Bad news struck again, and this time it shook Connor even more than before. The hiding camp of the Nimbria Pack warriors in the Eresca Valley had been surrounded by the Frostholm Pack warriors. Moreover, they were now being slaughtered mercilessly and could not offer any significant resistance.
Connor’s blood was boiling. His hands clenched tightly as he felt the urge to punch and smash anything in front of him. The rage that consumed him was truly uncontrollable. He couldn’t believe that the warriors of the Frostholm Pack would attack them so quickly and effectively.
“How could this be?” Connor muttered angrily. He turned quickly and glared at Marcus, who had just arrived with the bad news. He noticed Marcus’ disheveled state. “How could the Frostholm Pack humiliate us like this?” He shook his head repeatedly, frustration clouding his thoughts. “We have to act now!”
Marcus, still catching his breath after narrowly escaping the Frostholm Pack warriors’ encirclement, dared to take a chance. He knew full well that attacking in such a chaotic state was reckless. “Alpha, we need to prepare a new strategy. We can’t-”
“A new strategy?” Connor glared with rage. His eyes flashed with fury. “You’re always talking about new strategies, and look what happened. The Frostholm Pack attacked us before we were ready and left us beaten. They made us lose our dignity!”
Marcus was startled by Connor’s outburst of anger. He realized that Connor was on the verge of an emotional explosion.
“We don’t have time to discuss strategies now. We need to strike back as soon as possible, with all the resources we have. Waiting and retreating will only cause us to lose everything!”
This time, Marcus had no intention of arguing further. Rash action would surely bring more destruction upon them, but Connor’s gaze, filled with determination and frustration, silenced him. He knew there was no one in this world who could change Connor’s mind.
“So,” Connor continued as he stood in front of Marcus, pointing directly at his nose. Every word he spoke was emphasized with intensity. “You and Ronan will immediately gather the remaining warriors, along with the palace warriors. We will attack the Frostholm Pack before they have a chance to celebrate their victory. This is our last battle, Marcus, and I want a victory!”
Marcus nodded once, feeling the heavy burden on his chest. Then he left to carry out Connor’s orders without saying anything more. His thoughts were dark. His conscience rebelled against Connor’s decision, but there was nothing he could do but steel himself. He was convinced that the cost of this war would be much higher than they expected.
On the other hand, Connor did not mind paying any price as long as he could defeat the Frostholm Pack. He did not care about the miserable condition of the warriors of the Nimbria Pack. To him, the pack existed to fulfill his ambitions. Moreover, he believed that his actions were also for the glory of the pack.
The person who understood Connor’s ambitions best was Bethany Gordon, Luna of the Nimbria Pack. As his partner, she knew Connor’s nature and character very well, including some weaknesses that often troubled him. So, she made sure to be there to support Connor whenever possible.
Bethany knew that the situation was not in the Nimbria Pack’s favor. But in her eyes, it was not over yet. So, she waited until Connor and Marcus had finished their conversation before she approached Connor.
Connor greeted Bethany’s arrival with a scowl. His hands were on his hips as he asked in a gruff tone, “What is it, Bethany?”
A smile spread across Bethany’s face. Her expression showed calmness, unafraid of the emotions emanating from Connor. She knew exactly how to deal with Connor when he was filled with rage. Just as she had long realized that Connor often couldn’t think clearly when the situation was critical.
Emotions paralyzed Connor’s logic. Anger made him unable to use his mind, rendering his logic ineffective.
That was why Bethany’s presence was needed. While Connor focused on brute force, she preferred to play cunning.
“I know we’re under pressure right now,” Bethany said as she stroked Connor’s chest gently, as if to calm his anger. “But you don’t have to panic like this, Connor. After all, the outcome of this war is clear.” She raised her eyes and looked at Connor. “We will win.”
Connor’s eyes narrowed immediately. His forehead creased, clearly confused by Bethany’s confidence. “Why are you so sure?” he asked, noticing Bethany’s smile widen. “Are you planning something?”
Bethany’s fingers stopped stroking and her eyes sparkled with cunning. “You seem to have forgotten that the Nimbria Pack has had its spy on the Frostholm Pack for a long time.”
Connor clicked his tongue in annoyance. “I haven’t forgotten. On the contrary, I launched this attack precisely because of the information from our spy there.” He took a deep breath, feeling frustrated again. “According to her, the Frostholm Pack wasn’t ready, but the reality was the opposite.”
“We can’t blame her, Connor,” Bethany said understandingly. She took a deep breath and shrugged slightly. “After all, the Frostholm pack is not to be underestimated. They’re strong, and their unpreparedness doesn’t make them weak.”
Connor couldn’t argue with that. Bethany’s words made sense. Despite the Frostholm Pack’s disorder, they still had highly skilled warriors and guards. “You’re right, but now everything is in chaos. Any information is useless at this point.”
“Oh, Connor,” Bethany said softly in a melodious voice. She shook her head rhythmically. “Not at all. On the contrary, every piece of information about the Frostholm Pack is still valuable. We can use it to turn the situation around.”
Connor could feel something different in Bethany. Her confidence was really high. He was convinced that Bethany had a good plan. “Tell me, Bethany,” he said as he pulled on Bethany’s waist., their bodies pressed tightly together. He fixed his gaze on her intensely. “What is your plan?”
*