In the city center of Ironhorn Alliance, Jay drove a small transport vehicle loaded


    with Astral Ambers through the city toward its highest point.


    "Are they distributing rewards or something? That looks like a ton of Astral Ambers."


    "More than 10,000, at least."


    "Really? Didn''t they just hand some out a few days ago?"


    "You didn''t hear? The young lord got into trouble while he was out, and someone saved him. These Astral Ambers are part of the reward."


    "Rumor says there are 30,000 in total. Ironhorn Alliance is really generous."


    "Of course. Saving the young lord is definitely worth that much."


    "Word is, he was ambushed on a mission..."


    The streets buzzed with gossip as therians traded bits and pieces of the story.


    At one street corner, a male crept silently off to the side, listening intently to the chatter about Karl''s rescue. After a few minutes, he heard nothing useful and quietly slipped away.


    "Lord Hansen, the word''s out. One of Lieutenant Hansen''s men was seen snooping around," Jay said, activating his interface and calling Wayne through voicemand.


    "Understood. Ms. Chambers and the others have already left. Once you''ve delivered the Astral Ambers, take the hidden passage and meet up with the rest of the team. Keep a close watch on Sawyer''s men. Be careful and make sure Ms. Chambers is kept safe," Wayne ordered coldly.


    "Even if he''s my brother, I won''t tolerate him threatening my son''s life! How dare he try to kill my son?"


    "Yes, Lord Hansen."


    After ending the call, Wayne stood at the window, looking out over the bustling city below, worry etched across his face.


    "When did Sawy change so much?" he murmured.


    Analise was about to step on the starship docked at Ironhorn Alliance starship


    station when she heard a male calling out to her.


    "Ms. Chambers, wait!"


    "Do I know you?" Analise turned around.


    Scott and Fiy paused as well, watching him closely.


    "No, you don''t the man said with a sycophantic smile. "But in today''s Interster Alliance, who doesn''t know Ms. Chambers? I had the honor of watching your live stream when you calmed an SS- male."


    s?novi


    "So, what do you want?" Analise asked coolly.


    "Our lieutenant would like to meet with you," the man said quickly. "He also invited


    Admiral Hopkins and Major Knight to join."


    Analise raised an eyebrow. "Your lieutenant?"


    "Yes, Lieutenant Sawyer Hansen, Lord Hansen''s younger brother," the man replied politely.


    Analise nced at Scott and Fiy. Then, she nodded. "Alright. I''ll meet him."


    The three of them followed the man to the starship station''s VIP room, where Sawyer was already waiting.


    "I thought Ms. Chambers and Admiral Hopkins would turn down my invite," Sawyer said with a smile as they entered.


    "You''re the gentleman who walked into Hall of Warriors earlier, aren''t you?"


    Analise shot back with a polite smile of her own.


    "Yes," Sawyer nodded. "I assume my brother has mentioned me. I wonder how he described me to you."


    "Kind, brave, and a little shy," Analise replied


    Sawyer blinked. "He really said that?"


    "Sure. He also said you nearly got Karl killed," Analise added, her


    lips


    curling slightly as if discuss


    cus entirely trivial.


    something entirely trivial.


    "You don''t care?" Sawyer looked at her, his eyes scanning her expression for any reaction.


    "Care about what?" Analise asked tly.


    "Never mind," Sawyer muttered, shaking his head.


    "They refused to hear my exnations and kidnapped my mate. They even lied about it. I asked the neighbors around. They were the only ones that visited my home that day. When I left, she was resting at home. And... And my mate''s pregnant."