#Chapter 86: Secret Meetings

A young warrior's revelation three days later changed everything we thought we knew about Lydia's final weeks. His nervous confession painted a picture of systematic deception that made my blood run cold. "I should have reported it at the time," Thomas said, guilt evident in his voice as we spoke privately in one of the training rooms. The muscular young wolf couldn't meet my eyes, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "But she said she was visiting a sick relative in the neutral territory. It seemed harmless enough." I leaned forward intently, every detail crucial to understanding the bigger picture. The training room was empty at this hour, giving us privacy to discuss what could be sensitive information. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting long shadows across the practice mats. "How often did she leave? What time of night?" I pressed, my investigative instincts sharp with anticipation. "Every week, sometimes twice a week. Always after midnight