Chapter 243

At dawn, they came.

The attack wasn’t subtle; the screams and the clash of steel against steel echoed through Redcape, shaking the earth beneath us. I had felt it before 1 opened my eyes-a dark, foreboding presence that made my skin crawl.

As I sat up, my heart pounded in my chest, knowing the inevitable had arrived. Fear gripped me, cold and unrelenting. Were we ready? I didn’t know, and wasn’t sure it mattered anymore.

Lucian, Clay, and Maxwell were already moying, their movements quick and deliberate as they readied themselves for battle. Their focus was sharp, but the tension in the air was palpable.

“For all we know, David has no idea Scarlett has a wolf or magic,” Lucian said, his tone firm as he strapped on his gear. “Let’s keep it that way. It’ll be our element of surprise.”

He turned to me, his eyes glowing with both determination and worry. “Guns and bullets for now. We need to blindside them-just like you did with Garland. That’s the only way. And, Scarlett,” he stepped closer, gripping my arm, “you cannot let that dark magic touch yours. We’ve heard Elsa and Alison. if everything is lost. Stick to the plan. Promise me.”

I nodded, my voice steady despite the fear swirling inside me. “I promise.”