All Chapters of COLD COMMAND- The Secret Son: Chapter 71 - Chapter 75

"Tell me the truth."Grayson's voice echoed through the narrow tunnel.He didn't slow down.Neither did anyone else.The Guardian continued leading them through the winding passage, its silver coat glowing softly in the darkness. Behind it, the Ashborn moved with practiced silence, their footsteps barely making a sound against the ancient stone. Fresh air drifted through the tunnel.Home wasn't far anymore.But Grayson wasn't thinking about home.He looked at the Prophet."No more half-answers."His jaw tightened."No more riddles.""We've bled enough for this mountain."Savannah glanced toward the prophet."He deserves the truth.""So do all of us."The Prophet walked in silence for several moments. The tunnel narrowed before opening into another chamber where pale crystals grew from the ceiling like frozen stars. Only then did he stop."So be it."Everyone gathered instinctively.Even the Guardian turned around. Its silver eye settled on the Prophet. Almost as if giving permission.

 "Open the gates."Vanessa Whitmore didn't raise her voice, she didn't have to. The order carried across the rain-soaked courtyard with enough authority that every warrior on the wall turned at once.A sentry blows the horn as the gates swing open to welcome the group. Steel groaned as the massive Reed Manor gates began to swing inward. Across the courtyard, a dozen Council Elders stood beneath the stone portico, cloaks dripping with rain. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to outright suspicion. Aunt Eleanor folded her arms, "They haven't even reached the courtyard yet."Vanessa never looked at her."They're coming home.""They can come home after the Council has searched them."Vanessa turned then.Slowly."So now my family needs permission to enter my own house?"Eleanor's jaw tightened."That isn't what I said.""It sounded remarkably close."Neither woman blinked.Rain drummed ag

"Nobody crosses the eastern line."Mason's command cut through the room before anyone had fully taken a seat. The conversations died instantly. Rainwater still clung to cloaks and boots. Mud stained the stone floor where warriors had rushed in from the walls. Outside, Reed Manor buzzed with nervous activity. Horns echoed across the valley as Sentinels took up new positions along the estate.Hugh stepped forward without hesitation."I've already doubled the eastern patrols.""Double them again," Mason replied."I want scouts every quarter mile between the manor and the river.""If anything moves out there, I hear about it before it reaches our gates.""Yes, Alpha."Hugh turned to leave."Wait."Grayson stopped him."If those boundary stones are ringing because of corruption, don't send wolves out alone."Hugh nodded."Pairs?""No."Caius spoke for the first time since entering the room."Groups of four."Everyone looked at him. The Ashborn commander walked toward the large map spread a