Marrying a Warhound (Cassian) novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24

ATASHA’S POV

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“Quickly,” a low voice urged. “Tend the fire and go. I still have the east corridor to sweep.”

My body froze beneath the desk, every muscle stiff and trembling as I pressed my back tighter against the wood. From the narrow gap between the base and the floor, I could see the hem of dark boots crossing the threshold, followed by another.

“Shouldn’t take long,” the second man muttered. “Place feels colder than usual.”

Metal clinked as tools were set down. I heard the soft sound of logs being moved, the fire stirred back to life with practiced hands. Orange flickers began to dance higher on the walls. I forced myself not to move. Not to breathe.

“Did you hear that?”

My heart slammed against my ribs. I instinctively gripped the paperweight tighter, holding it against my chest like it could somehow shield me.

“You’re hearing things,” the other replied. “There’s no one here. No scent either. Maybe it’s the wind outside.”

The first one didn’t sound convinced. His boots scraped against the wooden floor as he shifted his stance. “Still…”

The second sighed. “If you want to stay and talk to ghosts, be my guest. We’re already behind schedule. The attack tonight seemed different. We need to hurry before the wounded start pouring in.”

After a few tense seconds, the footsteps retreated. The door clicked shut.

Only then did I exhale slowly, carefully, as if my breath might still give me away. My palms were damp. My knees ached from crouching, but I didn’t dare move yet. I waited another full minute in the silence, listening, until I was sure I was alone,

Then, still crouched beneath the desk, I looked down at the object I was holding.

It wasn’t just a paperweight. It was a puzzle.

My fingers ran across the edges again, tracing the seam. I remembered now, Celeste once had this exact paperweight in her hands. We were young, and she had been turning it around curiously in the drawing room. She had laughed, saying it looked like it could unfold. But no matter how she twisted it, it never opened.

11:07 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 24

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Our father had stormed in before she could figure it out. He had snatched it from her and scolded her so harshly she’d cried. At the time, I thought it was just another outburst. Now I knew better.

I rotated the base gently, pressing one side inward. Something shifted. A faint click echoed against the inside of the desk.

The triangular weight unlocked, unfolding like a hinge, revealing a flat, silvery plate, thin, smooth, and cool to the touch. I could barely see anything on it in the dim light, but when I ran my fingers across the surface, I felt it.

Grooves and tiny ridges.

Patterns carved so finely they were invisible without contrast.

This was it.

This was the map.

I reached toward the corner of the desk where the inkpot sat, right beside a cluster of quills and broken wax seals. I dipped my finger into the ink and gently smeared it across the metal plate.

But before I could finish-

The door creaked open again.

No.

I barely had time to tuck the plate into the folds of my suit before pressing myself flat against the underside of the desk again, heart leaping into my throat.

The footsteps this time were slower. Heavier.

These were not the same men. Then a voice spoke. “Why did you ask to see me here of all places? We’re in the middle of a war.”

My eyes widened.

William.

Father’s Beta.

Why was he here?

Then a softer voice answered. “He won’t come here tonight. Not with the attack happening and… they just tended the fire. No one would be here for a few minutes, and I turned off all

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