Chapter 305

I flinched at a touch from behind and turned to see Evelyn. She placed a finger to her lips, shushing me, then took my hand and quickly led me behind a large tree.

“Nothing is here,” a man said, turning and leaving.

“Could be a wild cat,” the other replied, shrugging and sitting back down. I clutched my chest and took a deep breath.

“Thank you,” I mouthed to Evelyn.

She nodded. “Come with me.”

We reached a clearing where I saw Trajan and Piper pacing.

“What’s the plan?” Trajan asked softly, his tone firm despite the clear urgency.

I hesitated. My head felt hot, the need to decide freezing my brain.

“I… I want you two to come up with something. My head’s a mess,” I said sharply, my voice rising in frustration.

Chapter 305

“Into the ravine,” she suggested. “The terrain gives us the upper hand.”

Trajan nodded slowly, considering the risk. “Riskier, yet doable; we just have to lead them well.”

I gave them a determined nod. “Then let’s go. I trust you two.”

They moved in complete silence, each step tactical. Piper led, moving slowly and precisely through the dense woods; Trajan followed, occasionally looking back for reassurance.

As we neared the army, I gasped at their armament. I turned to Piper and whispered, “Piper, how sure are you about this ravine plan?”

“Sure enough to risk it,” she replied confidently. “We can’t afford to let them report back to Orion.”

Trajan added dryly, “We’ll split them up and make them think they’re chasing shadows.”

I nodded, proud yet anxious as they took charge. I remained hidden, observing from the shadows.

A shrill whistle from Piper, and the rival army advanced uphill toward her. Trajan flanked them, shifting a smaller…

Chapter 305

They were caught one after another, unable to form a proper formation. Then a young wolf on our side fell in battle, struck by a stray arrow. Piper, without hesitation, launched herself forward, shielding him with her body.

“No!” I hissed, my heart pounding.

Warrick emerged from the trees, his eyes wide with horror at Piper’s peril. Charging forward, he tackled the enemy, creating an opening for her escape.

Chapter 305

When the fighting ended, we regrouped at the forest’s edge. I noticed Warrick frequently glancing at Piper, his eyes tight with guilt and relief.

“Piper,” I whispered, “you need to talk to him. Now.”

She stiffened, then nodded. I turned away to give them privacy, but I couldn’t help overhearing.

“Why do you constantly throw yourself into danger?” Warrick exclaimed, his voice shaking.

“Why should you care?” Piper retorted defensively.

“Because I…” He paused, running a hand through his hair. “I care about you, all right? More than I should.”

Her eyes softened, but her voice remained firm. “Then stop treating me like I’m fragile. I’m one of these warriors.”

Chapter 305

Their conversation continued, raw and unfiltered, each revealing their fears and insecurities. While unresolved, a spark ignited between them. I smiled faintly, glad to see progress.

Chapter 305

As we neared the packhouse, the moonlight casting eerie shadows, I gestured for Evelyn to step aside at the entrance.

A worried look crossed her features. “Aurora, what is it?” she whispered anxiously.

I hesitated, but my mind was made up. “I need you to listen, Evelyn,” I said firmly. “Get me a burka.”

She narrowed her eyes but nodded, running inside and returning in under five minutes with the burka.

I took it and slipped into the shadows, reappearing wearing the burka.

“What are you planning?” she asked.

“I need to go to Orion’s pack, and the only way to avoid detection is to dress like their women.”

Her eyes widened, and she clung to my arm. “What? No! You can’t just… Aurora…”

Chapter 305

“…in the morning, raise the alarm and draw them all to Orion’s pack.”

Frustration boiling over, she took my hand. “Why alone? Why not a mission with someone else? That makes more sense!”

I sighed and shook my head. “Because I need to handle this myself. Fewer people involved means less risk. Trust me.”

“Trust you?” she repeated, concern evident. “Aurora, you’re asking me to stand by while you throw yourself into danger. That’s not fair.”

I placed my hands on her shoulders, looking into her eyes. “Evelyn, I’m not asking you to understand. I’m asking you to trust that I know what I’m doing.”

Her lips thinned, her struggle clear. After a tense silence, she sighed in frustration. “Fine. But if you don’t come back by morning…”

“I will,” I replied, forcing a smile.

She crossed her arms, frowning deeply. “You better. Because if you don’t, I’m dragging Warrick, Piper, and Trajan out there to find you.”

I chuckled, though the weight of it all still pressed on me. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

I turned to leave, but her voice stopped me.

I turned back. “Yes?”

“Be careful,” she said simply.

I nodded firmly. “I will.”