Supatra’s gaze lingered on the shadows between the trees, her mind calculating the delicate balance of information to share. “Nia, there are forces at play, unseen and unpredictable. Antonio senses a shift in the world. The Call is more than a summons; it’s a response to greater turmoil that we face.” Her footsteps matched the rhythm of the forest floor as she pondered Nia’s question. “The signs have been brewing for a while now, Nia. Antonio feels the currents of change, and he knows that, united, we stand a better chance against what’s coming.”

Nia smirked, her sassy demeanor undeterred. As a playful glint in her eyes reflected her sharp mind, “Turmoil? Are we talking about cosmic threats now, or has Antonio been reading too many fantasy novels? So, our little summit is like a supernatural support group. ‘Hi, I’m a werewolf, and I’m here because the world’s got issues.’”

Supatra chuckled, appreciating Nia’s defiance and sarcasm. “Not celestial, but in a way, yes. But this gathering is more than just therapy. The threads that bind our kind to this world are unraveling. Antonio believes our survival depends on understanding, adapting, and confronting the challenges ahead.”

Nia, unimpressed, retorted, “I prefer confronting challenges with a bullet and a well-timed bite. But hey, if the old man thinks unity is the way to go, who am I to argue? Now, what’s your role in all this, Supatra? Master spy, was it?”

Supatra nodded, her expression revealing a hint of pride. “That’s right. Information is power, Nia, and in a gathering of werewolves, it’s crucial to navigate the complexities. I’ll be Antonio’s eyes and ears, ensuring our pack’s interests are safeguarded.”

Nia shot her a sly grin. “Eyes and ears, huh? Just don’t forget to bring some of that ruthlessness to the table. We might need it.”

Supatra chuckled, the forest responding with a subtle rustle. “Rest assured, Nia. Ruthlessness is a language I’m fluent in. Now, let’s focus on reaching your uncle. The night holds more secrets than we can imagine, and the summit awaits.”

Nia’s expression turned more serious as they continued their journey through the moonlit woods. “Speaking of challenges, Supatra, any updates on my mother? I can’t shake the feeling that Uncle Antonio knows more than he’s letting on.”

“Not my place. You want to know, and I can’t help you.” She replied to Nia.

“You don’t understand.” She paused and crossed her arms as she stepped away from Supatra. Nia halted, readying to leave in a swirl of emotions. Supatra held out a hand and stopped Nia. With tenderness, she placed her hands on Nia’s cheeks and turned them so that they faced each other.

In a sorrowful tone, Nia spoke. “I don’t understand. He won’t tell me where she is. Was it that long ago? What happened? Why won’t anyone tell me?” She paused. “Do you think, think you could…?”

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Supatra grinned, “Drink tea later? Slaughter a village? Maybe.”

“No, not that.”

“I know.” Supatra nodded her head. “I can’t help you.”

“I need to know. I have to know. It’s killing me like not knowing. Don’t you hold yourself back from your oath to my uncle? He keeps secrets and he never tells me why because of something that happened a long time ago? Well, I was there too! It was my life too! My mother… it has been just as long ago! Answer me! Please. You owe me this much after everything we’ve done together, survived together! Supatra, stop doing this to me!” Nia’s tone grew stern. “You will tell me what that moron backwater man wouldn’t, couldn’t, or I swear by everything holy I will walk out of here without taking another step forward! You are standing in my way to knowing where she is. Stop saying ‘It’s above my pay grade.’”

“I can’t help you.”

"I need to know.”

"You want to know. You don’t need to know.”

"You won’t tell me. You’re the super spy. Why won’t you tell me?”

She looks sympathetic to Nia. “It’s above me.”

Nia crossed her arms as she sulked. “You keep saying that. He won’t tell me.”

Supatra touched Nia’s arm with tenderness. “It was a long time ago.”

Stubbornly, Nia spoke, “So? You were there too. Why won’t anyone tell me?”

Supatra’s gaze softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on Nia’s shoulder. “Your mother’s disappearance is a priority for all of us. Antonio is cautious, navigating a world filled with shadows and deceit. Rest assured, he’ll share what he knows when the time is right.”

Nia nodded, the tension in her shoulders eased a bit. “Sometimes, I feel like I’m stuck in a never-ending mystery novel. And, honestly, I’m not a big fan of surprises.”

Supatra grinned, her eyes glinting with a mixture of warmth and resilience. “Well, Nia, life has a way of surprising even the most prepared. Just remember, you’re not facing it alone. We’re family, bound by more than just the moonlight.”

“Then can you tell me? A hint?” Nia bumped her elbow against Supatra in a sisterly way. The sting of Supatra’s refusal still there. Supatra nodded a no as she took a breath. “Did that guy tell you anything?”

“Only that I’m pretty. I suppose he meant gullible. Didn’t even scratch my itch.”

“You’re intelligent and lovely. Not many are born with those traits together. He only led you along.”

Nia continued strolling. “He believed I would do it. Change him into one of us.”

“Did you?”

“Of course not. He wasn’t even a good fuck. He left a mess, though. That was thrilling. To put a foot up his ass felt good.”

The two women laughed.

"I know you won’t give up. Just, just be careful. The Get of Fenris is your uncle. Whatever you do, stay to the south of him. You don’t want to be under the roof if he finds out you’re turning over rocks he’s not ready for you to peek under.”

"My uncle. He keeps a firm grip.”

Supatra smirked. She caught Nia’s eyes. She can tell Nia to catch her unspoken code. “From what I hear, his wife is the one with the firm grip.”

The two women laugh hard together.

“Come on, Nia. We need to hurry. Not good to keep your uncle waiting.”

Nia danced for a moment. “The grand ole’ secret peacekeepers. Ancient guardians. I think he can wait a minute more as we catch-up.”

“Have you not met your Uncle?” Supatra raised an eyebrow at Nia.

Nia smiled as she tagged Supatra on her back and scampered faster toward Antonio. As they continued on, the memories of their shared past echoed in their foot falls. The world unfolded like a tapestry of interconnected events, and Nia couldn’t help but wonder about the significance of each memory.