Chapter 103: A Dangerous Proposition Anna’s POV

"This is a bad idea." 

Standing next to me and gazing at the man in front of us, Maia spoke sharply and crossed her arms. Every dissident wolf in the room was on full alert, and the tension was palpable. The stench of mistrust was nearly oppressive. 

Ronan, the man in question, stood still, his palms raised in a gesture of peace. He was a warrior who had assisted Oliver in enforcing his harsh reign and had previously been one of his top enforcers. He said that he had now turned against him.

I did no trust him. However, I couldn't overlook what he had to offer.  

Ronan's voice was steady as he said, "I don't blame you for being wary. But raw power alone won't cut it if you want to defeat Oliver. You must be aware of what you're getting into." 

"And we’re supposed to believe you suddenly grew a conscience?" With his arms resting on his enormous chest, Cain scoffed. "You think we forgot what you did?" 

Ronan's mouth clenched. "I never claimed innocence. Like the rest of you before you rebelled against him, I did as I was told. The distinction is that I possess knowledge that may aid in your victory."

I looked closely at him. Like a man whose life depended on it, he was tense but not defensive. Something unintelligible flared in his black eyes—regret? Anxiety? 

I finally questioned, "Why now? Why betray Oliver when he still holds all the power?" 

Rubbing a palm down his face, Ronan let out a breath. "Because I know what he’s planning." He lowered his voice and glanced around the room. "Oliver isn't just waiting for you to initiate contact. He is aware of the rebels. He is aware that you are assembling forces. And he's getting ready to eliminate you before you have an opportunity to attack." 

A thick stillness descended upon the room. 

Maia pressed, "How do we know you’re not lying?" 

Ronan fixed his eyes on mine. "Well you'll just have to trust me." 

Lucas's presence grounded me as I felt him shift next to me. His muscles clenched as if he were prepared to jump in if things went wrong, and I could tell he was uncomfortable. 

I responded steadily, "If you're telling the truth, then what exactly are we up against?" 

Ronan merely paused for a second before responding. "Oliver has started hiring. Anyone who is prepared to fight for him, including mercenaries and rogues. He is giving them a position under his new reign and is offering them power. And it's working. He is assembling an army that will be larger than anything you could possibly assemble." 

Cain mumbled a curse. 

I pressed, "How do we get in?" 

Ronan let out a long sigh. "I can help with that. I am familiar with his stronghold's layout. I am aware of his patrol routes and the gaps in his fortifications. Additionally, I am aware of where he keeps his most valuable Assets." 

Maia squinted as she asked, "Assets?" 

After another pause, Ronan said, "Prisoners. Wolves that he didn't kill outright but who opposed him. Some are being held captive as leverage, while others are being held as a warning. Freeing them will give you extra fighters in addition to lessening Oliver's power." 

I felt the decision's weight bearing down on me as I looked at Lucas. 

"And in exchange?" I inquired, anticipating the response. 

Ronan's face remained unchanged. "Protection. I will die if Oliver discovers that I helped you." 

Cain laughed. "So you want us to risk everything for you?" 

"I want to make things right." 

The room became quiet once more. 

I sensed that the wolves were waiting for me to make a choice. While some still exuded mistrust, others displayed curiosity. My rational side cried out that this might be a trap and that it was foolish to put your trust in someone who has worked with Oliver for so long. 

In actuality, though, we required this knowledge. 

I inhaled deeply. "We’ll hear you out." 

Maia stiffened next to me. Lucas remained motionless, but I could see his focus growing. 

"But," I added in a chilly tone, "I will kill you myself, Ronan, if I discover you're lying." 

Ronan nodded, his expression unintelligible.  

I found myself outside once more that evening, gazing up at the sky after the meeting's tension had subsided into an uncomfortable silence. 

Before Lucas spoke, I heard him come closer. "You made the right call." 

I gave a little chuckle. "Did I?" 

As the cool night air swirled around us, Lucas took a step closer. "I am aware that you don't believe him. I don't either. However, we require this advantage. Additionally, you must have confidence in yourself." 

I looked up at him, trying to read his face. Something more solemn had taken the place of his typical smile. 

He whispered, "You're carrying all of this alone. You don’t have to." 

With a sharp gulp, my throat became constricted. 

After a brief moment of hesitation, Lucas reached out and touched me with his fingertips. "No matter what happens, I’m with you, Anna." 

I gasped. 

Warm and steady, his hand curled around mine. "Until the end." 

I was silent for a while. The uprising, the conflict, and the uncertainties of the future all seemed to dissolve into the background. 

He and I were alone. 

And I didn't feel so alone for the first time in a long time.