Chapter 94
Nathan’s POV
Hours later, I stood at the edge of a cliff, staring down at the rushing river below. The moonlight illuminated the timbulent waters. making the white foam gleam against the dark rocks.
I knew I didn’t have much time–1 needed to get back soon. I’d slipped away to get some fresh air at least, that’s what I’d told
everyone.
That had been my actual intention, but now I found myself at the eff’s edge, mesmerized by the water.
I watched as the current surged over jagged rock tops, white spray violently crossing the edge before disappearing on the other side.
Occasionally, a branch would fly into the air,/crash against a boulder and sink beneath the surface, vanishing forever.
I can’t let myself think of her that way–I couldn’t allow my thoughts to turn to images of her body hitting those rocks and breaking apart like those branches.
It had been days, and still no word of Rachel. As I stared at the water, seeing how violent it was, the thought that it might have destroyed all traces of her made acceptance easier.
“Alpha!” Tyler’s voice cut through my dark thoughts. “The king needs us in the war room immediately!”
The situation along the northern forest line had stabilized since we’d pushed back the rogue wolves and evacuated the northern villages.
Our focus had returned to the western coast war with Alpha Dylan from the Western territories.
But Tyler’s tone suggested this was more urgent than usual.
“What is it?” I asked, turning away from the cliff.
“Dylan’s men have taken three cities along the western coast,” Tyler replied grimly.
“What?” I felt a rush of shock and anger.
“You heard me right.”
We hurried back to the war room, my mind racing with implications. Inside, the room buzzed with tension as military leaders gathered around the large map table.
Tyler grabbed a marker and drew another X on the map. “The last attack happened a few hours ago, right here.”
King Jason leaned over the map, his brow furrowed. “The coastal patrols didn’t see them coming at all? This makes no sense. Where could they have launched from to reach our continent so quickly?
Noah, Jason’s advisor, pointed to a spot on the map. “Alpha Dylan’s nearest territory is here. It’s far enough that we should have seen his forces coming. He would need vessels to reach us, and we have warriors patrolling these open waters.
Jason’s frustration was palpable. “Yes, I know that. Enemy forces keep pouring into our territory without giving us any sign they’re coming.”
Unless…” I studied the map intensely, breaking off mid–sentence as realization hit me. “Unless we figure out what he’s doing… we’ll continue to lose battles.”
1/3
Chapter 94
“Yes, precisely, Jason agreed.,
We continued examining the map for several minutes, but no one offered any new insights. The longer I looked, the more convinced 1 became that my instinct was arrect. There really was only one posible launch point. The thought ignited a burning flame
nie.
within
After midnight, Jason sighed. “It’s getting late.”
When the other leaders had departed, I turned to Jason. “I hope I’m rong, but I think…”
“I thought you had an idea earlier. Why didn’t you share it with us? ason asked.
“I’ll tell you now.” I leaned over the map. “What’s the only place on this map that’s west of our warrior patrols and east of the Western Kingdom’s shores?”
Jason’s expression shifted as he realized the implications of my suggestion. His face darkened with betrayal and anger. “Eclipse territory? But… isn’t that Raymond’s domain?”
“No, it’s not,” I replied firmly.
“But if Alpha Dylan is truly launching attacks from Eclipse, he couldn’t be doing so without permission. Without the leader knowing…”
“Exactly, I confirmed.
“But why would-”
“It’s not hard to guess,” I cut in.
Jason exhaled heavily. “We can’t force him to cooperate, just as Dylan can’t force him either.” He sighed. “So you think Eclipse’s leader is working with both sides?”
“Or against both sides, depending on how you look at it. But the bottom line is, whichever side wins–his territory will be preserved and safe.” I paused before adding, “Though I believe he’d prefer us to win the war.”
Jason finished my thought. “…otherwise, he wouldn’t be pushing for your marriage to Madison.”
“I need to find out if Eclipse is being used by our enemies,” I stated, my mind already formulating plans.
“And I need you to move forward with Madison,” Jason countered.
I answered, “No hurry.”
His next question caught me off guard. “Is it because of that she–wolf. the breeder?”
I felt my chest tighten at the mention of Rachel, even indirectly. “I’m too busy dealing with everything to handle a wedding right now.” I quickly redirected. “This war, and our-”
“Is that so?” Jason interrupted. “Nathan, don’t lie to yourself. Please don’t make me force this issue.”
The truth was, I couldn’t face Madison. I didn’t know how long it would take, but not now–not when I couldn’t even make myself forget Rachel.
Jason’s expression softened slightly. “Nathan, whether or not you’re still unsettled about that she–wolf… what happened has
sweet woman. But I must ask you to…” happened. It’s a sad situation for many. From what I heard, she was
2/3
Chapter 94
Jason raised his hand to stop by response, then left the room alone
My head felt ready to explode. Tonight would be yet another sleeple
Chapter Comments
LIKE
