The Matchmaker (by Sophie Smith) novel Chapter 41

CHAPTER 41

The next few days blurred together for Saphira.

Every moment was spent in the office, pouring over maps, strategizing, preparing. Nikolas was always beside her, his presence a constant, steady fees. focused, determined.

She had never worked this closely with someone before. Not like this. Not with him.

And despite the weight of what they were planning, despite the urgency behind every decision, she found herself settling into the dynamic, trusting it. trusting him.

They had decided to only take a few people–each chosen carefully, each with a skill set that complemented the team. It wasn’t just about strength; it was about precision. It was their best chance.

But despite the careful planning, the unrelenting focus, there was something restless sitting in the back of Saphira’s mind.

Hope. Fear. The unknown.

The possibility of Nikolas‘ sister being alive–of finding her. But also, the terrifying thought that they might find nothing at all. That she could be too late.

She glanced at Nikolas as he traced a potential route across the map, the golden glow of his eyes sharp with thought.

He hadn’t voiced his fears aloud. Not once.

But she could see them.

And more than anything, she wanted to make sure–he never had to live with that doubt again.

This mission wasn’t just about saving a life.

It was about giving Nikolas back something he had lost.

Saphira was deep in thought, studying the latest map they had spread across the office table, when the sound of footsteps pulled her focus. She looked up just as Raven stepped into the room, arms crossed, expression unreadable.

Nikolas sat up straighter beside her, his golden eyes sharpening instantly. “What is it?” he asked.

Raven glanced between them before exhaling. “Asher says he feels well enough to start searching.”

The words hit like a shockwave, sending a ripple of energy through the air.

Saphira felt her pulse quicken, fingers tightening on the edge of the table. This was it. The waiting, the planning, the tension building in every second since Asher revealed what he knew–it was all leading to this moment.

Nikolas didn’t speak at first. He leaned back slightly, assessing Raven, calculating. “Is he ready?” he asked, his voice careful. “Not just physically, but mentally?”

Raven sighed, shaking her head slightly. “You know as well as I do that he’s still recovering,” she admitted. “But if you tell him to wait longer, he’ll fight you on it. He wants to go. Now.”

Saphira glanced at Nikolas, catching the flicker of something unreadable in his gaze. She could feel his hesitation, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. He wanted this to be smart, careful, safe/But could they afford to wait any longer?

She placed a hand lightly on his arm, grounding him. “Then we make sure he’s surrounded by people who won’t let him push himself too far,” she murmured. “We work around it. But we go.”

Nikolas exhaled slowly, then nodded once,

Raven gave a knowing smirk. “That’s what I thought you’d say.” She turned toward the door. “I’ll let him know we’re moving forward.”

1/3

CHAPTER 41

As she left the room, Saphira felt the energy shift–plans morphing into action.

This was happening.

Saphira scanned the faces of their team, standing at the front of the pack house, each of them prepared fot what lay ahead,

Nikolas–her mate, steady and unwavering, his golden eyes locked on the path ahead.

Jed and Finn–her brothers, bonded by blood and by battle, standing strong beside her.

Amara–her new best friend, quiet but fierce, her wolf instincts honed, always ready to fight for those she cared about.

Raven–the witch, her presence grounded, her magic thrumming just beneath the surface, a force to be reckoned with.

Asher–determined, still recovering, yet refusing to back down, carrying the weight of his mother’s fate on his shoulders.

And Jasper–the vampire, sharp and precise, his gaze scanning the surroundings, always watching, always protecting.

They had dragons. Werewolves. Vampires. A witch.

They had power.

But all Saphira could think about was who they were to her. Her mate. Her brothers. Her best friend. The people who had become her world.

And now,

she was leading them into danger.

The fear gripped her chest, tightening enough to make her catch her breath. She felt selfish thinking it, but the truth was clear.

If this mission went wrong–if the Elders retaliated in ways they hadn’t prepared for–she could lose everything.

Raven’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.

“Are we all clear on the plan?”

Saphira straightened, pushing down the fear, locking it away.

Jed nodded. “Scout first, move smart, don’t get caught. Once Asher gives the signal, Raven cloaks us.”

“Not perfectly,” Raven reminded them. “But enough that if we’re careful, they won’t sense us right away.”

“We move in pairs,” Finn added, crossing his arms. “No one wanders alone.”

Nikolas glanced at Asher. “Are you sure you’re ready?”

Asher held his gaze, determination flickering behind his tired eyes. “I wouldn’t be standing here if I wasn’t.”

Amara stepped forward, her expression fierce. “Then let’s focus. We’re not just walking into unknown territory–we’re walking into a place where dragons are held captive. If we run into guards, if we find Elders, we need to know how many, how heavily armed they are. This is more than just a rescue–it’s about survival.”

Jasper smirked slightly, adjusting the daggers strapped to his belt. “Don’t worry. I plan on walking out alive.”

Nikolas gave a curt nod. “We all do.” He glanced at Saphira then, something knowing in his gaze. “You ready?”

Saphira inhaled deeply, meeting his eyes, steady and strong. “As I’ll ever be.”

This wasn’t just a mission, it was a turning point.

And whether they walked away victorious or broken–one thing was certain. She wouldn’t let fear stop her. Because her family–her people–were worth

fighting for

And she was ready. No matter what waited for them on the other side.