Chapter one Hundred and Thirty Eight

Marco’s POV

Swiftclaw's grin grows bigger, and he looks mean. "Oh, Marco, you really don't know, do you?". My heart races, the steady gallop of the horse beneath me now joined by the fast beating of my chest. The news about Sage's betrayal hits me hard, leaving me shocked and confused.

I feel both mad and hurt inside me. Sage, my Beta and best friend, had been working against me all this time? It's a thought that's hard to get, too weird to be real. But Swiftclaw's mean grin and his cold words leave no doubt. Why does betrayal keep following me?

The world blurs around me as I try to get what I just heard. Sage had been the one who had supported Swiftclaw, who had promised me our plan would work. The bond we had, the trust we built—it's all broken now.

"How... How can that be?" I talk with a shaky voice, showing how confused and upset I am.

Swiftclaw's laugh is harsh, a mean sound that cuts through the air. "Oh, Marco, don't act so surprised," he teases, his words filled with satisfact