The sound of a door opening and footsteps approaching roused me from my light slumber. I was already pushing up on my paws before my eyes were completely open, heart racing as adrenaline surged through my body.

And then I realized where I was, where we were. Ryan approached the bars of our cell with a small bundle of clothing. A tired yawn escaped me as I stretched before wincing in pain, having obviously forgotten about my injuries.

"This is the best I could find. Most of the pack is asleep and I'm not about to wake half the house up to get you clothes." Ryan grumbled, pushing the clothes through the bars.

As they settled on the floor, they revealed some sweatpants and a hoodie, a small girl's dress and two sets of underwear.

I was grateful that they at least brought a change for Emilia as well, seeing how she spent a few days in her current outfit. We both probably could use a bath as well but I doubted that Ryan was going to allow us that luxury until we were approved by his Alpha.

So I merely sighed and scooped up the soft bundle with my teeth, trotting back to the bed to wake Emilia. When my nudging evoked nothing but a muttered groan before she rolled towards the wall, I huffed and decided against waking her.

Nobody wanted to spend an unknown amount of time with a grumpy, sleep-deprived child.

Instead, I flicked the dress and smaller set of underwear on the foot end of the bed before preparing to change.

Before I could even ponder on how to shift and get dressed without any peeping toms, the door opened once more. Sadly enough, the two males that entered where nowhere mature or powerful enough to be the Alpha of this pack.

They raised a curious brow in my direction before glancing at Ryan, who shrugged as he plopped down on a seat. "Father said to guard these two until he gets back. There were a few... complications along the way."

Both of them pulled a face at that, muscles tensing as they huffed out a growl before relaxing. Meanwhile, I had sat down with the clothes at my paws, giving all three of them a pointed glare.

Neither of them seemed to get the hint, glaring right back... until I slowly moved my eyes from them, to the pile of clothes and back again.

Judging from the deep red hue on their faces as they spun around in unison, they seemed to get the message.

That didn't mean that I trusted them implicitly ; they were hormonal teens after all and I anticipated that they'd peek whenever they'd get the chance.

So I shifted facing the wall, knowing at most they'd get an eyeful of my bare ass at best. Before I reached for the clothes, I looked over my shoulder, already seeing one of them twitch slightly.

"If you dare to sneak a peek, I'm going to kick you in the balls when you least expect it." I hissed, watching the unknown male on the right freeze mid-motion before his head snapped forwards once more.

"Men..." I huffed, shaking my head as I quickly put on the underwear and pants. My dislocated shoulder made changing quite a painful experience, especially so when I had to pull the hoodie over my head.

I decided against forcing my arm through the sleeve, but as I was forcing my head and uninjured arm through the fabric, I heard a soft, almost inaudible gasp behind me.

Yanking the hoodie down, I sneered as I spun around, hoping to catch whoever it was off guard. Yet all three remained facing the wall, refusing to react and turning slightly red in the face.

"Well, now I'm decent." I huffed, letting my eyes flit over the three young men, all of which refused to look me in the eye.

Rolling my eyes, I went to check on Emilia, who was still deeply asleep. I cringed when my shoulder protested when I ducked down to cover her with the blanket.

There wasn't much I could do about the dislocated shoulder for now and I doubted that Ryan had thought ahead to let a medic come check me out.

Glancing over the small cell, it was barely big enough to fit the medium sized bed that held Emilia, along with a tiny, barred window near the ceiling. Too small to even consider as a means of escape, anyways.

However, the pain of my dislocated shoulder was making me sick. I needed to fix it and soon. A fellow nomadic wolf had actually taught me how to take care of most injuries on my own.

The mere idea made me dizzy but I couldn't wait until a doctor was finally summoned. Even with our advanced healing, injuries like these could still get complications if left untreated for too long.

Already my heart was pumping audibly within my ears, saliva flooding my mouth when my dislocated shoulder pressed against the protruding wall.

"Hey, what are you doing?!" One of the young men barked, pushing out of his seat.

--- Ryan's POV---

I smirked each time Eric so much as looked in my direction, snickering as his flush kept reappearing. He had been the first to attempt to sneak a peek and had been caught red-handed before he had even fully turned his head.

Apparently the she-wolf had been anticipating it, had hissed out a threat to all of our manhoods if we even considered it. Eric had red in embarrassment while Jason and I had become flustered from trying to hold our laughter.

"Busted!"

"Shut up!" Eric choked over the link, huffing in annoyance as he rubbed his hands over his face. "As if you guys weren't thinking of looking."

Jason snickered at that before teasingly stating back "Maybe... but we wouldn't be caught with our hand in the cookie jar."

"She sure is taking her sweet time getting changed... Still think she's getting dressed?" I pondered over the link, feeling Jason's excitement before he voiced it.

"Only one way to find out!"

