<h4>Chapter 6: 6. Murdered</h4>


    As Maria stepped out of the hospital vicinity, she moved towards the car Laura had directed her to. A ck Camry was parked between two other cars, just as Laura had described.


    With slightly trembling hands, she unlocked the car door, slipped into the back seat, and immediately bent over, pressing herself down to avoid being seen.


    Minutes passed, each second stretching endlessly. Her heart pounded in anticipation. Then, atst, she spotted Laura walking toward the car.


    "She did it!" Maria whispered in disbelief, her eyes widening. Whatever Laura had done to distract those men had worked seamlessly.


    "Hey, you okay?" Laura’s voice pulled Maria out of her thoughts.


    Maria quickly nodded, her mind still racing.


    "So, where do you n on going now?" Laura asked as she hopped into the driver’s seat and started the car.


    "I need to get to the packhouse first," Maria replied without hesitation.


    "Alright, let’s go," Laura said with a reassuring smile before stepping on the gas.


    The drive was silent. Maria kept her eyes on Laura, watching the way she maneuvered the car with effortless skill. It fascinated her. Even more surprising, Laura seemed to know exactly where the packhouse was without Maria having to give her directions.


    Maria’s mind, however, remained restless. Worry gnawed at her... why hadn’t Cassandra contacted her yet? Was she safe?


    After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the packhouse.


    The moment Laura parked the car, Maria swung the door open and stepped out, her body vibrating with pent-up rage and anxiety.


    She stormed forward, her pace swift, her breath heavy. The glow of the funeral mes flickered ahead, the distant sound of mourning voices filling the air.


    As she approached, Maria nced back, realizing Laura had stopped walking. Instead, she stood a short distance away, merely observing.


    Maria hesitated, her stomach twisting in knots. She wasn’t ready to face this. Yet, she forced herself to take a step closer, standing just far enough that no one noticed her presence.


    The burning pyre crackled before her. Her mother’s funeral rites were already underway.


    Watching the mes consume what remained of her only parent made something inside her shatter. Tears slipped down her cheeks, uncontrolled, unstoppable.


    Laura remained behind her, silent yet present. They both stood there, witnessing the cruel reality unfold.


    Then, Maria’s face widened with shock when her father’s corpse was brought forward.


    The moment she saw it, her entire body stiffened. Her gaze locked onto a deep, sliced wound on his neck.


    Her blood ran cold.


    A wave of fury crashed over her.


    "This cannot be an ident!" Maria’s voice suddenly erupted like thunder, her anguish spilling out like a flood. "This is not an ident... it’s a murder, and you’re all acting like you can’t see it!"


    Gasps rippled through the crowd as they saw her storming toward the altar, her rage boiling over.


    Murmurs spread like wildfire, but Maria barely noticed the elders’ res or the uneasy shifting of the pack members.


    "Get a hold of yourself, or we will treat you as an outcast!" One of the elders snapped, his voice sharp with warning.


    Maria clenched her fists, ready tosh out again before Bernard finally stepped forward.


    "I’m sorry for the disturbance," he said smoothly, turning to the elders with a respectful bow. "Please, allow me to handle this."


    The elders nodded in approval.


    Maria barely had time to react before Bernard turned to the guards. A cold smirk yed on his lips as he motioned toward a nearby room.


    "Take her away and lock her up!" His words sent a chilling silence through the atmosphere.


    Two guards grabbed Maria before she could even struggle. Their grips were irond, rendering her powerless.


    "Bernard, you coward!" she spat, her voiceced with venom. "You’ll pay for this! I swear you will!"


    Bernard didn’t flinch. He merely watched, his expression so rxed, as she was dragged away.


    Maria’s gaze flickered toward Laura, who remained frozen in ce. Their eyes met for a brief moment, but Laura did nothing.


    It was clear Laura couldn’t risk her own life. And then, just like that, she turned and walked away.


    Maria’s screams echoed as she was forced deeper into the packhouse...


    ---


    Shortly after the funeral, the atmosphere inside the packhouse was different now.


    The elders sat in a circle, their expressions serious yet strangely satisfied. Bernard, seated confidently before them, radiated silent triumph.


    His parents sat beside him, their pride barely concealed.


    Elder Ramsdale was the first to speak.


    "I must say, Bernard, the pack is pleased with how you’ve handled everything." His voice carried approval, his lips curling into a smile.


    "I’m honored by your trust, Elder Ramsdale." Bernard dipped his head in gratitude and one of the elders cleared his throat.


    "I suggest we move forward with the coronation immediately. Bernard should be sworn in as Alpha by tomorrow."


    Beta Gilbert, who had remained quiet until now, suddenly tensed.


    "No... Not yet," he protested, his voice tinged with unease. "Now is not the right time."


    His wife shot him a sharp look, clearly displeased.


    "Why dy it?" Elder Ramsdale interjected, his tone growing firm. "Bernard has already proven himself worthy. The Blue Moon Pack needs a strong leader, and we must not hesitate."


    Victoria, Bernard’s mother, crossed her arms.


    "Fine. Let today pass, and in two days just like we’ve agreed beforehand, Bernard will take his rightful ce as the next Alpha."


    A murmur of agreement spread through the room.


    "Two days it is." The oldest elder finally spoke, his voice carrying the final verdict. "Bernard, ensure that everything is settled before then."


    "Yes, Elder." Bernard bowed his head.


    A pause settled over the room before Elder Ramsdale leaned forward. "Are we certain Maria has truly shifted into her wolf form?"


    Bernard opened his mouth, but Beta Gilbert quickly cut in. "Yes, she has. I already told you I’ve witnessed it myself."


    Bernard remained silent, though a small smirk tugged at his lips. Of course, he doesn’t care about Maria.


    His mind was set on something far greater.


    ’In two days, I will be the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack... This is just the beginning.’


    A slow, victorious grin spread across his face as those words rang in his head...