(Kael)
I found Aria in our shared office an hour after dinner, staring out the window with a frustrated look. She had been quiet at the table, distracted, and I could sense through our bond that something was troubling her.
"What happened?" I asked, closing the door.
"Ashley is spreading new rumors," Aria said without turning. "She is making the younger wolves think my rogue patrol was staged."
My blood went cold. "What kind of rumors?"
"That the timing was too perfect. That the rogues were too easy to catch. That I did it to make myself look good."
I walked over to her. "How do you know it is Ashley?"
"I confronted the younger wolves. Then I confronted Ashley. She did not deny it, just acted innocent while making it clear this is not over."
I felt her anger, frustration, and worry
