Chapter 97

Since returning to the Frostfang Pack and learning of her father and brothers‘ deaths, Adelaide had buried her grief deep within.
Lance picked up his carving knife again and began working on a memorial plaque for Adelaide’s eldest brother. Seemingly casual, he asked, “What are your plans after we return to the capital? Or are you considering taking another mate?”
Adelaide was taken aback. “My mother doesn’t want me to follow in my father’s footsteps,” she replied.
Lance looked up, his eyes briefly flickering with some hidden emotion. “Your mother hopes you’ll find a
mate.”
Adelaide sighed softly. “I’ve already tried that.”
A complex glint crossed Lance’s eyes. “Your bond with Ulrik is broken. Perhaps you’ll find a second chance.”
Adelaide forced a smile, her eyes red. “A broken bond is still a bond. As for a second chance, I’m not sure. Finding a mate is like gambling. I’ve lost once, so I’m not ready to gamble again.”
Lance’s face lit up with a warm smile. “That’s a solid mindset.”
Adelaide felt there was more to Lance’s words. He seemed to suggest he wanted her to continue her military career.
She sensed an underlying message but didn’t dare to probe further.
The kingdom indeed lacked capable werewolf generals, a dilemma that troubled Lycan Erasmus.
Despite reclaiming the southern border, their feud with the Western Tribes remained intricate and unresolved.
The next day, news of Ulrik taking Velda’s punishment spread like wildfire.
Since Velda’s capture, rumors about their relationship had swept through the camp, reaching every corner of the southern border.
Initially, Velda had feigned composure, pretending not to care.
After recovering from her injuries, she resumed her duties, hoping to quell the gossip with a show of strength.
But as the voices grew louder and stranger, she crumbled under the weight of judgment. Citing incomplete recovery, she withdrew from sight.
Ulrik, meanwhile, silently endured the backlash.
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The criticism and gossip about them hadn’t escaped Ulrik’s notice.
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But he knew the issue was tied to sensitive matters at Bloodscar Border, including the massacre of Western Tribes‘ civilians by Velda.
These were not things to be easily explained; attempting to clarify would only worsen the situation.
The werewolf warriors, unaware of the full story, saw only that Velda had disobeyed orders, abandoned the main force, and been captured.
During the final battle, she’d recklessly charged with her men, disrupting the formation and nearly foiling Adelaide’s assault on the city.
To the wolves, her actions were dishonorable, and her current plight was well–deserved.
Meanwhile, Ulrik’s act of taking her punishment somewhat steadied his troops.
Yet, none of the werewolf warriors under Alpha Lance’s command held him in high regard.
For these warriors who had shed blood on the battlefield, though they claimed to fight for their homeland, their primary concern was always their own families.
After Ulrik earned his military merits, he used them to request a new mate from the Lycan King.
He abandoned his mate, who managed the wolf pack and cared for their family, which led to universal disdain from the warriors.
Moreover, most of the werewolves on the southern border were former subordinates of Alpha Bentley, and they naturally favored Adelaide.
In early May, Lance, after meticulous planning, left several Gammas to guard Darkclaw Town and led the main force toward the capital.
The Bloodscar Border troops returned to their post.
The memorial plaques were all carved and completed. Lance had specifically arranged for reliable personnel to carefully escort these plaques back.
He planned to enter the capital solemnly with Adelaide, holding the plaques as they entered the city.
The journey back was long, but they were welcomed warmly along the way.
Reclaiming the southern border had long been a wish of the werewolf kingdom’s people, and Lance was hailed as a hero.
All southern border wolves were heroes – except Velda.
Her greed had cost hundreds of lives and led to the capture and humiliation of nineteen, including
herself.
These details , spread by Solanke’s men, painted her in a harsh light.
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By mid–June, they finally reached the capital.
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Lycan Erasmus and the Royal Council elders greeted them warmly , and enthusiastic residents lined the
streets.
Lance dismounted gracefully, holding Alpha Bentley’s plaque with reverence.
Adelaide followed suit , holding her eldest brother’s plaque with a solemn expresion Abbot and other Gammas held their brothers plaques as they stood, solemnly awaiting their return to the capital