Chapter 41

*Hazel*

 I woke up the next morning feeling the warmth of Orion beside me. The sunlight streamed faintly through the curtains, and I could hear the soft breathing of his wolf echoing in my mind. I stretched languidly, smiling at the scent of him filling the room. My legs were still sore from yesterday, but my body craved him again.

 “Morning, my lady,” he murmured, nudging me with his nose playfully. I giggled and pounced on him, tangling my fingers in his hair, tugging him closer. He growled low in his throat, rolling us both onto the bed. My hands roamed his body while his hands kneaded mine, the heat building quickly.

 After several stolen kisses and soft moans, we finally disentangled, laughing breathlessly. I slipped into the bathroom, my body aching but yearning for normalcy. The water cascaded over me, washing away yesterday’s tension. Orion was nowhere near silent either, teasing me through the steam, catching my attention with glances and fleeting touches.

 I dressed in a simple yet elegant gown Orion had laid out, the silk hugging my curves comfortably. My hair was combed, scented, and braided neatly, ready for the serious business of the day. Downstairs, Orion had prepared breakfast. The aroma of eggs, fresh bread, and sizzling meat filled the air. I sat beside him at the table, my hands brushing against his occasionally. “You’ve outdone yourself again,” I said, biting into a piece of bread, smiling.

* Orion*

 Watching Hazel move around in the morning sunlight, full of life and fire, made me ache all over. Her laughter echoed through the palace hallways, blending with the clinking of dishes. But our peace was brief; the shadow of her father’s murder still lingered. I placed my hand over hers, squeezing gently. “We can’t waste time today, baby,” I said softly, my voice laced with steel.

 She nodded, understanding my unspoken words. Once breakfast was done, we mounted our horses and rode to my office. The palace corridors were empty this early in the day, giving us the privacy we needed.

 I mindlink shane joining me in the office as soon as possible. 

 Inside, I closed the door behind us and turned to her, my face serious. “Hazel…. Those rouges… they can’t go unpunished. I want them hunted, their pack dismantled.”

 Her hands trembled slightly, but her eyes burned with determination. “I want justice,” she whispered. “I want revenge for everything they’ve done… for my father.”

 We spent hours going over intelligence reports, discussing strategies and methods while Shane created a map outlining the routes and roads that will lead us there. 

 It would have been more easy including the pack warriors and soldiers but that would alert the councils which I wanted to avoid, this is our fight!. 

 *Mrs Xanzius*

 I was standing quietly behind them, listening, but my grief had turned into rage. My husband’s life had been stolen, and I would not remain idle. “I’m coming with you,” I said, my voice trembling with both sorrow and fury. They both turned, surprised.

 “You shouldn’t, my lady,” Orion said, stepping in front of me protectively. “This is dangerous…”

 “No,” I said firmly, my eyes locking onto Hazel. “It is my husband they killed. I know the face of the rogue who struck him down. I cannot sit behind while my husband’s killers roam free. I will help bring them to justice.”

 Hazel’s hand reached for mine, squeezing it tightly. “Mother… ” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

 I nodded, resolving myself. “Then we do this together,” I said.

 Orion exhaled deeply, studying both of us. “Fine.. We strike hard, and we strike clean. No mistakes.”

 We all nodded in agreement. The plan was set. This was no longer just about vengeance—it was about justice for a life stolen, for a family torn apart, and for the rogue who thought they could escape the reckoning.