Chapter 253

Chapter 253
Iris's POV

The morning light filtered through the clouds as I stood at the edge of the private airfield, watching the last of our equipment being loaded onto the plane. My chest felt hollow, like someone had carved out something essential. Just hours ago, I'd kissed my children goodbye, promising to return soon. Nathan had hugged my neck so tightly I could still feel the phantom pressure. Emma had simply stared with those knowing eyes that sometimes seemed too wise for her tiny face. Those images refused to fade, washing over me in relentless waves.

"Everything's ready. We can take off whenever you give the word."

I turned to find Sebastien walking toward me from the aircraft, his voice low and steady. The morning breeze ruffled his dark hair as he approached, eyes searching mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.

"Still thinking about the kids?" he asked, stopping beside me.

"Yes," I managed a small smile, grateful he understood. "This is the first time I've been this far from them. I know my father and grandfather will take excellent care of them, but..." My fingers unconsciously traced the Alpha credential bracelet on my wrist—this seemingly ordinary piece of jewelry that had become the centerpiece of our dangerous mission.

"I just received confirmation from the Grey pack," Sebastien said quietly. "Their elite units are stationed around your father's property. Twenty-four-hour coverage, full perimeter. No one will get near our children."

Our children. The simple phrase warmed something in my chest, even amid the anxiety. Sebastien gently took my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles.

"Iris, we'll resolve this quickly and return home. I promise."

Before I could respond, I noticed our team arriving from different directions. K approached first, his expression serious as always, followed by Dina in her customary black attire. Daniel, Blake, and Jenny completed our small group, each carrying minimal luggage and necessary equipment.

Looking at these carefully selected warriors, my anxiety eased slightly. Each had proven their loyalty and combat skills in different situations. They were the best protection we could ask for in enemy territory.

"The weather forecast for our destination shows clear skies," K reported, stopping a respectful distance away. "Optimal conditions for our arrival."

"Good," I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Then let's get started."

---

The plane reached cruising altitude with barely a tremor. I unbuckled my seatbelt and made my way to the conference area in the middle of the cabin where Sebastien had spread out a detailed map of the Northern European pack territory.

"Based on our intelligence," Sebastien pointed to a partially concealed valley, "their headquarters is located here. The terrain is challenging—steep mountains on three sides, dense forest on the fourth. A frontal approach would be suicide."

I studied the map intently, searching for potential entry points. "Then we need a covert approach route." I looked up at K. "From what you know about the Northern European pack, are there any weaknesses in their defense systems?"

K leaned forward, his expression focused. "They maintain strict surveillance, but they do have one tradition that works in our favor. During the full moon, they conduct a collective hunt ritual. Security tends to be more relaxed then as most of the warriors participate."

I quickly checked the moon phase calendar on my tablet. "The next full moon is... tomorrow night." The coincidence made my heart skip a beat.

"This isn't coincidence," Sebastien's eyes flashed with sharp intelligence. "They've planned their attack strategically. They intend to move immediately after their hunting ritual, when their warriors are at peak strength from the transformation."

"But that gives us an opportunity," I said thoughtfully. "If we can arrive before they leave for their attack, during their hunting ceremony when the compound is less guarded..."

"Exactly," Dina added. "They won't expect us to bring the fight to their doorstep. Surprise is our greatest advantage."

Jenny examined the map more closely. "What's this area here?" she asked, pointing to a section marked with odd symbols.

"That's their ritual grounds," K explained. "It's where they gather before the hunt. Most of the pack will be there tomorrow night, including their Beta who's acting as temporary Alpha."

"Which means their living quarters and command center will be minimally guarded," Blake concluded, a slight smile forming. "Perfect timing."

I nodded, feeling both terrified and oddly calm. "We'll need to move quickly once we arrive. K, how long will their hunting ritual typically last?"

"Four to five hours. They begin at moonrise and return before dawn."

"Then that's our window," Sebastien said decisively. "We infiltrate during the ceremony, secure our position, and confront them with the credential when they return."

The plane hit a pocket of turbulence, and I gripped the edge of the table. It wasn't just the physical jolt that unsettled me—it was the reality of what we were planning. We were deliberately walking into enemy territory, outnumbered at least twenty to one, with only an ancient bracelet and tradition as our shield.

---

As the others dispersed to prepare their equipment, I removed the Alpha credential from my wrist and placed it in the center of the conference table. The simple bracelet gleamed under the cabin lights, unassuming yet powerful.

"According to tradition," K said carefully, eyeing the bracelet without touching it, "the Northern European pack's Alpha succession requires this credential. It's not just a symbol of authority but contains some kind of ancient power—it allows werewolves to maintain rationality during transformation and enhances their abilities. Without it, even someone with strength can't be fully recognized as Alpha."

I nodded thoughtfully, remembering how I'd accidentally acquired this bracelet. "So the current Beta has the strength but lacks legitimacy without this credential. That's why he risked sending people to steal it."

"There's more," Blake suddenly spoke up. He was our resident expert on werewolf traditions. "According to ancient werewolf law, if a foreign person holding the Alpha credential willingly enters pack territory, they have the right to challenge the current leader or nominate a new leader. It's an ancient agreement between cross-pack werewolves."

My eyes widened at this information. "You're saying that with this bracelet, I'd have some kind of speaking authority on their own territory?"

"In theory, yes," Blake nodded. "But only if they acknowledge and respect this ancient tradition. The Northern European pack is known for their adherence to traditions, which might be our breakthrough point."

Sebastien's eyes darkened with concern. "But this also makes you their primary target, Iris. Holding the credential puts you in the most dangerous position."

"That's precisely our opportunity," I said firmly. "If they truly follow tradition, they can't directly attack the credential holder without losing internal support. We can use this to create space for negotiation."

Sebastien didn't look convinced, but he didn't argue further. Instead, he asked, "Have you practiced accessing the credential's power?"

I shook my head. "I've felt it pulse occasionally, but I haven't deliberately tried to use it."

"You should," he advised. "We need to understand exactly what we're working with before we arrive."