Chapter 137
Xander POV
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We continue to walk in silence, not because there’s nothing left to say but because, for the first time in so long, there’s peace and quiet. Once we get out of here, the silence and peace will disappear and we will be lost in a sea of noise and expectations again.
I watch Serafine holding Eryx close to her chest, her hand cradling his head as she keeps her steps steady, trying not to jostle him too much in case he wakes. I stay close by her side, watching as the mist began to thin and the outline of the archway came into view again.
The moment we cross it, something shifts. I see the roots gripping Killian, Garrick, and Helena begin to recoil as if they were burned. They drop in an instant, and I watch as they slither back into the soul with a soft hiss. The three of them stagger and gasp wild–eyed.
I watch as Helena grips a nearby trunk to help steady herself, while Garrick bends forward. He places his hands on his knees like he’s trying to breathe, and Killian, ever the warrior, instantly grabs his weapon, ready for something to strike them all. I don’t blame him; they were held down, locked in place, having their memories destroyed one by one.
“What the hell just happened?” Killian mutters, his eyes scanning the space behind us.
“You were gone,” Helena breathes. “We thought… You know that we couldn’t-” Her voice breaks off, and she looks to Serafine, eyes narrowing with confusion and a flicker of something else. Respect, maybe; or perhaps it’s fear. None of it matters, though, not now; all that matters is what needs to be done next.
“It released you,” I say, stepping in front of them. I look between them, seeing no physical or lasting damage. “Because we’re finished here.”
Garrick begins to look around the space, his eyes narrowing as he does. “We didn’t move, and we couldn’t have anyway. And you… What did you find in there? Because out here, we saw nothing, you vanished, like you walked through a veil and into another universe!”
Maybe that’s exactly what we did? Maybe the Nyvarras Hollow isn’t here but is somewhere else?
“What happened in there is not important right now,” I say as I turn to the group waiting near the edge of the trees. I begin to signal my men to gather. “Everyone, gather please, we’re making camp half a mile north before nightfall. I need everyone gathered together in ten minutes. We’re holding a war
meeting.”
I watch them begin to rush, and Garrick stares at me, but I shake my head. “Make sure we have everything gathered, we don’t have time to waste,” I say.
Killian straightens, finally registering the command. He now realises that this isn’t just me calling everyone together for than that. “Yes, Alpha.”
le talk but more strategic
Turning, I look back toward where Serafine is. She’s not said a word but her face is pale and drawn. Her arms are still wound tight around Eryx’s sleeping form. She’s exhausted it’s clear from her face. She’s used too much energy today, and has pushed herself too far too quickly. She should rest, not worry
about what’s coming..
I step close and lower my voice. “You need to rest. Please eat and drink something, just focus on yourself and Eryx. You’re fine to let me continue this on without you. If we need you, I promise we will come for you.”
Her mouth opens to argue, I can see it in her eyes that she’s ready to fight me on this, but I shake my head at her instantly.
“No debates, you’ve done more than enough. Please look after yourself, Serafine, and let me carry this part now.” I wait, hoping that she listens and does, because I can’t afford for her to become too exhausted to stand. We all need her, she’s important to each of us. She’s the only way to solve this issue and the only way for her to do that is if she’s rested.
I see the way her jaw tenses, and I prepare for her to argue, but instead, she gives me a small nod.
Relief washes through me, and I lower my voice even more, so only she can hear me. “This phase isn’t about discovery, it’s about protection and planning what is happening next. So let me plan, let me set up things so you’re all protected. You focus on yourself and Eryx, that’s what matters right
now.”
Exhaling a soft breath, that almost catches in her throat she nods again, this time it’s firmer. Leaning forward, she kisses me gently, and a small smile
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10:31 Sun, 22 Jun
Chapter 137
curves at her mouth before she turns and heads to the collection of supply packs near the cars. Helena follows silently beside her, and I watch as she gets settled and eats. Helena takes Eryx and begins to feed him for her.
Good, she’s listening. It’s not easy. I want to protect her; that instinct within me isn’t dying down, and even now that she’s resting and eating, I feel like I should be doing far more to help her. I know I’m limited in my abilities, but I want to protect her from this world and from the things that are no doubt waiting in the dark corners of it.
I can’t shield her from this, though. I can stand in front of her as the shadows rise, and try to protect her, but she’s the one who has to fight it.
Turning back toward the others, I get my mind in a place that’s good. “Ten minutes, get moving,” I call out to everyone.
They nod and begin to work. I watch as they clear away things and start to gather to discuss the plan. Killian and Garrick continue to guide the men, and stay quietly watching.
We need to get things sorted, I need to have a plan, guards on shift all the time, those who sleep during the night are up during the day. We rotate them. I also need them to do sweeps of the area regularly, especially while Serafine is using her magic and getting used to it.
What else is there? I consider it, trying to force my mind to think like an Alpha, while also thinking like her mate. I can’t suffocate her and have too many guards with her, she won’t allow that, even I know that she will refuse to let too many close to her.
I also need to decide what we’re doing with Eryx; he will be safer with us, but we’ve no idea what we’re going into, which means he might be safer left behind. There are so many variables, which is why I need this moment, time to think things through. I need to plan before I speak with my man, otherwise, they will be confused themselves and ask me why I am having issues.
So, we move and find a camp for the night, while there, Serafine practices her magic. At the same time, the guards will canvas the area and ensure no one is close enough to sense it. While she’s doing that, I will prepare my men, ensuring they are aware of who will be where and doing what when we reach the location.
I also need to make them aware that this can be something left by Gideon. He is the only one who goes that far west, which means there’s a high chance the link is there between it all.
I’m not sure what else I need to do, there’s more, I’m hoping that as I’m telling the guards the plan it uncovers, and I can sort it.
