Chapter 386 Ava: They Disappeared

"What do you mean, they haven't found them?"

The map sprawls across Lucas's desk, its edges curling where the paper wants to roll back into itself. Red marks pepper the surface—each one a spot where our scouts searched and found nothing.

"The tracks led here." Kellan's finger taps a spot near the eastern border. "Then nothing. Like they vanished into thin air."

Lisa shifts beside me, her arms wrapped tight around herself. The memory of Mira's death weighs heavy on her still. "Are they gone, then?"

"They're not thinking straight enough to hide." Kellan traces the path on the map. "The taint makes them aggressive, reckless. They'd be attacking anything that moves."

Lucas's jaw tightens. "Unless someone's controlling them."

The thought sends ice through my veins. Selene perks up, staring at me. She's been extra sensitive to my worry of late.

"The Mad Prince." Lisa's voice cracks. "You think he's controlling them?"

"It's possible." Lucas straightens, his shoulders rigid. "We can't assume they've just wandered off. Not with everything else that's happened."

His beta frowns. "I doubt that. They acted just like the wolves touched by the corruption. The only difference is their lack of scent."

"Could be a smokescreen. A way for them to keep us assuming horses instead of zebras." Golden eyes meet mine. "Or it could be exactly what it seems. Either way, we need to deal with it. We just need to increase security. Are you prepared?"

I nod. "The longer we wait, the more it spreads. I'm ready to go now."

"Kellan will lead a team of fifteen wolves to guard you while you work. I'd rather go myself—"

best guard." Standing, I head to his side,

stay here." Kellan looks conflicted, much

security detail," said mate

But I want updates. Constant

and I'd love to know

it takes me a while to figure out where we were when we found it. "I think it's over here. It took us an entire day

door, pausing to squeeze Lisa's shoulder as he

waits until they're gone before pulling me into his arms. Amber and campfire smoke wraps around me like

this," he murmurs

press my face into his chest. "But

arms tighten. "Be

gaze. "I

* * *

time we reach the area of taint. Marcus and Vanessa trudge along beside me,

the snow as she trails behind me.

double what

whisper

stomach twists. "Can I handle

The concentration

closer, his broad shoulders tensed. The wind blows his scent at me, tinged with something bitter. I think it might be anxiety.

admitting it. "Grimoire says the taint is

Vanessa frowns. "We don't want

to fester isn't an option. Not when it

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