Chapter 122
Juno’s POV
Yeah. They’re specially trained warriors who excel at remaining unseen. They’ll track your movements, secure perimeters before you arrive, and eliminate threats before you even know they exist. His eyes darkened slightly. “They’re the best we have trained since childhood to move like ghosts.”
“Will people know they’re there?” I asked, thinking about how the citizens of Dawnshere might react to more Clifflands warriors in their territory.
“No one sees them unless they want to be seen,” Augustin replied, “They’ll keep their distance unless your lives are in danger.” He paused, his expression serious. “Those are my condons, Berry.”
I wanted to tell him it wasn’t necessary, that we could handle ourselves, but I knew better. This was non–negotiable, and pushing back would only make him more anxious about my safely. I nodded my agreement, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “Thank you for letting me do this my way.”
Augustin and Bryloch insisted on driving us to the hangar themselves. This was a covert mission, and the fewer people who knew about it, the better. Only the pilot was present when we arrived at the small private airfield.
Scarlett and I boarded the jet, waving goodbye as the door closed behind us.
An hour later, we touched down in Verdantia. I realized how much worse this trip would have been by car when my stomach lurched violently as we descended. I managed to keep from throwing up, but just barely.
True to Augustin’s word, a driver was waiting for us at the Verdantia airfield. He introduced himself as–Roy and escorted us
to a black SUV that would take us to Dawnshere.
Verdantia was a much larger city than I’d expected. As we drove through the downtown area, I noticed several electronic billboards displaying images of Augustin and messages praising his leadership.
“These people seem to love their Alpha King,” I remarked.
Roy nodded enthusiastically from the driver’s seat. “Alpha King Augustin brought development to Verdantia. Before him, this place was much like Dawnshere used to be.”
“Used to be?”
“Many resisted at first, but the people of Verdantia welcomed Alpha King Augustin with open arms, and look at the result.” He gestured toward the gleaming buildings around us. “The rest of Lakeside is similar. Once they saw how Verdantia
flourished, they accepted him too.”
“He’s worked hard,” Roy continued. “All of Lakeside is grateful to be under his leadership.”
I didn’t respond, too busy fighting another wave of nausea. By the time we reached Dawnshere, I had thrown up twice.
Dawnshere was noticeably less developed than Verdantia. We were taken to a small hotel with only about twenty rooms. Scarlett and I decided to share one to be safe.
I knew we needed to visit the Alpha of Dawnshere, but first, I needed to rest. Looking out the window at the destruction caused by the attacks made my heart ache. Buildings with broken windows, shops with boarded–up fronts–this wasn’t
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Chapter 122
what Augustin would want for his territory.
I sat on the edge of the bed in our hotel room, sweating despite the air conditioning. I knew I needed to tell someone the truth–I couldn’t keep pretending I was fine.
How are you feeling? Scarlett asked, handing me a glass of water.
I took it gratefully and drank it all. She sat beside me, rubbing my back gently.
“I’ve been feeling off since that day 1 threw up,” I admitted. “I thought it would pass, but it’s only getting worse. The car ride was hell, and the smell of everything
i
me nauseous.
“Does Augustin know?” Scarlett’s eyes narrowed with concern.
I shook my head. “If I told him, he wouldn’t have let me come, and It’s important that we handle this ourselves. He’d either lock me in the manor or insist on coming himself.”
“And that would make things worse,” Scarlett agreed. “Bryloch thinks if they came here themselves, people would attack them on sight. The resentment runs deep.” She sighed heavily. He suggested letting the Council handle it.”
“No,” I said firmly, “The Council? Half of them probably want Augustin dethroned. When the criminals have no name or face, only we can protect our reputations and ensure peace. As Luna and the future Luna Queen, I have to do this ourselves.”
I explained what I’d learned from Theron–that guys had explicitly claimed to be following Augustin’s orders when he attacked Dawns here, and the person who gave this order was Evanth. But the reality is that someone threatened Theron’s wife to force him to falsely accuse Evanth.
“It was deliberate, Scarlett. Someone wants to destroy his reputation beyond repair, even wanted him dead.‘ I added.
Scarlett’s eyes widened. “That’s awful! Poor Evanth. He’s an asshole, but he doesn’t deserve to be framed like this. No wonder Amelia so angry.”
“And Amelia… I understand her resentment now. She thinks Augustin isn’t doing enough to avenge Nathanael.”
“Where is she?” Scarlett’s tone turned suspicious.
I sighed. “She’s part of why I’ve been sick, actually.”
Scarlett frowned, leaning closer. “What did she do?”
“She’s targeting me because she knows Augustin loves me and will take my side,” I explained, “She said some things about how I wasn’t fit to be Luna Queen.” I shook my head. “I don’t want to deal with unnecessary stress right now. I’m worried about what she might do if pushed further.”
My voice broke as I continued, “I don’t want her and Augustin to become estranged. She’s still his mother, and he adores her despite everything. It would break him to choose between us.”
Emotions I’d been suppressing came flooding out. Scarlett pulled me into a hug as I cried freely, realizing I hadn’t allowed myself to release these feelings.
I don’t want Augustin to know this is bothering me,” I sniffled, wiping at my eyes. “He has so much to deal with already. The traitors in his midst, and now his mother…”
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