Ch. 386..390: Reclaiming My Broken Luna Chapter 386-390

Chapter 386: The Amulet’s Power

Nova's POV

The journey to Shadowfang territory was slow and tense. Every rustle of leaves, every distant howl, put us on edge.

The warriors moved in near silence, their weapons ready, their gazes sharp.

The moon hung low in the sky, its pale light casting long shadows across the forest.

Drystan stayed close to me, his presence steady, though I could sense the storm raging beneath his calm exterior.

Neither of us spoke much. The weight of what we might find-and what it could mean for Liora's sacrifice-hung heavily between us.

Astrid and Killian led the group, their eyes scanning the path ahead.

The Rogue King's forces had fortified Shadowfang, and the closer we got, the more we felt his presence.

We reached the outskirts of Shadowfang territory just before dawn.

The air was thick with the scent of rogues and something darker-something I couldn't quite place.

"We'll rest here," Killian said, his voice low but firm. "Drystan, take a small group and scout ahead. Report back with anything you find."

Drystan nodded, his expression grim. "Come on," he said to the warriors nearest him.

As they disappeared into the trees, Astrid sat beside me, her gaze distant. "This place feels wrong," she said quietly.

I nodded. "It's like the forest itself is holding its breath."

She didn't respond, but her silence spoke volumes.

Drystan returned hours later, his face pale and his jaw tight.

"We found their camp," he said, his voice low but steady. "The Rogue King has more wolves than we thought. Rogues, Pack wolves... even pups. He's training them to fight."

A ripple of anger ran through the group. Pups. The Rogue King's cruelty knew no bounds.

"That's not all," Drystan continued.

He held up a scrap of cloth, its edges torn and bloodied. The symbol of the Rogue King was emblazoned on it, but what caught my attention was the faint glow clinging to the fabric.

"The Amulet," I whispered, my stomach twisting.

Drystan nodded. "He's using it. Or at least trying to."

Later that night, we set up camp a safe distance from the Rogue King's forces.

The warriors were on edge, their movements tense as they prepared for the inevitable confrontation.

I sat by the fire, Liora's journal in my hands. The hidden letter I'd found haunted me, its words playing over and over in my mind.

The Amulet... it's more than just a weapon. It's tied to a bloodline, one that must be protected at all costs.

"What are you thinking?" Drystan asked, sitting beside me.

I hesitated before answering. "Liora's letter-it's connected to the Amulet somehow. She said it's tied to a bloodline. That means it's not just a relic. It's a key."

"To what?"

"I don't know," I admitted. "But if the Rogue King is using it, he must think he can unlock whatever it's tied to."

Drystan's jaw tightened. "Then we can't let him keep it."

The next morning, we moved closer to the camp, staying hidden in the dense forest.

The Rogue King's forces were larger than we'd anticipated. Wolves of all ages trained in the clearing, their movements precise but brutal.

At the center of it all was the Amulet. It hung around the Rogue King's neck, its faint glow pulsing erratically, as if it were alive.

"It's reacting to him," Astrid said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nodded, my wolf uneasy. "It's not just reacting. It's resisting."

Killian frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The Amulet isn't meant for him," I said. "Liora's letter said it's tied to a bloodline. The Rogue King isn't part of it. That's why he can't control it."

Astrid's gaze sharpened. "Then who is it meant for?"

I didn't have an answer, but the unease in my chest grew stronger.

As we watched, the Rogue King raised the Amulet, its glow intensifying. The

wolves around him fell silent, their gazes fixed on the artifact.

"This isn't good," Drystan muttered.

The Rogue King's voice rang out, his

words dripping with power and malice This is the future. With this Amulet, we will crush the Packs. No Alphas, no Lunas-just power."

en FindNovel

BUMS

His wolves howled in response, the sound chilling in its unity.

"We have to stop him," Killian said, his voice hard.

"But how?" Astrid asked. "We can't face him head-on. Not yet."

"We find Rowena," I said, the words slipping out before I could think them through.

Killian and Drystan turned to me, their expressions grim.

"If she's still alive, she'll know how to stop this," I continued. "She's the one who

took the Amulet. She has to know its limits."

"She's the reason we're here," Drystan said coldly. "If we find her, she doesn't walk away this time."

I didn't argue. Deep down, I knew he was right.

As night fell, we retreated to our camp to plan our next move. The Rogue King's forces were too strong to face directly, but we couldn't let him continue using the Amulet.

