Chapter 254

Chapter 254
Iris's POV

I picked up the bracelet again, feeling its cool weight in my palm.

K stepped closer. "The stories say it responds to the bearer's intent and need. It's not something you control so much as something you... request."

Feeling slightly foolish, I slipped the bracelet back onto my wrist and closed my eyes, focusing on the cool metal against my skin. Nothing happened at first, then I felt a slight warmth spreading from the bracelet up my arm.

"It's glowing," Jenny whispered.

I opened my eyes to see a soft blue light emanating from the intricate patterns on the bracelet's surface. The light pulsed gently, matching the rhythm of my heartbeat.

"That's a good sign," K said, looking genuinely impressed. "It recognizes you as a legitimate bearer."

The implication of his words wasn't lost on me. This ancient artifact, somehow connected to my mother's past, acknowledged my right to wield it. The responsibility of that recognition settled heavily on my shoulders.

The discussion paused as we broke for a late lunch. Afterward, I found myself drawn to the rear of the cabin where a small lounge area offered some privacy. Standing at the window, I watched the clouds drift beneath us, their soft contours belying the turbulence of my thoughts.

I sensed rather than heard Sebastien approach, his reflection appearing in the window beside mine.

"What are you thinking?" he asked softly, his hand coming to rest gently on my shoulder.

I took a deep breath, not turning around. "What if K's information is wrong? What if this is a trap?"

Sebastien was quiet for a moment. "I've considered that possibility too. That's why I made additional arrangements—another Grey pack unit is already headed to Northern Europe through a different route. They'll approach the target area separately and stand ready to provide support if needed."

I turned to face him, surprised by his thorough planning. "You didn't tell me about this."

"I didn't want to add to your worries," he offered a small smile. "But I promise you, whatever happens, I will ensure you return home safely."

Looking into his determined eyes, I felt a warmth spread through me. There was a time when I'd doubted him, when I couldn't trust his intentions. Now, I was willingly placing my life in his hands.

"Thank you, Sebastien. But in this mission, I don't want to be just someone you protect. I want to be a true participant, fighting alongside you."

His gaze softened. "I know. You've always been the strongest warrior, never needing to be sheltered. I just... can't bear the thought of losing you."

"We won't lose each other," I said, leaning into his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. "When this is over, we'll go home together, to watch our children grow."

We stayed like that for a moment, drawing strength from each other. Then Sebastien straightened, his expression becoming more businesslike. "We should rejoin the others. There are still details to finalize."

---

Back in the conference area, everyone had reconvened, an air of focused tension permeating the space. Each person understood the gravity of our mission and the risks involved.

"We need to clarify everyone's roles," I said, looking around the group. "Once we enter pack territory, there's no turning back."

K unfolded a hand-drawn schematic of the pack headquarters' interior. "Based on my knowledge, this is the general layout. The central area is their council chamber. The Beta's private quarters are to the north. The ritual grounds are to the west, and the warriors' barracks are to the east."

I studied the drawing carefully. "I will approach with the Alpha credential alone, drawing their attention. Dina, you'll accompany us as my entourage. Stay alert and observe."

Sebastien continued, "K, Daniel, Blake, Jenny and I will infiltrate different areas separately. Gather intelligence and look for potential allies. According to K's analysis, not everyone in the Northern European pack is satisfied with the Beta's rule. We can use that to our advantage."

"What if they refuse to follow tradition?" Jenny asked, voicing the concern we all shared. "What if they attack immediately?"

I gripped the bracelet on my wrist—the Alpha credential—tightly. "That's why we need to demonstrate the credential's power before we enter. Make them understand we're not there to start a war, but to resolve a succession issue. If they truly care about the future of their pack, they'll at least give us a chance to speak."

Daniel added, "We also need an exit strategy. If things go south, I've arranged several potential extraction points." He showed us several locations marked on the map.

"Good," I nodded approvingly. "Remember, our primary goal isn't to eliminate enemies but to neutralize the threat—to ensure they won't come after us or our family again. If we can achieve that through negotiation and displaying the credential's power, that's the ideal outcome."

As we continued to refine our plan, I noticed Sebastien watching me with a mixture of pride and concern. For all his protective instincts, he respected my leadership in this mission. It reminded me of why we had found our way back to each other, despite everything that had happened.

---

The pilot's voice came over the intercom, announcing we would be landing in two hours. Outside, darkness had fallen completely, with occasional flashes of lightning in the distance suggesting a storm ahead.

I returned to my seat, retrieving a small box from my carry-on luggage. Inside was a family photograph—Sebastien and I with the twins, taken in my father's garden just weeks ago. Looking at the innocent smiles of our children, I felt both a wrenching absence and a fierce determination.

Jenny approached, offering me a cup of steaming tea. "You should rest a bit, ma'am. Once we land, there won't be much time to relax."

I accepted the cup gratefully. "Thank you, Jenny. Honestly, I'm nervous."

"That's natural," she sat across from me, genuine concern in her eyes. "But do you know what? The entire team believes in your ability to lead us through this. You've always made the wisest decisions in the most difficult moments."

Her words warmed me. Through these past months—from the crisis at Stone Industries to the turmoil in my personal life, to this current threat—I had indeed faced many tests and grown through each challenge.

"How long have you been with me, Jenny?" I asked suddenly.

"Not very long," she answered without hesitation, then smiled somewhat sheepishly. "To be honest, at first I saw it just as a job. But now... I'm proud to be part of your team."

I squeezed her hand. "When this mission is over, I want to restructure the company. I think you deserve a more prominent role. You've earned it."

Our conversation was interrupted by Sebastien approaching with a tablet. "We just received the latest weather report. There's a snowstorm warning near our destination. It might affect our landing and subsequent operations."

I frowned, studying the weather map on his tablet. "This will complicate things, but it could also provide cover. In a snowstorm, their surveillance will be compromised too."

"I've asked the pilot to adjust our route to avoid the worst of the weather," Sebastien said, sitting beside me. His voice carried a trace of fatigue. "But we should prepare for operations in adverse conditions."

I looked out at the clouds, feeling the weight of the challenge ahead. Whatever awaited us, I was ready to face it—for my family, for our future, and to end this threat once and for all.

As the plane began its descent, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. In my mind, I saw Nathan and Emma again, their small faces trusting and innocent. "We'll be home soon," I whispered, more to myself than anyone else. "I promise."