The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 59

Lucas POV:

As we headed towards the northern direction, the fragrance of Cory became more pronounced. We are getting near. I instructed my troops to scour the area and hunt for any cabins or houses that might be hiding nearby. But nothing came up. It should have been around here somewhere. The scent led us here, and this is the dead end. If we cross the mountains, we will eventually reach the vast sea. Did Agnes betray us to give them time to escape and leave the kingdom? "Tommy! Is Agnes still there?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. She's trying to sustain her powers and clear the dark magic around the area."

If that's the case, we were not looking hard enough. They are here somewhere. Unfortunately, my attempt at establishing a mind link with Cory was unsuccessful as our connection faltered. We are near, yet so far. I ran around a couple more times, but nothing. Where is it?! We were all frantically searching for any possible places - caves, crevices, or hidden passages. The urgency was palpable as we scoured our surroundings. Then, I'd just observed one of the guards making his way up the mountain. "Elias, where is he going?"

"He thinks there is something behind in the mountains." "Is it possible...

Before long, a sharp bird call echoed through the air, indicating that the guard had stumbled upon something noteworthy. But before we could reach him, he was shot by an arrow. It pierced through his heart, and he quickly stumbled down the mountain. It's quite clear that weve been discovered. I commanded everyone to stay down. We do not know how many enemies were on the other side.

"It would be dangerous for us to attack carelessly."

Considering the mountain's steep incline and jagged peaks, it may be quite difficult for us to make our way towards the center. We need to come up with a different approach to accessing the perimeters. I asked Elias to divide the army into three groups - Unit 1, Unit Il, and Unit III. Every unit would be assigned specific tasks and descriptions to ensure successful infiltration. These are vital components that will lead to achieving our mission.

"Unit I, you will be at the bottom of the valley. We will rely on you as our primary point of contact. If we require reinforcements, I trust that a few of you will be ready to climb to the summit and respond as soon as possible. Iris will lead your group. Are we clear?" "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Now, get into position. We don't have much time."

"Unit Il, You'll replace yourself nestled amidst the rolling valleys and rugged peaks of the mountains. Navigating these ridges could be quite challenging, as there's a possibility of encountering hostile forces that may impede our operations. I expect every one of you will be on high alert.

Elias, I trust you to lead this group."

"You got it, Your Majesty."

"Lastly, Unit Ill. We will be in the dominant terrain. By taking up this position, we can seize the chance to launch surprise attacks on our adversaries, catching them off guard from the flanks and rear. Be on your guard."

Once all the tasks were completed, we stealthily assumed our designated positions. Unit Ill is composed of the well-trained soldiers that we have. As soon as we reached the highest parts of the terrain, our attention was drawn to the opposing forces' defensive position. We saw a pack of...rogues? So, Hendrix was working with the rogues, and about 20 were there. I expect more once we go down the terrain.

We did not waste any time. The forces in Unit Ill stealthily advanced to the rear and swiftly eliminated the opposition.

They went behind the wolves and snapped their necks-instant death. As soon as their defense line vanished, the rest of us moved. There, I spotted a house. It was well hidden in between huge boulders. It was made to camouflage the colors of the mountains perfectly. We strode deeper down the mountain, and there we saw more rogues.

"Your Majesty, what should we do now?"

"Let's divide Unit Ill into three. The first comes from the left rear, the other from the right, and the last from the center.

Eliminate as many rogues as you can on both sides. Once we have successfully penetrated them, I will go inside to search for Cory. Call Unit Il to back us up. Understood?"

"You are going alone, Sir?"

"Yes, I trust everyone to guide the exit."

"Of course, Your Majesty."

The plan was put into action swiftly, and seeing the troops in action was impressive. They proved to be strong enough to take out the threats with ease. Elias has trained them well. We are directly attacking the rogues now. The first one who dared to challenge me was quickly soaked in blood and lost his head. Others tried to surround me. It was a three against-one battle. They circled me in their wolf forms and tried to replace the right time to attack. "Need help?" Elias saw me with these three doofus.

"I think you're the one who needs help." Elias was met with a ferocious snarl from a massive wolf, attempting to strike fear into his heart. The wolf picked the wrong one to mess with.

