Chapter 2: Shadows in the Dark

                                    

                                          
The pack house, a hub of activity, was bustling when she arrived. Members were engaged in their various tasks—training, organizing supplies, and maintaining the grounds.
Nina Collins, a formidable warrior, approached Sasha with a serious expression. "Morning, Sasha. I need you to do a quick perimeter check. We've had some strange reports."
Sasha nodded, grabbing her gear. "Understood, Nina. I'll get it done."
The forest surrounding the pack house was dense and shadowed, but Sasha moved through it with practiced ease. Mira, her wolf, was on high alert, her senses keenly tuned to their surroundings.
*Stay sharp,* Mira urged. *Something feels off.*
*I'm aware,* Sasha replied, her focus intense as she scanned the perimeter for any signs of trouble.
As she completed her patrol, her thoughts drifted to Lila. She hoped her sister was having a good day with her friends, enjoying some semblance of normalcy despite their circumstances. The weight of her responsibilities was always on Sasha's mind, but she pushed through, determined to balance her duties.
Suddenly, a figure burst through the trees, causing Sasha to jump. It was Killian Jones, the youngest Alpha of Alphas, and the leader of her oack. His face was set in a grim expression as he ran toward her.
"Sasha!" Killian's voice was urgent, filled with a desperation that made Sasha's heart skip a beat. "We need to talk."
Sasha's breath quickened. "What's wrong? I was just about to head back to the pack house."
Killian's eyes were troubled, and he grabbed her arm, pulling her aside. "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we've had a serious situation. Our patrol spotted a group of attackers near the pack's borders. They were too late to prevent it, but they saw what happened."
Sasha's heart pounded in her chest. "What are you talking about?"
"Lila's been kidnapped," Killian said, his voice heavy with regret. "Our patrol tried to intervene, but they were outnumbered and overpowered. The attackers managed to escape with her."
Sasha's world spun. "No... that can't be true. Lila—"
"I'm sorry," Killian interrupted, his expression filled with empathy. "We're doing everything we can to track them, but they had a head start. I wanted to find you and let you know immediately."
Tears stung Sasha's eyes, and she fought to keep her composure. "We need to find her. Now."
"We're already mobilizing a search," Killian said, his voice firm. "But we need to act quickly. Do you have any idea who might have taken her? Any leads?"
Sasha shook her head, her mind racing. "No, but I need to be there. I need to see what's happening."
Killian nodded, his gaze steady. "Then let's go. We'll figure this out together."
They raced back to the pack house, the urgency of the situation propelling them forward. The pack members were already gathering, their faces a mixture of concern and determination. Sasha could barely focus on the chaos around her, her thoughts consumed by the fear for Lila's safety.
When they arrived, the alpha and his team were already at the scene, reviewing the evidence and coordinating their efforts. Killian quickly briefed them on what he knew, and Sasha joined the discussion, her mind sharp despite the turmoil.
*We have to stay focused,* Mira said, her voice a calming presence amid the chaos. *Lila needs us.*
Sasha nodded, wiping away her tears and taking a deep breath. "Let's get to work. We need to find her, no matter what."
As the night fell, Sasha and Killian worked alongside the pack, following leads and piecing together what had happened. The attackers had left behind few clues, but Sasha refused to give up. The weight of the world seemed to press down on her shoulders, but she pushed through, driven by the need to save her sister.