MS

Killian called a meeting, his expression resolute. "We divide into two groups. One tracks Rowena. The other stays here, keeping an eye on the Rogue King's movements.

We strike when we're

Drystan nodded. “I'll lead the group tracking Rowena."

Astrid placed a hand on Killian's arm. "And we'll stay here. If the Rogue King makes a move, we'll be ready."

Killian's gaze swept over us, his eyes hard but determined. "This is our only chance. We stop Rowena, we stop the Rogue King. No matter what it takes."

 

Chapter 387: Into The Shadows

Astrid's POV

The forest around us was suffocating, its silence oppressive. Every step deeper into rogue territory felt like a journey into a nightmare.

My wolf was on edge, her instincts screaming that danger lurked just beyond the trees.

Drystan led our group, his movements precise and calculated as he tracked Rowena's faint scent.

Nova kept pace beside him, her body still healing but her determination unyielding.

I trailed close behind, my gaze darting between the shadows, each step weighted by the tension of what we might find.

"She's leading us somewhere," Drystan muttered, his voice tight with frustration. "But whether it's to the Rogue King or a trap, I can't tell."

"She won't outsmart us again," Nova replied, her tone sharp with anger.

I wished I shared her confidence, but something about this chase didn't sit right.

Rowena wasn't careless, and she wasn't predictable. Whatever she was planning, it wouldn't be simple.

The scent trail brought us to a clearing veiled in mist. Through the haze, I saw the flicker of firelight.

"She's here," Drystan said, his claws flexing at his sides.

Killian motioned for silence, and we spread out, surrounding the clearing.

As we closed in, I caught sight of Rowena sitting by the fire, her posture unnervingly calm. But it wasn't her that made my heart stop.

Beside her stood a figure I hadn't seen in years but knew instantly. Andros.

The breath hitched in my throat, my chest tightening. Memories of his betrayal flooded back in an instant-the blood on his hands, the coldness in his eyes, the lies he had told to cover his crime.

My wolf snarled, her rage a reflection of mine.

"Astrid," Killian whispered beside me, his voice low. "Is that who I think it is?"

I nodded, my heart pounding. "Andros."

Killian's jaw tightened, his own fury simmering beneath his controlled exterior.

Drystan didn't wait. He stepped into the clearing, his claws extended, his gaze locked on Rowena.

The rest of us followed, fanning out to form a semicircle around the fire. Rowena smiled faintly, her gaze sweeping over us. "Took you long enough." "Andros,” I said, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief.

He turned slowly, his sharp features illuminated by the firelight. His piercing eyes locked on mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something-guilt? Regret? But it disappeared as quickly as it had come.

"Astrid,” he said, his voice calm, almost casual. "It's been a while."

My claws extended involuntarily, my wolf pushing forward. "What are you doing here?"

Andros shrugged, his expression indifferent. "Trying to survive. Same as you."

Drystan growled, stepping forward. "Survive? Is that what you call it? You betrayed your family, Andros. You killed your own father and made a deal with the rogues. You're nothing but a traitor."

Andros' gaze shifted to Drystan, his demeanor unreadable. "You don't know anything about what happened."

"We know enough," Nova snapped. "You sold out your family. You destroyed everything."

Rowena chuckled softly, drawing our attention. "I told you he'd be a popular reunion guest," she said, smirking.

"Shut up," Drystan snarled, his claws digging into the earth.

We forced Rowena and Andros to sit near the fire, warriors surrounding them with

weapons drawn. Drystan stood over Rowena, his fury barely contained.

“Talk,” he demanded. "Why did you take the Amulet? And why is he here?" He pointed a claw at Andros.

Rowena's smirk faded, her gaze hardening. "The Amulet is more than just a relic. You've felt its power. You've seen what it can do."

"And?" Killian pressed, his voice icy.

Andros spoke up, his tone measured. "It's not just a tool to suppress Almega abilities. It's meant to sever Pack bonds permanently That's why the Rogue King wants it. If he uses it, your Packs will tear

themselves apart. Wolves without

bonds become rogues."

I clenched my fists, my anger warring with the truth of his words. "Why should we

believe anything you say?"

Andros' eyes met mine again, his

expression almost soft. "Because know what he's planning. I know how he thinks. And whether you trust me or not, you can't stop him without me."

Drystan's claws flexed, his wolf surging forward. "Convenient, isn't it? You betray

your family, and now you think you can waltz back in and play the hero?"

