Chapter 306: Aurora

I walked away from Evelyn, unsure if I would ever return. With Dane in his predicament and the pack already divided and gripped by fear, we stood no chance; we were doomed. We couldn't possibly win against their army. If I were to help my pack, I had to do it from within.

I balled my fists and hurried along the paths leading out of our territory. I couldn't risk going through the woods, even as a shortcut, as I might encounter their men and struggle to identify myself.

I gulped as I walked. The thought of obtaining information about Dane's antidote consumed me. Reaching the river, I walked to a boat, pushed it off the shore, and climbed aboard.

“Hey!” I heard a shout. I turned to see one of our guards racing toward me, torch in hand. I couldn't let him see me. Gritting my teeth, I pushed the boat further into the river, and began to paddle frantically.

“Hey… come back… it’s not safe!” the guard yelled. But I was already pulling away. I took a deep breath. I knew it wasn't safe… I was doing this for everyone's best interest. For Dane.

“What about Dane?” I asked myself, his image flashing in my mind. “I'm doing this for him too… this isn't just for me.”

After a short time, I reached the opposite bank. I adjusted my burka, checked my dagger, and walked toward the shore. A large wooden gate and high walls surrounding the pack came into view.

I touched the earth, closing my eyes. “Goddess… guide me.” I took slow steps toward the gate, my gaze sweeping across my surroundings. I spotted a patrolling guard.

I knew he wouldn't let me pass easily; I needed to act quickly. I spotted a jar, and an idea struck me. I grabbed the jar, rushed to the river, filled it with water, and checked for leaks.

A smile played on my lips; it was leak-proof. I placed it on my head and approached the gate. The guard turned, “What are you doing out here so early?”

I gulped, maintaining eye contact; I didn't want to appear suspicious. I hadn't realized it was morning… I’d been traveling all night.

“I needed some water,” I replied calmly, though my heart pounded. He stared at me before opening the gate. “Thank you, sir.”

I walked away, my eyes fixed on the bustling streets, despite the early hour. I noticed patrolling soldiers, traders bartering goods, and others going about their business.

My stomach churned. Orion's pack had already prospered; while we were recovering from attacks, his greed drove him to take more. “Such a jerk,” I muttered.

“Wait!” the guard called, and I paused. I turned and saw him approaching. I walked back to meet him, away from the crowd; I didn’t want to cause a scene.

“Yes?”

“When did you go out that I didn’t see you… and we have plenty of water in the pack, why did you get it from the river?”

Shit… I groaned inwardly, remaining silent and meeting his gaze.

“Show me your mark!” he demanded.

“Fine…” I growled. “Here you go.” I lifted the water jar, as if to drop it, and struck him on the head.

“Ouch… you little…” he groaned, staggering back. That was all the time I needed to dart into the crowd.

I breathed a sigh of relief as the guard ran past, where I pretended to purchase herbal medicine. I saw a group of guards patrolling, followed by a group of women in burkas.

“Who are those?” I asked the stall owner.

“Those are Orion’s soldiers; they come here to raid and claim territory… the women behind them provide food and other necessities.”

I nodded, keeping my head down, my eyes drawn to a bottle of purple liquid. I traced my finger along it, “What is this?”

She raised an eyebrow, “It’s from a wildflower; it paralyzes animals that ingest even a drop, for days.”

Days?

I picked it up; it cost a few pennies. I left extra coins, “Will this incapacitate werewolves?”

She looked at me, furrowing her brows. After I added more coins, she smiled and took the money.

“Of course.”

I nodded, slipped the venom into my purse, and discreetly moved away from her stall. I hurried to a dark corner and watched the army pass. Once the women began to pass, I joined them, blending in seamlessly.

We reached what seemed to be their training ground, and the women were directed to the kitchen. “Prepare the food; the army is going to war soon,” the stout leader ordered.

While they tended to the fire, I emptied the bottle into the food before extinguishing the flames.

“The food is ready…” I announced, and the leader nodded.

“Taste it… and tell me if it’s good.”

I froze… Taste?

I gulped and reached for a spoon, but a soldier burst in and grabbed my hand.

“Hungry? Why don't you satisfy my hunger first,” he slapped my behind, pulling me away.

“Girls… serve the army,” the leader ordered, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

The man dragged me to his room and threw me onto the bed. I dropped to my knees, drawing the dagger hidden in my shoe.

“I know you'll be sweet… remove your burka,” he growled, unbuckling his belt.

I gulped, watching his every move. I couldn't let him touch me.

He smirked, “If you won’t take it off… I will.”

He lunged, and I plunged the dagger into his chest. His eyes glazed over. I pushed him off and slipped out of the room.