"I’m not talking about the gypsies," Addison said quietly, her eyes locking with her father’s, laden with aning. What she really ant was clear: this could all be connected to the ones who had tried to abduct her, the rogue attacks on the Midnight River Pack, and now the sudden locust swarm. It felt less like a coincidence and more like a pattern.
They had suspected it before, talked in circles about whether these events were random or part of a larger sche. But with the new intel brought by Alpha Zion, suspicion was quickly turning into certainty.
If their enemies truly were orchestrating all of this, then they were under attack from every direction. Or worse, maybe it was a grand diversion. A way to pull their attention outward, toward the chaos on their borders, just to leave the Royal Capital exposed.
And if that were the case... was the throne their true target all along? Was that why they tried to take her?
"Then, we’ll play it by ear... I need you to take charge of the operation in the west," the Alpha King said, dropping the news like a bombshell.
Addison froze. She hadn’t expected that. It was a massive responsibility, and she’d only just returned to active duty this morning. She had assud a senior Domain Managent officer would be appointed to lead such a critical mission.
There was too much at stake: food security, political stability, and the lives of countless citizens. But now, it was clear, her father hadn’t called her in just to seek her opinion. He had brought her here to hand her this opportunity.
Or rather, this test.
It was a double-edged sword. If she succeeded, it would silence doubters, elevate her standing, and sweep away the whispers about Mila being the favored heir. But if she failed, even once, she wouldn’t just be criticized. She’d be condemned.
Still, Addison understood what her father was trying to do. He was giving her a chance to gain real power, power that could only co from respect, influence, and a track record of success. If she earned that now, then when her curse was eventually revealed, she might be spared the scorn and rejection. She might still be accepted... maybe even protected.
But if she failed? And the truth ca out?
The court would devour her alive.
This was a world where only the strong survived, and Addison knew that if she wanted to rule it, she had to prove herself, starting now.
Addison felt a surge of determination, but it was laced with nerves. This wasn’t a small matter. Part of her suspected that the reason her father was entrusting her with this mission wasn’t just to give her a chance to prove herself, but because they were severely short on manpower. In a crisis like this, every capable hand had to be used, whether ready or not.
Still, the opportunity was hers now. And though she wasn’t entirely sure of her chances, she knew she couldn’t afford to back down. All she could do was give it everything she had.
She straightened her back and nodded firmly. "Alright, Father. I’ll go. When do I leave?"
Her eyes burned with resolve, and the Alpha King gave a slow nod of approval, satisfaction glinting in his gaze. Her bravery hadn’t gone unnoticed. He knew this task could either elevate her or destroy her, and giving it to her without a guaranteed outco almost looked like tossing her into a pit, where wolves and vultures waited to pounce at the first sign of weakness.
But he also knew Addison.
She didn’t give up easily. It was this sa stubborn resilience that helped her bring the Midnight River Pack back from collapse, even before Zion returned to take over. She was tenacious, and if anyone could face the impossible and hold their ground, it was her.
And now, more than ever, he hoped that strength would see her through.
"Addison, as you said, this may well be the work of soone waiting for us to fail," the Alpha King said gravely. "Which is all the more reason you need to be cautious."
He wasn’t speaking in hushed tones, and Lance was right there, listening. The Alpha King made no effort to hide it because Lance wasn’t just anyone. He was Addison’s childhood sweetheart, and more importantly, her sworn bodyguard. While there were certain truths he still couldn’t reveal to Lance, like Addison’s curse, this much was acceptable. The Alpha King trusted Lance’s loyalty, and more than that, his feelings.
After all, Lance had already failed to protect Addison once, six years ago. The guilt still hung over him like a shadow. Knowing that soone might be targeting the Royal Family, especially Addison, would only make him more resolute. He wouldn’t let history repeat itself.
Perhaps that was manipulative, the King mused silently. But this was the vow Lance made when he accepted the role of her protector, an oath sworn before the altar and the Moon Goddess herself.
"I will, Father," Addison replied quietly, her fingers clutching the hem of her shirt, anchoring herself with that simple motion as the weight of the mont settled over her shoulders.
"Alright," the Alpha King began, "I’ll be sending a full squad of Royal Guards with you, along with a dozen magicians, Elric, and a caravan to help transport the crops and livestock. For now, we’re still waiting on the gypsy chieftain’s final decision. I’ve already dispatched Elric and my advisor to negotiate the terms."
He paused briefly before continuing, addressing Addison’s earlier concern.
"As for the lethality of the biochemical agent, I’ll have the Royal Alchemist conduct tests as soon as we obtain a sample. That way, even if we release it in the West, once he finishes analyzing its composition, he can begin developing a neutralizing treatnt to disperse any residual toxins after the locusts are eliminated."
His explanation eased so of Addison’s unease. She knew that if they waited for the chemicals to naturally dissipate, it could take days, weeks, even months, or longer, depending on their potency. Ti was a luxury they didn’t have. While it was risky to proceed without the alchemist’s full analysis, she understood why swift action was necessary.
Taking a steadying breath, Addison nodded. She would move forward with caution, but without hesitation.
"I understand, Father. For now, I’ll begin preparations for my departure," Addison said softly. Then, with a faint smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes, she added, "Please... take care of yourself and Mother while I’m gone."
As she spoke, a flicker of unease crossed her face, and Mila’s earlier words resurfaced in her mind, causing her to glance anxiously at Lance. She hesitated, unsure if she should bring it up in his presence. Sensing her discomfort, Lance quietly rose from his seat.
"I think I’ll take a walk in the garden," he said with a weak, almost hollow smile. "It will help my stomach digest the food."
But Addison knew he hadn’t eaten much at all, too focused on attending to her. His eyes were heavy with unspoken thoughts, his usual warmth shadowed by sadness. The sight of him like this made sothing twist in her chest.
She pressed her lips together and gave a small nod, watching him go.
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