Andros stood abruptly, his gaze

steady. "I'm not here to play hero Drystan. I'm here because I know what's at stake. The Rogue King won't just destroy the Packs he'll destroy everything." FindNovel

Nova's voice trembled with fury. "You don't get to act like you care now. Not after what you've done."

"And what about you, Rowena?" Killian growled, his focus shifting. "What's your game in all of this?"

Rowena's smirk returned. "Survival. Isn't that everyone's game?"

"You took the Amulet," I said, my voice sharp. "You're the reason we're here."

Rowena leaned back, her expression unbothered. "And yet here we are, all still alive. You're welcome."

The weight of the revelations pressed down on us all.

The Amulet wasn't just a weapon-it was a tool of destruction, capable of tearing apart everything we fought to protect.

"What do we do now?" Nova asked, her voice breaking slightly.

Rowena exchanged a glance with Andros before speaking. "The Amulet can only

be destroyed by someone willing to sever their own bond. Permanently."

Her words hit like a physical blow.

"Liora knew," Nova whispered, her face pale. "That's why she..."

Her voice faltered, and Drystan placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.

Killian's voice cut through the silence. "If that's the price, then we need to make sure the Rogue King never uses it."

"And how do you plan to do that?" Andros asked, his tone almost mocking. "You

don't have the numbers, and you don't have the time."

"Then you'd better make yourself useful," Killian said coldly.

Andros smirked faintly. "Is that an invitation to help?"

"It's an order," I said firmly.

 

Chapter 388: True Intentions

Chapter 35: The Rogue King's True Intentions

Astrid's POV

The fire crackled softly in the middle of our camp, its flickering light casting long shadows across the weary faces gathered around it.

Rowena sat apart from the others, her posture poised despite the shackles around her wrists.

Her silver hair, neat and immaculate, caught the firelight, and her eyes-sharp, calculating-watched us with the kind of patience that only came with age and

experience.

Killian stood to her right, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He hadn't said much since we brought her back, but the tension in his shoulders spoke volumes.

His mother, the woman who had caused so much pain, was now our reluctant informant.

Drystan paced nearby, his claws flexing as he glared at Rowena. Nova sat stiffly beside me, her hand gripping her knee as if to keep her emotions in check.

Andros leaned against a tree on the far side of the clearing, his presence like a dark shadow, a reminder of the betrayal that had fractured our family.

"You've told us what the Amulet does," Killian said finally, breaking the silence. His voice was low, controlled. "Now tell us how to stop it."

Rowena raised an eyebrow, her expression calm. "You think you can just 'stop' it? This isn't a simple weapon, Killian. The Amulet is a relic older than any of us, tied to bonds stronger than any of us can fully understand."

Her voice was soft, but there was an edge to it-a quiet authority that demanded attention. She wasn't mocking us, but neither was she rushing to give us what we wanted.

Drystan growled, his wolf barely contained. "Enough riddles, Rowena. If you know how to stop it, you'd better start talking."

She turned her gaze to him, her expression almost maternal. "You're quick to anger, as always," she said, her tone even. "That's why you'll never see the bigger picture."

"Try me," Drystan snapped.

Rowena sighed, the kind of exasperation that only an elder could convey. "The Amulet wasn't just made to suppress Almega abilities. It was created to sever Pack bonds permanently.

The Rogue King doesn't just want to weaken you-he wants to destroy the very thing that makes you strong. Without those bonds, wolves become nothing more than rogues, isolated and powerless."

A heavy silence followed her words, the weight of her revelation pressing down on all of us.

Nova's voice was sharp when she finally spoke. "If that's true, then how do we destroy it?"

Rowena tilted her head, studying Nova with a faint smile. "Destroy it? My dear, do you even know what you're asking?

The Amulet is tied to a bloodline-its creator's bloodline. Only someone from that line can sever its power. And even then, the cost is... significant.”

I stiffened, my heart sinking. "What cost?"

Rowena's gaze shifted to me, her eyes softening just slightly. "A bond must be severed," she said quietly. "Permanently. The person destroying the Amulet must give up their connection to their Pack-to their wolf."

།

Nova's hands trembled, her anger barely contained. "So you're saying someone has to give up everything? The identity, their strength, their family? That's the price?"

"Yes," Rowena said simply.

Drystan stepped forward, his fury palpable. "Convenient, isn't it? You've been holding this over us, and now we're supposed to trust you?"

