CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FOUR – SEE THROUGH WITH THE MISSION

The next morning, under the cover of pre-dawn darkness, the convoy set out. Cassie sat in the passenger seat of a nondescript van, her senses on high alert. Anya drove, her eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. "Relax," Anya murmured. "But stay sharp. The border crossing is where things could get tricky." Cassie nodded, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves. As they approached the border, she could feel her wolf stirring beneath her skin, ready to emerge at a moment's notice. The first checkpoint went smoothly. Their forged documents passed inspection without issue, and soon they were on the road again, the sprawling Kazakh steppes stretching out before them. "We're not out of the woods yet," Anya warned as they drove. "This area is known for-" Her words were cut off by a sudden explosion. The lead car swerved violently, smoke pouring from its hood. "Ambush!" Anya yelled, slamming on the brakes. Cassie's heart pounded as she saw figures emerging from the scrubland on ei