Chapter 457
457
Third Person’s POV
On Zelda’s mating day, the Styxwarden Pack was in a frenzy of activity.
Her personal belongings and wedding gifts had been delivered to her villa the previous day, but the ceremony and banquet were held at the Styxwarden Pack’s headquarters.
Guests streamed in endlessly, nearly filling the pack’s square to capacity.
Before heading to the Styxwarden Pack for the ceremony, Madison allowed Ramona a brief stop.
Aireanna remained imprisoned in Madison’s dungeon, where the air was thick with the stench of blood and decay.
The dungeon was ventilated for only one hour daily, a “mercy” Madison proclaimed.
Other breeders and errant servants were also confined there.
Once imprisoned, servants never saw the light of day again.
The so–called “stench” was, in fact, the smell of blood.
Ramona entered the dungeon, waves of nausea hitting her, but she forced herself to head straight for her mother’s cell.
Cells were separated by walls, invisible to one another, with a door featuring a small window for food passage.
Each cell had a bed and a chamber pot, with a monthly bath allowance.
Madison insisted Hunt would visit them and demanded they maintain cleanliness.
If no one screamed or made a fuss within a month, they could have a half–day outing.
Ramona had been here once before, part of Madison’s scheme to motivate her.
Dorothy had the door opened, and Ramona rushed into the cell to find her emaciated mother.
Aireanna lay on the ground, skeletal, and struggled to sit up at her daughter’s arrival.
“Mom!”
Ramona embraced her, tears streaming down her face. “The doctor was called. Why are yo coughing?”
ill
Aireanna held her daughter tightly; her frail body radiated immense strength. “I thought I’d never see you again. How are you? What about your sister?”
Ramona choked back tears, her voice trembling. “I’m fine. Madison treats me well.”
Aireanna wasn’t fooled. She wept, “You coming here means she’s decided to use you.”
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Leaning close to Ramona’s car, she sobbed, “Forget me. Run, as far as you can.”
Ramona replied resolutely, “Mom, trust me. I’ll complete Madison’s mission and rescue you.
Aireanna clutched her daughter’s clothes desperately. “Run!” she shouted.
“Mom, trust me,” Ramona nodded, a flash of determination in her eyes.
“If Hunt comes to visit, I’ll persuade him to cooperate with my plan. There’s no other way.”
Aireanna released her, tears streaming down her face. Ramona inhaled deeply and mouthed, “And the other breeders.”
Aloud, she said, “Don’t worry. I’ll follow Madison’s arrangements and handle everything. Once it’s all done , we’ll be reunited.”
Aireanna’s eyes widened in terror, her gaunt face appearing more haggard.
Ramona bowed her head and said, “Mom, remember my words. I will succeed.”
She raised her head, her gaze resolute with a defiance Aireanna had never seen before.
Aireanna, filled with fear, wanted to hold on but let go helplessly.
She knew she couldn’t hold her daughter back.
The Barkers and the girls were all entangled.
She couldn’t die; otherwise, her daughters and the Barkers would suffer.
In this living–hell scenario, they had to make one last desperate attempt.
There was no way back.
At the Styxwarden Pack’s banquet, guests were in high spirits.
The Bloodmoon Pack was among
the invitees.
Though its status had dimmed, the prestige from its ancestors‘ glorious wartime deeds still commanded
respect.
Stanley, a government official, naturally had to balance interests and avoid favoritism.
The Hutchinson family also received an invitation.
On the third day of Eugene’s return, every member of the Eugenius Scout Team recei commendation decree.
Eugene was awarded the Gamma rank of Golden, Magnus was promoted to the Gamma rank of Silver.
Marsh from the Hornbeam Pack, for his unwavering silence and resilience under torture , was granted the title of Earl, with his wife Lynette honored as a Lady.
These unprecedented commendations aimed to extol Marsh’s bravery and boost morale.
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Lycan Erasmus understood that while Marsh’s injuries left him unfit for frontline duty, granting him an earldom would secure his family’s glory and wealth, demonstrating the kingdom’s reverence for loyal and courageous individuals.
Other members of the Eugenius Scout Team also received significant roles.
Eugene, Magnus, and Martin stood out in the rewards.
Even Josh and other ordinary werewolf warriors advanced in rank, awaiting orders for deployment.
This was Eugene’s first grand banquet in the capital since his return from the battlefield.
Amidst the crowd, he felt uneasy.
The Hutchinson family had planned a victory banquet for him, but he declined, feeling dispirited.
Sibyl, worrying about her son, turned down the invitation on his behalf.
Eugene’s mental state was far from ideal.
Nightly nightmares plagued him, throwing him back into the life–and–death days of the Eugenius Scout Team.
Once awake, sleep evaded him.
He deliberately avoided anything related to Gloria, unwilling to confront that past.
Reluctantly, he attended today’s banquet, dragged there by Magnus.
Magnus cherished his younger brother Alger deeply. Though unrelated by blood, their bond surpassed that of biological siblings.