Chapter 76

My own fight intensified, the scout’s desperation fueling his attacks as he realized he wouldn’t be returning to Silas with whatever information he had gathered. I parried his strikes, my body moving instinctively, fueled by the knowledge that my pack depended on me. Finally, with a surge of strength, I forced him back, landing a final blow that sent him collapsing to the ground, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

I straightened, catching my breath as I looked over to see Dante standing over the other scout, his opponent similarly subdued. We exchanged a quick, grim nod, the adrenaline still thrumming through our veins.

“What do we do with them?” I asked, my voice quiet but steady.

Dante’s gaze was hard, unyielding.

“They’ve seen too much. If we let them go, Silas will know we’re onto him. And he’ll use it against us.”

I felt a pang of regret, but I knew he was right. This was war, and if we wanted to protect Talon Pack, we couldn’t afford mercy. I nodded, acknowledging the grim necessity of the situation.

We handled it quickly and silently, leaving no trace for anyone who might come looking. When it was done, we took a moment to steady ourselves, the weight of our actions settling heavily over us. But I felt a strange calm, a clarity that came from knowing I had done what was necessary to protect my pack.