Rowena's gaze didn't waver. "Trust me or not, it doesn't change the truth. If the Rogue King succeeds, none of this will matter."

I clenched my fists, my wolf growling softly. "Why should we believe anything you say?"

Rowena's lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Because, Astrid, I have nothing to gain. My life has been one of mistakes, many of which I've paid for. But this... this is bigger than me, than you, than all of us."

Killian stepped closer, his voice hard. “Who is part of this bloodline?"

Rowena's expression shifted, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face before she answered. "It includes Astrid's family. Your family, Astrid."

I froze, the weight of her words crashing down on me. "You're saying... I could destroy it?"

"Yes," she said. "But you're not the only one." She hesitated again, her gaze flicking to Nova. "The bloodline also ties to Liora's family."

Nova's breath hitched, her face paling. "Liora?"

Rowena nodded. “She must have known. That's why she gave her life—to protect the bloodline, to keep the Amulet out of the Rogue King's hands."

Nova's voice broke. "She died for this. And now you're saying it wasn't enough?"

Killian's voice cut through the rising tension. “Enough. We need a plan. If the Rogue King is already using the Amulet, we can't afford to wait."

"And what's the plan?" Drystan demanded. "Trust Rowena, the woman who's lied to us before? Or Andros, the man who betrayed his entire family?"

Rowena's expression hardened. "I'm not the enemy here, Drystan. And if you're too blind to see that, you're a bigger liability than I am.”

Drystan lunged toward her, but Killian stepped between them, his Alpha presence freezing them both. "Stop it," he growled. "We don't have time for this."

Later that night, I found Rowena sitting alone, her chains glinting in the moonlight. Despite everything, she looked... regal. Composed.

"You've always had a way of stirring things up," I said, approaching her cautiously. She smiled faintly. "It's a gift."

I sat beside her, my wolf still uneasy. "Do you regret it? Everything you've done?"

Her gaze softened, and for the first time, I saw something genuine inher expression. "Regret is a luxury, Astrid. One I've had plenty of time to dwell on. But what matters now is what we do next." FindNovel

I didn't respond, the weight of her words settling heavily on me.

 

Chapter 389: Divided Loyalties

Drystan's POV

The council chamber at the Silvermoon camp was more crowded than usual, but the air was heavy with unease.

After everything we had learned from Rowena and Andros, tensions ran higher than ever.

Wolves from allied Packs whispered among themselves, their voices sharp with mistrust.

Killian stood at the head of the chamber, his presence commanding as always, but even he couldn't mask the strain on his face.

Astrid sat to his right, her eyes dark with fatigue. Nova was beside me, her hand resting on her thigh, her tension palpable.

Andros and Rowena sat on the far side of the room, their backs straight despite the weight of every glare in the room directed at them.

Andros leaned casually against the wall, but Rowena remained composed, her sharp eyes sweeping over the gathered wolves with quiet authority.

"We've heard what they've told us," one of the elders said, his voice echoing through the room. "But how can we trust anything that comes from the mouths of traitors?"

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the chamber.

"Enough," Killian said, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade. "We don't have to trust them, but we can't afford to ignore what they've told us. If the Rogue King is planning to sever Pack bonds, then we need to act before it's too late."

"And what about Rowena?" another elder demanded. "She's lied before. She's manipulated us at every turn. And now we're supposed to believe she suddenly has the Pack's best interests at heart?"

"She knows more about the Amulet and the Rogue King's plans than any of us," Astrid said, her voice calm but firm. "If we don't use what she knows, we're walking into this blind."

"And Andros?" a younger Alpha growled. "He betrayed his own family. He murdered his father. What makes you think he won't turn on us the second he sees an opportunity?"

The accusations ignited a flurry of voices, anger and fear clashing in the room. I clenched my fists, my wolf snarling at the chaos.

"They have no right to question us!" I growled, stepping forward. "We've sacrificed too much already to let them tear us apart now!"

Nova placed a hand on my arm, her touch grounding me. "Drystan," she said softly. "We need them united, not divided."

I exhaled sharply, trying to rein in my anger. But as my gaze landed on Andros, lounging in his seat with that infuriating smirk, my fury threatened to boil over.

Rowena's voice, calm and steady, silenced the room. "You're right to mistrust me," she said, meeting the eyes of every Alpha in the room. "I've done things I'm not proud of. But my mistakes don't change the truth. If the Rogue King wins, none of this will matter. Your Packs, your families, your bonds-they'll all be gone."

