Chapter 429: Lucas: Pip (II)

LUCAS

Pip is terrified, but she has answers. Answers we need.

Acting like a bully to a child isn't on my top list of things I wanted to do today, but there are too many lives at stake.

My feet sink into crusted snow as I step toward the tiny Fae. Her purple hair stands out against the white backdrop, making her look even more fragile as she cowers, crouching low with her hands over her head.

She thinks she's going to die.

Forgive me, Moon Goddess.

My fingers close around her throat, lifting her to eye level. Her feet dangle, chains jingling. "Choose a side. Now."

Pip's face turns red, tears streaming down her cheeks. Her hands clutch at my wrist, but she's too weak to break free. The sound of her sobbing pierces the air, and my stomach turns.

Aurum growls inside my head. He has no sympathy for those he's deemed the enemy, even a child.

A child who could get our entire pack killed.

But the sight of her crying, the way her tiny body trembles—this isn't what an alpha should do. This isn't what a leader should be, a bully of children.

"The New Order," I say, keeping my voice steady despite my disgust at myself. "What are they?"

Pip's sobs quiet. She blinks at me through wet lashes, her expression shifting from terror to... confusion. Her eyebrows scrunch together as she sniffles again.

"It's the New Order." She says it like I've asked her what color the sky is. Like the answer should be obvious.

My grip tightens slightly, until I remember she's just a kid. Maybe a hundred-year-old kid, but the visual's still there. "That's not an answer."

Order. Everyone knows that."

"Explain."

chains rattle with each shaky breath, but my hand stays at her

Police. They started the apocalypse and threatened everyone with more if they didn't submit. They're everywhere." Despite her fear, there's a

lot of sass for someone who genuinely thinks I might eat

her on command, though; not sympathetic

I demand,

little higher. Maybe she realizes questioning our

what do

order?" She swallows hard against my grip.

you work

We resist. We don't

the situation, it's hard to believe she wouldn't be part of this New Order. "And what are

items on a grocery list. "Everyone has to be tagged. Everyone has to be tracked. Everyone

hierarchical control—so, this New Order is definitely

me now?" Pip's voice wavers despite her attempt at bravado. Her chin tilts up, but her

throat. A deep sigh escapes me as the weight of her words settles into my bones. "Why were you

between me and my pack, lingering on each wolf before snapping away. Every time she looks at Vester, she flinches. The chains on her

hard. "Are you friends with the wolf

muscles lock. The image of Jericho's

"Yes."

a spark of pride that straightens her spine. "I was going to help

same realization hits us both—this child has no idea Jericho and

button could be part of an emergency system. But why would

gentler this time, and pull her toward the spot where we found the button. My boot sweeps away

as she leans forward, purple hair falling across her face. Her brows knit together, confusion replacing her earlier fear. "Why is

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