Chapter 198 198

Chapter 198 198
The atmosphere inside the meeting hall was tense.
No one spoke unnecessarily as maps and reports covered the large wooden table at the center of the room. The recent information brought by their scouts had only made the situation more urgent.
Asher stood near the table, studying the markings that indicated Sarmon's camp. His expression remained calm, but everyone present knew the storm brewing beneath that calm exterior.
Across from him stood Xander.
Unlike Asher, Xander wasn't trying to hide his frustration.
His patience had completely run out.
For days, they had gathered information, watched movements, and waited for the perfect opportunity.
Meanwhile, Alyna remained trapped somewhere inside Sarmon's camp.
That thought alone was enough to make his blood boil.
"We've waited long enough," Xander finally said.
The room fell silent.
His eyes moved from the map to Asher.
"Every day we sit here planning is another day Alyna remains in his hands."
Nobody disagreed.
Xander clenched his fists.
"Sending messages. Negotiating. Asking him to return her." He laughed bitterly. "It's ridiculous."
One of the betas exchanged nervous glances with the others.
Xander continued.
"Do you really think someone like Sarmon would hand her back because we asked politely?"
The answer was obvious.
No.
"He crossed oceans to find her," Xander said. "He destroyed packs to get here. He invaded our lands. Do you think he'll suddenly become reasonable?"
The silence in the room answered him.
Asher slowly lifted his gaze.
For the first time in days, he found himself agreeing completely.
Sarmon wasn't someone who could be reasoned with.
Everything they had learned about him proved that.
The man only understood power.
And power was exactly what they would have to show him.
Xander leaned forward slightly.
"It's enough."
His voice carried through the room.
"We go there."
A dangerous determination filled his eyes.
"We break into that camp."
His gaze shifted toward Asher.
"And we bring Alyna home."
Several warriors nodded immediately.
The plan was reckless.
Dangerous.
But everyone secretly wanted the same thing.
Asher remained silent for several moments.
He thought about Alyna chained inside a tent somewhere.
Alone.
Terrified.
Waiting.
He thought about Leo crying for his mother.
He thought about the promise he made to Alyna.
And finally, he nodded.
"We fight."
The words settled heavily over the room.
Xander released a slow breath.
For the first time since Alyna's abduction, he looked relieved.
Because action was finally replacing waiting.
One of the scouts stepped forward.
"There is something else."
Everyone turned toward him.
The young scout looked nervous.
"Our spy returned from Sarmon's camp."
Asher immediately focused on him.
"What did he learn?"
The scout swallowed.
"There have been discussions among Sarmon's commanders."
"What discussions?"
The scout hesitated.
Then answered.
"They might be leaving."
The room instantly erupted into murmurs.
Xander slammed his hand against the table.
"What?"
The scout nodded quickly.
"They've been talking about moving their camp."
That news changed everything.
If Sarmon left these lands with Alyna—
Finding her again would become nearly impossible.
Asher's expression darkened immediately.
They could no longer afford to wait.
The opportunity was closing.
Xander looked at Asher.
Now both of them understood the same thing.
The attack had to happen soon.
Very soon.
"We move tomorrow," Xander said.
Nobody objected.
Tomorrow was the only choice left.
Asher nodded slowly.
"Tomorrow."
The decision had been made.
The meeting continued late into the evening as they discussed routes, defenses, and possible traps.
For the first time, the former enemies worked together without hostility.
Both Alphas wanted the same thing.
To destroy Sarmon.
And rescue Alyna.
After the meeting ended, Asher stepped outside.
The night air felt cold against his skin.
Above him, the moon hung quietly over the forest.
Xander joined him a few moments later.
Neither spoke for some time.
The weight of what awaited them tomorrow lingered between them.
Finally, Xander broke the silence.
"You know..."
Asher glanced at him.
Xander stared toward the dark forest ahead.
"I spent years preparing for a war against you."
A faint smile appeared on Asher's face.
"So did I."
Xander chuckled softly.
"Funny."
For the first time, there was no hatred in his voice.
No rivalry.
Only exhaustion.
"Now we're fighting side by side."
Asher folded his arms.
"Life rarely goes the way we expect."
Xander nodded.
His eyes remained fixed on the darkness beyond the trees.
"I guess this is where our fate intervenes."
Asher didn't reply immediately.
Because he knew Xander was right.
Something bigger than their rivalry had brought them here.
Years of hatred.
Generations of conflict.
All of it seemed meaningless now.
Because one enemy threatened everything they cared about.
And one woman had somehow united them.
Tomorrow would decide many things.
Perhaps victory.
Perhaps death.
Perhaps the future Alyna had been trying so desperately to change.
For a moment, both Alphas stood in silence.
Then Asher finally spoke.
"We bring her home."
Xander's eyes hardened with determination.
"No matter what."
The two men exchanged a brief nod.
An understanding.
Not as rivals.
Not as enemies.
But as warriors heading toward the same battlefield.
Tomorrow, they would strike.
And Sarmon would finally learn that he had taken something that belonged to neither Alpha alone—
But to everyone willing to fight for her.