Chapter 192 PIPER We cant keep losing like this, Aurora said .
There was a weight upon the air of Broken Ridge, the kind that clung to skin and stirred fear in the lungs.
Wherever I looked, there were wolves in motion, but they moved.
slowly, heads down, spirits beaten down.
The Nameless had left more than a scar than that which seemed superficially apparent on the flesh of our pack.
I stood near the edge of the forest, watching as sof the younger wolves worked to patch up broken defenses.
They avoided my eyes and I knew why.
My connection to Warrick, however strained, had madesuspect.
The crunch of leaves behind hadscared and quickly I already held a dagger in hand.
Warrick stepped out of the darkness, his face pale, his shoulders sagging with exhaustion.
Do you believenow? he said, his tone as though he hadnt had water in days.
I narrowed my eyes and kept my dagger raised.
Believe you? Why would I? Chapter 192 2/7 His lips twisted weirdly into a worn smile, but it didnt touch his eyes.
Because I put my life on the line for you.
For all of you.
After you betrayed us, I growled, taking a step closer to him.
You made it very clear that you were with the Nameless.
You said it yourself it was just business.
Warrick let out a deep breath, rubbing a hand over his messed up hair.
It was just to deceive him.
A means of making them believe, buying enough twith them so I could help you afterward.
I hissed and shook my head.
Youre full of it.
Youve always been selfish, Warrick.
Why would I think youve suddenly grown a conscience? He moved in closer to me; the black eyes locked with mine.
Because I am here, am I not? Surviving their wrath because of an urge to warn you! You only survived because you ran ! I hollered now.
His jaw clamped down, and for a second, I wondered if he would snap at me.
Instead, his shoulders loosened, his arms swinging open wide.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtYou can hateall you want, Piper.
However, the fact is, I am here, and I can help.
Before I could shoot back another reply, Auroras voice sliced Chapter 192 through the tension.
3/7 Enough! she said, moving toward us and even Warrick snapped straight at the authority in her tone.
Her eyes flashed bright as she glared between us.
We dont have tfor this foolishness.
Dane is still out there, and we need to figure out how to get him back.
Warrick raised an eyebrow, his smile twisting up again.
Danes been captured again? Shut up before I stab you, Aurora said coldly.
Warrick raised his hands in mock surrender.
Alright, alright, cool it.
No need for violence.
You all should be glad Im here.
I am smart and resourceful and III figure something out.
Aurora laughed.
Youre one arrogant bastard, you know that? Comes with the territory, Warrick said, shrugging.
I couldnt hold back any longer.
Enough with the jokes, Warrick.
If youre here to help, prove it.
Otherwise, get out of our way.
He looked at me, something unreadable flashing in his eyes.
Fine.
Lets go.
I blinked, caught off guard.
What? You heard me, he said, his voice steady.
Lets go.
Were not Chapter 192 going to find answers sitting around here.
4/7 Aurora stepped one firm step forward.
And exactly where do you think youre going? Look for help, Warrick said.
Actual help.
You got anything better? Aurora had looked at; now I didnt wait for her approval.
Alright, I said, moving forward.
But that doesnt mean a millimeter of my trust falls in your direction.
Warrick gave an unexcited smile.
Wouldnt really expect much less from you.
We moved into the woods, tension between us as thick as it could be cut.
I kept my dagger close and ready should Warrick so much as blink in the wrong manner.
Always this scared? he asked after a while, his tone light, with an edge of sharpness underneath .
Only around people I dont trust, was my comeback.
Fair enough, he replied, going back into silence.
These trees now seemed to darken, as if we entered into a forest, contorting into unnatural shapes The air was heavy and cold..
. seemed to watch us.
Chapter 192 Do you even know where were going? I asked after what seemed like several hours of walking. Not exactly, Warrick said, peering around.
5/7 But Ive heard rumors of a hidden village in these parts.
Exiles, people who managed to escape the Namelesss control.
If anyone can help, its them.
And you didnt think to mention this before? I snapped, my frustration boiling over.
Would you have believed? he shot back.
I said nothing, just kept my eyes on the path ahead.
Then in an instant, Warrick stopped, his hand raised.
Wait.
I stopped, my grip on my dagger tightening.
What? Listen, he breathed.
At first, I heard nothing but the soft stir of leaves, and then, softly, the murmur of voices.
Warrick nodded forto follow, creeping forward with caution.
in the direction of the sound.
The voices grew louder; a sign of firelight filtered between the trees as we approached.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
We emerged into a small clearing and found ourselves confronted by a m small village, tents and wood Ve structures Scattered about, and a group of people standing near the fire , Chapter 192 their faces wary as they turned to look at us. 6/7 Who are you? one of them demanded, a man with graying hair and a sharp gaze.
Were looking for help, Warrick said, stepping forward.
We mean no harm.
His eyes flashed down.
Help with what? I stepped a little closer, my tone even.
The Nameless.
Were trying to defeat him, but we need a healer.
Two of our packs are held by his power, and we have no idea how to redeem them.
He did nothing but stand there as the others looked to him for direction.
He looked back at them and then nodded.
Youll want to speak with Lira .
Shes our healer.
He gestured to a small tent on the edges of the clearing and Warrick! exchanged a look with me, then headed in that direction.
Inside the tent an older woman, her eyes soft, but her hands cold and worn, looked up from her task. You seek healing, she said.
Her voice was not loud, but firm.
Yes, I answered immediately.
Two of our packs have been marked by the Nameless.
Can you help them? Liras face turned serious.
The marks are a curse, bound to his Chapter 192 power.
They will not be easily removed.
Can it be done? I insisted.
She nodded, slowly, and it can.
But it will cat a cost.
What kind of cost? Warrick asked fearfully.
Lira didnt answer at once, her gaze going far away.
The kind which will force you to decide what youre ready to give up.
A shiver ran down my spine when she said so.
7/7 We will do whatever it takes, I said, making my resolve harden then and there .
Lira nodded, a faint smile dancing upon her lips.
Then let us begin.