The Lightning Wolf Chronicles Chapter 102

**Evelyn's POV**

"You're a sexist, ignorant fool," the Alpha of Eternal Night suddenly spoke up. He rarely participated in debates. "She not only protected herself and her companions but was the only one who managed to capture a live prisoner for questioning. Doesn't that deserve some recognition?"

"My Sentinels did what they thought was right," Victor shot back. "Completely eliminating those filthy rogues is the safest approach."

"The dead can't talk," Samuel pointed out. "They can't tell us how many more are out there waiting to attack."

"They're rogues - they don't organize," Victor said.

I couldn't hold my tongue any longer. "Based on how they fought today, that's clearly not true. Your thinking is so rigid it's going to get people killed. Maybe it's time your heir took over."

Victor's face flushed red. "You have no idea what you're talking about, little girl. Let the adults handle the serious matters."

"Are you kidding me?" I stared him down. "I was actually fighting those rogues while you were sitting here giving orders from your comfy chair. Ignore me all you want, but in this situation, I have way more firsthand experience than you do."

I turned to Samuel, softening my tone. "You're right - they were definitely coordinating. Their movements were organized, almost like they'd trained together. Three attacked while two hung back watching. They only joined in after we were separated and injured. They knew exactly what they were doing."

I continued, "I know I'm not officially a Sentinel yet, but these questions need asking. How did they get so close to the castle undetected? Five rogues couldn't have slipped past all our patrols unless they've figured out how to hide their scent and tracks completely."

I glanced at Alpha King Nathan, hoping he'd catch my meaning - this matched the pattern of attacks on Polaris City that left no traceable evidence. The only difference was this time, we'd fought back.

"Is there an evacuation plan?" I asked. "From everyone's reactions, this clearly isn't the first time something like this has happened."

The Alphas shifted uncomfortably, embarrassment obvious on their faces. All packs were under attack, but no one seemed to know why or by whom.

"Fine points," Victor grudgingly admitted, addressing me directly. "But these are issues you're not cleared to know about. Now that you've said your piece, you can leave and let us handle the strategy."

I rolled my eyes and looked to Alpha King Nathan. If he wanted me to leave so these stubborn old wolves could continue their posturing, I would. This was about protecting packs, not about my pride. But someday, Victor would get what was coming to him.

Alpha King gave me a subtle nod, understanding in his eyes.

"Evelyn, a few more details might help," he said. "Before the attack, did you notice any unusual scents at all?"

"Nothing, Alpha King," I shook my head. "And I was downwind, so I should have caught something. As the first one attacked, that's really weird."

He knew about my heightened sense of smell, which made this even more puzzling - I'd completely failed to detect them approaching.

"Did they say anything? Make any threats?" he continued.

"Not a word. Just growled and attacked. Either they didn't expect us to fight back and panicked, or they were just the advance party with their boss watching from somewhere safe."

"This is exactly why she's here," Alpha King looked toward Victor. "She's thought of things none of you even mentioned."

"After getting patched up, I wanted to help with patrol," I glanced at Taric, "but wasn't allowed. If there were other scent trails, they've probably faded by now. But I could take a small team back to check."

"Good idea," Alpha King nodded. "After we wrap up here. Since trouble seems to find you wherever you go, maybe we should assign you a personal healer."

He smiled, and despite myself, I smiled back while rolling my eyes.

"So we're no closer to answers?" Elder Sebastian cut in, doubt heavy in his voice. "No one seems to know what's really happening. For all the praise of this girl's abilities, she hasn't given us anything concrete either."

I felt my temper flaring again but kept it under control this time.

"Actually, she's provided several key insights - if you were listening," Alpha King's voice turned icy. "Her pack has experienced identical attacks, also leaving no scent trails. The difference is those attackers completed whatever they came for and left quickly. The question is whether today was a planned battle or an operation we interrupted. There's a good chance they were heading for the castle, but we don't know who specifically was the target. More importantly, she captured a prisoner when no one else managed to. The second rogue we caught bled out before reaching the hospital. Dr. Harrison and Dr. Diana say they can start questioning the survivor within the hour."

The friendly Alphas nodded, while the ones obsessed with my presence sat there looking properly chastised.

Alpha King turned to me. "Evelyn, I can't approve you for a full Sentinel mark yet. Don't give me that look - you are too young. But I want you able to communicate in emergencies. So I'm making you an honorary member of the royal pack. Your connection to Polaris City stays intact, but you'll also be able to mind-link with us."

I nodded, accepting the compromise. For those who thought I should "go home and let the grown-ups handle it," this was reasonable middle ground.

Alpha King stood. Taric moved behind me, hand on my shoulder like he thought I might bolt.

"Give me your right hand," Alpha King said solemnly. "Do you swear loyalty to the royal pack and fight for the safety and interests of royal pack members during this time?"

"I do," I answered.

"Will you come to their aid when summoned?"

"I will."

"Evelyn, you are granted the special honor of becoming an honorary member of the royal pack. Fulfill your responsibilities to Polaris City, your home pack, while also accepting duties to the royal pack. Do you accept these terms?"

"I accept," I said firmly.

He gripped my wrist and pulled it to his mouth, his fangs already extended.

The moment Alpha King's fangs pierced my skin, an overwhelming sense of connection flooded my mind. After weeks at the training center with only my wolf to talk to mentally, the sudden rush of awareness made me dizzy. I blinked hard, trying to stay focused.

*How does it feel?* Alpha King's voice echoed clearly in my head. *Your mind must have been pretty quiet lately.*

*Very quiet,* I responded, surprised by how clear the connection felt. *Thank you for this.*

While addressing the room, Alpha King continued speaking to me mentally:

*Stay at the castle tonight. I'm not sure if you were specifically targeted today.*

"The ceremony is complete," he announced aloud. "We all need food and rest after today's events. We'll meet again tomorrow morning to develop defense strategies for all packs. By then, hopefully we'll have some answers from our prisoner."