Chapter 269

PIPER

Alina’s final words before exile, “This isn’t over,” seemed to be that constant hum of cold, creeping fog lying low over the pack.

I leaned against the railing of the packhouse, observing the wolves moving on through the day with weighed down shoulders, as tension hung on with the passing of weeks.

Warrick moved beside me and gave my shoulder a gentle bump.

“You’ve been quiet,” he said, his voice softer than usual.

“I’m just… thinking,” I replied, my eyes drifting to the training grounds where Rowan was hauling supplies.

Rowan who had once been so proud, so eager to prove himself now moved with a little energy, his gaze rarely rising from the ground.

The fact was that it felt odd to see him this way. The Rowan I knew was impulsive, sometimes foolish, but not this weak and shy.

He’s trying, Warrick said, catching my gaze. It might take some time, but he’ll find his place again.

I nodded, but my attention stayed with him as Rowan paused,

Chapter 269

his head bowing briefly. Something in the way that he moved. tightened my chest.

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I made my way to the training grounds much later in the afternoon. He was alone, his hands dirty, shoulders hunched. as if he carried some invisible weight. I hid behind a tree a bit ashamed of myself and yet unable to take my eyes off him.

Then I saw her. Alina stood near the edge of the woods.

My breath caught as Rowan looked up, his face a mixture of surprise and confusion. They spoke in hushed tones, too low for me to hear, but their body language told me enough.

Alina was making movement with her hands animatedly, her hands slicing through the air as she leaned toward him.

shaking his head once, but she set at

you doing?” Warrick’s voice startled me and I jumped out of

hissed, pulling him behind the tree with me.

that. Alina? What’s she doing here?

to figure out,”

hide and watch as Rowan finally nodded, defeated, his shoulders sagging. Alina smiled smugly;

Chapter 269

ran down my spine as she disappeared into

do you think that

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my stomach twisting. “But we need to tell Aurora

crossed in Aurora’s quarters; Aurora and Dane sat across from

seen.

said, frustration bubbling in my voice. “Even after

“Rowan’s trying to find his place, but Alina’s

If

we do?”

“If something is

come into an unsettling quiet when

in abruptly before anyone reached the door or

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suddenly, a scout girl stumbled right in, running her chest heavily and her face pale just as

at once, her eyes narrowing. “What

been… there’s been a sighting near the eastern border,” Cassia stammered, struggling to catch her breath. “A figure… cloaked…

“A cloaked

but not trying to hide. Almost like they

slicing glance. Her tone was silky,

maybe half a mile. They were headed right for the village,” Cassia

crossed his arms over his chest, his expression

be so sure? She is

is just her style. She keeps us on edge because she

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