“Scouts picked up signs of movement to the south,” Calum is saying.“Nothing confirmed yet, but it matches the pattern.”
“Hunters,” Talon says flatly.
A murmur ripples through the group.
Caine nods once.“We don’t move without eyes on the ground.If it’s a trap, I won’t risk it.We haven’t lost anyone on a raid yet and I am not about to start.”
My chest tightens painfully.“They will lose people.You already know they will,”the ghosts whisper in unison.
Grayson’s hand brushes mine, grounding and warm.He doesn’t squeeze.Doesn’t demand my attention.Just lets me know he’s there.
The woman’s voice rises in my head, firm now.“This is the moment.”
I take a breath.Then another.“I know where it is,” I say.
The words cut cleanly through the conversation.Every head turns toward me.The silence is immediate and absolute.Grayson’s fingers curl around mine before he can stop himself.
Caine studies me, his gaze sharp but not hostile.“You do?”
“Yes.”My voice wants to shake, but I force it to stay steady.“An old quarry to the south.It’s a trap, they’re waiting for you.”
“How do you know?”Calum asks.
My pulse roars in my ears.This is it.The line I can’t uncross.I look at Grayson.The bond hums, steady, patient, and unafraid.
“I ...know,” I repeat weakly.
Max’s eyes narrow, his head tilting slightly like he’s listening for something he can’t quite hear.“She’s sure.”
Grayson turns to face me fully now, concern etched deep into his features.“Trinity,” he says gently.“Whatever you need to say...”
“I can’t,” I blurt out.
The ghosts stir uneasily at the tree line, and I can’t help but turn my gaze in that direction.
Caine raises a hand, silencing the gathered members before impatience can take root.“We don’t force truths here,” he says calmly.“But if you’re bringing information that could save lives, we need to trust it.”
I nod, throat tight.“It will.”
“How many are there?”Talon asks.
“Enough to kill anyone who goes in blind,” I answer.“They’ve set silver traps and baited them with scent.There are so many cages but they’re all empty.They’re counting on wolves rushing in.”
Peyton’s gaze never leaves my face.There’s no judgment there.Only concern.“You’re shaking.”
“I’m scared,” I admit.“Not of them.Of what this means.”
Grayson steps closer then, his presence a solid wall at my side.“You’re not alone,” he says quietly.
I want to believe him.I want to fall into that promise and let it carry me.I want to let him wrap me in his strong arms and make promises he has no way of keeping but I can’t.I need to do this to save the lives of the people who have chosen to give me a chance.
The ghosts are still watching.Waiting.And I know this isn’t the full truth.Not yet.
Caine nods slowly.“We’ll adjust the plan.Scout first.No one moves without confirmation.”
Relief crashes through me so hard my knees nearly give out.The ghosts sigh as one, knowing no one is going to die.
“For now,”the woman murmurs.
