Chapter 170
Cassian and Nathan moved stealthily through the enemy’s domain, the air thick with the stench of decay and dark magic. The trees around them bore signs of corruption, their bark blackened and oozing.
“Stay close,” Cassian whispered, his eyes scanning the shadows for movement.
They stumbled upon an abandoned village, its structures twisted and broken. Nathan pointed to a crumbling house where strange symbols were carved into the walls. Inside, they found cages filled with remnants of human captives, their forms grotesquely fused with shadow magic.
“This is monstrous,” Nathan muttered, his voice shaking as he examined the cages.
Cassian found a map pinned to a table, its edges charred and brittle. His eyes widened as he recognized markings indicating the Lycan King’s lair. “This is it,” he said, his voice low but urgent.
Before they could explore further, a guttural growl echoed through the village. Shadow scouts emerged from the darkness, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent.
“Run!” Cassian shouted, grabbing Nathan’s arm as they bolted toward the treeline.
The chase was harrowing, with the shadow scouts closing in, their claws raking the air just inches away. Cassian turned and hurled a dagger, striking one scout and slowing the others just enough for them to escape.
Back at the camp, Cassian spread the map on the war table, his breath still heavy from the escape. “We have a chance,” he said, pointing to the marked location. “This could lead us straight to him.”
Aurora joined them, her gaze hardening as she studied the map. “Then we’ll take the fight to him.”
Selene frowned, her voice cautious. “If this is a trap, we might not come back.”
Cassian met her gaze, his expression resolute. “We don’t have a choice.”
