His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 126

**Betrayal Births by Joseph King**

The night enveloped the town in a heavy silence as Elijah and I ventured into the dimly lit streets. The moon hung high, casting a soft, silvery glow that danced over the cobblestones beneath our feet. Our lead had come from an unexpected source—an unassuming tip-off, so subtle that it could have easily been overlooked. Yet, I had learned through experience that even the faintest whispers could unravel complex truths. The informant had insisted on anonymity, providing us with nothing more than a cryptic address.

Elijah walked beside me, his presence a steadying force, though he remained quiet, lost in his thoughts. I could sense the low hum of his wolf, a comforting vibration that was noticeably calmer than it had been for days. The anxiety that had gripped me was slowly fading, dulled by the reassuring pull of his energy—a small mercy after the chaos of the past week.

“I think we can approach this one discreetly,” I murmured, lowering my voice to a near whisper. “There’s no need to raise any alarms just yet. Let’s see where this leads us before we act.”

Elijah nodded, his gaze sweeping the shadows around us. “Move lightly. If this leads us anywhere significant, it’s crucial we don’t spook him before we fully understand the situation.”

The town felt eerily still, most windows shrouded in darkness, their shutters firmly closed against the night. We navigated through narrow alleys, cloaked in shadow, until we finally found him. Another Theo. He stood before us, a man with a slender, jittery frame, appearing utterly harmless at first glance. Yet, there was an unmistakable flicker of trepidation in his eyes, as if he had been anticipating our arrival.

Elijah stepped forward, his silhouette stretching long and imposing in the moonlight, his presence grounding me. “Theo, right?” he said, his voice low yet authoritative. “We need to have a word.”

The man instinctively raised his hands, panic evident in his demeanor. “I… I don’t know anything. I wasn’t involved,” he stammered, his voice shaky.

I exchanged a glance with Elijah, recognizing the tension coiling within him. His wolf, though subdued, was still alert. “We know you have information,” he said, taking a step closer. “We’re not here to harm you. We’re seeking understanding. Just answer our questions.”

Theo hesitated, his throat working as he swallowed hard, as if grappling with a mix of fear and pride. “Okay… okay. I’ll answer,” he finally conceded, his voice barely above a whisper.

We guided him into the moonlight, careful to shield him from any curious eyes. Elijah observed him with the same intensity he reserved for anyone who could lead us into danger, but tonight felt different. He wasn’t on edge; his breathing was steady, a sign of his growing control.

For the first time in days, I noted that his wolf seemed at ease. Perhaps the gentle confrontations we had been practicing, the small steps toward addressing his trauma, were beginning to bear fruit. Or maybe it was the focus of the hunt that provided him with a sense of purpose. Whatever the reason, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

“Who sent you?” I asked, keeping my tone steady, striving for calm. “Who gave you the orders?”

Theo’s voice trembled as he spoke. “A man. He… he said his niece needed help. I was supposed to… follow his instructions, no questions asked. I didn’t want any trouble. He’s… he’s very persuasive, very dangerous if crossed.”

“Elijah,” I urged quietly, “ask him the niece’s name. We need clarity.” My instincts were screaming suspicion.

Elijah’s voice was composed. “Theo, what is the niece’s name? Be clear.”

Theo blinked, a moment of hesitation hanging in the air before he finally uttered, “….Naomi.”

Time seemed to halt. I blinked, processing the name that echoed in my mind. Naomi.

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