"And we're just supposed to take your word for it?" the younger Alpha shot back.

"No," Rowena replied, her gaze unflinching. "You're supposed to act because the risk of doing nothing is too great."

Killian spoke then, his voice carrying the weight of his authority. "Whether we like it or not, Rowena and Andros are the only ones who can give us the edge we need. If anyone has a better plan, speak now."

Silence fell over the room.

Later, as the council dispersed, I lingered near the entrance, my eyes fixed on Andros. He noticed and approached, his movements unhurried.

"You've got something to say, Drystan?" he asked, his tone almost mocking.

I stepped closer, my claws itching to extend. "You don't belong here. You think we've forgotten what you did?"

"I don't expect you to forget," he replied, his expression serious for the first time. "But if you don't want me here, then do something about it. Otherwise, step aside and let me do what I came here to do."

My wolf snarled, but before I could respond, Nova's voice cut through the tension. "Drystan," she said sharply. "Leave it."

Astrid found me later, her expression troubled.

"You don't trust him," she said.

"Of course I don't," I replied. "He's a liar and a murderer. And you shouldn't trust him either."

She didn't flinch, her gaze steady. "You think I don't know that? You think I don't remember what he did? He's my brother, Drystan. I've hated

him longer than you've even known him. But we don't have a choice."

QUMS

I crossed my arms, my wolf still pacing beneath the surface. "There's always a

choice, Astrid. And trusting Andros isn't one I'm willing to make."

She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "It's not about trust. It's about necessity. If there's even a chance he can help us stop the

Rogue King, then we have to take it. For the Packs. For Nova. Ford Liora."

QUMS

Her words struck a nerve, and I turned away, trying to hide the raw pain that flickered across my face. "Liora deserved better than this," I said quietly.

Astrid stepped closer, her voice soft but firm. "She deserved a lot of things. But right now, she'd want us to do what's necessary to protect the Packs. Even if it means working with him."

I didn't respond, my jaw tightening as the weight of her words settled over me. The camp was quiet that night, the usual hum of activity subdued. Warriors sharpened weapons, patched armor, and exchanged quiet conversations, their faces etched with exhaustion.

The looming threat of the Rogue King hung over all of us like a storm cloud, and the unease was impossible to ignore.

Rowena sat near the fire, her shackles glinting faintly in the firelight. Killian stood nearby, his arms crossed as he watched her. She met his gaze calmly, her expression unreadable.

"Still watching me, are you?" she asked, her tone dry.

Killian's eyes narrowed. "I have every reason to."

She chuckled softly. "Fair enough. But you'd do well to remember that we're on

the same side now."

"Are we?" he shot back. "Because the last time I trusted you, you almost destroyed everything I've built."

Rowena's smile faded, and for a

moment, she looked... tired. "I made mistakes, Killian. I've paid for them in ways you'll never understand. But whether you believe me or not, i'm trying to make things right. For you. For the Pack. For the future

At the edge of the camp, I found Nova sitting alone, her gaze fixed on the forest

beyond.

"You should be resting," I said, sitting beside her.

She gave me a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Resting won't change anything."

I reached out, placing a hand over hers. "We'll stop him, Nova. The Rogue King won't win."

Her jaw tightened, and she looked away. "What if we're wrong, Drystan? What if everything we're doing... what if it's not enough?"

"It will be," I said firmly, though my own doubts lingered.

She exhaled slowly, leaning her head against my shoulder. "Liora would've known what to do."

"She always did," I murmured.

For a moment, we sat in silence, the weight of our grief and determination binding

us together.

By dawn, the Packs were ready to move. Drystan and Nova would lead a small group to scout the Rogue King's forces, while Killian and Astrid remained behind to fortify the camp and plan their next move.

Before leaving, I approached Killian, my expression grim. "If Andros so much as breathes wrong while I'm gone, deal with him."

Killian nodded. "I will."

I turned to Astrid, her gaze steady as she met mine. "Keep them safe," I said

quietly.

"I will," she replied, her voice filled with quiet strength.

As we set off into the forest, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were walking into

something far bigger than any of us realized. The shadows felt alive, watching,

waiting.

And somewhere in the distance, the Rogue King was preparing for war.

 

Chapter 390: Final Alliances

Killian's POV

The camp was a flurry of activity, every wolf preparing for what could be our last stand.

Weapons were sharpened, armor repaired, and scouts came and went with grim updates on the Rogue King's movements.

