Chapter 255
Chapter 255
Iris's POV
The plane's engines quieted as we touched down on the remote airstrip. When the cabin door opened, the brutal northern wind rushed in, bringing with it an icy chill that cut straight through my heavy coat. I shivered involuntarily, wrapping my arms tighter around myself.
Through the small window, I could see the vast expanse of snow-covered forest stretching to the horizon. Something about those dark pines standing sentinel against the white landscape made my stomach tighten. This was their territory—a place where foreign wolves weren't welcome, especially ones carrying what I had.
K approached, his face unusually serious as he handed me a small box.
"This is a specialized communication device," he said, his voice low. "It's designed to be undetectable even within their territory. Check it every thirty minutes. If there's no signal for more than two hours—"
"You launch Plan B," I finished for him, noting the rare concern in his eyes.
I took the box, carefully concealing the communication device within my earring. My fingers instinctively moved to my wrist, feeling the cool metal of the Alpha credential beneath my sleeve. To anyone else, it looked like an ordinary bracelet—antique silver with intricate engravings—but I knew its true significance now. This simple piece of jewelry was the key to our entire mission.
The team gathered for final coordination before splitting into our assigned groups. According to our plan, I would approach openly with the credential while the others would infiltrate different sections of the territory.
When I reached Sebastien, his eyes held mine a beat longer than necessary.
"Remember the signal," he said quietly. "Don't take unnecessary risks."
I nodded, unable to form words past the sudden tightness in my throat. Turning away, I followed Dina to the waiting vehicle while Sebastien, K, Daniel, Blake, and Jenny moved toward their respective positions, each taking different routes to avoid detection. Through the side mirror, I caught one last glimpse of Sebastien's figure as he disappeared into the treeline, his shoulders rigid with determination. I made a silent promise to myself—and to my children waiting at home—that we would all return safely tonight.
---
The landscape transformed as our car moved deeper into the countryside. The scattered towns gave way to pristine wilderness, pine trees heavy with snow creating a natural barrier against the outside world. Dina and I had changed into local-style clothing—thick wool sweaters, sturdy boots, and heavy coats that made us look like ordinary tourists on a winter excursion.
Frost had formed on the inside of the car windows. I traced a pattern with my fingertip, watching the ice melt beneath my touch.
"We're getting close," Dina said, her eyes fixed on the GPS navigation. Despite her calm voice, I could hear the tension underneath. It made me realize that this mission might be even more dangerous than I'd anticipated.
"Remember the plan," I said, my finger absently running along the edge of the credential hidden beneath my sleeve. Its cool surface offered strange comfort. "Once we enter their territory, we separate. You move toward the eastern section to observe their defensive positions, while I intentionally make myself visible."
My heart rate picked up as I voiced this part of the plan, but oddly, the surge of adrenaline cleared my mind rather than clouded it.
Dina shot me a worried glance. "Ma'am, I'm not comfortable with you facing them alone. The Northern European pack is known for their ferocity. Even with the credential's protection—"
"Don't worry," I forced a confident smile, though my own doubts lingered just below the surface. "According to K's intelligence, they'll respect the ancient traditions. They won't harm a bearer of the credential. Besides, this is the most direct route to meeting their Beta." I paused, my voice dropping. "This threat has affected my family. I can't just sit back and wait for them to come after my children again. For Nathan and Emma, I have to take this risk."
The car slowed as we reached the edge of a small village. The buildings were sparse and ancient-looking, smoke rising from chimneys into the clear winter air. I did one final check of my equipment and clothes.
"Remember," I told Dina, "if anything goes wrong, get out immediately and contact Sebastien. Don't try to rescue me. Your safety comes first."
I watched Dina's figure disappear eastward before turning toward the forest myself. The snow crunched loudly beneath my boots, leaving a clear trail behind me. Strangely, as I ventured deeper into enemy territory, a peculiar calmness settled over me—as if everything in my life had been preparing me for this moment of decision.
---
Half an hour into the forest, a sharp tingle ran down my spine—the unmistakable sensation of being watched. They were here, sooner than I'd expected. I continued walking, pretending ignorance, but every nerve in my body was now on high alert, ready to respond to any sudden movement.
The wind shifted, bringing with it unfamiliar scents. Then, without warning, three tall, powerfully built men stepped out from behind the trees, blocking my path. They spoke in rapid Northern European dialect, their tones hostile.
Despite my preparation, my heart slammed against my ribcage. Their stance and the cold calculation in their eyes revealed their combat training. It was far more intimidating in person than it had been in our briefings.
"I'm sorry," I said in English, deliberately injecting a tremor into my voice while keeping my mind sharp and focused. "I'm just a tourist. I think I'm lost."
The blond leader responded in broken English, his accent thick. "This is not tourist area. Why you here?"
His eyes pierced mine like daggers, seeming to search for deception.
I maintained my innocent act, raising my hands slightly to show I was harmless. "I heard about the beautiful scenery in these woods. I wanted to take some photographs. I didn't know this was private property." The explanation sounded plausible—exactly as I'd intended.
The men exchanged glances. The leader stepped closer, inhaling deeply—a behavior common among wolves to identify others. For a moment, I felt a chill run through me as his eyes suddenly widened.
"She carries wolf scent on her!" he exclaimed.