Night had fallen over the wolf settlement.
The fires had been banked. The children put to bed. The warriors settled in their homes. Everything was quiet. Peaceful.
Almost.
In the shadows between the buildings, a figure moved. Silver fur gleaming faintly in the moonlight.
Zi Jue.
Her gray eyes were cold, and fixed on one building in particular.
Xin Yi's room.
She had waited for this moment. Planned for it. Rehearsed every step in her mind.
The outsider had to die.
It was the only way.
The Alpha would mourn, yes. Would be angry. Would probably punish her.
But eventually, he would move on. Would remember that SHE—Zi Jue—had been loyal. Had served him faithfully for three years. Had never questioned. Never defied.
Not like that pathetic marked female who challenged him at every turn. Once the outsider was gone, things would return to normal.
They HAD to.
Zi Jue reached Xin Yi's door, and pressed her ear against it.
Silence.
Good.
She was asleep.
