Chapter 441
Chapter 441
3rd Person’s POV
“She could ask Alpha Ezra for anything she wanted, and he would force Lunar Grace to relocate this entire program somewhere safer. More comfortable.” A bitter breath escaped Jude. “Hell, if she looked even slightly unhappy, that Alpha would send an entire battalion here and build her a palace in the middle of this cursed valley p>
Yet she had done none of that.
Beside him, Stoff adjusted the thick wool cloak draped over his aging shoulders. The old wolf had once lived in Lunaris Center before retiring to the isolated borderlands years ago.
“That young lady is different from the others, sir,” Stoff murmured. “The rest arrived complaining before their feet even touched the mud. But her? Not a single grievance p>
Jude’s wolf stirred beneath his skin.
Because she carries Jax Stillward’s blood.
The memory surfaced unbidden.
Years ago, after Jax had saved him, Thane, Isaac, and the others from death itself, they had sat beneath towering cedar trees while the warrior spoke of distant territories throughout Verdanth-of frozen mountains, rogue tribe, forgotten sacred lands, and battlefields stained with moonlit blood.
“She has a warrior’s spirit,” Jude said quietly, his voice roughened by something dangerously close to admiration. “Not like those pampered princesses who break apart over a little discomfort p>
His eyes drifted again toward the settlement.
“But I still don’t like seeing her struggle so much. Arrange better accommodations for the volunteers,” Jude ordered. “Fresh food too. Supplies, heating, medicine, whatever they need. I’ll cover everything p>
The old wolf blinked in surprise. “You wish to reveal your involvement, sir p>
“No.” Jude’s expression sharpened instantly. “The Valley residents are suspicious by nature. If they realize outsiders are interfering, they’ll reject the entire program. Handle it discreetly p>
“Yes, sir p>
Jude remained silent for a moment before adding,
“I’ll remain in Lunera Valley for a while p>
Stoff looked startled this time. “You intend to stay personally p>
Jude’s eyes narrowed toward Lylah’s cabin.
“I want eyes on her at all times,” he continued. “This place is too isolated. If anything happens to her here, Alpha Ezra of Moonclaw will tear this entire Valley apart p>
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Chapter 441
And Jude suspected he would help him do it.
“I’ve already arranged everything,” Stoff assured him quickly. “No one will suspect your presence p>
Jude gave a single nod.
Breakfast inside the volunteer hut was bleak at best.
Steam curled weakly from bowls of salted beef broth while exhausted students huddled beneath thick blankets, their expressions miserable after only a few hours in Lunera Valley.
“My back hurts.” Someone groaned.
“The beds are basically wooden planks p>
“I swear rogue scratched my window earlier p>
Fear flickered instantly through the room at that last comment.
Lylah remained quiet while sipping her broth.
The food was simple, but warm enough against the freezing air.
Across the table, Seraphina looked seconds away from tears. Angry red bites covered her pale arms and neck.
“I can’t survive a night here,” she whimpered.
Before anyone could answer, the doors opened.
Their mentor, senior Healer Tessalonika stepped inside, her heavy robes carrying the faint scent of medicinal herbs and rose.
“There’s been a slight change in assignments,” the older healer announced.
Every volunteer looked up hopefully.
‘Please let us leave this cursed place.
“Jude Knight has arrived in Lunera Valley p>
Several volunteers nearly choked.
Even Lylah blinked in surprise.
Jude Knight?
‘Here p>
“He’s overseeing one of his company’s outreach campaigns,” Tessalonika continued calmly. “Filming an advertisement here in the Valley’s nature reserves. He requested someone to accompany him during the
shoots p>
“I volunteer p>
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Chapter 441
Seraphina nearly shot out of her seat despite the mosquito bites burning across her skin.
“I mean I’ll still do my duty and heal the villagers too, of course,” she added quickly, smoothing her hair in panic. “But I can assist Sir Knight at the same time p>
Several others immediately began speaking over one another.
Tessalonika raised a hand. “He already made his selection p>
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