CHAPTER SEVENTY TWO - The Labyrinth Of Hidden Truths

In the holding cells beneath the pack house, Vanessa Mitchell sat unnaturally still on a simple cot. Her designer clothes had been replaced with standard-issue gray, but she somehow managed to make even that look deliberate. The door opened to reveal Christine Kane, her expression unreadable. "Well," Vanessa drawled, "if it isn't the Alpha's mate herself. To what do I owe the honor?" Christine didn't waste time on pleasantries. "Victor has activated a moonstone barrier around Shadow Crest. Lucas and his team are trapped inside, likely walking into an ambush." Vanessa's carefully constructed mask of indifference slipped for just a moment, genuine surprise flickering across her features. "A moonstone barrier? That's... extreme, even for Victor." "You know what it means," Christine stated, watching the younger woman carefully. "Of course I do," Vanessa replied, recovering her composure. "Old magic. Dangerous. Requires sacrifice." A calculating look crossed her face. "I assume you're