<b>Chapter </b>581
Raze froze, his dark gaze locked on the shard of ss in Caitlin’s hand.
This woman was even more unyielding than he’d expected.
48%
But what she didn’t seem to understand was that the harder she was to break, the more it stoked a
man’s desire to conquer her.
Sheldon stepped in quickly. “Don’t ruin the bigger n over a woman. With your power, there’s no kind of woman in this world you can’t have. Why waste your time on <i>one </i>who’s already married and
borne children?”
“Hmph!”
Raze allowed himself to be swayed, shooting Caitlin onest murderous re. “You’re right, she’s just a woman. Once I’ve crushed Sebastian, you’ll be a widow. Let’s see what you do then.”
He stormed out, and the door was locked again. Caitlin’s heart sank. She knew what woulde next -Raze would use her to get to Sebastian. The thought filled her with dread.
Back in the council hall, Raze turned to Sheldon. “Since Caitlin is in my hands, contact Sebastian and tell him toe to the ind and ransom her himself.”
He nned <i>to </i>lure Sebastian in, capture him, and avenge his brother.
Sheldon nodded but hesitated. “Boss, most of our main forces may have relocated here to Crescent Ind, but many of our men’s families are still in the northern territories. If Sebastian uses their lives to force us to release her, what then?”
When they’d fled, only Raze, Sheldon, and a few others had managed to bring their families with them. Most had left loved ones behind, and the Obsidian Order had taken over the territory they
abandoned.
Even Raze’s elderly mother had stayed behind, refusing to leave her homnd. It was a real problem,
But Raze’s eyes were cold. “How do you know they’re still alive? For all you know, Sebastian has already ughtered them all.”
Sheldon fell silent. It was a possibility too grim to dwell on, and one they could never confirm.
“You saw it yourself–the way he butchered our people without mercy. You know exactly how ruthless
he can be.”
16:00 Wed, 3 Sept
Sheldon finally nodded. “All right. I’ll contact the Obsidian Order.”
3
23
Sebastian and Zeke were in a helicopter heading south over US territory when a transmission came in from the Obsidian Order headquarters. Thetest update had arrived.
ck Wolf Fortress had sent a direct message: they had Caitlin, and they wanted to negotiate with
Sebastian himself.
“They have news of Caitlin!”
After four days of agony, hearing his wife’s name brought a hot sting to Sebastian’s eyes. His <i>voice </i>was rough with emotion.
“What did they say? Where is she?”
“They took her. She’s with ck Wolf Fortress. They want to negotiate–directly with me.”
Sebastian ryed the message to Zeke.
“Did they say where?” Zeke asked.
“They’re holed up on Crescent Ind in the South Pacific. They want me toe alone.”
“They’re obviously trying to lure you in. Don’t rush into it–we need a n.”
“I already have one,<i>” </i>Sebastian said tly.
Knowing Caitlin’s location allowed him to think clearly again. He told the pilot, “Reply to headquarters. Tell ck Wolf Fortress I agree to the negotiation. And warn them–if they harm my wife, they’ll pay dearly.”
“Yes, sir.” The pilot ryed the message.
The helicopter continued for more than two hours before theynded to refuel.
During the stop, Sebastian contacted headquarters again, ordering men to assemble at the South Sea base.
Several hourster, they reached the base. As the head of the Obsidian Order, Sebastian secured clearance for their aircraft tond.
Dozens of hourster, fighter jets roared in from the clouds, descending on the base. The coastal defense forces provided full support, including long–range naval vessels for the Order’s use.
16:00 Wed, 3 Sept
a? ??<b>, </b>48%
23
ck Wolf Fortress received the Obsidian Order’s reply quickly.
Sheldon reported to Raze, “They answered. Sebastian agreed to negotiate–he’s already on his way.”
“Good. Tell everyone to be ready. I’m going to trap him like a dog and make sure he never leaves this ind.”
Raze’s eyes glinted with malice. “I’ll make sure he begs for death before I’m <i>done </i>with him.”
Sheldon added, “Revenge is one thing, but we also need to take back the northern territories.”
“Of course. I won’t rot on this rock forever. I’ll return to the north, to mynds.”
“When will Sebastian arrive?”
“Based on theirst transmission, they’re already in the Pacific, heading for Crescent Ind.”
“It won’t be long now. Let’s go to the watchtower.”
Raze and Sheldon headed up to survey the seas.
On the fifth day after Caitlin’s abduction, Sebastian’s forces sailed for the South Pacific.
The sun zed over the wide ocean, heat radiating from the deck. Sebastian stood at the rail, eyes scanning the endless horizon. His expression was calm, but his mind was a storm.
Had Caitlin been mistreated in these lost days? The thought made his chest ache.
He had sworn to protect her, to never let her be harmed again. Yet here she was, in danger because of him. The guilt was crushing.
Zeke walked up beside him. He hade along knowing the risks, determined to help bring Caitlin home.
“Drink some water. Try to rest. You won’t do her any good if you copse before we even start talking,” Zeke said, offering a bottle.
Sebastian took a few swallows “I can’t sleep. Every time I close my eyes, I see her in danger. I’ll keep going until she’s safe.”
Zeke didn’t argue. He turned to face the waves with him.
16:00 Wed, 3 Sept @W.
How much longer until they reached Crescent Ind?
And what kind of shape would Caitlin be in when they got there?
3