Chapter 1618: Letting Them In

After Bluebird intervened, it seemed like quite a few knights had come rushing to the scene. The sudden clash had attracted attention within the castle walls, and in many ways, the trio was thankful that Bluebird was the one who found them first.

Gary and his friends were not publicly known as Werewolves. If they had been seen fighting a well-known member of the Red Wing Pack inside the castle, things could have spiraled into disaster. Rumors would have started instantly. Arrests could have followed. Suspicion could have turned into something far worse.

Now, though, instead of standing in broken stone and bloodshed, they found themselves inside one of the castle’s reception rooms, a space that had been turned into a small library. Shelves lined the walls, scrolls and books stacked neatly in rows. The lighting was softer here, calmer, and everyone had gathered inside to settle the matter properly.

Galdark sat on one side of the table, arms folded tightly across his chest. His chin was slightly raised, but his gaze was hard, unreadable.

Bluebird stood nearby, hands behind his back.

“So as I was saying,” Bluebird began, keeping his tone calm yet firm, “these three, I knew they were Werewolves from the beginning, and they were quite honest with me about why they were here.”

His eyes shifted to Galdark.

“They came to me first because technically, they aren’t part of Steve’s pack. You could probably tell that from the scent, right? They aren’t part of yours either.”

Galdark didn’t move, but the tension in his shoulders eased just a fraction.

“Steve’s concerns are ultimately about Jack,” Bluebird continued, “and these three are in a neutral position. And yet, Galdark, you seem to be jumpy. You said something earlier that caught my attention. It seems like you’ve been keeping some things from me.”

For a moment, Galdark looked like a scolded child.

His gaze fell to the floor.

He avoided eye contact with everyone.

“This is a situation that has never happened before,” Galdark replied. “Werewolves I’ve never seen before, inside the castle walls, and not part of the Pack? So forgive me if I jumped to conclusions too fast.”

His voice was low, but honest.

“As for what you asked earlier,” he continued, “it wasn’t something directly from Jack. It was just something I concluded myself.”

Everyone in the room remained silent, listening.

“Everyone knows Jack has not entirely been himself,” Galdark said. “Those close to him, people like me, know it more than anyone. He’s still commanding the Pack. He’s still fulfilling his duties. But he feels... cautious.” Galdark searched for the right word. “Almost wary.”

He paused.

“One day, he asked me if there had been any new Werewolves asking to join the Pack. Actually, no. Not one day. Several days. He asked again and again. Recently, there haven’t been many new Werewolves. Things have been stable between our Pack... and Lupus’s.”

Galdark looked up then, and his eyes carried something that almost resembled fear.

“Yet I heard him mumble, to be wary of those who might look like us.”

He shook his head slowly.

“I don’t know what he meant. But the way he said it... it stuck in my mind. And then, I run into this situation.”

Across the room, the three sitting together exchanged a single look.

Because they all thought the same thing.

Jack must have already had a visit from Unzoku.

And whatever he saw, whatever was said, had shaken him deeply.

Shaken him to the point that he refused to leave his city.

Is what Steve said true? Gary thought.

That they had something they could use against Jack... but to force him to do what? To fight against Steve? The same way they tried to use me and Lupus?

Regardless... Jack hasn’t gone against Steve yet. That means... maybe we’re still in time.

“ What’s that look?” Bluebird said suddenly. “It seems Galdark’s words have given you three a hint. Do you know what’s happening to Jack? Or what’s causing it?”

Gary parted his lips to speak, but Kai reached out and grabbed his arm, shaking his head once.

“I think it’s best for us to keep quiet due to the situation,” Kai said. “I’m sure you’ve guessed some things from what Galdark said. But for now, it’s better if only we know, if we want to find the truth and get to the bottom of it.”

Bluebird considered that in silence.

Then he nodded.

It made sense.

As much as he wanted to know himself, rushing into action without understanding could cause even more damage. And if the situation involved people inside the castle... then caution wasn’t just wise, it was necessary.

It wouldn’t have been the first time secrets inside the kingdom turned into danger.

“Well...” Bluebird exhaled. “Since you’re here instead of Jack, I suppose only one question matters now.”

He turned fully toward Galdark.

“Will you allow these three into your Pack? Allow them to investigate? We are all worried about Jack. That includes you.”

Bluebird’s voice deepened slightly.

“Though you may be going behind his back by bringing outsiders in with... alternative motives, it is still for Jack’s sake in the end.”

The room fell quiet.

Galdark didn’t answer right away.

He looked at the three strangers, strangers who were Werewolves, strangers who were strong enough to fight him, strangers who spoke with certainty about things they refused to explain.

He had every right to refuse. Every reason to distrust them. But one thing stood above all of that: Bluebird trusted them. And Bluebird’s judgment had never failed the Pack before.

“Alright,” Galdark finally said. “I’ll let the three of them join the Pack.”

He leaned forward slightly.

“But you must keep me informed of what is going on. I want to know. Everything.”

Gary, Kai, and Lupus said nothing. But inside, they all knew, This was their way in. This was how they would reach Jack.

****

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