[POV Chloé]

  The air in the academy stables was thick with the scent of old leather, fresh hay, and the metallic nervousness of horses. It was that uncertain hour between midnight and dawn, when shadows stretch longer and secrets weigh heavier than stone. I tightened the straps of my light armor, feeling steel brush against my fur. I was never a fan of wearing metal. I have always preferred the freedom of my cws and instincts. But Lotte insisted that for this mission, I needed to look like an official leader.

  Lotte and Leah stood nearby between the shadows of the stone columns. Lotte already wore that pin gray tunic that had become part of her “low-ranking maid” disguise, hiding her imposing presence behind a fa?ade of servitude. Leah, meanwhile, watched me with bright eyes filled with gratitude and worry.

  Chloé, I know you’re the best for this, but be careful. If the forest is a trap of corrupted mana, don’t let it cloud your senses, Lotte said, her voice a cold whisper ced with warmth she only ever showed us.

  I ughed, baring my fangs, and gave her a friendly shove that made her stagger slightly.

  Please, Lotte. Who do you think you’re talking to? Those maddened soldiers may have red eyes and plenty of strength, but I have the nose of a highnd wolf. No cheap magic trick can fool my scent. You two handle the viper hiding in the castle. I’ll make sure the supplies reach King William. And there had better be a feast worthy of a heroine waiting for me. With real meat.

  Leah stepped forward and hugged me tightly.

  I trust you, Chloé. Bring our men back if you can.

  Trust me, Leah. I’ll fix it.

  I gave them one st nod before turning toward the exit.

  Outside in the courtyard, my detachment awaited. Twelve elite guard soldiers, and to my pleasant surprise, all of them were women. Sharp-eyed warriors in polished armor that gleamed beneath the moon. At the center stood the captain, a woman in her thirties named Valerie, holding the reins of a bck warhorse.

  When they saw me approach, the twelve women struck their breastptes in unison.

  Miss Chloé. Prince Elliot was very clear. From this moment on, this unit is under your direct command. Our lives are yours until the mission is complete, Valerie decred.

  That sounds perfect.

  I approached my horse, a sturdy animal, and leapt onto its back with feline agility, settling naturally into the saddle.

  Valerie watched me with genuine curiosity as she adjusted her own reins.

  Miss Chloé, forgive my boldness, but it is rather unusual to see a wolf demi-human riding a horse. Usually, your kind prefers to run on your own, since your speed surpasses any mount.

  I shrugged, stroking the horse’s neck.

  Running is fun, but this is an official mission, right? Besides, I need to save my energy for the fight. And let’s be honest, it’s far more dignified for a leader to arrive mounted than panting with her tongue out before the action starts. Move out. Light pace.

  We left the capital beneath the cover of night. For the first few hours, the pace was steady. I rode at the front beside Valerie. After a while of silence, she tried to start a conversation.

  Miss Chloé, I’ve heard much about you and Lady Liselotte. They say you’re unstoppable. What is your strategy when we reach the forest? Defensive formations?

  I was sniffing the air, though my thoughts drifted elsewhere.

  Strategy, yes. Well, my strategy is to find them before they find us. But tell me, Valerie, since you know the supplies... is it true that the lost convoy carried Oakhaven sausages? I’ve heard they’re the best, smoked with applewood.

  Valerie blinked, confused.

  Uh... yes, I believe there was a shipment for the officers. But, miss, we are discussing a possible ambush by soldiers possessed by dark magic...

  Exactly. Dark magic burns a lot of energy. We’ll need to stay well fed. What do we have in the saddlebags? I hope it’s not just hard bread. A wolf doesn’t fight well on an empty stomach. My cws lose their edge if I don’t bite into something with fat.

  Valerie let out a small ugh.

  We have quality rations, miss. Cured ham and goat cheese. You won’t go hungry.

  Cured ham... acceptable. But once we recover that convoy, I will inspect those Oakhaven sausages personally. Strict quality control.

  For the next two days, we advanced along secondary routes. I spoke with the soldiers and with Valerie about many things, though I always steered the topic toward food from each region. Valerie adapted quickly. To her, I was a fierce warrior with an adorable obsession for roasted mb.

  On the third day, the atmosphere changed. The road narrowed and the trees grew dense.

  We were in enemy territory.

  Halt.

  The detachment stopped instantly. I jumped off my horse and crouched, pressing my nose into the fresh mud.

  Did you find something? Valerie whispered, drawing her sword. The soldiers formed a fwless defensive circle.

  I smell steel... and old blood. But there’s something else. Burned flesh. Rot. Corrupted mana.

  I approached a tree marked by a deep bck scorch.

  The first skirmish happened here. They moved fast. They were our men, Valerie. But now they are something else. The trail leads to the heart of the Whispering Forest. They’re waiting for the next convoy.

  I turned toward the soldiers. The pyful hunger was gone. Only the wolf remained.

  From here on, no armor noise. Move like shadows. They know your tactics, but they don’t know me.

  The warriors nodded firmly.

  Captain, keep the formation tight. I’ll go ahead. If I howl, we’ve found their camp. And Valerie... if we survive and recover the supplies, I’ll treat you to the best dinner of your life. But first, let’s sink our teeth into those traitors.

  I slipped into the undergrowth, vanishing within a few strides.

  The hunt had begun.