Misery’s Subterfuge
Misery leaned against the rough bark of a towering tree, her crimson eyes scanning the horizon. The werewolf world was harsher than she’d anticipated, the cold winds and primal energy wearing on even her sharp instincts. But Misery thrived on danger, and this mission was no exception.
She’d spent the last several days quietly gathering information on Seraphine’s movements, slipping through the cracks of her defenses and piecing together the larger plan. The artifact was the key, but it wasn’t the only weapon Seraphine had at her disposal.
“Careful, Misery,” the Vampire King’s voice echoed in her mind, a memory of their last encounter. “Even a whisper of betrayal will cost you everything.”
Misery smirked to herself, brushing off the phantom warning. “You’ve always underestimated me, old man,” she muttered, her tone dripping with defiance.
She returned to her temporary hideout, a small, dimly lit cave on the outskirts of the forest. Her movements were deliberate as she unfurled a map she’d stolen from one of Seraphine’s scouts. The markings showed strongholds, patrol routes, and—most importantly—the location of the artifact’s latest activity.
Before she could delve deeper, a familiar presence prickled at the edge of her senses. She turned sharply, her blade drawn in an instant.
“Relax,” Adrian said, stepping into the cave. His expression was weary, his clothes tattered from his recent ordeal. “I’m not here to fight.”
Misery raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning. “Could’ve fooled me. What do you want, Adrian?”
Adrian’s crimson eyes burned with frustration. “Why are you helping us? What’s your angle this time?”
Misery’s smirk faded slightly, replaced by a guarded expression. “Maybe I’m tired of being a pawn in everyone else’s game,” she said. “Maybe I want to win for a change.”
Adrian crossed his arms, his skepticism evident. “You don’t strike me as the selfless type.”
Misery chuckled, the sound dry and humorless. “Selfless? Hardly. But Seraphine isn’t the answer you’re looking for, and you know it. I’m just making sure I end up on the right side of this mess.”
Adrian studied her for a long moment, his jaw tightening. “If you’re lying—”
“I’m not,” Misery interrupted, her tone sharp. “But you should focus less on me and more on what she’s planning with that artifact. Because whatever it is, it’s going to rip your precious werewolves apart.”
Before Adrian could respond, Misery caught sight of movement in the distance. Through the narrow entrance of the cave, she saw Seraphine speaking to Eryon, their conversation hushed but intense.
Adrian followed her gaze, his fists clenching. “What are they talking about?”
Misery’s expression darkened. “Something that’s going to change everything,” she said quietly.
