187

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The craggy rocks formed a natural barrier against the outside world, and the northern crest was covered in mist. Unnaturally still, a silence has descended upon the area. As though the forest itself held its breath, even the typical rustling of the trees sounded subdued.

With Ryker and a few of her most trusted fighters at her sides, Thalia took the initiative. Her hip still bore the weight of Killian's blade, a sharp reminder of the message he had left behind.

Ahead, close to the tree line, a few figures were arranged in stiff line. Thalia was agitated by their posture, which was disciplined and controlled but not openly hostile, even though their armor shone brightly in the moonlight.

A tall, thin man with dark auburn hair and sharp, calculating eyes stood in the middle of the group. He had no crest on his cloak, but his demeanor was very telling. He was more than just a messenger.

With an inscrutable face, the man bowed his head. "Thalia Luna."

Even though the title sounded strange coming from an outsider's lips, she didn't react to it. She glanced across at the five well-trained guys standing in perfect position behind him. Not inconsequential, but not enough to be a direct threat.

She looked him in the eye. "I don't know your name, but you know mine."

His lips curled into a slow, calculated smile. "I am Alpha Killian's envoy, Caden Vale."

The way Ryker tensed next to her told her everything she needed to know, even though the name didn't mean anything to her.

"You have to be new," Ryker remarked calmly. "Killian's emissaries typically don't stay long."

Caden's smile remained unwavering. "But still, here I am." He gave Thalia his whole attention. "My Alpha has given me a message. He wants to engage in negotiations.

Thalia folded her arms and laughed sharply. Strike a deal? Considering that the previous time we met, he was more interested in watching me bleed, that's an intriguing word choice.

Caden's face stayed expressionless. "Changes occur."

She moved forward slowly. "Yet Killian doesn't change."

After giving her a thorough examination, Caden resumed his conversation. "My Alpha admits that things have changed. He understands your tenacity. His use of the word "strength" seemed cautious, as though it were too risky to utter out loud. "He suggests a short-term ceasefire."

Silence descended among her warriors. It was ridiculous for Killian to suggest peace, even if it was just temporary.

Ryker laughed. "Isn't it convenient? Now that he is losing ground, he feels a strong desire for serenity.

Unfazed, Caden cocked his head slightly. "He recognizes that protracted conflict is counterproductive for both parties."

"Prolonged hostilities?" Thalia stepped closer and repeated. "Tell me, did he order my execution based on the same logic?"

Something briefly appeared in Caden's eyes for the first time; it might have been reluctance or doubt. But in a flash, it was gone.

"I am just the messenger," he answered with ease. "But rest assured, my Alpha is open to talking about terms."

Thalia looked at him for a while. Then explain to me, quietly, "why I should believe anything he says."

Caden paused, just a little. Even though it was little—so tiny that most people wouldn't have noticed—Thalia had spent years developing her ability to read power dynamics.

She surmised, "There's more." "You haven't said anything yet."

He clenched his jaw.

Thalia squinted her eyes. "Talk."

He let out a deep exhale. "My Alpha is prepared to give back something that is yours."

A risky silence.

"What?" She made a demand.

Caden looked her in the eye evenly. "A prisoner."

A whisper echoed among her warriors. With her mind racing through the possibilities, Thalia's stomach constricted. Killian didn't take captives, or at least he didn't plan on keeping them alive. A person had worth if they had lived while he was seeing them.

She tried to keep her voice steady. "Who?"

Caden's face remained unchanged. "A longtime ally."

Her pulse thumping, she stepped forward again. "A name."

Caden paused just a little too long.

And that was a sufficient response.

The blood in Thalia froze. Killian was using them as a negotiating chip, whatever they were.

Ryker must have sensed her reaction since she was grounded when his hand touched her elbow. "This is a trap," he whispered softly.

She was aware of that already. The issue was that traps only functioned when there was a worthwhile risk involved.

Thalia forced herself to regain control and let out a calm exhale. "Tell Killian that I'll take his offer into consideration."

After giving her one more look, Caden nodded. "Your message will be delivered by me."

His troops fell into step behind him as he turned with a stern gesture. Without another word, the gang vanished into the trees, leaving just the lingering weight of their presence.

Between Thalia and her men, there was silence.

Ryker broke it at last. "We cannot rely on him."

Thalia chuckled bitterly. "Obviously not."

"So, what comes next?"

She didn't respond right away. The possibilities were already being processed in her head. Killian was desperate if he had a prisoner and was prepared to use them as leverage. It indicated that he needed her for something.

However, what?

An unexpected rush of wind rustled through the trees, bearing the aroma of damp earth and something else—something familiar.

Thalia tensed.

Ryker took note. "What is it?"

Her senses keen, she took another breath. It wasn’t just the ordinary aroma of pine and soil. Something sharper was involved. metallic.

Blood.

Not just any blood, either.

Her stomach churned.

“Something’s wrong,” she mumbled.

Ryker's eyes grew gloomy. "Where?"

The aroma was thickest at the eastern edge of the camp, so she moved swiftly toward it. Her warriors fell in behind her as she launched herself into a sprint, her heartbeat thundering.

The aroma grew stronger as they approached—until they arrived at the clearing.

Then she noticed it.

Swaying unsteadily on their feet, a lone figure stood at the edge of the trees. They were barely aware, their robe torn, their bodies battered and beaten.

Thalia's throat tightened with breath.

There was no way.

That face was familiar to her.

She was acquainted with that individual.

They were also expected to be deceased.

The knees of the person gave way before anyone could respond.

They fell to the ground as Thalia sprang forward.

A single rasped word escaped from their parted lips before they were overcome by slumber.

"...Run."