#Chapter 68: Homecoming Trap

The morning of my return to Blood Moon territory arrived with perfect autumn clarity. The forest leaves had turned brilliant shades of amber and crimson, a beautiful but ironic backdrop for what I knew would be a dangerous homecoming. I stood by the window, watching Kane's security team load vehicles with military precision. "Are you certain about this?" Kane asked, appearing behind me. I nodded once. "Some battles can't be won from a distance." Kane reviewed final preparations with his security team, his demeanor entirely professional despite the personal undercurrents between us. His jaw remained tight, shoulders squared—a tension he couldn't quite conceal. "Remember the extraction signals," he instructed, his voice low as we walked through the final briefing. "Three specific phrases that will trigger immediate response if you're in danger." "'The moonlight feels different here,'" I recited. "'My mother would love these flowers,' and 'Perhaps we should revisit the old tradi