Marrying a Warhound (Cassian) novel Chapter 75

Chapter 75

ATASHA’S POV

55 vouchers

“This has been going on for hours. If we don’t move now, I may not be able to stop him next time,” I said, keeping a hand around Cassian’s wrist until the last tremor left his muscles. Ever since I finished healing the soldiers, Cassian has been waking almost every hour. It’s clear now that soon, I may no longer be able to hold him down with my ability.

Mendez checked the slit in the curtain, listening. “The numbers outside have dropped, but it’s still ugly. We’ll get openings between surges, not clean, just thinner. I’m afraid going out there-‘

“I know… but do we really have a choice?” I pushed myself up from the bench and moved to the wall map pinned beside the storage chest. “If Cassian loses control here, he won’t just hurt the soldiers, he could expose his condition to our enemies. Leaving this place takes priority. I traced a narrow route along the map, one that ran close to the inner ridge east of the main road. “You told me the beasts avoid this stretch most of the time?”

“Most of the time,” Mendez repeated. “Red moon changes patterns.”

“It’s still our best chance,” I said. “Prep everything. We leave as soon as we’re harnessed.”

He held my stare for a beat, then nodded once. “Understood.”

A knock hit the carriage door. “Enter,” I said.

Grace slipped inside, hood down, cheeks flushed from the cold. “Your Highness. I came as soon as I received your letter.”

“Perfect timing,” I said. “We’re leaving now.”

She didn’t flinch. Mendez had told me earlier that Grace, and a few of the lieutenants knew more than most because their families served under Cassian’s grandmother. That explained the set of her jaw now.

“Arms and harness in five,” she said, already turning. “I’ll fetch the kit.”

We climbed down to the yard. Then I saw Sivi cross the boards toward me.

“Your Highness.” He held out a stoppered flask the color of coal. The liquid clung to the glass like tar. “Take this,”

“What is it?”

“The blood of a grand alpha–beast we brought down last tide,” he said. “Old stock. There are

11:22 Wed, Sep 10

Chapter 75

…

78

55 vouchers

only two flasks left in the vaults. We use it to break a chase or scatter weak packs. They hate the scent, turns them cautious.”

I took the flask. It was heavy and cold. “Thank you.” I have read about this somewhere. Apparently, weaker beasts are scared of the really strong ones. So, they tend to avoid its smell. If we could use this to travel through that pathway, then perhaps… the trip would be a bit safer.

“Smear it on the wheel hubs and the lead horses,” Sivi said. “Not on skin. It’ll burn.”

I passed it to Grace. “Thin line on the hubs and traces. Keep it off the vents and wear gloves while applying it.”

“On it,” she said, moving.

Since Cassian was already secured inside the carriage, the only task left was to reinforce the restraints that Physician Mendez had insisted on. He explained it wasn’t an act of disrespect, but standard protocol.

78

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify