Chapter 333
Rachel’s POV
Several days had passed since we’d confirmed Dylan’s retreat. The news should have been cause for celebration, but Carter’s disappearance cast a shadow over any victory we might have claimed.
My scouts had been searching tirelessly, but so far, we had nothing concrete to report.
I made my way through the camp toward Nathan’s makeshift office, steeling myself for our meeting. Since his recovery, we’d maintained a careful distance–professional and cordial, but nothing more.
Each interaction was a delicate dance around the unspoken tension between us.
When I reached his tent, I paused at the entrance, taking a deep breath before announcing my presence.
“Come in,” Nathan’s deep voice called from inside.
I pushed aside the canvas flap and stepped into the spacious command tent.
Nathan stood hunched over a large wooden table, studying maps and reports.
Even in this mundane task, he commanded presence–his broad shoulders tense with concentration, his fingers precise as they marked locations on the map.
He glanced up as I entered, and for a brief moment, I caught a flash of something in his gray eyes before his expression settled into its usual careful neutrality.
“I have news,” I said, cutting straight to the point.
“About Carter?” he asked, straightening to his full height. There was a hint of tension in his voice that betrayed his concern.
I nodded. “Yes and no. My scouts caught up with him. We’ve confirmed that it was David creating chaos in Dylan’s ranks.”
Nathan’s lips curved into a smile–a genuine one that reached his eyes. “That’s good news. Carter’s plan worked, Excellent.
“However,” I continued, hating to dampen his rare moment of optimism, “we’ve lost contact with Carter since then.”
The smile vanished from Nathan’s face, replaced by a furrowed brow and tightened jaw.
“I’m worried, Nathan,” I admitted, the words slipping out before I could stop them. “He’s been gone too long with no communication.”
Nathan rounded the table and guided me to a small seating area in the corner of the tent. He gestured to me to sit on the leather sofa before kneeling on one knee in front of me, his eyes level with mine.
The unexpected intimacy of the position made my heart stutter.
“I’m worried about him too,” Nathan said softly. “But we have to trust him. I underestimated Carter before, and he proved me wrong. He’s planned for every contingency, I’m sure of it. He knows how to protect himself.” He paused, his expression softening. And remember- no news is good news. If something had gone truly wrong, we would have heard by now.”
“I looked into Nathan’s eyes–those typically cold gray eyes that now held a warmth I rarely saw–and my heart raced. I quickly glanced away. unable to maintain the connection without revealing too much of my feelings.
Nathan has changed, I thought. We’ve all changed.
Chapter 333
“You’re right, I agreed, finding my voice again. “I believe Carter will be fine.”
Nathan stood and returned to his maps. “Let’s focus on what we can control. Carter has given us an excellent opportunity, and we shouldnt i lë him down. With Dylan retreating, there’s no better time to pursue him and end this war once and for all.”
I moved to stand beside him, studying the map. Various markers indicated troop positions, supply routes, and terrain features.
After a moment of consideration, I offered, “Nathan, regarding strategy and execution, we’ve been doing well so far. Do you think we should continue with you designing the strategy and me leading the offensive, since I now have more experience with boosting morale?”
Nathan turned to me, a strange expression crossing his face. “You don’t have more experience with boosting morale.”
I blinked, taken aback by his blunt response. But then his expression shifted, his face becoming serious before one corner of his mouth quirked up in a mischievous smile.
“You’re excellent at boosting morale,” he said.
My cheeks warmed at the unexpected compliment, and a laugh escaped me before I could suppress it. Nathan joined in, his deep chuckle sending a pleasant shiver down my spine.
I like hearing him laugh. It’s so rare.
“Yes,” Nathan said once our laughter subsided, “I think that’s a brilliant plan. I’m eager to end this war.”
My mind drifted to Isla’s prophecy about the many civilians forced to fight. “I worry about the people Dylan has conscripted, I admitted. They don’t deserve to die for his ambition.”
“We’ll do our best to minimize casualties, Moon Goddess Queen,” Nathan replied.
“Don’t mock me,” I said.
Nathan guided me back to his desk, and we spent the next several hours developing a detailed battle plan. He expanded upon David’s actions, creating a comprehensive strategy that would capitalize on the confusion in Dylan’s ranks.
Chapter Comments

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
Summary & Review: By Werewolf