All three of us looked carefully over our shoulders, Jason presumably to catch a glimpse of bare skin while I simply wanted to know if I could stop staring at the brick wall.

Lyra was in the process of slowly maneuvering her head and uninjured arm through the fabric of the hoodie. Lean muscles flexing as she moved, showing that she was rather muscular compared to the average female.

But my eyes were drawn to the black and silver tattoo spread all over her back, which made me gasp for air. At that sound, Lyra immediately tensed up before all three of us turned to face the wall as fast as we could.

None of us knew if she had spun around fast enough to catch us looking, so we simply kept staring at the wall, acting dumb. Hoping that she wouldn't make good on her threat the second she was free.

"Do you think she noticed?"

Before I could reply over the link, a low growl rumbled through the room before she sarcastically stated, "Well, now I'm decent."

All three of us flushed with embarrassment as we slowly turned around, avoiding all eye contact. It was all too clear from her scowl and raised brow that she knew all of us had dared to look.

We had wisely decided to take a seat, giving the pair some privacy and hoping that our faces would turn back to normal. I was just pondering when father would finally be back when Jason looked up before tensing.

"Hey, what are you doing?!" he barked in surprise, jolting out of his seat. I looked up just in time to see Lyra holding her injured arm by the wrist with her other hand.

Her face pulled with a combination of pain and concentration as she slowly started to pull, forcing her muscles to relax until with a near inaudible pop, the joint slid back in place.

I glanced over at the others, awed that she had realigned her own joint without hesitation. And then shame colored my cheeks as I realized that, even though she wasn't pack, I should've been courteous enough to alert the pack doctor.

"Too late now." Eric murmured in awe over the link before I sighed, nodding my head.

"Perhaps I'll let them know anyways. Who knows if she had a fracture that got worse because she had to fix the issue herself?"

Jason agreed with a nod, "Good thinking. She must've lived a hard life if she decided to fix it herself." He shrugged his shoulders, "I mean, even I would've waited for the doctor to look at it."

Glancing back at our charges, both of them were curled up on the bed, sound asleep. "Did you guys see the tattoo?" I wondered, eyes flitting over her still form.

Jason and Eric both nodded, their expressions turning to stone at the mere implications of said tattoo. I sighed and stood up, cracking my neck as I replied, "I'm going to find father, he needs to know about this as soon as possible."

Jason snickered, "You're stepping past your usual boundaries for this rogue, Ryan. First introducing yourself as the Alpha-to-be, now running to your dad for help." The fool puckered his lips with a wink as he added, "Is someone in love?"

A sneer instantly curled my lip as I shoved out of the seat, "In love with a rogue? Those bastards kill innocents without remorse." I growled, fighting back the urge to punch the next Beta of the pack in the face.

He quickly raised his hands in mock surrender. "Just saying. You did tell her to change back in the forest without her clothes. Multiple times, I might add."

An audible snarl ripped through my chest before I slammed the door shut behind me, leaving those two idiots to look after the prisoners by themselves.

Much to my surprise, I could already sense dad further inside the packhouse. Most likely he had just arrived from his personal patrol around the territory, checking up with the patrols in person.

He looked up as I knocked on the door, a tired smile gracing his face. Pen still in hand and reading glasses on his nose, he motioned me in as he scribbled a few things down.

"You know that we have computers in this modern age, right?" I drawled teasingly, amused when dad scoffed goodheartedly.

"Snotnosed brats should learn how people used to do stuff. What are you going to do when the electricity falls out and you need instant access to those files?" He mocked teasingly, winking at me over his glasses. "But I'm sure you didn't come down here to lecture me on how to use a computer at..." He looked at the clock before frowning, "three in the morning?"

I raised a brow as I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall. "No, I was wondering when you were going to come down to the containment units to deal with that rogue I called about?"

"Ah, right. I was finishing up the paperwork here before heading over." He continued writing and I smiled, observing his black hair with greying strands slicked backwards, how the tip of his tongue poked out when he squinted down at the text.

Something he adamantly refused to acknowledge whenever I pointed it out to him.

"So you're fine with having a rogue on our territory? Can't we just get this over and done with already?" I scoffed after several long minutes, making father look over the edge of his glasses with his blue eyes.

He chuckled, capping his pen before pushing away from the desk. "My, my. Impatient as always, aren't we? I swear that's something you inherited from your mom." He flicked me in the forehead when I was about to reply something. "Same like that temper."

Rolling my eyes, I huffed as dad continued to speak. "As for why I haven't gone down there yet... I did give the order to let her stay in the cell, if only for the moment. Any idea why I did that instead of letting her wait at the borders of our territory?"

"Because she's a rogue who deserves to end up in a cell?" I drawled, knowing dad would continue with his spiel of second chances and misunderstandings.

And I got it, really, I understood why he thought that way. But that didn't take away all the times that mindless rogues had attacked other packs, attacked us.

