Chapter 165
Asher's POV
“Look who’s finally showing up,” a voice called from above.
I didn’t flinch. My boots crunched against the cobblestones as I kept my gaze forward, ignoring the mocking grin down at me. Every step reminded me of Ellie. I could still feel the sting of her betrayal, sharp as the winter wind slicing through my cloak. I had trusted her, relied on her, and she had sold Phina to our enemies without a second thought.
Anger coiled in my chest, hot and relentless, but I swallowed it down. I had a mission to finish. I replayed every moment I’d overlooked—every hesitation, every small clue she had left behind. Each one screamed at me now, but they also sharpened my focus. I couldn’t afford to lose my mind here, not with Phina’s life on the line.
My fists clenched at my sides, knuckles pale, but I held myself steady. The laughter of Jason’s men echoed between the stone walls, high and teasing. I ignored it, letting my eyes sweep over the guards stationed along the alley, reading the shifts in their stance, the way their hands hovered near their weapons. I was on alert. Every sound, every movement could hide a trap.
A sudden shout made me glance up.
“Do you even know where you’re going, Alpha?” another voice jeered.
I ignored it. I could feel my heart pounding, but I forced it into rhythm with my stride. Fear had no place here. The wind whipped across the narrow path, tugging at my cloak and carrying the sharp scent of smoke from distant fires. I inhaled it deeply, letting it ground me, remind me of where I was and what I had to do. Nothing would break me.
Zayn fell into step beside me, his presence steadying. He didn’t speak, just nodded once, a silent promise that we were moving together. That tiny assurance gave me a fraction of calm amidst the storm of anger and caution in my mind.
Another taunt came, sharp and mocking.
“You look… different up close, Asher. Tired? Maybe scared?”
I ignored it, my jaw tight. I would let my actions speak louder than their words. I clenched my fists and lifted my chin. The betrayal of Ellie still burned, but it fueled me now, focused and controlled. I wouldn’t let it distract me. Not now. Not ever.
“Keep your mouth shut,” I muttered under my breath, but loud enough for the shadows to hear. “You don’t know what’s coming.”
“Look alive, Alpha,” a voice sneered from a balcony, and a ripple of laughter followed.
I ignored it, forcing each step forward to stay steady despite the jabs thrown by Jason’s men. Their mockery bounced off the walls, sharp and relentless, but I refused to give it any power over me.
A rock shifted under my boot, and a guard nearby smirked, leaning over to whisper something crude. I didn’t react outwardly, though my teeth clenched. Zayn flanked me closely, his presence a steady anchor against the storm of provocation. Soon I could feel the weight of his hand brushing against mine briefly, a subtle reassurance that we moved together, ready for whatever came next.
The men’s voices grew louder, taunting me with every turn and shadow. I tuned most of it out, letting the sound sharpen my awareness instead of breaking my focus. Soon the light of the moon reflected off their armor, making the stone paths glare, and the mingling scents of sweat and leather stung my nose. Every detail kept me alert, every sneer recorded for later judgment.
Zayn murmured quietly, “Ignore them. They can’t touch you.” His voice cut through the din, calm and steady.
I nodded slightly, letting his words reinforce the tight control I kept over my temper. My steps remained measured, each footfall deliberate, carrying me closer to the heart of their stronghold.
One guard stepped forward too close, grinning.
“Careful, Alpha. Don’t trip over your pride.”
I felt the urge to respond, to strike, but I swallowed it. I let my presence speak, letting them understand that my control was stronger than their insults.
The closer we moved, the more the jeers began to fade, replaced by the growing tension ahead. I could see the open courtyard where Jason and the allied alphas were gathered, the chatter stopping as they noticed our approach. My pulse accelerated, not from fear, but from the weight of anticipation and the burden of what I was about to confront.
Zayn’s eyes met mine briefly, sharp and focused. No words were needed. I had a clear path, and my men were with me. The mockery dissolved into background noise, leaving only the truth of what waited in the courtyard.
I stepped forward into the open, heart hammering, and froze for a heartbeat at the figure beside Jason.
My voice cut through the tension, sharp and disbelieving.
“That woman… is that really… Suzanne?”
I froze mid-step, my eyes locking on the woman standing beside Jason. My chest tightened as recognition slammed into me like a physical blow. It was Suzanne—my Suzanne—smirking confidently, dressed as Luna, carrying the arrogance of a Luna.
A ripple ran through the assembled alphas and nobles, low murmurs swelling into confused whispers. I could see the shock etched into their faces, the subtle shifts of unease and curiosity. Zayn’s hand brushed against my arm, a grounding presence, and I drew in a deep, controlled breath.
My vision narrowed to her, the crowd and the room fading into background noise. Every muscle in me tightened with readiness, every thought sharpened by the clarity of recognition.
The whispers surged into a crescendo as eyes darted between Suzanne and Jason. Allegiances shifted visibly, old alliances tested by the audacity of her claim. The room teetered on the edge of chaos, the air thick with anticipation and suspicion.
I stepped fully into the open, forcing my voice to carry across the hall, steady and sharp. My words sliced through the murmurs, demanding attention.
“Suzanne… you? After everything… you've been here all this time?”
I spoke out loud and she began turning her face away from me.