Augustin’s POV
“Oscar,” I said, ‘Report.”
*Sir, we’ve apprehended Fox Larson, Oscar’s voice came through clearly. He tried to run when he realized he was being followed. I had to intervene personally.”
1 sat up straighter, momentarily distracted from my personal furmoil. “Did he reveal anything useful?”
“More than we expected,” Oscar replied. ‘Ile’s working for Francis Vasquez.”
“The elders‘ spokesperson?” I asked, surprised. “Are you certain?”
“Yes, sir. He was quite forthcoming after some… persuasion. Apparently, Vasquez is funding a group that claims to seek democracy and liberation. Their goal is to overthrow the Alpha King system and let the elders rule, with each elder governing a different territory.”
1 frowned, skeptical. “He gave up this information rather easily, didn’t he?”
“We were quite thorough in our interrogation,” Oscar explained. “And we made it clear that treason against the Alpha King carries the death penalty. He’s hoping for leniency in exchange for information.”
I considered this for a moment. “Have him brought to me secretly. I want to question him myself.”
“Yes, sir. We’ll arrange it immediately.”
After hanging up, I should have felt triumphant. This was a major breakthrough in our investigation. Yet all I felt was a hollow ache in my chest, a sense of loss and frustration I couldn’t shake.
I made a decision. We would not arrest Francis Vasquez immediately. Better to wait until after the polo match, to avoid disrupting our ongoing investigation and the upcoming events. This would also give us time to gather more evidence and identify other conspirators.
The rest of the morning passed in a blur of paperwork and administrative tasks. By noon, I needed physical activity to clear my head. I headed to the training grounds, pushing my body to its limits in an attempt to exhaust myself into clarity.
After my regular training session, I went to the stables where Bryloch,and Adryx were already practicing for the upcoming polo match. I joined them, grateful for the distraction, losing myself in the rhythm of the game, the thunder of hooves, the solid connection of mallet and ball.
I skipped lunch, preferring to spend the afternoon outdoors, hoping the fresh air and open spaces would help settle the turmoil in my mind. Eventually, I found myself sitting alone on the cliff edge that gave our territory its name, staring out at the vast landscape below.
The sun was beginning to set when I finally made my way back to the stables, my body aching pleasantly from exertion, my mind somewhat clearer. After ensuring my horse was properly tended to, I showered and headed to the dining room for dinner.
The moment I entered the dining room, I felt Juno’s eyes on me, filled with concern. I had not kept our link closed all day, something I rarely did. She watched me carefully as I took my seat beside her.
“Are you okay?” she asked quietly. “You’ve been blocking our link all day.”
“I’m fine, I assured her, reopening our link as proof of my trust. “Just needed to focus.”
I missed you, I added through our link, feeling her relief at the renewed connection.
“We have news,” I announced to the table at large. “Fox Larson has been apprehended. He’s working for Francis Vasquez, the elders‘ spokesperson. They’re funding an organization aimed at overthrowing the Alpha King system and giving power to the elders.”
Bryloch’s eyes narrowed. ‘When do we move on Vasquez?”
Not yet,” I replied./I want to see who else he leads us to. We’ll put him under full surveillance and gather more evidence. Better to catch all the
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Chapter 184
conspirators at once than to tip our hand too early.”
The dinner conversation continued, but there was a heaviness in the air: When fond and I finally left for our chambers, stened to receber he lost in our own thoughts.
In our bedroom, Juno immediately disappeared into the bathroom while I checked my emails on my laptop. Finding nothing urgent, I closed & pins a faste emerged, her hair damp around her shoulders, wearing a silky nightgown.
Busy day?” she asked softly, moving to her vanity to apply her nightly skincare.
I watched her, taking in the graceful movements as she massaged cream into her skin, the way she carefully braided her hair before moving to the bed. Einy gesture so familiar now, so precious to me.
After an internal struggle, I decided honesty was the best approach. “Kieran will be joining the polo match, I said, watching her reaction carefully.
Her hand froze halfway to her face, her eyes widening with shock. “What?” she whispered, a flash of fear crossing her features.
‘It’s unprecedented, I explained. “He’s accepted the invitation and has requested three team slots for Fireland in the competition.”
I took a deep breath. “There’s more. My ex, Cassandra, will be coming with her uncle. He’s the captain of Kieran’s team.”
Juno visibly paled, her hand trembling slightly. “Cassandra is really coming here?” she asked, her voice catching.
I moved to the bed, pulling her into my arms. “Yes, I confirmed softly. “I’m telling you now so you won’t be caught off guard when she arrives.
Juno pulled back slightly to look at me. “Is that why you blocked our link?”
I hesitated, not wanting to add to her worries. “The elders‘ conspiracy concerns me more,” I said, which wasn’t entirely untrue. “But yes, I wanted you to know about Cassandra beforehand.”
She searched my eyes, vulnerability clear in her gaze. ‘I trust you, please don’t break my heart,” she whispered, tears gathering in her eyes. “I don’t think I could survive it again.”
The sight of her tears tore at my heart. I cupped her face in my hands, pouring all my love and commitment into my words.
“Never,” I said. “I’m your, Berry.”
She curled against me, her hand resting over my heart. “Promise me.”
“I promise, I love you, Berry,” I said fiercely. “Only you. Cassandra is my past. You are my future, you and our child. I will never betray you, never abandon you. You have my word, my heart, my soul.”
She nodded, pressing her face against my chest as I held her close. Eventually, we lay down, her hand resting over my heart, her body curled against mine. As I stroked her hair, staring up at the ceiling, I found myself longing for the Purplemoon.
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- Broken Luna’s Sacrifice
Chapter 185
