Chapter 94: The Betrayal Lucas POV

I stood outside the tent that Anna and I shared, looking for any movement in the tree line.

"I don't like this," I whispered to myself.

From behind me, Anna's voice said, "Neither do I."

She was standing there with her arms wrapped around herself to protect against the cold wind when I turned back. Her face was pale but determined, and her hair was a little unkempt. Neither of us had slept well, nor had she.

I replied in a hushed voice, "Thalion mentioned that the scouts had seen strange wolves close to the northern border. It doesn't take a genius to figure out who it might be, but they didn't get a good look."

Anna muttered, "Oliver," her face stiffening.

I gave a nod. The timing couldn't be worse. He must have been informed of our whereabouts by someone.

Anna narrowed her eyes and scowled. "Who would turn on us like that? For centuries, this pack has remained secluded. Even outsiders aren't trusted by them."

"That's my concern," I said somberly. "It means that Oliver has already reached them if someone is giving him information. And it won't be long before he attacks if he knows where we are."

Anna took a step forward, her voice hardly audible above a whisper. "We must alert the others. If Oliver shows up, we need to be prepared."

"I've already talked to Thalion," I said. "Though they aren't accustomed to facing someone like Oliver, he's motivating the warriors. His pack is vicious, and he won't stop until he gets what he wants."

Anna resentfully remarked, "And what he wants is me."

I extended my arm and grasped her hand. "Anna, we won't let him take you. Never, ever."

Her eyes were filled with a mix of dread and resolve as she glanced up at me. "Lucas, I can fight. When we left Nightshade, I was a different girl. I won't just stand by and let others handle my problems."

I said softly, "I know you can fight. But that doesn't mean I won't do everything I can to keep you safe."

Before she could answer, we heard a piercing howl. Both Anna and I stiffened, briefly locking eyes before running toward the middle of the camp.

As he spoke to a group of warriors, Thalion stood close to the council tent, his presence commanding. His face darkened as he noticed us approaching.

"Lucas, Anna," he said solemnly. "The rumors appear to be true. Oliver's pack is moving, and they're coming directly at us."

Anna's mouth clenched. "How long do we have?"

"Not long," Thalion replied. "If their scouts aren't already watching us, a day at most."

"And the traitor?" I asked harshly.

Thalion's eyes wavered with rage. "We're looking into it, but nothing is conclusive yet. They're doing a good job of hiding who they are."

I answered, "Then we assume the worst. Oliver will bring everything he has if he knows where we are."

Thalion nodded. "All of the able-bodied wolves must be prepared to fight, but the warriors are working on fortifications. You two are included in that."

Anna took a step forward and spoke steadily. "We're prepared."

I gave her a quick glance, but she chose to ignore me and focus only on Thalion.

"We'll see," Thalion said in a tone that was almost contemptuous. "Anna, you've improved, but this won't be a training session. There will be war."

"I know what it will be," Anna remarked acerbically. "And I don't feel scared."

Almost amused, Thalion's lips quirked, but he remained silent. Instead, when Anna and I stepped back, he turned back to the troops and began shouting instructions.

I was at my breaking point back at the tent.

"What are you thinking, Anna?" I demanded in a hushed but furious voice.

She shot back, "I'm thinking that I'm tired of running. We confront Oliver if he shows up. Together."

"Are you even able to hear yourself?" I paced the tiny room and asked. "This is no longer just about us. We're endangering everyone here if we continue to fight."

She retorted, "And if we run, we're leading Oliver straight to them anyway. We have a chance to stop him at least this way."

I turned to her and stopped pacing. "Anna, you don't need to prove anything. You're not alone in this."

She softened her voice and continued, "I know I'm not. But it's not just about me. The goal is to stop Oliver before he ruins everything in his path. How many more lives will be lost in Crescent Grove if we don't stop him?"

Her words hit hard, and I couldn't argue with the truth in them.

After a long pause, I said, "Okay. But we do this carefully. No unnecessary risks."

Anna nodded, resolve gleaming in her eyes. "I agree."

The camp was bustling with activity that night. Scouts walked the perimeter, their senses keen for any movement, while warriors equipped themselves with weapons made of iron and silver.

As the preparations took place, Anna and I watched from the edge of the camp.

"Do you believe we'll be prepared?" she asked quietly.

"I'm not sure," I said. "But in any case, we'll give them hell."

She leaned into my side and gave me a small smile. For a brief moment, it was just the two of us standing together against the storm as the turmoil around us subsided.

However, the moment was fleeting. A scout with a pale face ran toward us.

"They've arrived," he gasped. "They're just over the northern ridge, Oliver's pack."

My blood froze. "How many?"

The scout said, "Dozens. Perhaps more. They're looking for something."

"Or someone," muttered Anna glumly.

Beside us, Thalion appeared, his face inscrutable. "It's time," he declared. "Assemble at your positions."

I took Anna's hand and drew her close as the camp came alive.

I looked into her eyes and murmured, "Stay close to me, no matter what."

She tightened her hold on my hand as she nodded. "Always."

I got chills as I heard the eerie chorus of screams coming from the distance. There was no going back now, and the battle was coming.