Chapter One hundred and Sixty Four

Xander’s Pov

Eventually, she relents, her resolve crumbling in the face of the searing pain. “I work alone,” she hisses, her voice raw with suffering. “I don't need anyone else.”

I shake my head in disgust, appalled by her arrogance. “Just like I was a liability to you?” I retort, my tone laced with bitterness. “Don't make me laugh.”

Without waiting for her response, I turn and leave the room, the weight of her betrayal heavy on my shoulders. Outside, Richard looks to me for guidance, his expression troubled.

“Can we trust her?” he asks, uncertainty clouding his features.

I shake my head, my resolve hardening. “No, we can't,” I reply firmly. “But we can use her to our advantage. Let's conduct a sweep of the pack borders, and anyone we question, we'll threaten with wolfs bane. It's been a long time since they've seen it. It should be enough to make them talk.”

Richard nods in agreement, his determination matching my own. As he sets off to gather the soldiers, my wolf stirs within me,