로그인KARSON
"Why didn't anyone tell me?" I poured myself a drink, wanting to cool down the temperature of the room since Irene left if scorching hot. My head throb
Irene's POVKen's words hit me like a punch to the gut."Defensive blueprints," I repeated. My voice hollow. "How much did she get?""Enough." Ken's jaw was tight. "The eastern wall fortifications. The underground tunnel system. The locations of our emergency supply caches." He paused. "She's been feeding them information for weeks, Princess. Maybe longer."
Karson's POVThe hairpin was cold in my hand.Ice cold. Like it had been sitting in snow despite the morning warmth. My fingertips had gone numb from clutching it so tight for so long.I couldn't let it go. Couldn't put it down. Like releasing it would make everything disappear. Would prove this was just another cruel dream.
Irene's POVI tracked Ken through the forest for over an hour.He'd left camp shortly after the confrontation in the center square. Told the other guards he was doing a perimeter sweep. Checking the outer boundaries for signs of intrusion.But I knew better. Ken was looking for me.
Irene's POVDawn broke over the camp.I'd stayed hidden all night. Watching. Waiting. The concealment cloak wrapped tight around me as I crouched in the shadows beyond the perimeter.My legs had gone numb hours ago from staying in the same position. My back ached. But I hadn't moved. Hadn't risked giving myself away.
Irene's POVMidnight came slowly.I waited in the shadows beyond the camp perimeter. Watching the guard rotations with careful attention. Counting the minutes between patrols. Learning their patterns. Memorizing every detail.The Dark Hollows guards were thorough. Professional. Disciplined in a way that spoke of Ken's rigorous training. They moved in pairs, checking every corner, every shadow, every possible approach to the camp. Ken had trained them well. Too well, maybe.But even the best guards had gaps in their coverage. Moments when attention shifted. When backs were turned. When the night stretched long enough that focus slipped just slightly.Those were the moments I needed.I watched for them. Waited for them with the patience of a hunter.The eastern patrol passed my position. Headed toward the supply warehouses on the far side of camp. The western patrol was still checking the far perimeter, their torches visible as distant points of light. There was a window—maybe three min
Irene's POVThe training session was winding down.I watched from my hiding spot in the bushes at the camp's edge. The concealment cloak wrapped tight around me, masking my scent, blurring my presence into the shadows.Karson called an end to the drills. His voice was hoarse. Rough from hours of shouting commands. The warriors dispersed, heading toward their quarters. Exhausted. Bruised. But alive.He stood alone in the training grounds for a moment. His shoulders were tense. His head bowed. Like the weight of everything was crushing down on him.Then two small figures appeared.Carl and Karin.They ran toward him across the dirt. Their silver-streaked hair catching the fading sunlight. Their faces lighting up despite everything."Daddy!"Karson's expression shifted. The hardness melting away. Replaced by something softer. Something that made my chest ache.He crouched down to their level. Both children crashed into him at once, small arms wrapping around his neck.He caught them. Hel
IRENE"You didn't have to come, Alpha Lucas. I'm fine, I swear," I forced the words out as I tried to keep my eyes open but they only hurt."Yeah, and you're not shivering in bed right now," Alpha Lucas pointed out with narrowed eyes, standing next to my bed where I lay."Ugh, I feel like I'm being sco
The night was a long one for Karin. As she rubbed her eyes and yawned, she stiffened in her room. Despite how quiet it was in the house, she could hear the little whimpers coming from the room next to her.Her little ears picked up the sound faster than anyone would. How could it not? She had Alpha b
Irene and Aunt Teresa talked at length, trying to catch up for the times they missed together but not once did Irene mention the kids. Although she felt guilty for keeping that bit away from her, there was nothing she could do about it.If she wanted her secret safe and to remain a secret, she needed
IRENE'S POVPrevious nightI stared at the text message from Nanny May with a small smile on my lips. It was relieving to hear about them every now and then. The message was short and simple, "The kids are fast asleep. You don't need to worry. Although, Carl keeps asking of you. He's not used to you b







