Marco’s POVThe King seemed to hesitate for a moment, as if contemplating whether to reveal his thoughts or keep them hidden. Eventually, he sighed, his expression softening. "It's nothing, Marco," he replied, attempting to brush it off."Okay, Your Highness," I said, genuinely grateful for his faith in me."Now, go get some rest," the King urged, his tone gentle but firm. "Tomorrow is going to be a challenging day, and you need to be well-prepared."I nodded, taking his advice to heart. "I will, Your Highness," I assured him. "Goodnight."As I made my way to my quarters, my mind buzzed with thoughts and emotions. I couldn't shake the feeling that the King had held back something important, something he wanted to share with me. But I also respected his decision not to burden me further, especially when we were on the brink of a perilous rescue mission.Once inside my room, I closed the door behind me and sat down on the edge of the bed. I knew I needed rest, but my mind was restless.

Marco’s POV"Marco," Thane began, his voice carrying the weight of his experience, "we've reached a critical point in our journey. These two roads lead to different camps of the Swiftclaw, and as we discussed before leaving the palace, we must split up to get t Swiftclaw both camps on time"You will take the road to the east,as our scouts have said that will be where Scarlett would be held captive" Thane continued, pointing toward the path on the right. "I will take the one to the west. Where is it said Swiftclaw is. That way we will be bale to kill two birds with one stone.""I understand, Thane," I replied, trying to suppress any sign of hesitation. "We'll execute the plan as we discussed. The sooner we execute the plan, the better it will be for both of us."Thane smiled, his expression one of pride mixed with concern. "I have faith in you, Marco. You are a skilled warrior, and I know you can handle yourself well. Remember the training we've been through, and trust your instincts."

Marco’s POV Sage's question hung in the air, and I found myself considering it deeply. He had a point – sending scouts to survey the camp's perimeter at this juncture might indeed be a risky endeavor. We had just discussed the possibility of the Swiftclaw being aware of our presence and potentially setting a trap for us. Sending scouts out could inadvertently reveal our position and intentions. I glanced at Sage, his concern mirrored in his furrowed brows. "Sage makes a valid point," I acknowledged, addressing the group. "If the Swiftclaw is on high alert, sending scouts now might expose us prematurely. We need to prioritize caution and ensure that we're not falling into a trap." Rook's expression was thoughtful, and he leaned in, his eyes searching my face. "So, what's the alternative? How do we gather information about the camp without risking our cover?" "That's where our own observation skills come in," I replied, leaning back against a tree trunk. "Before we make any moves, le

Scarlett’s POVA soft knock on my door stirs me from my reverie. The door creaks open, and a tall, uniformed guard steps in. I offer a respectful bow, my expression attentive and composed. "My Lady," I greet, my voice steady. "You requested my presence?"I nod, my eyes meeting his with a mix of curiosity and earnestness. "Yes, please come in," I say, gesturing to the chair across from me. "I wanted to speak with you."His blue eyes flicker with a glint of surprise, but he complies, settling into the seat with an air of professionalism. "Of course, My Lady. How may I be of service?"I take a moment to study his features – his neatly trimmed beard, the way his uniform fits him perfectly, the emblem of the palace guard on his shoulder. There's a sense of familiarity about him, a reassurance that settles my nerves somewhat. "I've heard that you've been assigned to watch over and care for me during my stay in the palace," I begin, my tone measured.He inclines his head slightly. "Yes, My L

Scarlett’s POV"I have no idea," I reiterated, my tone a mix of frustration and concern, my gaze locked onto the King as I spoke. "It's a complex situation, one that's hard to decipher. But there's no doubt that Michael's motives are far from pure. He might be trying to exploit our vulnerabilities, seeking shelter only to further his own agenda."The King's brows furrowed, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed my words. "But how did he manage to get here? And under the guise of being sent to check on you?" His voice held a note of disbelief, his arms crossed over his chest as he regarded me intently.I sighed, my fingers absently tapping against the arm of my chair. "It's possible he's manipulating the situation. Remember, he's always been crafty, a master of deception. He could have easily forged that seal or coerced someone from the neighboring pack into playing along. We know how skilled he is at twisting truths to suit his purposes."The King's pacing slowed, and he cast a contemplati