It was one of the reasons why I absolutely hated rogues. Their aimless rampages had scarred many families and killed more than enough innocent people to be wary of anyone approaching pack territory.

It spoke for itself that many packs spread over the world had made it a rule to kill trespassing rogues unless they acquired permission from the reigning alpha.

"Watch your tone, young man." Father barked, eyes blazing with contained fury. Alpha voice laced through his own, making me cringe and mutter a quiet "Yes, sir."

He sighed, rubbing his temples for a moment. Another habit that both of us shared whenever we needed to focus for a moment, to think.

"I've sent her down there because I suspect she isn't just a rogue who happened to wander too close to our territory with a relative of our pack." Lowering his hands, he opened his eyes to meet my gaze.

"I'm going to meet this girl and talk to her to find out why she risked her own life simply to deliver a girl she has seemingly no relation with."

As dad walked past me, about to open the door, I blurted out "But she has the mark of a traitor!"

He froze within the doorway, slowly turning to look at me with furrowed brows.

"Pardon?"

"We- Jason, Eric and I- we noticed that she had a tattoo running across her spine." I motioned towards my own back, indicating the size with my hands. "It's an intricate piece made with black lines forming the different phases of the moon, with the full moon between her shoulder blades, the ink slowly fading to silver."

At that, Father gasped, approaching me with quick steps. "A moon? Are you sure of this?" He uttered in absolute shock, grasping my shoulders between his palms.

"I, uh... yeah. Why? Why does that make any difference?"

He sighed, formerly tired expression suddenly more aware as he brushed his hair back. "I now have even more reason to speak with her. I may have known her, or rather her parents. It is indeed custom to mark traitors with the black ink, a telltale sign for other packs combined with the hint of wolfsbane that is faintly noticeable..."

"But the fact that the lines are fading to silver, along with the portrayal of moons..." he shook his head before leaving the room, forcing me to stagger behind him.

"Where are you going?"

He huffed as he started heading to the containment units. "To speak to that girl, this isn't something that can wait until morning." I pulled a face at his back in disagreement before following him to our prisoners.

--- Lyra's POV---

While the conversation between Jason and Eric wasn't why I had originally woken up, it was enough to keep me alert. Though I wished both of them had a modicum of respect instead of putting their phone on speaker to play some music as we waited in silence.

Especially so when there was a child sleeping within their direct vicinity.

"Do you guys mind?" I hissed quietly when the volume turned up another notch, glaring at them as I sat upright with a still sleeping Emilia curled against my side.

Jason looked over his shoulder in surprise, seemingly having forgotten that they were supposed to be on watch. "Oh, sorry." He muttered after a quick glance at the sleeping child, lowering the volume.

Sighing, I rested my head against the wall, slightly kicking my foot in time with the beat of the music. Both Eric and Jason were staring at me with amused curiosity, making me raise a brow at them.

"I do have to say; you're the most relaxed rogue we ever brought down here." Jason mused while Eric simply nodded silently. "Not many rogues are relaxing to some music while waiting for their fate to be decided by the pack leader."

Chuckling softly, I inclined my head in acceptance. "Sorry, I haven't heard music for... years, really."

They seemed to struggle to understand why I haven't heard any music until they finally seemed to realize that as a nomadic wolf, or the rogue they claimed me to be, I had no access to luxuries like music.

"Oh yeah... kinda forgot you were... you know..." Jason waved his hand through the air, "Rogue for, however long."

An unbelieving snort escaped my throat. "You and the rest of your border patrol chased me across your territory, tried to kill me for trespassing, proceeded to capture and detain me in a cell, and you forgot I am a Nomadic wolf that you guys keep calling Rogue?"

Eric snickered at that, watching with glee as Jason flustered. The young male huffed with annoyance, replying with an undignified "You're not like most rogues. It makes it easier to forget."

Rolling my eyes, I gave Emilia a gentle nudge when I heard several sets of footsteps approaching. "Emilia, wake up hun." She groaned, raising her arms over her head with a tired whimper.

After some gentle coaxing, she slowly sat upright, rubbing her hands over her eyes and complaining about having to wake up.

Normally I would've let her sleep if it had been just Ryan returning but I could very much sense the Alpha powers radiating from the new person that followed in his steps.

The new arrival was an older man, maybe just past his prime and already starting to grey, though I knew that wasn't necessarily a sign of age.

Judging from the way both Jason and Eric lowered their feet from the table and lowered their heads respectfully, everyone here held their Alpha in high respects.

Meaning that insulting this man, knowingly or not, could ruin any chances of getting out of here alive.

Which is why, when he looked at me, I only held his gaze for a single moment before averting my eyes. "Alpha."

He chuckled warmly at that, making me deem it safe to actually make eye contact without being forced into a dominance contest.

