Chapter 148

The atmosphere in the pack had shifted. Gloria may have escaped, but her presence seemed to leave a never- removable stain. It was no challenge identifying the root of the problem because it lied on the surface. This is how wicked and dangerous the witches are: Gloria’s escape from the dungeon as an insult and a threat. Even though Ardan’s warriors patrolled the borders day and night, there was no comfort in their vigilance. The war room had become our second home over the last few days. Maps, silver remnants of broken chains, and scattered parchments cluttered the table as Ardan, Zone, Rachel, and I tried to piece together how Gloria had escaped. “It doesn’t add up,” Rachel muttered, leaning over the table with her brow furrowed. She held one of the broken chains between her fingers, twisting it thoughtfully. “Silver can’t be broken this way—not without a mix of strength and magic.” Zone, pacing in the corner of the room, snorted. “Strength and magic. That narrows it down to werewolve