49: Ada's POV

For the next three days and nights, we hiked through the mountain range of the Midnight Pack. We came across several outposts, stocked to the brim with food and warriors. We never came face to face with a patrol and managed to keep ourselves hidden. Nik would send his shadows in to scout and managed to map out several floor plans and get a good collection of knowledge about the hidden armories within the mountains. Several of the armory vaults were shielded with runes, which was concerning. The only thing that needed to be shielded by a run was a weapon of magick. Any other weapon was allowed within the kingdom and not perceived as a threat to the royal family. Weapons of magickal properities were seen as treasonous to be in posession of because of the danger they posed.

During this time, we did not speak. We only camped for around four hours at a time, constantly moving. By the time we reached the base of the northernmost peak, it was not just *me* who looked like they'd been run ragged. Both Phoenix and Nik looked as if they would fall over. Dark circles were under their eyes, and the bonds I could normally visualize so vibrantly when they were this close to me were like transluscent threads. I wasn't entirely sure what their plan was, but I knew they couldn't continue on like this for much longer. Strong Alpha Prince or not, even they needed their rest.

Nik dropped his pack on the ground, surveying the flat expanse of land before us. I ran a hand through my loose hair, speaking softly with a voice hoarse from non-use, "I know a place near to here that we could stay at."

"It won't be safe," he whispered in response and I watched Phoenix's shoulders slump forward.

"it will be," I insisted, nodding toward the horizon, "We only need to walk for another thirty minutes and we can stay there for a night or two."

Phoenix kicked the dirt with his left foot, "Nik, if she's saying she knows a place--"

Nik cut him off with a glare that made him wither back in response, "I'll give you a thirty minute walk, but you do not determine what is safe, Ada."

I rolled my eyes, "Pick up your pack and lets go then, jackass."

A growl rumbled within his chest, earning him another eye roll from me. Sahara stirred in my mind, her voice gentle, *Shift and we can be there within fifteen minutes.* I did not respond to her and instead simply gave into her whims. My human limbs needed a break from the wear and tear this journey had given them. I bounded ahead of Nik and Phoenix, my pack latching across Sahara's chest with a simple magick bond. They followed suit without question, large paws kicking up mounds of dirt as they ran at half capacity to keep pace with Sahara's full capacity.

We reached the spot quickly and shifted back to human forms. Phoenix looked up at the treehouse and grinned, "This is your safe spot?"

I shoved at his shoulder, "It is shelter and is up from any patrols. Nik can ward it from sight and smell and we will be safe."

We looked at Nik, who was muttering something under his breath. Dirt was caked onto his arms, neck and face. A hunger resonated within his eyes, something that our canned goods and dried foods didn't reach. I was just about to suggest that perhaps we let our wolves go on a hunt together when a twig snapped behind me.