apter 753
Third Person’s POV
Avery didn’t care about the big picture, the two nations, or the high–stakes political chess match.
00:01
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He only knew one thing: if he ever came face–to–face with the people responsible, he’d lunged at them like a rabid dog. He’d tear their throats out regardless of the cost, even if it meant losing his own life.
But he understood why Adide was holding back.
She wasn’t just Adide; she was a high–rankingmander of the kingdom, a she–wolf with a duty. Her grandfather and herte father and brothers were the kind of loyal warriors who ced the kingdom’s survival above their own pack’s interests. She carried that bloodline with pride, but it was also a heavy shackle. She bore the honor of an entire legacy; she couldn’t just act like a rogue wolf and burn everything down for revenge.
Avery sat on the cold floor for a long time. It wasn’t until he heard the two women in the side hall start teasing each other–the atmosphere finally shifting back to normal–that he let out a long, shaky breath.
Just then, he caught sight of a tall figure standing at the corner of the hallway. It was Craig.
Avery scrambled to his feet, tip–toeing over with a finger to his lips. “Shh,” he whispered. “They’re in there talking. She’s doing a lot
better.”
Craig looked toward the faint light spilling from the side hall, his voice low and gravelly. “She cried hard, didn’t she?”
“Yeah. But Paisley worked her magic. They’re actually joking around now.”
Craig let out a soft sigh. A flicker of uncharacteristic tenderness crossed his rock–hard face. “Thank the Moon Goddess for Paisley. Sometimes, when a wound goes that deep, only another female knows how to reach it. We’re just soldiers–we don’t have that kind of touch.”
Avery nodded in total agreement. “Tell me about it. I felt useless standing out here, not knowing how to help.” He brushed the dust off his pants. “Come on, let’s head to the study. Alpha Lance and Caldwell are probably already at the tactical map. We need to hear the n for the next move.”
Craig nodded.
Before tonight, their primary goal had been simple: keep Alpha Zander out of a damp, miserable dungeon. They had seeded. But from here on out, every step would be a dance on the edge of a de.
The following evening, Lisa arrived in the capital and headed straight for Adide’s estate.
Adide knew she wasing, but she hadn’t expected her to move this fast. Alpha Zander had estimated it would take a few more days to see her.
When Paisley burst into the study with the news, Adide was halfway through unbuttoning her uniform. She fumbled to button it back up and sprinted toward the courtyard.
The sun hadn’t quite set yet. The sky was a masterpiece of three or fouryers of evening clouds, glowing like a fire of soft crimson and orange. That gentle, slightly mncholic light framed Lisa perfectly.
Lisa was standing in the courtyard, her voice raspy as she directed several omegas to unload heavy wooden crates from a carriage.
<b>11:39 </b><b>am </b>
When she heard Adide’s choked–up cry, she stiffened and spun around.
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Before she could even make out the figure on the steps, a ck blur hit her with a familiar, sharp scent. Adide threw herself into Lisa’s arms, hugging her with everything she had.
Smelling Adide’s unique scent, the reality finally set in for Lisa. Tears welled up instantly, but as a she–wolf who had spent her life in the frozen North, she mped down on her emotions, leaving only a sharp, stinging ache in her nose.
She forced a smile and patted Adide’s back. “What’s this? I just crawled back from the border–is this pup trying to tackle me right back where I came from?”
Adide squeezed her tight, refusing to let go for a long time. Finally, she stepped back half a pace and managed a bright, beaming smile.
“I’m just so happy to see you.”
Lisa reached out with her calloused hands, cupping Adide’s cheeks. She couldn’t keep the tears back anymore; she smiled even as her dry lips trembled violently. “Let me look at you. Stand up straight… how much have you grown? Moon Goddess, you’re half a head taller than me now.”
She gestured at the top of her own head, finally letting out augh through the tears.
Adide grinned, showing off two rows of white teeth. “Of course I grew. How old am I now? I’m not that cub who used to hide behind your skirts anymore.”
Lisa pinched her cheek affectionately. She had grown. Her bones were solid, her gaze was sharp as a de–but the price of that growth had been far too high, far too brutal.
Adide cleared her throat and took a few deep breaths to settle the lump in her throat. She tried to change the subject to keep things light. “What’s in these crates? They’re so heavy.”
Lisa’s voice softened. “Gifts. All the things we couldn’t send over the years. The war cut off the couriers, so I brought everything with me this time.”
“All of this?” Adide was stunned.
“It’s not that much. Just one thing a year, but it adds up.” Lisa paused, her voice shaking. “A few of them… your seventh uncle carved them for you on the battlefield himself<i>. </i><i>Go </i>see if they’re to your liking.”
<b>2/2 </b>
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<strong>Olivia Harris</strong> is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.