Chapter 39

ELIZA’S POV I sat at my desk, recalling the messenger’s words. The news was unsettling—dangerous even—and my instincts were already on high alert. “Where is this information from?” I asked him. “It’s from Alyosha, my lady. She sent it directly from the border.” Alyosha. The name hit me. I dismissed the messenger with a wave. Alyosha was a lone she-wolf I had met during my training days. Alyosha was wild, untamed, a free spirit who had no interest in the constraints of pack life. She had always vowed to explore the continent on her own terms, and it was that very defiance that allowed her to gather critical intelligence. As much as I admired her independence, I had always known that trusting her would not be totally good. I couldn’t wait any longer. I grabbed my phone, dialed her number and pressed it to my ear. “Come on, Alyosha,” I muttered to myself, “pick up.” When she finally answered, I sighed in relief. “Eliza,” she said “To what do I owe the pleasure?” “Alyosha,” I said “I recei