Adide’s POV


    I knew Lycan Erasmus wouldn’t take my word easily, so I presented a letter. “This is from Craig. Believe or not, it’s up to you.”


    In reality, <b>Craig </b>hadn’t penned this letter. The intel came from Prune<b>. </b>


    But Craig was renowned.


    The letter was forged in Craig’s handwriting. If I’d said Prune gathered the intel, Erasmus would’ve dismissed it outright.


    Last night, I thought through the Southem Border’s peril.


    Without royal reinforcements, Alpha Lance’s battle would likely end in defeat.


    The situation was dire. The Western Tribe’s army had already infiltrated the Dragon Ash Kingdom, en route to the Southern


    Border.


    Even dispatching aid now might be toote.


    As for post–battle ountability regarding the Bloodscar Border and Snowdeer Town campaigns, and whether my grandfather would be implicated–those were concerns for another day.


    Hearing that my friend Craig supposedly sent the message, Erasmus’s surprise was evident. He immediately ordered Beta Fabian to bring him the letter.


    The handwriting matched Craig’s style precisely.


    I knew Erasmus, during his time as crown prince<b>, </b>had collected Craig’s works and was intimately familiar with his handwriting.


    The letter I forged in Craig’s handwriting detailed his travels.


    In the final paragraph, I wrote, “While crossing the Sunset Peaks, I spotted countless Western Tribe wolves d in Dragon Ash military uniforms. They’re heading toward the Southern Border. This is <b>grave</b>. Consider reporting this to Lycan Erasmus.”


    I kept my head bowed, anxiety churning in my gut.


    Erasmus’s frown deepened as he <b>finished </b>reading.


    His sharp gaze pinned me–a clear sign the forgery was detected.


    Erasmus was astute–a collector of Craig’s works during his time <b>as </b>crown prince. He’d studied Craig’s handwriting meticulously.


    But with time <b>pressing </b>and no better option<b>, </b>I’d resorted to this.


    Erasmus <b>fixed </b>me with <b>a </b>severe gaze. “Do you realize that this forged letter could cost you your life?”


    +15 Bonus


    “You should know your limits. You requested the dissolution of your mate bond, and now you cause more trouble. What are you trying to achieve?”


    “As a graduate of the Warscar Training Camp, aren’t you ashamed to bring disgrace to your camp? To shame it because of you?” Erasmus’s usations came rapid–<b>fire</b>.


    I admitted, “Yes. I forged it. Punish me as you will. But the intel is true. I swear on my life.”


    I


    “Absurd!” Erasmus mmed the table, his eyes zing with stern disapproval. “The legacy of the Frostfang Alpha line rests solely with you now. If harm befalls you, it would mean theplete extinction of Frostfang. Do you understand the gravity of my concerns?”


    “I established a precedent by allowing your future mate to inherit your title, ensuring yourfort and honor inter life–a legacy earned by your father and brothers. How can you squander such a sacrifice?”


    “You forged this message to provoke a military response. Do you wish Ulrik and Velda to return to the Southern Front, where danger lurks, and secretly hope they perish in battle?”


    “Adide, why have you be so bitter and detestable?”


    The rebuke wasced with humiliation. I felt my face and ears flush with heat.


    My ws shot out, piercing my palm, as silver–blue blood dripped onto the marble floor.


    A howl rose in my throat, mingling with the cedar musk that spiraled out of control.


    The bronze candbras ttered to the ground, their melting wax weaving grotesque patterns on the floor.


    I stammered, “Lycan Erasmus, I forged the letter. The intel didn’te from Craig–it was Prune, via homing pigeon. I used Craig’s name to add credibility.”


    “Enough!” Erasmus’s expression turned cold. “Prune infiltrating Dragon Ash? Preposterous!”


    “Prune’s ws have tasted northern wolves‘ <b>blood</b>!” I arched my back, overturning the gilded wolf–head chair, my de- <b>hardened </b>nails digging deep into the table’s edge. <b>“</b><b>In </b>a blizzard, she can <b>track </b>a scent thirty miles away-”


    I knew he’d dismiss it. No amount of pleading would convince him.


    “Lycan Erasmus-”


    He cut <b>me </b>off sharply. “<b>Guards</b>, escort <b>Alpha </b>Adide back to Frostfang. Confine her to the pack borders<b>,</b>” Erasmus barked, sweeping out with a swish of his cape.


    I lunged forward, only to be halted by royal guards.


    I couldn’t risk a fight–not without escting tensions further.


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