I stood near the center, watching the warriors train in the clearing.

Their strikes were fast, their stances solid, but the tension in the air was unmistakable.

Everyone knew what was coming, and the weight of it was crushing.

Astrid approached, her expression as resolute as ever, though her eyes betrayed

a flicker of exhaustion. "Drystan and Nova haven't sent word yet," she said quietly.

"They will," I replied, my voice firm. "They know what's at stake."

Astrid's gaze flicked toward the edge of the camp, where Andros was being guarded by two warriors.

He sat on a fallen log, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, scanning the camp as if calculating his next move.

"I don't trust him," Astrid said, her voice low.

"Neither do I," I admitted. "But right now, he's a necessary evil."

Rowena joined us moments later, her movements slower than they once were but still carrying a regal air.

Her silver hair was pulled back, and her piercing eyes swept over the camp.

"You've done well," she said, nodding toward the warriors. "But it won't be enough."

I turned to her, my patience thinning. "If you've got something useful to say, now's the time."

She smirked faintly. "You need more than brute force to win this. The Rogue King doesn't just rely on numbers-he thrives on chaos. If your Packs aren't united when you face him, you'll lose before the first strike."

Astrid stepped closer, her tone sharp. "And how do you suggest we unite them? You've done more than anyone to tear them apart."

Rowena's gaze softened, just slightly. "I made mistakes, yes. But I've also learned from them. You need to remind the Packs of what they're fighting for what they're protecting. Unity isn't built on fear; it's built on trust and loyalty."

Her words, surprisingly, struck a chord.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, a scout burst into the camp, his fur matted with sweat and blood.

"Alpha Killian," he gasped, bowing his head. "Drystan and Nova... they've been spotted. They're holding position near the Rogue King's camp, but they need reinforcements."

I nodded sharply. "Gather the warriors. We leave in an hour."

The scout hesitated. "There's more. The Rogue King is rallying his forces. They've built barricades around the camp, and it looks like they're preparing for a ritual with the Amulet."

Astrid stiffened beside me. "A ritual? What kind?"

The scout shook his head. "I don't know. But whatever it is, it feels... wrong."

As we prepared to leave, I called a final meeting with the remaining council members and Pack leaders. The room buzzed with tension, the weight of our impending battle pressing down on everyone.

"We can't

afford to go into this

divided," I said, my gaze sweeping over the room. "The Rogue King

wants us fractured. That's how he

we

wins. But if we stand together, fight as one, we can stop him"

The murmurs of dissent began immediately. Some Alphas argued that their warriors were too tired, too injured.

Others questioned whether following my lead would end in ruin.

It was Astrid who silenced them, her voice calm but filled with steel. "I've seen what happens when wolves lose their bonds.

I've seen the destruction the Rogue King is capable of. If you don't fight now, you won't have a Pack left to protect. This isn't just about one Alpha, one Pack. It's about all of us."

The room fell silent. Slowly, one by one, the Alphas nodded their agreement. When the time came to leave, the camp was alive with movement. Warriors gathered in tight lines, their weapons gleaming in the fading light.

I approached Andros, who stood under guard. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes met mine steadily.

"You're coming with us," I said.

His eyebrows lifted in faint surprise. "I thought you didn't trust me."

"I don't," I said bluntly. "But you know the Rogue King better than anyone here. If

you betray us, I'll make sure it's the last thing you do."

Andros smirked faintly. "Fair enough."

The march to the Rogue King's camp was eerily quiet, the forest around us holding its breath.

By the time we reached Drystan and Nova's position, the tension was almost unbearable.

Drystan stepped out from the

be

shadows, his expression grim. "They've fortified the camp more than we expected," he said. "And Amulet.. it's glowing brighter before. Whatever they're doing, they're close to finishing it.

Nova joined us, her eyes flicking toward Andros. "You brought him?"

"He's a tool," I said. "Nothing more."

Andros gave her a wry smile. "Good to see you too, Nova."

The group gathered to plan the attack, the stakes clear.

Drystan would lead a small team to sabotage the barricades while the main force prepared for a frontal assault.

Andros spoke up, his tone

surprisingly serious. "The Rogue

King is expecting you to come in with brute force. But his focus is on the Amulet. If you can distract him long enough, I can get close and disrupt the ritual."

"You expect us to trust you with that?" Drystan growled.

Andros met his gaze steadily. "I don't care if you trust me. But if you want to stop

him, you'll need me to do it."