Chapter 423

423
423
Third Person’s POV
Paisley and Avery grasped the deeper implications of Adelaide’s words.
The Western Tribe’s situation would soon undergo significant changes. When the new Lycan King ascended, he would likely launch a thorough investigation into the Snowdeer Town incident.
This would serve three purposes: revenge, consolidating power, and redefining the border.
If Ulrik had any compassion left for Gloria, he should let her return to her own pack.
But if he kept her in the Bloodmoon Pack out of familial protection, forcing Tad to speak up for the pack, then he and Velda were essentially the same–both selfish to the core.
Paisley, ever the prankster, suggested a bet. “Let’s wager on whether Ulrik will reject Gloria. I say he won’t
Avery, though disdainful of Ulrik, recalled his battlefield bravery and offered a shred of trust. “He might. He’s shown responsibility in battle.”
The two of them looked at Adelaide in unison and askek, “Which one do you pick?”
Adelaide remained noncommittal. “I don’t know Ulrik well enough.”
Paisley slid a $10,000 check across the table. “Pick a side. Let’s bet $10,000.”
Avery, alarmed by the high stakes, quickly backed down.
Losing $10,000 would mean a beating at home.
Adelaide lightened the mood. “Just for fun. Let’s bet $10.”
Paisley retracted the check, noting Avery’s covetous glance. “Choose, then.”
After a moment’s thought, Adelaide said, “I think… he’ll feign concern for Gloria’s feelings but won’t be honest with her. If she chooses not to reject him, he’ll accept it guilt–free.”
Paisley snorted. “That sounds like you know him well. But how can we verify? The Bloodmoon Pack’s under surveillance; we can’t sneak in to eavesdrop.”
Adelaide shrugged. “So I’ll go with ‘he won’t reject Gloria.””
Paisley grinned. “Two against one. Poor Avery, you’ll owe us $20 if you lose.”
Avery sighed. “Hope Ulrik doesn’t make me lose money. Be a decent person.”
On June 21st, Lance led Eugene and his group out of the martyrs‘ cemetery.
Over the past three days, Victor had turned the city upside down in his search. It wouldn’t be long before he thought to check the cemetery.
Despite Marsh’s severe injuries, they had no choice but to leave, with someone carrying him.
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To cross two mountains, Klein had stocked up on supplies before departure.
The recent rain made the mountain path treacherous, but for werewolf warriors, it was manageable
They had to hurry; if Victor discovered their stay at the cemetery, he might guess their route.
Tommy carried Marsh, while others bore food.
Once in the forest, they faced snakes, insects, and wild animals. Klein and Lance took the lead, hacking a path through dense vegetation.
Halfway up the mountain, Lance cut branches from the other side, creating false tracks.
As expected, after they left, Victor stormed into the cemetery.
He found signs of Lance’s group in the caretaker’s house and the bound caretakers.
Learning Lance and his team had stayed there for seven or eight days, Victor roared, “Lance is sly! Chase!”
The group followed up the mountain, pursuing the escape route.
Victor moved fast. Soon, he was halfway up the mountain. Two freshly cut paths lay before him. “Pathetic tricks,” he sneered. “Split up and chase!”
He sent ten men with some werewolf warriors after the left path and led the rest upward himself.
Not far off, screams erupted from the lower left. Victor’s heart sank. “Did they run into trouble already?”
More screams followed, shouting, “Traps! Traps!” Victor leaped to a tall tree and saw vines dragging wooden stakes toward the werewolves.
Six or seven men down, all from such crude traps. Furiously, Victor barked, “Keep chasing! This is Dragon Ash territory. If you spot Alpha Lance, kill him no questions asked. I’ll reward whoever brings me his head with a million dollars!”
On June 19th, Tad dispatched Abbot and Stewart with warriors to await Lance and Eugenius outside Frostbite Town.
He didn’t concern himself with the rescue’s outcome; the relief party had to be sent.
For his position’s security, every detail must be flawless.
If Lance failed and perished, that was his fate.
Tad wouldn’t send troops to the Dragon Ash border.
Stewart and Abbot, with their soldiers, reached the highest peak outside Frostbite Town. Leaving a thousand men on standby, they led two thousand further forward, eager to meet Lance.
But after cresting a ridge, they halted.
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