Chapter 326

Joclyn raised a brow at Trajan, her expression puzzled. “What happened? Is there something on my face?” she asked.

“Trajan?” I called out, snapping him back to reality.

He blinked rapidly, realizing his proximity to Joclyn. Clearing his throat, he shifted back slightly. “Sorry… erm, you were saying?”

I narrowed my eyes, my curiosity piqued. “Trajan,” I called again, trying to redirect his attention from his obvious distraction.

Joclyn shook her head before turning to me, seemingly dismissing Trajan’s odd behavior. “Well… I know Trajan must have experience in the woods, considering he was once a rogue. He’s the perfect person to accompany me to gather the flowers.”

I nodded, acknowledging her logic, while Trajan eagerly agreed. His enthusiasm was apparent; he seemed ready to follow her anywhere.

“Good plan,” I said, though I couldn’t ignore the potential danger. “But what about the harmful effects of the flowers?”

“I’ve already accounted for that,” Joclyn replied, producing a container. She slid it across the table. “This is a special mixture I created. It’s applied to the arms and dries into a protective musk. It prevents direct contact with the flowers and neutralizes their toxins.”

I picked up the container and examined it. “This is impressive,” I said.

“Very impressive,” Trajan chimed in, though I doubted he’d paid much attention to Joclyn’s explanation.

Joclyn stood, brushing off her hands as she looked at Trajan. “We’ll need to discuss this further and set a date to retrieve the flowers.”

“Of course,” Trajan said quickly, his gaze lingering on her.

Joclyn offered a polite smile before leaving the room. Trajan’s eyes followed her until she disappeared, his expression softening in a way that made me raise an eyebrow. When he finally turned back, he grinned sheepishly and licked his lips.

“I’ll get going now,” he mumbled, standing. He still clutched the file he’d brought as he moved toward the door.

“Trajan,” I called, making him pause. He turned back with a questioning look.

I extended my hand. “Hand over the file,” I teased, unable to resist poking fun at his obvious distraction.

“What?” His jaw dropped. “I–I’m sorry, Luna, but I can’t do that.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And why not?”

“Because… I’m not in the right state of mind,” he admitted, closing his eyes briefly. “Can I just leave?”

I chuckled and nodded. “Go ahead.”

He left quickly, almost sprinting from the room. I laughed softly, shaking my head before leaning back in my chair to stretch.

Feeling restless, I stood and went to the window. Looking out, I felt a deep sense of contentment watching the pack members go about their day. They moved with a newfound happiness and unity that warmed my heart.

A few days ago, the atmosphere had been different—tense and uncertain. The warriors had been divided, whispers of fear spreading among them. Now, they trained together with renewed purpose. Women laughed with their children, and the pack grounds were filled with a lightheartedness that had been absent for so long.

My gaze softened as I spotted Rowan and Lila playing outside, their laughter ringing out as they chased each other.

“I’m so glad I gave him a second chance,” I murmured. “Everyone deserves a second chance…”

“Aurora!” A sharp voice cut through my thoughts, jolting me.

I spun around, searching for the source.

“Aurora!” The voice came again, louder, accompanied by the clanking of chains.

My fists clenched as anger surged through me. I knew exactly where the call originated. Storming toward the dungeon, I ignored the greetings of the passing guards, too consumed by fury to respond.

Not everyone deserves a second chance, I thought bitterly. Snakes like Kaida don’t change. If you let them go, they’ll only come back to bite you. Kaida… She was worse than a snake.

Descending the dark staircase to the dungeon, my anger boiled. Kaida had tormented my people alongside Orion, and she’d dared to toy with Dane’s life. She had even coveted him, my Dane, as if she had any right to him.

When I reached her cell, I grabbed the cold bars, glaring at her with unfiltered hatred.

“Aurora!” she called again, her head hanging low.

“Shut up!” I snapped.

Her head shot up, and she glared back through tangled hair. Her clothes were torn and filthy, her body covered in scratches suggesting failed escape attempts.

She tossed her hair back, her face illuminated by the dim light. A twisted smile spread across her lips.

“Welcome, Luna,” she greeted mockingly, bowing with exaggerated flair.

I rolled my eyes, unimpressed. “Cut the act and tell me why you called for me,” I demanded.

She chuckled darkly. “In such a rush… Is Dane waiting for you?” Her gaze roamed over me, and she licked her lips. “Lucky bitch,” she muttered venomously.

Throwing my head back, I laughed. “Unlucky tramp. You’ll never have my man.”

Kaida smirked, biting her lip. “Is that so? You think I can’t get Dane?”

I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes. “What are you trying to say?”

“Dane’s just a man,” she sneered. “And all men are the same. Flash a little cleavage, and they’re yours.” She tugged at her tattered dress, exposing her chest.

“Slut,” I spat. “Dane isn’t just any man—he’s mine. He already has a queen, and there’s no place for anyone else. Especially not a pathetic, desperate soldier like you.”

Her expression faltered, and I smirked, satisfied my words had struck a nerve. Turning, I started to walk away.

“Wait!” she called, her tone desperate. “We need to talk… I know something you’ll want to hear. Something worth buying my freedom.”

I froze, her words echoing in the silent dungeon. My curiosity was piqued despite my loathing. Slowly, I turned back to her.