ALARIC

I sat in my office, reviewing documents, when a knock on the door interrupted me.

“Come in,” I said without lifting my head.

A guard entered slowly.

“Alpha, I found this.” He handed me a brown envelope.

I frowned. “Where did you find this?” I asked, examining it.

“At the door,” he replied.

“You are dismissed.”

I stared at the envelope, wondering what was inside. I opened it and found a white sheet of paper—blank.

My frown deepened. Who was playing tricks on me?

I tossed the paper aside and continued reviewing the documents—until something struck me.

I grabbed a candle and held the paper above the flame. Slowly,...