Chapter 56

DEREK’S POV Maya and I arrived at the Lycan King’s capital to see him. As Maya and I walked through the entrance, I could feel the weight of countless eyes upon us. The guards flanking the doors stiffened at attention. Word had already spread of our arrival. We were immediately granted an audience with the Lycan King. It was no surprise—war was at our doorstep, and time was a luxury we didn’t have. The boardroom was packed with ministers, generals, and high-ranking officials. The king sat at the head of the long table. “Alexander has already gone to the front lines,” the King informed us. “He is commanding the war effort personally.” I felt a bit uneasy about this. If Alexander was at the front, then the situation was more serious than I thought. The Western Plains forces were advancing faster than expected. “Your mission,” the King continued, “is to mobilize the troops and reach the border before the enemy does. We cannot afford to lose that ground.” I opened my mouth to respond, to a