Chapter 52 A Promise in the Storm
[Nyx]
When we emerged from the office, Symone had already prepared an extra equipment pack.
She handed me a thickened tactical suit. "I guessed the captain would compromise. This is my spare, should fit."
I accepted it, looking gratefully at this female warrior. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me," Symone said, then lowered her voice. "But remember, if I say retreat, you must retreat. I don't want to get skinned by the captain because something happened to you."
"I promise."
"Ten minutes until departure!" Lysander announced to everyone, voice carrying battlefield commander's authority. "Destination: Shadowcrest territory border mountains. Mission: rescue trapped personnel. Remember, we represent Moonblade's honor and strength. We won't let anyone die under the snow."
"Yes, Captain!" Warriors' unified response shook the sky.
I quickly changed equipment.
Heavy tactical suit, waterproof boots, gloves, goggles, helmet. Equipment pack held first aid supplies—I insisted on carrying my own, didn't want to be a burden.
When I stood fully equipped at the assembly point, I looked no different from other warriors.
Lysander approached, voice low enough only we could hear:
"What I said wasn't just orders. I'm truly... afraid of losing you."
I turned to look at him. That usually stern face now filled with genuine fear.
I suddenly stood on tiptoe, quickly kissing his cheek. "I know. I'll be careful too. I promise."
Lysander froze. Touched the kissed spot. Then suddenly pulled me into his arms, holding tight.
"You must come back alive," he murmured in my ear. "Promise me."
"I promise."
Seth yelled from a distance, "Captain! Your face is red! And you're embracing your lady in public! This violates military regulations!"
"Shut up, Seth!" Lysander released me, resuming his stern expression. "Everyone in vehicles! Depart immediately!"
---
Three black military SUVs already waited outside the training grounds, engines rumbling low.
I followed the team quickly toward the vehicles. My phone vibrated frantically in the equipment pack—probably Eclipse people discovering I'd canceled all today's meetings.
Before boarding, I quickly pulled out my phone.
The screen showed seven missed calls—five from Anderson, two from Mia. Plus dozens of messages popping up in the chat interface.
Anderson's first message: "Miss Verdant, board members have all arrived, waiting for your meeting."
Second: "Supplier representatives arrived early, hoping to meet the new owner."
Third: "Can you still make this afternoon's department meeting on time? All supervisors are waiting."
Mia's message was more direct: "Miss Verdant, did something happen? Do you need me to handle anything?"
I gripped my phone. Internal struggle lasted less than three seconds.
Quickly dialed Anderson's number.
"Miss Verdant!" Anderson's voice carried both relief and anxiety. "You finally called back, the board—"
"Anderson, listen," I interrupted, voice rapid but clear. "I can't come to the company today. Emergency situation. I need to go to Shadowcrest territory immediately."
Silence on the other end for a second. "But Miss, today is your first time officially chairing the board, all suppliers, employees... everyone is waiting—"
"I know it's important," I glanced at Lysander waving me to the vehicle. "But there's something more urgent now. My sister is trapped in an avalanche zone. I have to go."
"Avalanche?" Anderson's tone changed instantly. "My god... of course, family first. But Miss, about today's meetings—"
"Postpone non-urgent matters," I decided quickly. "For the board meeting and supplier meetings—set up video conferences. I'll join remotely. I don't know when I'll be back, so everything goes virtual until then. Record everything, and I'll handle follow-ups as needed."
"Understood, I'll arrange immediately," Anderson was efficient, then his voice gentled. "Miss... I hope your sister is safe. Diana would also want you to put family first."
Those words made my eyes sting. "Thank you, Anderson."
Hanging up, I quickly messaged Mia: "Emergency family matter, can't come to company today. Help Anderson organize materials for tomorrow's board meeting. If anything urgent, call me directly."
Mia replied almost instantly: "Understood! Miss Verdant, take care! I'll handle everything!"
I pocketed my phone, taking a deep breath.
This was my first major decision as Eclipse owner—postponing the board debut I'd meticulously prepared.
Yesterday I'd just demonstrated control at the executive meeting, today I was canceling everything. What would they think? That I wasn't professional? Didn't value the company enough?
Family matters more, Sylva said firmly.
"I know."
I ran quickly to the second vehicle. Lysander was already in the driver's seat, holding the passenger door open for me.
I jumped in, fastened my seatbelt.
"Handled?" Lysander asked, starting the engine.
"Yeah," I nodded. "Company side postponed to tomorrow."
Lysander glanced at me, eyes showing surprise and approval. "You made the right choice."
"I know," I looked ahead. "And... canceling my first board meeting due to emergency might actually show them I'm not a boss controlled by their schedules. I have my own priorities."
Lysander couldn't help laughing. "You're starting to think like a real Alpha."
"I always have been."
The convoy started. Three SUVs formed a line, leaving the training grounds.
In the back seat, Symone and another warrior were checking rescue equipment. Seth's voice came through the radio: "Estimated travel time two hours fifteen minutes. Road conditions good."
I watched scenery fly past the window. Fingers unconsciously rubbing the tracker on my collar.
Lilith's face floated in my mind—that sister who hugged me at the west wing door, that girl who cried saying "we sisters finally reconciled."
Hold on, Lilith. Your sister is coming.