Chapter 20: The Storm Within

Aveline entered angrily into Gabriel's dimly lighted room where the only source of light was the single lantern on his working desk filled with maps and documents, her heart kept pounding with anger and confusion. Gabriel stood by the window with his back facing her while staring at the beauty of the forest ahead of him and watching the moon come to light.

"You've lied to me, Gabriel," Aveline began, her voice sharp and unwavering. "How long were you going to keep hiding the truth about the Shadow Council? Were you just going to keep manipulating me until it was too late?"

Gabriel turned slowly, his expression unreadable. "Aveline, it's not what you think—"

"Don't you dare," she snapped, cutting him off. "Don't try to twist this. You knew what they were planning. You knew they were infiltrating my pack, and yet you said nothing. Why?"