Rowan's heavy footsteps pounded through the forest, each step echoing with a weight only he truly understood. As he neared the border of the Dark Moon Pack's territory, Caden stood waiting, his eyes sharp and solemn.

"Do you believe it now?" Caden's voice was low, a growl barely hidden beneath his words.

Rowan shook his head slowly, his usual fierce gaze distant, as if even the full moon couldn't pull him back from whatever storm was brewing inside.

Caden sighed, stepping closer. "The trackers found another trail. They think the last pieces of the body, the head, a paw, and an ankle, are buried near the mountains. We're closing in."

Rowan huffed, frustration thick in his tone. "Finding her… what good is it now? She's already gone."

He grabbed Caden's shoulder, claws digging in just enough to make his grip felt. "Why would anyone want her dead? She was just a packmate, an omega."

Caden's muscles tensed. "Rowan, in our world, no one is just anything. To an enemy, a pack member is a weakness. You might've thought she was ordinary, but to them? She was an easy target."

Rowan's jaw clenched tight. "Was it my fault? Did I put her in danger?"

I stood in the shadows, close enough to touch him, my spirit hovering near, as I whispered silently, Yes, Rowan. You and your forbidden mate led me to this fate.

Sensing Rowan's torment, Caden tried to shift the conversation. "Don't blame yourself just yet. You mentioned the killer's methods reminded you of the rogue packs from Blackwood. Maybe there's a connection?"

A glint sparked in Rowan's eyes. "Maybe she was involved with them. Keeping secrets from me. It's all her fault."

Caden growled softly, his voice firm. "Rowan, she was your mate. You need to think carefully before accusing her spirit of betrayal."

Rowan's eyes narrowed, cold and calculating. "It wouldn't surprise me if there was a side to her I didn't know. When this case is solved, the truth about her will come to light."

As dusk fell, Rowan entered the clearing and found Selene waiting for him. She stood, her figure framed by the fading light, looking slightly out of place among the trees.

"Why are you here?" Rowan asked, his usually stoic face betraying a flicker of surprise.

"My journey continues tonight. I wanted to see you before I go," she replied softly, her voice almost drowned out by the rustle of leaves.

He managed a faint smile, though his mind remained consumed with thoughts of his lost mate, cold and still on the healer's slab.

They walked side by side through the woods, their paws leaving faint imprints in the soft ground beneath them. Selene broke the silence, her voice gentle. "You've been hunting every night. Is it because of the packmate who went missing?"

Rowan hesitated before nodding. "Yes, it's... heavy. A difficult case."

Selene's voice dropped, steady and serious. "Was it that dismembered omega? Any sign of what happened to her?"

Rowan's hackles rose, suspicion creeping in. "How do you know about that? You've never shown interest in pack matters."

Selene shifted uncomfortably. "I overheard some of the warriors talking."

Rowan stopped, turning to face her, his eyes narrowing. "This case has been kept within the Alpha's inner circle. No one was supposed to know..."

Selene froze, her gaze darting toward the thick shadows of the trees. Her heart raced as she whispered, "They were speculating about the missing pack members and how it might tie to the recent attacks." Her voice trembled. "If word gets out, it could cause panic, or worse."