As I stood there, I couldn't help but wonder if one of the wolves circling me had mistakenly assumed I was distracted. He attempted to pounce on me with those sharp fangs, but I latched on to his mouth when he came close and ripped it in half. When the other two saw their friend lying on the ground, they gave a loud growl. They were mad and planning to take revenge on their comrade. Both of them move simultaneously. The altercation ended quickly as they were knocked down with a single move. I battled fiercely with other rogues as I approached the house, attempting to impede my progress. Before taking any action, I took a moment to survey the battlefield, scanning my surroundings in search of potential threats.

"Go now, Your Majesty! We can handle the rest. Find our queen." Elias reassuringly said.

"I'll leave the rest to you."

I made my way towards the house. I spotted just a pair of scoundrels keeping watch and quickly brought them down in a couple of swift movements. The abode appears to be devoid of any furnishings or decorative items. It was completely bare, but there were plenty of rooms. I ventured into a few rooms in search of any sign of Cory. However, it was all empty. As I descended the staircase, I stumbled upon a hidden basement below. As I descended further, the darkness grew more intense. How long does this hall go? I could smell Cory! We're near! Kali's excitement was palpable as we got closer.

"Cory!" I let out a hushed yell.

"Cory, where are you?"

As I walked toward the end of the corridor, my eyes were met with sturdy metal bars, and behind it was a wooden door. It's quite surprising how much security measures were put in place to prevent Cory from escaping. I touched the metal bars, and the moment my skin came in contact with it, my palms burned. It's made of pure silver.

What do we do? Kali asked me.

I suppose a couple of scars wouldn't hurt, right?

Heh! Yeah, right! Let's take this down and bring them home.

I grasped the bars with gritted teeth and exerted all my might to rip the barrier apart. F*ck! I tried to put in more strength and could feel the bar move. With a little more pull, I was able to remove the bars. I paused momentarily, taking a deep breath and slowly allowing the burn marks to heal.

With renewed strength, I forcefully kicked the door open.

"Look who made it! It's your mate, rat! Come on, look at him." Chloe was holding Cory. Her arms were around Cory's neck, and a knife was held close to her throat. "Let go of her!"

"Aww. How sweet!" Chloe tightened her grip around Cory, and I saw my mate flinch.

"L-Lucas."

"Shut up!"

"Drop the knife down!" I tried to take a step forward.

"Nah-ah-ah! Don't even think about it. Make a move, and this knife will go through her neck!"

"Your uncle got what he wants. Now, let go of her. That was the arrangement." I thought about how they would never let her live, even if I gave up the crown.

"I know. But I need to plan my escape from here. And she was the best person to do that for me. Now, move aside.

Don't follow us! I dare you, Your Majesty."

She pushed the knife close to Cory's neck to prove her point. The sharp end scratched her neck, and blood started to drip. I growled at her action. It only provoked her. Chloe made another attempt to slice Cory's neck. So, I calmed down and moved aside to give her way. They walked sideways on the way to the door. Soon, they disappeared into the hall. I slowly followed them, and I saw Chloe making her way out of the house.

"Everyone! Hold it! Do not make a move! She has Cory at a knife's point."

"No one will stop you, Chloe! Let go of her!" I shouted.

"Not yet! Tell your men to move away from me and command them not to follow!"

"OK. OK. Everyone, open a path for her. And DO NOT follow."

We all waited until Chloe made her way towards the other side of the valley. After sensing she was in the clear, she forcefully shoved Cory out of the way. I quickly ran to Cory and caught her in my arms before she fell on the concrete.

"Iris, Chloe is on her way there. Make sure to catch her." I immediately let Iris know.

"We're on standby once she appears.

"Good."

I stood up, carrying Cory in my arms. I held her tighter as relief washed over me, knowing they were safe.

Thank you, Moon Goddess!

I left the battlefield to Elias and Iris. Rogues who were still alive were captured and would be imprisoned once they arrived at the palace premises. As for Chloe, Unit I surrounded her and immediately put her in silver cuffs. She went hysterical when Iris cornered her in the valley.

"No, let me...go! The new king will hear about this!"

"I AM STILL YOUR KING!"

"You resigned! You gave up your crown, and for what? For them?!"

I kept my gaze straight ahead and proceeded deeper into the woods, disregarding her presence. I looked down at the person in my arms. She still looked lovely despite the dirt on her cheeks.

"Let's go home. Everyone's waiting for you."

"Sounds nice."

The first part of the mission was completed. Capturing Hendrix is the only thing left. Hell pay for everything!