Chapter 27
27
Adelaide’s POV
I knew Lycan Erasmus wouldn’t take my word easily, so I presented a letter. “This is from Craig. Believe or not, it’s up to you.”
In reality, Craig hadn’t penned this letter. The intel came from Prunella .
But Craig was renowned.
The letter was forged in Craig’s handwriting. If I’d said Prunella gathered the intel, Erasmus would’ve dismissed it outright.
Last night, I thought through the Southem Border’s peril.
Without royal reinforcements, Alpha Lance’s battle would likely end in defeat.
The situation was dire. The Western Tribe’s army had already infiltrated the Dragon Ash Kingdom, en route to the Southern
Border.
Even dispatching aid now might be too late.
As for post–battle accountability regarding the Bloodscar Border and Snowdeer Town campaigns, and whether my grandfather would be implicated–those were concerns for another day.
Hearing that my friend Craig supposedly sent the message, Erasmus’s surprise was evident. He immediately ordered Beta Fabian to bring him the letter.
The handwriting matched Craig’s style precisely.
I knew Erasmus, during his time as crown prince , had collected Craig’s works and was intimately familiar with his handwriting.
The letter I forged in Craig’s handwriting detailed his travels.
In the final paragraph, I wrote, “While crossing the Sunset Peaks, I spotted countless Western Tribe wolves clad in Dragon Ash military uniforms. They’re heading toward the Southern Border. This is grave . Consider reporting this to Lycan Erasmus.”
I kept my head bowed, anxiety churning in my gut.
Erasmus’s frown deepened as he finished reading.
His sharp gaze pinned me–a clear sign the forgery was detected.
Erasmus was astute–a collector of Craig’s works during his time as crown prince. He’d studied Craig’s handwriting meticulously.
But with time pressing and no better option , I’d resorted to this.
Erasmus fixed me with a severe gaze. “Do you realize that this forged letter could cost you your life?”
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“You should know your limits. You requested the dissolution of your mate bond, and now you cause more trouble. What are you trying to achieve?”
“As a graduate of the Warscar Training Camp, aren’t you ashamed to bring disgrace to your camp? To shame it because of you?” Erasmus’s accusations came rapid– fire .
I admitted, “Yes. I forged it. Punish me as you will. But the intel is true. I swear on my life.”
I
“Absurd!” Erasmus slammed the table, his eyes blazing with stern disapproval. “The legacy of the Frostfang Alpha line rests solely with you now. If harm befalls you, it would mean the complete extinction of Frostfang. Do you understand the gravity of my concerns?”
“I established a precedent by allowing your future mate to inherit your title, ensuring your comfort and honor in later life–a legacy earned by your father and brothers. How can you squander such a sacrifice?”
“You forged this message to provoke a military response. Do you wish Ulrik and Velda to return to the Southern Front, where danger lurks, and secretly hope they perish in battle?”
“Adelaide, why have you become so bitter and detestable?”
The rebuke was laced with humiliation. I felt my face and ears flush with heat.
My claws shot out, piercing my palm, as silver–blue blood dripped onto the marble floor.
A howl rose in my throat, mingling with the cedar musk that spiraled out of control.
The bronze candelabras clattered to the ground, their melting wax weaving grotesque patterns on the floor.
I stammered, “Lycan Erasmus, I forged the letter. The intel didn’t come from Craig–it was Prunella, via homing pigeon. I used Craig’s name to add credibility.”
“Enough!” Erasmus’s expression turned cold. “Prunella infiltrating Dragon Ash? Preposterous!”
“Prunella’s claws have tasted northern wolves‘ blood !” I arched my back, overturning the gilded wolf–head chair, my blade- hardened nails digging deep into the table’s edge. “ In a blizzard, she can track a scent thirty miles away-”
I knew he’d dismiss it. No amount of pleading would convince him.
“Lycan Erasmus-”
He cut me off sharply. “ Guards , escort Alpha Adelaide back to Frostfang. Confine her to the pack borders , ” Erasmus barked, sweeping out with a swish of his cape.
I lunged forward, only to be halted by royal guards.
I couldn’t risk a fight–not without escalating tensions further.
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