?Chapter 861:


    Puzzled, I chimed in, “Cody must be aware of the mayor’s poisoning and know he wouldn’t be able to attend the banquet. That means Alden is the one he actually wanted to invite. But what’s he nning?”


    Maia shook her head, her lips pressed tightly together. “I don’t know. Cody’s schemes are always cloaked in mystery.”


    Jett furrowed his brow and asked, “Mrs. Pierce, what are we going to do now?”


    Her expression grave, Maia replied, “There’s clearly something amiss with this banquet, but we can’t ignore Dayton’s critical condition…”


    “I’ll go!” Alden cut in, resolute. “I’ll attend the banquet and secure that herb, whatever it takes.”


    Maia stayed silent, her eyes turning to Jett, filled with turmoil.


    “Mrs. Pierce,” Jett said gently, “if you’re holding back something, now’s the time to speak up.”


    Maia inhaled deeply, her voice tinged with urgency. “I’m at my wit’s end. Would you consider attending the banquet as well? Cody is cunning, and I’m genuinely concerned. Even if Alden manages to obtain the herb, there’s a real chance it could be counterfeit. We can’t afford any dys in treating Dayton’s illness…” Her voice cracked,den with emotion.


    Jett and I exchanged wary nces.


    The banquet was evidently fraught with peril, a veritable minefield of deception and danger.


    Noticing our reluctance, a flicker of guilt passed over Maia’s face. She quickly apologized, “I’m sorry for putting this on you. Please, just disregard my request.”


    However, Jett’s demeanor shifted; he looked intently at Maia. “If Mr. Pierce recovers, what will be of the children of wizard-werewolf heritage who are currently detained?”


    Caught off guard by his question, Maia responded earnestly, “Dayton ispassionate. He’ll do everything in his power to ensure those children are safe.”


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    Jett nodded, seemingly resolved, and turned back to Maia. “Alright, I’ll go. I’ll help Alden secure the herb.”


    Relief and gratitude washed over Maia’s face as she thanked us profusely. “Thank you! Your help could save Dayton. I’ll never forget this kindness.”


    Alden observed from the sidelines, his expression aplex tapestry of thoughts. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but then paused, ultimately choosing silence. Lowering his gaze, he masked his thoughts, leaving us to wonder what was weighing on his mind.


    Bryan’s POV:


    The atmosphere in the grand hall hung like a physical weight, making each breath a conscious effort. Shadows danced along the ornate walls as if cowering from what was toe.


    My father sat imperiously on his ornate throne, eyes shing as he red at the cowering subordinates. “Useless bunch! Why haven’t you found Makenna’s whereabouts yet?” he roared.


    The officials hung their heads, trembling visibly, none daring to provoke my father’s wrath.


    Ever since Makenna fell from that cliff, my father had been consumed with finding her, dead or alive.


    He believed the white wolf’s extraordinary healing abilities meant she couldn’t have perished so easily.


    These past days, Dominic, yton, and I haven’t been idle either. We’ve secretly dispatched numerous search parties, but each returned empty-handed.


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