Chapter 387: Into The Shadows
Astrid's POV
The forest around us was suffocating, its silence oppressive. Every step deeper into rogue territory felt like a journey into a nightmare.
My wolf was on edge, her instincts screaming that danger lurked just beyond the trees.
Drystan led our group, his movements precise and calculated as he tracked Rowena's faint scent.
Nova kept pace beside him, her body still healing but her determination unyielding.
I trailed close behind, my gaze darting between the shadows, each step weighted by the tension of what we might find.
"She's leading us somewhere," Drystan muttered, his voice tight with frustration. "But whether it's to the Rogue King or a trap, I can't tell."
"She won't outsmart us again," Nova replied, her tone sharp with anger.
I wished I shared her confidence, but something about this chase didn't sit right.
Rowena wasn't careless, and she wasn't predictable. Whatever she was planning, it wouldn't be simple.
The scent trail brought us to a clearing veiled in mist. Through the haze, I saw the flicker of firelight.
"She's here," Drystan said, his claws flexing at his sides.
Killian motioned for silence, and we spread out, surrounding the clearing.
As we closed in, I caught sight of Rowena sitting by the fire, her posture unnervingly calm. But it wasn't her that made my heart stop.
Beside her stood a figure I hadn't seen in years but knew instantly. Andros.
The breath hitched in my throat, my chest tightening. Memories of his betrayal flooded back in an instant-the blood on his hands, the coldness in his eyes, the lies he had told to cover his crime.
My wolf snarled, her rage a reflection of mine.
"Astrid," Killian whispered beside me, his voice low. "Is that who I think it is?"
I nodded, my heart pounding. "Andros."
Killian's jaw tightened, his own fury simmering beneath his controlled exterior.
Drystan didn't wait. He stepped into the clearing, his claws extended, his gaze locked on Rowena.
The rest of us followed, fanning out to form a semicircle around the fire. Rowena smiled faintly, her gaze sweeping over us. "Took you long enough." "Andros,” I said, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief.
He turned slowly, his sharp features illuminated by the firelight. His piercing eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something-guilt? Regret? But it disappeared as quickly as it had come.
"Astrid,” he said, his voice calm, almost casual. "It's been a while."
My claws extended involuntarily, my wolf pushing forward. "What are you doing here?"
Andros shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Trying to survive. Same as you."
Drystan growled, stepping forward. "Survive? Is that what you call it? You betrayed your family, Andros. You killed your own father and made a deal with the rogues. You're nothing but a traitor."
Andros' gaze shifted to Drystan, his demeanor unreadable. "You don't know anything about what happened."
"We know enough," Nova snapped. "You sold out your family. You destroyed everything."
Rowena chuckled softly, drawing our attention. "I told you he'd be a popular reunion guest," she said, smirking.
"Shut up," Drystan snarled, his claws digging into the earth.
We forced Rowena and Andros to sit near the fire, warriors surrounding them with
weapons drawn. Drystan stood over Rowena, his fury barely contained.
“Talk,” he demanded. "Why did you take the Amulet? And why is he here?" He pointed a claw at Andros.
Rowena's smirk faded, her gaze hardening. "The Amulet is more than just a relic. You've felt its power. You've seen what it can do."
"And?" Killian pressed, his voice icy.
Andros spoke up, his tone measured. "It's not just a tool to suppress Almega abilities. It's meant to sever Pack bonds permanently That's why the Rogue King wants it. If he uses it, your Packs will tear
themselves apart. Wolves without
bonds become rogues."
I clenched my fists, my anger warring with the truth of his words. "Why should we
believe anything you say?"
Andros' eyes met mine again, his
expression almost soft. "Because know what he's planning. I know how he thinks. And whether you trust me or not, you can't stop him without me."
Drystan's claws flexed, his wolf surging forward. "Convenient, isn't it? You betray
your family, and now you think you can waltz back in and play the hero?"
Andros stood abruptly, his gaze
steady. "I'm not here to play hero Drystan. I'm here because I know what's at stake. The Rogue King won't just destroy the Packs he'll destroy everything." FindNovel
Nova's voice trembled with fury. "You don't get to act like you care now. Not after what you've done."
"And what about you, Rowena?" Killian growled, his focus shifting. "What's your game in all of this?"
Rowena's smirk returned. "Survival. Isn't that everyone's game?"
"You took the Amulet," I said, my voice sharp. "You're the reason we're here."
Rowena leaned back, her expression unbothered. "And yet here we are, all still alive. You're welcome."
The weight of the revelations pressed down on us all.
The Amulet wasn't just a weapon-it was a tool of destruction, capable of tearing apart everything we fought to protect.
"What do we do now?" Nova asked, her voice breaking slightly.
Rowena exchanged a glance with Andros before speaking. "The Amulet can only
be destroyed by someone willing to sever their own bond. Permanently."
Her words hit like a physical blow.
"Liora knew," Nova whispered, her face pale. "That's why she..."
Her voice faltered, and Drystan placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.
Killian's voice cut through the silence. "If that's the price, then we need to make sure the Rogue King never uses it."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Andros asked, his tone almost mocking. "You
don't have the numbers, and you don't have the time."
"Then you'd better make yourself useful," Killian said coldly.
Andros smirked faintly. "Is that an invitation to help?"
"It's an order," I said firmly.