Even though there was a slight chance that I could win the little scuffle due to my own Alpha bloodline, I was not interested in finding out what the aftermath would be with the enraged pack.

"Good evening, or is it morning already?" He chuckled slightly, scratching at his black and silver beard, blue eyes flitting over my form. "It isn't often that rogues are aware enough to realize when they're in the presence of an Alpha."

I glanced at the other three, happy that at least someone was using their minds. But still, I was hesitant to trust anyone from this unknown pack.

The Alpha observed me for a moment longer before smiling, making a motion towards Ryan. "My son here mentioned that he and his friends noticed a curious tattoo on your back."

"Really?" I interrupted the Alpha whilst glaring venomously at the three men, all of whom were averting their gazes. "I wonder when they saw that, as my back was only visible while I was changing my clothes."

Their flush only worsened when the Alpha raised a brow before turning his gaze to the three. "Really now? He didn't mention that. Seems like all three of these pups need some additional training and education on common sense."

They cringed and lowered their heads, squirming under their Alpha's clear scrutiny and disapproval.

"Allow me to formally apologize on their behalf and introduce myself." He spoke aloud after a few moments of tense silence. "I am Ryan's father, Alpha Blake, leader of the Black Ridge pack."

Lowering my head respectfully, I answered in kind, "My name is Lyra, a Nomadic wolf. I had no intent on trespassing but was merely bringing Emilia, a relative of your pack within your safety." I stated, nudging the girl beside me.

At my words, the Alpha's shoulders visibly tensed before dropping, a saddened smile slipping on his lips.

"I believe you. I've had the pleasure to have known your parents." He murmured quietly. He couldn't possibly know of the shock that surged through my body, that sharp stab of grief that deprived me of my breath.

His own expression was one of gentle compassion, of understanding who I was and what had happened to me to the point that I was now a Nomadic Outcast, labeled as a rogue.

"Ryan, Jason and Eric, find Emma for me will you? While it is still late, please explain the situation to her and ask if she's willing to accommodate her niece.. Meanwhile I'll be having a conversation with Lyra here."

"WHAT?" Ryan exploded in a fit of rage, "Leave you alone with a rogue? Why would we trust anything that a rogue says? She's probably lying through her teeth to save her own skin! I-"

"Will listen to your Alpha." His father growled lowly. Before Ryan could say anything else, Blake spoke while using his full Alpha powers within his voice. "My request has now become an order. Get going."

Ryan, Jason and Eric nodded their heads before rushing out of the door. Not before Ryan shot me a foul look though.

What the fuck was his problem?

Blake sighed, shaking his head as he turned his attention back my way. I was more than surprised when he opened the cell and took a seat on the chair he pulled along with him.

The Alpha sighed as I remained seated beside Emilia on the bed. "As soon as Ryan mentioned the tattoo on your back, I had a suspicion of who you were. I've met your parents a few times before, had seen you and your brothers on the rare occasions we visited."

"So when word reaches us that your parents were murdered by rogues and that their oldest son has taken over command, I was caught by surprise." Blake shook his head knowingly, "In all the times I had visited, I had never sensed any Alpha powers within either of your siblings."

I took a slow, deep breath as Blake continued, "Rumors spread that the pack had dealt with the killer, marked them a traitor and had them exiled. Which only created more questions and uncertainty under the surrounding Alphas."

Nodding, I agreed. "What kind of Alpha of sound mind would let the former Alphas' killer roam free with just banishment as punishment?"

"Indeed," Blake replied, nodding towards my back. "A traitor's tattoo will only hold on actual traitors. The fact that yours is fading shows your innocence." He leaned forward in his seat. "I would like to hear the truth from you. What really transpired within the territory of your former pack."

A sad chuckle escaped me at that. How many times had I wished for someone from my old pack to use their common sense? To wait and interrogate me for what happened, instead of listening to whatever my siblings had fabricated.

There had been so many loose ends that should've created more questions than answers. But I also knew that a panicked and shocked mass could easily be instilled with fear and rage.

Undoubtedly my brothers put on quite an act, riling up the pack to the point that they didn't care the story was incomplete and easily broken apart.

They just wanted to see someone, anyone, punished for the crimes committed against their beloved leaders.

"It goes without saying that Emilia will be accepted in the pack. But, I'd also like to extend that invitation towards you, Lyra." Blake smiled kindly as my head snapped towards him in shock.

"Nobody deserves to be falsely accused of treason and parricide. " Blake growled, eyes flashing for a moment before he calmed down. "You deserve justice as much as your parents did."

I nearly choked on thin air, shivering violently from a sudden chill. This would be the first time I ever told anyone about the true events that took place.

The day that my parents were murdered in cold blood by the jealousy of my oldest brother, who shoved the responsibility of their killing in my lap.

So, I took a long, deep breath before slowly starting to recount the previous five years of hell I've went through.