Chapter 242 Chapter 241
At Soraya's approval, they began their journey to the weretigers’ hideout. Morvan shifted back to his tiger form, carrying them on his back. The journey was much slower due to Soraya's wounds, but she soon announced that they were healing well as her wolf instincts had taken over. Besides that, they had to be extra vigilant so no werewolf was trailing behind them.
Occasionally, they stopped to take breaks and rest, but it usually didn’t take long, and they had to be back on the road once more. They eventually arrived at the hideout by sundown the next day. As they approached the huge mountain, Morvan slowed, rumbling low in warning.
Rayena lifted her head. The hideout wasn’t just a cave—it was fortified. Tiger shifters lurked along the rocks, eyes gleaming like molten gold, watching with clear suspicion. Even from this distance, Rayena could feel hostility prickling in the air.
She shuddered, her grip on Morvan's fur tightening.
When they finally reached the entrance, only a few weretigers stood outside, but each looked ready to tear them apart if Morvan gave the word.
A heavy stone sealed the cave mouth from the inside. Morvan’s companions approached the guards, speaking in low, clipped tones. Only then did they roll away the huge stone at the mouth of the cave, allowing their entrance.
Inside, Rayena was stunned at how large and well-maintained the walls were, with more weretigers in human form—male and female alike—lounging around peacefully. Unlike the abject suffering she'd witnessed in the capital of the realm, these ones looked comparatively healthy.
They also seemed surprised at the new faces and promptly began sniffing them out. One of the men growled as he detected a werewolf's scent, glaring at Soraya.
"She's with us," Morvan called out from behind them, immediately shifting back into his male form. "Step away from her," he added with a snarl.
The person backed away instantly, his face blanketed with fear.
Someone handed Morvan a blanket, and he wrapped it around his body as he walked forward. "Follow me," he ordered without a backward glance. Rayena and Soraya instantly trailed behind him. He led them through several corridors with rooms at the sides, torches illuminating the small hallways, until they reached a bare room.
Both of them stepped inside, surveying the small yet quaint space.
There were cots already prepared, as well as small stools and tables. A small lamp stood at the center of the table, bringing in light, while a small opening at the top of the room brought in fresh air from goddess knows where. For a hideout, this room was perfectly equipped.
"I'll be honest..." Rayena began as she looked around. "I wasn't expecting this many people in the hideout." She glanced at Morvan. "Just how many of you went into hiding?"
"A lot," Morvan answered simply.
"How’s that even possible?" Soraya asked, joining Rayena.
"I'll give the details later. You've all had a long day and need to rest. I'll have some workers bring in some food. There's water in that bowl if you'd like to clean yourselves," he said, glancing at the covered barrel in the corner of the room.
"Unfortunately, I don't think I can get any more since water is in short supply," he added.
"Oh, this will do just fine," Soraya replied as she went to check the bowl. "Thank you."
"Fresh clothes and towels will be brought shortly. Excuse me," he said, offering a small bow before stepping out of the room.
They waited for the food, clean clothes, and towels that promptly arrived, giving them all they needed. Since there weren't any doors, Rayena drew the partition provided to give them some privacy as they got rid of their soiled clothes. Sharing the water, they cleaned themselves and slipped into the fresh, simple clothing.
Afterward, they settled on the ground and wolfed down their meal. It was surprisingly fragrant and delicious, a far cry from the mush they had been served in the palace. Eating with relish, they filled their stomachs, and Soraya even lay down, dozing off lightly.
Rayena couldn't sleep, anxiously waiting for Morvan to return and tell her what she desperately wanted to know.
Morvan returned a while later, already dressed, and seemed surprised to find her awake while Soraya was sleeping quietly in one of the cots. “Here are some more linens for you,” he announced softly, dropping them in a corner. Pulling out a bottle, he handed it to Rayena. “Here are some scent suppressants. Please, use them.”
Rayena hurriedly collected the bottle from him, popping two of the pills into her mouth and gulping them down. Just then, Soraya stirred, her eyelids fluttering open. Her gaze stayed unfocused for a bit before it settled on them.
“Did I fall asleep?” she asked, her voice slightly hoarse as she rose to a sitting position.
“Yes, you did,” Morvan answered. Tilting his head to the side, he added, “How do you feel?”
“Much better,” she answered with a small smile. “I think the poison has worn off and now my wolf is healing the rest of the wound.”
A corner of his lips twitched, not quite forming a smile.
“That’s good to know. Please use the scent suppressants I brought. They’ll help conceal your scent while you’re here and reduce your chance of getting into trouble,” he said, glancing at Rayena.
Rayena handed Soraya the bottle, and the latter took two of the pills, swallowing them down.
“Thank you…” she mumbled afterward, her cheeks reddening. Rayena glanced back and forth between them, noticing the chemistry.
Rayena’s chest tightened. Even here, in hiding, Soraya could blush. It made Rayena painfully aware of the hollow ache where her own bond should have been.
Rayena cleared her throat, drawing their attention back to her. “Morvan, don’t you have something to tell us? Concerning Xenon, that is.”
The ghost of a smile on Morvan’s face disappeared, and his expression turned grim. Beside her, Rayena felt Soraya straighten, concern already etched on her face. Rayena continued when he didn’t immediately answer.
“You said he wasn’t dead but also not alive. Can you tell me what he is and where he is? I want to see him.”
Morvan’s throat bobbed as if he had to force the words past something heavy. Rayena’s stomach dropped before he even spoke.
“It would be best if I started from the beginning,” Morvan groaned, his voice low.