Chapter 297

Chapter 297
Kaiden pov

I pace back and forth in the dark, damp cave that I chose as my hiding place until the rogue returns. I can’t risk standing out in the open, after my breakout from the cells, father might have sent his guards to look for me.  

The only sound I hear is the distant rustling of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl. The rogue has been gone for hours, and the waiting is starting to eat away at my patience. I clench my fists, trying to keep my frustration in check.

He said he would return with news, and I need to know what’s happening. I need to know how many will follow me.

Finally, I hear footsteps approaching. My heart races as the rogue steps into the cave, his face shadowed but calm. He doesn’t speak right away, instead he takes a moment to catch his breath. I glare at him, my impatience taking over my ability to think rationally.

“Well?” I demand, my voice sharper than I want it to be. “What did you find out?”

The rogue nods, a small smile spreads across his lips. “I’ve spread the word, just like you asked. I reached out to every rogue I’ve ever met, everyone who’s ever been cast out or left behind by their packs. They want to hear what you have to say.”

“And?” I press, stepping closer, feeling how the impatience is starting to burn brighter. “How many?”

The rogue scratches the back of his neck, thinking. “It’s hard to say exactly. But from what I can tell, there will be thousands. They’re eager to join you. They’ve been waiting for someone to lead them, someone to give them a purpose. You’re offering them that. That, and an unlimited amount of true power. Everyone wants to see the tables turn on those who wronged them. They want blood.”

Thousands. The number sinks in, and for a moment, I’m stunned. I knew there were many who hated the way the packs treated them, but I didn’t realize how many were desperate enough to join a cause like this.

A grin spreads across my face. This is more than I expected, more than I could have hoped for. “They’ll come?” I ask, my voice quieter now, more thoughtful.

The rogue nods again. “They’ll come. They want power. They want revenge. Blood and suffering, damn it. And you’re the only one who can give them all of that.”

I take a deep breath, trying to process what this means. Thousands of rogues, all ready to follow me into battle. The thought is both exciting and terrifying at the same time. I’ve always felt like I was meant for something more, something bigger than just being the king’s son. This is my chance to prove it.

“Did they say when they’ll arrive? How fast could they gather at the border and hear me out?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.

“They’ll start gathering at the border within the next few hours,” the rogue says. “Some are already on their way. They’re spread out, but they’ll come as fast as they can.”

I nod, pacing again as I think. “Good. We need to be ready when they get here. We can’t just rush into this. We need a plan. I need the damn plan.”

The rogue watches me carefully. “What’s the plan, then? What do you want to do?”

I stop and face him, my mind racing. “First, we gather everyone. Once we have the numbers, we’ll move on to the kingdom. But we have to be smart about it. The hunters are already planning their attack. We need to strike before they do, but we also need to make sure we’re not walking into a trap.”

The rogue leans against the cave wall, nodding slowly. “Makes sense. But how do you plan to deal with the hunters? They’re organized. They have resources. And also, if we get there before the hunters do, there’s a chance they will try to attack us after the battle is done - they don’t play fair.”

I smirk, feeling a surge of confidence. “We have something they don’t. Desperation. Every rogue out there has nothing to lose. That makes them dangerous. The hunters may be organized, but they’re not ready for what we’re bringing.”

The rogue seems to consider this for a moment before nodding in agreement. “You’re right. Desperate people fight harder.”

We stand in silence for a moment. I can feel the tension building, the anticipation of what’s to come. This is my moment, my chance to take back everything that’s been stolen from me.

“What about the packs?” the rogue asks suddenly. “Do you think they’ll try to stop us?”

I frown, thinking about it. “Maybe. But they’ve ignored us for too long. They won’t see this coming. And even if they do, they won’t be able to stop it. This isn’t just about revenge. It’s about taking what’s ours.”

The rogue nods, a spark of excitement in his eyes. “You really think we can win?”

I stare at him, my jaw set. “I don’t just think it. I know it. We’ve been pushed aside for too long. This is our time.”

He grins, the excitement spreading to his face. “I’m with you. We all are.”

I feel an odd sense of pride. This is what I’ve been waiting for. A chance to lead, to show everyone who I really am. The king, the Council, even Ashley - they’ll all see. They’ll all understand what happens when you push someone too far.

“Good,” I mutter. “Now go back. Keep spreading the word. Tell them to be ready. This is just the beginning.”

The rogue nods and turns to leave. I watch him go, my mind already racing with plans. This is it. The start of something unstoppable.

As the rogue disappears out of my view, I stand alone in the cave, left with nothing but my thoughts. I’m ready. We’re ready. The kingdom won’t know what hit them.