Chapter 28

• Nate's POV
• I paced the length of my tent, hands clenched into fists as I struggled to suppress the rage boiling inside me. The Hunters were scattered outside, sharpening their weapons, plotting their next attack. My men were growing restless. We needed to strike soon. But the real reason for my unease wasn’t the looming confrontation with Bustan.
• It was Olivia.
• I’d been an idiot to let her go. I should’ve kept her close, I thought she was some weak wolf but turns out she has some powers I never imagined. I would have harnessed her abilities for my own. Now, every whisper that came from inside Bustan’s palace was about her. How she was growing stronger, more dangerous. The informants I had inside told me everything: Olivia’s power was unlike anything they had ever seen. And now, she was at Bustan’s side, protected like some prized possession.
• I slammed my fist into the wooden post of the tent. How had I let it come to this?
• A movement at the entrance caught my attention. leader of the hunters, entered, his presence as imposing as ever. His dark eyes met mine, and I could see the impatience in his expression. We had formed an alliance, uneasy as it was, because we both wanted the same thing—Bustan’s fall. But lately, I could tell the hunters were growing skeptical of my leadership.
• “You’ve been quiet,” he said, his voice low and gravelly as he stepped into the dim light. “The men are getting restless.”
• I gritted my teeth and turned toward him. “I know they are. But we can’t make a move until I know what’s going on inside Bustan’s walls.”
• He raised an eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest. “And what’s that supposed to mean? You’re still hung up on the girl, aren’t you? Olivia.”
• I scowled, feeling a surge of anger at the mention of her name. “This isn’t just about Olivia. She’s key to all of this.”
• “She’s his now,” He spat. “You let her slip away, and now you’re chasing shadows. If we wait any longer, Bustan will strengthen his defenses, and we’ll be at a disadvantage.”
• I hated that he was right. Bustan wasn’t just sitting idly by. His defenses had grown tighter, and he’d been gathering allies. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that Olivia was the key to it all. Her power was unlike anything we’d ever encountered. If I could get her back on my side, I’d have an unstoppable weapon. Bustan wouldn’t stand a chance.
• “I haven’t lost her,” I said firmly. “Not yet. She’s still unsure about her place with him. I sent her a letter.”
• He frowned. “A letter?”
• I nodded. “A message reminding her that Bustan is afraid of her power. That he’ll never fully trust her. I told her I could help her harness it.”
• “And you think she’ll believe that?”
• I met his skeptical gaze. “She’s smart, but she’s also vulnerable. She doesn’t fully understand what she’s capable of. If I can plant doubt in her mind, make her question Bustan’s loyalty, she’ll come to me.”
• Gus didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t argue. “Even if she does, how long do you plan on waiting? The men won’t wait forever, Nate. They want action. They want blood.”
• I stepped closer to him, my voice low and dangerous. “You’ll get your blood. I have a plan. But we need to be patient. Bustan’s defenses are strong, but I’ve been working on something.”
• “What is it?”
• I smirked, the thought of another traitor inside Bustan’s camp filling me with satisfaction. “I have someone on the inside. Someone who’s close to him. I plan to use her to plant discord and chaos in the Palace. They’ve been feeding me information. When the time is right, we’ll strike from within.”
• Gus’s eyes narrowed. “You’re sure about this informant? If they get caught, we’ll lose our advantage.”
• I nodded. “They won’t get caught. They’re too careful. Slowly, slowly they'll creep into his stronghold and when the time comes, they’ll help us bring Bustan to his knees.”
• He studied me for a moment before letting out a huff of approval. “Fine. But don’t keep the men waiting too long. They’re thirsty for blood, and if you can’t deliver, they’ll start looking for someone who can.”
• I didn’t need the reminder. My grip on the camp was slipping. The Hunters were loyal to me, yes, but they were also driven by bloodlust and a desire for power. If I didn’t lead them into battle soon, they’d turn on me. Their leader, especially, was watching for any sign of weakness. I needed to act fast.
• After the leader left, I sat down at the table, spreading out the maps of Bustan’s territory. I had memorized every detail, every weak point in his borders. The palace was well-protected, but there were still vulnerabilities. And with Kim feeding me information and helping me destroy the palace from within, I had everything in place.”
• I allowed myself a moment of satisfaction as I thought about my anonymous informant and Kim . She was supposed to be Bustan’s ally, but I had managed to turn her. With her help, it wouldn’t be long before we breached the palace. She wanted power, and I promised her a place at my side once Bustan was gone. She had agreed without hesitation, proving just how disloyal she really was.
• A movement outside the tent caught my attention, and I saw one of my scouts approaching. He bowed his head slightly before speaking.
• “Nate, we’ve received word from Kim. She says there’s been tension inside the palace. Bustan had to face the council regarding Olivia's powers and place in the palace. He might declare her his Luna Queen soon.”
• I nodded vigorously, my mind already racing. “No, he can never declare my Olivia as his Luna queen.”
• Olivia’s power was both a threat and an opportunity. If I could get her on my side, Bustan would have no chance. But if I waited too long, she might fully embrace her place with him, and that was something I couldn’t allow.
• “Tell the men to be ready,” I ordered. “We’ll strike soon. And when we do, Bustan won’t know what hit him.”
• The scout nodded and disappeared back into the camp. I sat back, my heart pounding with anticipation. The pieces were falling into place. Kim’s betrayal, Olivia’s growing uncertainty—it was all working in my favor. Soon, I would have everything I wanted.