#Chapter 256: Final Hours

Ava It felt strange, and even a bit silly, to be washing like this. Primping myself. Preparing for a party when I was in the middle of a warrior camp. The thick canvas tent was surprisingly warm and clean. A wooden tub sat in the middle of the screened-off room, the water hot and soapy. Little tendrils of steam curled up around me as I sank down, breathing in the scent of lavender essential oils and dried herbs. As I soaked, I could hear Chris and the other Alphas discussing their plans in the other room. “We’ll send the signal when it’s time,” I could hear Chris explaining. “One howl for the all-clear. Two to hold back. Three for an emergency.” I sank a little lower beneath the bubbles, listening intently. I had told Chris that I didn’t need to wash, that I was perfectly fine. I just needed to throw on a dress and a mask, and the masquerade would be over with soon enough anyway. But then he had lifted one side of his mouth in an infuriating smirk, d