Chapter 175

Jaxon's POV

Group after group is sent through until we're down to the recruits. I feel a tight knot in my stomach, thinking about anything happening to my warriors. But I know I have to stay positive, confident, and unwavering in my belief that they can do this. It's a promise I hold onto with all my heart. There's just this nagging sensation in the back of my mind that we're about to be thrown a curveball, and surprisingly, it isn't Shadow. He's tuned in on Melanie's emotions, searching for any signs of distress.

Although Rubeus is focused on listening to Dusk, he looks at me when I call his name. "Melanie told me what you said a while back. Be honest with me, is Ayla's final objective to hurt her in any way?" I demand.

He looks me in the eyes. "No."

"Then, why tell her not to trust you?"

"Ayla rescued me, so I owe her my loyalty. If she asked me to do something to Melanie, I don't know if I could refuse. I haven't always been the best at that. The last time Ayla told me not to inter