ATASHA’S POV
55 vouchers
“From the border of the Crimson Howlers Pack to this sector…” Mendez’s finger traced a line across the map spread out between us. “The route is covered in dense forest from start to finish. The ground is already soft from recent rains, and if the clouds keep gathering, the soil will turn heavier, making it harder for our people to move quickly.”
He tapped a section marked between two jagged icons. “Here–this gap between the cliffs–is where the biggest threat lies. The Demon Fangs are expected to push through here. The cliffs on either side give them the advantage of high ground, meaning they can strike from above while their main force engages head–on. And with the forest closing in behind us, they could drive a second wave in from the rear, effectively trapping us in a kill zone.”
Mendez’s gaze shifted between Lieutenant Rio, Lieutenant Lucas, and Lieutenant Grace, who had joined us. “This is where we split,” he said, tapping the map. “Each of you will take a group from this sector and guide them through until we clear the cliffs.”
“They believe we’re injured,” Rio said. “Wouldn’t that make them drop their guard?”
“Wrong,” Cassian’s voice cut in, firm and absolute. “The Demon Fangs aren’t careless. They’re predators who savor the kill. They’ll want us broken, drag it out, make us beg before they finish it.” His hand came down hard on the mark between the cliffs. “This is where they’ll force a last stand. Augustus and the others will be ensuring that the kids are safe while you… you will be the ones who will hunt the ones thinking they are the hunters.”
The words settled like stone between us. Moments later, Cassian dismissed them from the carriage, sending each to prepare their own teams.
We had already left Crimson Howlers Pack and were pushing toward the edge of their territory. Until the very moment we crossed the border, Alpha Jason kept up his cordial facade, showing none of the malice behind the poison he’d unleashed on us the night before.
After the others left, Cassian’s attention shifted to me. “Do you know how to ride a horse?”
“I do,” I answered, then hesitated. “I mean… I used to. Before.” In truth, I hadn’t ridden since failing to awaken. There’d been no need to ride one, gathering firewood and herbs never required a horse.
“No matter,” he said as he stood, extending his hand toward me. “You’ll be riding with me anyway.”
“We’re… not staying in the carriage?” I asked.
Cassian’s lips curved into a calm smile. “We will not. We’re taking a separate path.”
11:14 Wed, Sep 10
Chapter 47
79
55 vouchers
I nodded. There wasn’t much room to argue. We pulled on our cloaks, and once we crossed the border of Crimson Howlers territory, Cassian led a single horse toward the open trail. He mounted first, then pulled me up in front of him with one hand, settling me against his chest before taking the reins.
The horse moved at a steady pace, not slow enough to be casual, but not hurried either. The open stretch ahead looked almost peaceful, which only made me wonder why we had broken away from the others.
“Where are we going?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the empty path ahead.
“The others can handle themselves,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument, as if the matter was already settled. It still wasn’t the answer I was looking for.
After a pause, he leaned in slightly. “Consort… do you like burning things?”
79
Verify captcha to read the content
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Marrying a Warhound (Cassian)