I roll my eyes at him and continue.He isn’t stupid. That's why he was able to become so powerful in the first place. He has brainwashed a whole pack and successfully so. I bet he knows what Arman is, and he keeps him here to act as a weapon in times of an attack.

Finn’s right.Elodie nods.We can’t forget how Colton is like a cult leader. He has surrounded himself with strong warriors who believe in his cause, who he feeds with money, rank, and women. He has certainly brainwashed Arman into believing he is just a regular wolf, all the while using his strength to Colton’s advantage.

Do you really think he doesn’t know?Pensively, Steve looks to each of us for reassurance.He has to look different from the others when he shifts.

I can’t tell for sure,I answer.He describes himself as a normal werewolf. There is the possibility that he is just playing along, but the thing is…I wasn't able to detect any lies from him. Of course, we can’t know for sure, so let’s tread carefully.

But is it really possible for him not to know that he is a lycan?Anthony questions, looking conflicted now.

It’s a philosophical dilemma,Henry chimes in, much to my surprise.Imagine you could shift into a squirrel. But you have never seen a squirrel before; you’ve never read about it, you know nothing about it. Would you still know that you are a squirrel?

We are all silent for a while, allowing Henry’s words to sink in. Besides the obvious thing, another thought also spreads in my mind. So, Henry does have an interest; he probably likes to read and educate himself. That’s a completely new side to him.

You have a point,I tell him.

It makes sense to me too,Steve agrees, and the others nod their agreement.

Henry looks surprised. Clearly, he hasn’t expected us to agree with him on something and even praise him on a theory he had.

I take a deep breath.We’ll keep Arman and his sister in our minds and tell the Council about them. But for now,I frown,the new plan is to make sure we get out of here, help Freya stage her escape, and then return with actual backup.

I’m about to say more when slight noises reach us. There is some laughter, and I can hear bottles clinking against one another. It’s coming from outside. I approach the window to check if I can see what’s going on, but I can’t see anything aside from a barn where there is still light on.

“I wonder what’s happening now,” I grumble as I try to look out.

“I can go and take a look.” Henry offers.

Quickly turning from the window, I look at him in shock. “That’s too dangerous, Henry!”

“Finn, Anthony and I are pros at sneaking out.” He states matter-of-factly.

I frown. “You are aware that’s not something to be proud of?”

Anthony blushes a bit while Henry shrugs. “Henry is right, though,” Anthony points out, “we know how to get past guards and hide in the dark well.”

“Good.” I sigh, deciding I need to give them a chance, too, especially when they offer willingly. And the more we know about this pack, the better. “But no matter what you see, don’t intervene, or it might get us and the slaves killed! Can you do that?” I ask them. “Not rush in there, even if what you see is truly revolting?”

“What could that be?” Anthony asks, uncertain.

“For all we know, they could be throwing a party.” I point out earlier discussions we overheard. “They could also bully some omegas or slaves.” I continue, and that’s one of the better scenarios.

“Spying is a difficult job, guys.” Elise says with such conviction. Looking at both of them, she continues, “It means to stand by while someone gets killed. It means not intervening when an injustice happens. You are alphas; as alphas you’ll automatically want to intervene, but you can’t.”

“It’s important to say when you can’t do it.” Elodie points out. “It’s better than ruining everything.”

The twins look at each other, clearly mind linking. Henry looks at his brother insistently, and Anthony sighs a bit. “I don’t think I can,” Anthony admits. “I’m more emotional than Henry. I don’t want to ruin our mission.”

“Very good.” I look at him with a smile, wanting to show him that he made the right decision by knowing his limits. It’s not a weakness to step back.

“I’ll go with Henry,” Elodie points out. “He and Anthony are not the only ones who are good at sneaking around. And I definitely want to cover as much shit about this pack as possible.”

“Good.” I nod toward them. “Be careful and don’t stay out for too long. I expect you two to be back in an hour.”

They both nod their agreement, both of them with an unusually earnest attitude. I feel glad they can put their differences aside for something so important. Once they’ve snuck out, I make sure the others go to rest and get some sleep.

“One of us should always stay awake,” I point out before they retire to bed.

“You think they are going to pull something on us?” Steve wants to know.