The ultimate prize

Chapter fourteen

The primary war chamber of the Blackwood Citadel was located at the apex of the central spire, carved directly into the mountain’s peak. Its high, vaulted ceiling offered an unobstructed view of the rugged northern landscape, where thick gray clouds swept across the snow-capped summits. At the center of the vast stone room rested the War Table—a massive, iron-bound slab of dark mahogany, meticulously carved with the rivers, mountain passes, and border forts of the entire continent.

Around this table stood Alpha Valen’s inner circle: Gamma Torin, the five regional commanders of the Northern Vanguard, and Mrs. Gable, who quietly managed the flow of intelligence reports alongside the domestic affairs of the fortress.

Nora stood at Valen’s right hand, dressed in a tailored tunic of deep charcoal wool reinforced with light, silver-embroidered leather shoulder pauldrons. She no longer wore the trailing skirts of a guest or the simple dresses of a newcomer. Her dark hair was braided back tightly, showcasing the calm, analytical resolve in her dark brown eyes.

"The intelligence from our scouts was verified at midnight," Torin began, placing three leaden markers on the eastern edge of the mahogany table. "The Eastern Coalition—led by Alpha Silas of the Crimson Fang Pack—has begun massing troops along the Ironwood River. Four allied packs have joined his banner, bringing their combined force to nearly five thousand warriors."

Commander Kael, a battle-hardened veteran with a scarred eye, grunted loudly. "Silas is testing us. He thinks the political friction within our Council has weakened our northern garrisons. He assumes we are too distracted by internal disputes to mount a coordinated defense."

"Silas is an opportunist," Valen said, his deep voice carrying a cold, quiet weight that commanded the room. He leaned over the table, his broad hands resting flat on the mahogany surface as his golden eyes scanned the river border. "He has waited five years for a chance to challenge our control over the eastern trade routes. He believes my declaration at the Bloodmoon estate was a sign of political instability."

"He also believes our southern border is depleted after the grain seizure," Nora interjected smoothly, her quiet voice instantly drawing the attention of every commander in the room.

Nora stepped closer to the map, reaching out with a slender finger to point at a narrow, winding pass just south of the Ironwood River.

"Alpha Silas isn't planning a direct assault across the river," Nora explained, her tone calm and measured. "The river currents are too violent this time of year, and our river forts are too well fortified. He is using the troop concentration at the Ironwood as a distraction."

Commander Kael narrowed his good eye, studying the young Luna with a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. "The pass at Blacktail Gorge is narrow and treacherous, Lady Nora. No major army can move through there without being trapped."

"A major army can't," Nora agreed, her brown eyes locking onto Kael's. "But small, elite raiding parties can. When I was at the Bloodmoon estate, trade couriers from the Crimson Fang Pack frequently passed through the lower cellars. Silas uses lightweight, supply-light vanguard units. He will send two hundred swift-footed skirmishers through Blacktail Gorge to cut our supply line to the eastern fort before moving his main army across the river."

Silence settled over the war room as the commanders carefully examined the terrain Nora had highlighted.

Torin leaned over the map, pulling a magnifying lens from his leather pouch to inspect the topography of Blacktail Gorge. A slow, dangerous grin gradually spread across his scarred face.

"By the Moon," Torin muttered softly. "She's right. If Silas cuts the eastern supply line, Fort Oakhaven will run out of arrows and rations within three days of a siege. He doesn't need to defeat our main army—he just needs to starve the fort."

Valen turned his head, his golden eyes fixing onto Nora with an intense, burning pride that radiated through their mate bond. He reached out, his broad, warm palm briefly covering her hand where it rested against the mahogany map.

"Then we will turn his trap against him," Valen commanded, his voice echoing off the high stone walls. "Kael, keep three vanguard squadrons visible at the river fort to maintain the illusion that we are falling for his distraction. Torin, take the shadow riders and conceal them along the high ridges of Blacktail Gorge."

"And the skirmishers?" Torin asked, his eyes gleaming with tactical anticipation.

Nora looked up at Valen, her dark eyes sharp and steady. "We let them enter the gorge. Once they are inside, we seal both ends. We don't just stop Silas's raid—we capture his vanguard commander alive and force the Coalition to negotiate on our terms."

Valen let out a low, satisfied rumble deep in his chest. "You hear your Luna. Prepare the vanguard. We ride for the eastern border at dusk."