Chapter 73\u00a0<\/p>\n
When he said this, I raised my head sharply and glanced at him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He was smiling like he said something funny.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I felt my heart stutter at the mention of Kaia\u2019s name.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I clenched my fists and smiled back.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Z (62)\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s nothing too hard for me to handle,\u201d I replied. \u201cThe show must go on, a pack must remain stable no matter what\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWise words, Alpha Draven\u201d he nodded.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIndeed,\u201d I nodded. \u201cEnjoy your evening, Alpha Renwick\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The alpha lord and I went away from Renwick then we had a few glasses and continued chatting with the\u00a0<\/p>\n
guests.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I noticed the Alpha lord was paying a little too much attention to me tonight, for some odd reason.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After a while, he leaned closer, lowering his voice.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAlpha Draven,\u201d he said casually, \u201cwhy don\u2019t we step away from the noise? I\u2019d like a word with you. Privately.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My instincts sharpened.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSure.\u201d I inclined my head. \u201cLead the way.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He guided me through a side corridor, past guards who bowed their heads when they saw us walking by.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then, we arrived in a spacious office overlooking the northern cliffs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The door closed behind us, muting the noise from the celebration outside.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He gestured to a chair. \u201cPlease.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I remained standing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat did you want to discuss?\u201d I asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be direct,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019ve always appreciated honesty.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I crossed my arms. \u201cGo on.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He walked to his desk, resting his palms against it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t sit down, his eyes got sharper and the host mask completely disappeared from his face.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He looked like a businessman making deals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll stop dancing around it,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m preparing for war.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:40 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 73\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t react. As an Alpha, I had learned to keep my reactions in check in front of other alphas.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAgainst who?\u201d I asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNightshad,\u201d he replied immediately. \u201cThe Southern pack.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Of course. It\u2019s the largest pack with the richest borders.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The kind of territory men dreamed of conquering.\u00a0<\/p>\n
62\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve grown too powerful,\u201d he continued. \u201cAnd now they\u2019re testing their reach. Three packs were attacked just days ago. Quiet loot, a few left dead and others injured. The survivors refused to state them\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I raised a brow. \u201cAnd you\u2019re certain it was Nightshade?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
His jaw tightened, just a little for me to see it flash.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wouldn\u2019t take long for them to move north,\u201d he said. \u201cNot with the resources they\u2019ve amassed. If they\u2019re not stopped now, they\u2019ll come for all of us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stepped closer, resting my hand on the back of a chair.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOr,\u201d I said calmly, \u201cthis is a convenient excuse to seize their lands.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
His gaze hardened.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cPower always has a price,\u201d he replied. \u201cBetter we pay it now than bleed later.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I studied him carefully.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd where do I fit into this?\u201d I asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A smile curved his mouth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou join me,\u201d he said. \u201cSilvermoon and all the North together. Your warriors and strategies. In return, you\u2019ll share in the spoils. The Territories, wealth and influence, you name it\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I exhaled slowly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you want my name,\u201d I said. \u201cMy strategies and my soldiers.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d he said without hesitation. \u201cBecause when Alpha Draven of Silvermoon stands beside me, others will fall in line.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I straightened. \u201cAnd if I refuse?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
His eyes flicked to the window, turning his back to me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThen when the war comes,\u201d he said quietly, \u201cI can\u2019t promise that I will come to your rescue because you made your choice\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:40 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 73\u00a0<\/p>\n
(62)\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
I met his gaze, my voice low. \u201cYou\u2019re asking me to condemn my pack to a war based on rumours and fear.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m asking you to survive,\u201d he countered.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Silence stretched between us again.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then, I spoke.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t move my warriors on claims alone,\u201d I said. \u201cIf Nightshade attacked those packs, I\u2019ll want proof.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
His lips pressed into a thin line.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll have it,\u201d he said. \u201cSoon.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I turned toward the door.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd until then?\u201d I asked over my shoulder.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He answered without hesitation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cConsider this a proposal,\u201d he said. \u201cOne that won\u2019t remain open forever.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
When I stepped out of the office, the noise of the party rushed back in.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But I couldn\u2019t focus, my mind was muddled with the alpha lord\u2019s threat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t say it directly but I knew he was threatening me with the outcome of my choice.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And now, whether I joined in on the fight against the Nightshade pack or not, I\u2019m now a target.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t slow my pace.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Every word he\u2019d said replayed in my head.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Nightshade pack, the impending war and spoiled, everything was riling my mind up.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I took a glass from a passing attendant but didn\u2019t drink.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I saw my own reflection in the glass staring back at me with a clouded look.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAlpha Draven.\u201d I turned.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Alpha lord had ad followed me out, he had a smile slapped red on his lips and clasped his hands firmly, walking up to me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI trust you\u2019ll think carefully,\u201d he said lightly. \u201cThese opportunities don\u2019t come often.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I leaned in just enough that my voice wouldn\u2019t evoke gossip.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course. Neither do lies,\u201d I said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:40 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 73\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n
(62)\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
His smile faltered for half a heartbeat.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then he laughed. \u201cAlways cautious. That\u2019s what I like about you. No wonder, you\u2019re respected amongst the alphas\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stepped away without another word.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I found my Beta, pretending to be engrossed in conversation. His eyes met mine instantly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My beta fell into step beside me almost immediately.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou look like you just swallowed poison,\u201d Rowan said under his breath.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNot far from it,\u201d I replied.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We found a quieter corner near the balcony doors. Cold air slipped in, grounding me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHe wants war,\u201d I said. \u201cHe\u2019s planning something big against the Nightshade.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?,\u201d Rowan\u2019s expression hardened. \u201cThat\u2019s madness.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s ambition,\u201d I corrected. \u201cAnd he\u2019s already counting a lot on me for that\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rowan was silent for a moment. Then, carefully asked, \u201cDid you agree?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I looked away. \u201cNo.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYet,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I shot him a look.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t say no either,\u201d I admitted. \u201cBecause if he\u2019s bold enough to say this out loud, then he\u2019s already laying groundwork.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rowan nodded grimly. \u201cWhich means even if you refuse the war happens.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd if it does,\u201d I said, \u201cSilvermoon will be forced to choose a side whether we like it or not.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
My gaze drifted across the hall.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFind out everything about the Nightshade pack, everything there is to know\u201d I ordered quietly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rowan straightened. \u201cAnd the alpha lord?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll stall,\u201d I said. \u201cMen like him hate waiting.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you realise what you\u2019re getting into?\u201d Rowan asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t answer immediately.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rowan hesitated. \u201cDraven\u2026 if war breaks out-\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
18:40 Tue, Jan 20\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 73\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI know,\u201d I cut in. \u201cSilvermoon bleeds either way.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
:.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rowan didn\u2019t say anything else, he just stood beside me, watching the party.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to leave,\u201d I said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He frowned. \u201cNow?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
We moved toward the exit, but halfway there, someone brushed past me.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t fall into this trap. It\u2019s a nasty trap\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I stopped, when I turned, she was already gone, swallowed by the crowd.\u00a0<\/p>\n
My Beta stiffened. \u201cAlpha?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
I exhaled slowly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you hear that?,\u201d I said, \u201cThat just made things more complicated.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
AD\u00a0<\/p>\n
62\u00a0<\/p>\n
55 vouchers\u00a0<\/p>\n
Comment\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella\u2019s storytelling style is immersive and addictive\u2014perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shadows Follow Lonely Minds \u2014 Christopher Harris 73 Chapter 73\u00a0 When he said this, I raised my head sharply and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27318","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-nightshade-heir-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27318","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27318"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27318\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27318"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27318"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27318"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}