Chapter 37

• Bustan's POV
• I rode ahead of my men, the horses’ hooves kicking up dust as we approached the hunters’ hideout. It was hidden deep within the forest, far from any known trails, its location guarded. The very idea of parlaying with these people felt like treachery, but I knew it was the only way to gain an advantage against Nate. The hunters had been a thorn in our side for too long. If we could convince them to stop supporting him, the war would shift in our favor.
• Olivia’s discovery of the crystal had given us a powerful edge, one that I intended to use wisely. But first, I had to face the hunters. They were dangerous, unpredictable, and held no loyalty to anyone but themselves. They fought for gold and blood, and Nate had been their latest employer. But with the right push, I knew they could be made to see reason—or, at the very least, fear.