Chapter 131- More Questions

Lexy

I was waiting for the scout team to let us know once they found clues or were closer to finding Tarria. The waiting was making me a bit impatient, but I knew I needed to stay focused and calm. Every second counted, and any lapse in concentration could mean missing a crucial piece of information.

Our plans were intricate, woven with threads of careful strategy and anticipation. The scouts were our eyes in the shadows, their reports vital to our next move. I took a deep breath, centering myself in the calm before the storm. The room's buzz faded to a distant murmur as I concentrated on the task at hand.

The search for Tarria was not just a mission; it was the cornerstone of my strategy, the key to unraveling Adrian’s grip. Their dedication mirrored my own, and together, we would navigate the complexities, outmaneuver the obstacles, and find Tarria. The future was within reach, and I was determined to seize it.

‘Muñeca, your plan is working’ CJ mind-linked me. ‘Perfect. Still waiting on the scout’ I responded. Before I could say anything else a call came in. “My queen, Tarria was here, and we found it” the scout said. “Send me a picture and the layout of the area. Also, how’s the perimeter looking?” I responded.

“They changed and increased the guards” the scout answered. “Hold your position and watch yourselves” I told him ended the call.

The pictures arrived and the decision was made. Tarria had taught me her ways of scouting. She was the best at her craft, and I needed to learn, might as well be from the best. When she scouts, she finds an area where she makes a hiding place and places her little notebook with all the notes of the scouting there. She covers it up so good that it looks just like the surroundings.

She also takes extra precautions and sprays it with unscented spray. She’s always prepared for everything and her being caught has been breaking my head. ‘What if he knew you would send her?’ Lei spoke up. ‘How would Adrian know I would send Tarria? That I would send anyone to investigate his pack?’ I asked back.

I’m getting more questions than what I’m getting answers. I took a deep breath and looked at everyone in the room. “Let’s go” I ordered.

Tarria

I shifted in the chair, the cold metal of the restraints biting into my skin—not tight, but present. A reminder. Not just of my captivity, but of the control Kael thought he had.

It didn't make sense. Kael didn’t hurt me. He didn’t threaten me. If anything, he kept me just comfortable enough. Like he was waiting for something. Or someone. That someone being Adrian.

Was I leverage? A message? Or a warning? Lexy!!

He asked about her more than once. Not directly. But I could hear her name in the careful wording of his questions. In the way his tone sharpened when he mentioned the terms. "She has a choice to make." That’s what he said. But a choice about what?

And why was I the one held here while they made it?

The conference ending meant decisions were being made. Alliances were forming or breaking. Whatever Adrian wanted... it wasn’t just about power. It was personal.

Maybe he thought taking me would push Lexy to agree.

But to what?

And what if she doesn’t?

I waited, like clockwork, for Kael to enter the room. But the footsteps approaching weren’t his—too light, too soft. My body tensed instinctively, alert for something unfamiliar.

To my surprise, it was a little girl—no older than nine—carrying a tray of food and a glass of water. She moved carefully, her eyes darting toward mine with a mixture of fear and sympathy.

Kael had only ever sent in the same guard. Never anyone else. Especially not a child.

I stared at her, confused, wary. My wrists were still bound tightly in front of me. Eating wasn't exactly an option.

But then, the girl slowly picked up a spoon, dipped it into the bowl, and raised it toward my mouth with trembling hands.

I didn’t know whether to be touched, suspicious, or both.

I kept my expression neutral, refusing to let her small frame and soft eyes lower my defenses. This could be a trick—another one of Kael’s games.

She waited, the spoon still hovering, her hand barely steady. I hesitated, then leaned forward slightly and accepted the bite.

Warm. Simple. Broth and rice.

My stomach clenched with the sudden reminder of hunger, but I didn’t rush her. I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me desperate.

“What’s your name?” I asked quietly, watching her closely.

She blinked, startled, and glanced at the door like she wasn’t sure if she was allowed to answer.

“It’s okay,” I added softly, still scanning her for signs of deception. “You’re safe to speak with me.”

She hesitated, then whispered, “Mina.”

Mina. The name didn’t mean anything to me, but it was a crack in the wall they’d built around me. Still, I couldn’t trust her. Not yet.

"Did Kael tell you to come here?" I asked, my voice calm but sharp around the edges.

She nodded faintly. “He said... I was to feed you today.” Her eyes dropped to the floor. “Said you might be nicer to me than the guards.”

I almost snorted. Clever. Use a child to soften me. Manipulate me. Maybe get me to talk.

I wouldn’t fall for it.

I leaned back slightly, eyes narrowing. “Tell Kael if he wants to know something, he can ask me himself.”

Mina looked startled, almost afraid, but I kept my tone firm—not cruel. I didn’t want to scare her. But I needed her to know I wasn’t going to play into whatever this was.

Still, when she lifted the spoon again, I opened my mouth. Hunger was hunger.

But trust? That would take a lot more than a warm meal from a child’s trembling hands.

Mina offered another spoonful, and I took it, eyes never leaving hers. She was quiet—too quiet for a child. No fidgeting, no humming, not even the natural curiosity most kids carried. She was either very afraid… or very well-trained.

I swallowed slowly, trying to read her, when she whispered under her breath:

“I’m sorry.”

My brows drew together. “For what?”

Before she could answer, the door slammed open with a bang.

Mina jumped, nearly dropping the tray. I stiffened, already bracing myself.

But it wasn’t Kael.

It was someone else.

Someone I hadn’t seen since the day I disappeared.

And they were supposed to be dead.