and the rogues' - made my stomach turn.

"You're hurt," Alistair finally noticed, concern filling his voice. "You're favoring your leg."

"It's nothing," I shrugged it off. "One of them got my side, but it's mostly healed. Are you going to tell me what's really happening, or am I too unimportant to know?"

"Don't talk like that," Alistair's voice softened. "If we knew anything concrete, we'd tell you. Right now, you need medical attention - that bite could be worse than it looks."

"I'm fine, really," I insisted. "It's nearly healed already."

"This isn't optional," Taric cut in, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Everyone involved in combat gets examined. We don't know what those rogues might be carrying. You were bitten, and you bit one back - protocol exists for a reason."

I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. This wasn't a battle worth fighting.

"Where are Aria and Rowan?" I asked again.

"Rowan cleared examination and joined the patrol. Aria's at the hospital getting a broken leg set. She'll heal in a few hours," Taric pointed toward the medical station. "Get checked, then we'll talk."

"Will you actually answer my questions afterward?" I couldn't keep the edge from my voice.

Taric just grunted. Not exactly promising.

The examination was basic - questions about injuries, bite locations, pain levels. The medic recorded everything with clinical detachment. I hoped to finish quickly and help with patrol, but Taric appeared behind me.

"She needs blood work with Dr. Harrison and Dr. Diana," he told the examiner. "She was bitten and bit the captive. Need to check for cross-contamination."

"Got it," the medic nodded, motioning me toward a waiting cart.

Two other injured Sentinels were already seated. One had blood soaking through his bandages. Seeing him made me realize how quickly I'd healed compared to others.

"Bad one?" I asked him softly.

"Looks worse than it is," he managed a smile. "Bastard tried to take a chunk out of my arm. Loose skin's making it hard to close up, but Harrison will fix me right."

"I got bitten on the side," I offered. "First time dealing with rogues. Definitely not a fan."

The cart bumped along the path as we talked quietly. The more severely injured Sentinel in front kept nodding off, his face ashen.

At the hospital, Dr. Diana took my blood and swabbed samples of rogue blood from my skin without explaining why. I didn't bother asking - she never shared her research reasons anyway.

"All done," she said briskly. "Shower's through there."

After cleaning up and changing, I learned Luna Selena and Sebastian were waiting to take me back to the castle.

"I thought I was heading back to the training center tonight," I said once we were in the car. "I could still make dinner and tomorrow's training."

"Not tonight," Luna Selena replied. "As someone directly involved in today's attack, we need your perspective."

Something in her tone seemed off - disappointment? Worry? I couldn't tell if it was directed at me or the situation. I made a mental note to press for returning to the center later. I didn't want to be another complication.

At the castle, we headed straight for the meeting area. As we approached, angry voices echoed down the corridor.

"We should have been warned!" someone shouted. "You put us all at risk! If any of us had been injured outside today, our packs would lose leadership!"

Luna Selena kept walking, expression grave. We entered a room filled with elders and Alphas around a circular table. Victor, the Alpha of Black Obsidian, stood glaring at Alpha King Nathan.

Without thinking, I stepped forward. "As an Alpha," I said, keeping my voice controlled but clear, "shouldn't you be able to handle a few rogues my size? I haven't seen you fight, so I can only guess. But if something this small would take you down, maybe leadership isn't your thing. Threats are part of the job description."

"Watch your mouth, girl," Victor snarled. "You shouldn't even be here. I've never seen so many exceptions made for anyone. These meetings aren't for children."

"Your assessment is completely wrong, Victor," Alpha King Nathan's voice remained calm but carried absolute authority. "First, she earned her position through merit. Age requirements exist primarily for mate-finding, not as measures of ability. Second, she's here because she not only fought but captured a live prisoner for questioning. Perhaps next time, your Sentinels should try taking prisoners instead of killing everyone."

His gaze swept the room, sharp as a blade. "Third, she represents her pack in their Alpha's absence. Remember your place in our hierarchy. You were selected into this system, not to control it. The Moon Goddess has stripped privileges from those who overstep. Many have forgotten the true purpose of their duties."

The room fell silent, tension thick enough to cut.

"We were discussing holding a Sentinel marking ceremony for Evelyn," Alpha King continued. "So next time she's needed, she can mind-link with us."

A silver-haired elder was about to speak when Victor jumped in: "We have strict procedures for Sentinel marking, and she's far too young! That level of mental connection is a privilege she hasn't earned!"

I clenched my jaw, fighting to keep my expression neutral. This was exactly why I wasn't cut out for leadership - I was two seconds away from punching this self-important jerk in his face. If he kept this up, I might actually lose it.