Chapter 105: Sacrifices

Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Sacrifices Lily’s hands trembled slightly as she balanced the tray of sandwiches and coffee. The meat-filled sandwiches she’d prepared were still warm, and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the hallway as she approached Zayn’s office. “Don’t worry, dear. He’ll appreciate the gesture,” Martha reassured her, patting her arm gently. Lily nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. After their intimate moment in the bathroom the other day, she wasn’t sure how Zayn would act around her. When they reached the door, Martha knocked on her behalf. “Enter,” Zayn commanded from within. Zayn sat behind his large desk, papers spread before him. Ezra stood nearby, pointing at something on a map. Both men looked up as they entered. Surprise flickered across Zayn’s face when he saw Lily with the tray. His eyes softened momentarily. “Thank Goddess! You arrived at the perfect time,” Ezra heaved a sigh of relief. Lily tilted her head, wondering what Ezra meant. She set the tray down carefully on the edge of Zayn’s desk, making sure not to disturb any of the papers. “Zayn’s stomach has been growling for the past hour,” Ezra explained with a smirk, “We could barely focus on our plans with all that noise.” Zayn shot Ezra a death glare that immediately shut him up. Lily couldn’t help the small smile that formed on her lips. The thought of the intimidating Alpha being betrayed by his hungry stomach was oddly endearing. “Thank you for the food,” Zayn said, expression still stern. He gestured to one of the chairs across from his desk. “Stay for a moment, Lily. There’s something we need to discuss.” Martha remained by her side, helping her pull out the chair she sat on. “Martha, you may leave us,” Zayn ordered without looking up from his papers. The older woman hesitated, reluctance evident in her stance. Lily gave Martha’s hand a reassuring squeeze, nodding to indicate she would be fine. Martha relented, bowing slightly before leaving the room. Zayn absentmindedly took a bite of the sandwich. The savory sandwich was bursting with flavor. Lily watched his reaction with anticipation, hoping he would enjoy it. The look on his face said it all. Her chest swelled with pride. Lily was slowly learning to read Zayn’s expressions. Though the Alpha’s expression didn’t change often, there were small nuances she picked up. “After our discussion the other day, Ezra got in contact with Zephyr to track down Hunter,” Zayn began to explain, pulling Lily out of her thoughts. “That proved fruitful. His new contacts in the capital had information that proved useful.” Finding Hunter was crucial to their plan to access the underground market and secure the supplies they desperately needed after the fire. “However,” Ezra continued, “Hunter is notoriously suspicious. He refuses to speak directly with anyone he doesn’t know or trust. We can’t approach him ourselves.” Lily nodded along. ‘So we need someone to introduce us?’ She asked through signing. “Yes. We need someone he would trust to make the introduction,” Zayn explained, choosing his next words carefully, “Since his last point of contact was Xavier...” Lily’s breath caught in her throat. Ezra and Zayn were both looking directly at her. She pointed at herself. “Yes,” Zayn confirmed. “You’re the only one who could potentially gain his trust. You’re Xavier’s sister, and Hunter might be willing to speak with you.” “Absolutely not!” The door suddenly burst open. Martha stood at the doorway, face flushed red with anger and brows furrowed in concern. “You were eavesdropping?” Zayn growled. He was about to rise from his seat when Lily quickly stepped between them. ‘Zayn, please don’t be angry. Martha’s just worried for my safety.’ Lily quickly moved to stand between them, her hands signing frantically. ‘Please don’t be angry. She’s just worried about me.’ Martha stepped back, realizing what she had done. Still, she stood firm. “Alpha, please reconsider. You’re putting Luna Lily in danger.” Zayn’s jaw tightened, but he took a deep breath, visibly restraining his anger. He turned his attention back to Lily. “I know how dangerous this is. But it is necessary,” He explained firmly, “Without the rations, the pack won’t survive winter.” Martha was about to protest further, but Lily raised her hand to stop her. She turned to Zayn and signed. ‘I’ll do it. For the pack.’ “Lily, please,” Martha begged. “This Hunter person might be more dangerous than you think! What if–” Lily placed a hand over Martha’s mouth to stop her from speaking. She signed. ‘I understand your concerns. I have the same fears as you. But if we don’t get the rations, the pack will suffer.’ “Then I’m going with you,” Martha responded in return. She turned to Zayn and continued, “Please allow me to go, Alpha Zayn. I’ll act as Luna Lily’s interpreter.” Ezra scoffed. “This isn’t a social call, Martha. It’s a dangerous mission to meet with a criminal.” “All the more reason for me to go. She needs someone who can speak for her,” Martha insisted. “You’re right. I’ll allow it,” Zayn agreed after some consideration. “What about protection? How many warriors should we deploy?” Ezra asked. “I’ll go,” Zayn declared. The room fell silent. Lily stared at him in shock while Ezra’s expression turned from shock to concern. “Alpha, with all due respect, that’s insane,” Ezra argued. “Your scent alone would give you away. Hunter would disappear the moment he caught wind of it. He would be stupid not to!” Zayn’s expression remained resolute. “I’ll take suppressants.” “Suppressants?” Ezra’s voice rose. “Zayn, you can’t be serious! They could affect your judgment, your strength—” “Enough!” Zayn slammed his hand on the desk, making the coffee cups rattle. “My decision is final!” Lily watched the exchange with growing concern. Suppressants. The mere mention of it made all their skin crawl. Though Zayn didn’t show it on his face, he was clearly against it. He didn’t make the suggestions without careful consideration. She caught Zayn’s eye and signed, ‘When do we leave?’ “Tonight,” Zayn replied without hesitation. “The sooner this is resolved, the better.” “I’m going with you–” “No,” Zayn silenced Ezra with a glare, “Beta Ezra, you will remain here to maintain order in the pack. Understood?” Ezra clenched his jaw, lowering his head in submission, “Yes, Alpha.” Zayn nodded before addressing everyone in the room, “This mission is strictly confidential. No one outside this room can know where we’ve gone.” When night fell, Lily and Martha met Zayn at the border of the packlands. His face was partially hidden by the shadow of a hood. Just as they were about to speak, Zayn sensed a shift in the air. “Come out, now,” Zayn warned with a growl as he stared straight at a specific spot. Lily and Martha turned to look, shocked to see someone walk out of the shadows. It was Ragnar. He held up both hands as he approached. “I don’t know where you’re going, but with your permission, Alpha, I would like to follow,” Ragnar said boldly. Zayn narrowed his eyes at Ragnar, staring him down. Ragnar held his head high, not backing down. Lily watched them both nervously. She wanted to defend Ragnar, but she didn’t want to further anger Zayn either. “Fine,” Zayn agreed, much to their surprise, “We’re going to meet with Hunter, a contact–” “The Hunter?” Ragnar interjected, “My apologies for interrupting, Alpha. But do you mean Hunter, the man who’s infamously tied to the underground market?” Zayn and Lily exchanged a surprised glance. ‘You know him?’ Lily signed, while Martha interpreted for Ragnar to understand. He nodded, “I wouldn’t say I know him. But I’ve made small dealings with him before. He’s a shrewd man.” ‘Perfect, your presence will give us legitimacy. Right, Zayn?’ Lily signed. Zayn nodded. He explained the mission to Ragnar. As soon as he understood the mission, they got ready to depart. But something stopped both Zayn and Ragnar in their tracks. Ragnar turned, looking ready to strike. But Zayn raised his hand, signally Ragnar to stand down. His expression turned to one of rage as he stepped forward. The rustling leaves gave away the position of the fast-approaching figure. Lily tensed as soon as she saw who it was. The figure was cloaked, but while running, her hood fell back. Lily tensed. “Thank... Thank Goddess I caught up in time,” She said through gasps of air, “I’m coming with you.” “This doesn’t concern you,” Zayn said coldly, “You don’t even know where we’re going.” Victoria stepped closer, eyes gleaming, “You’re going to look for Hunter, aren’t you?” Lily watched their exchange intently. She didn’t notice how her hands scrunched the hem of her blouse. Zayn’s eyes widened, “How do you know–” “It doesn’t matter how I found out,” Victoria brushed it off, “I’ve spoken to Hunter before. I know what he’s like, what he expects. I would be an invaluable asset to this mission.” Victoria glanced over at Lily, “I’m sure Luna Lily will agree with me.” Lily felt her heart sink. She glanced over at Zayn. She swallowed her objections. The mission was more important than her own discomfort. The pack’s survival depended on their success. She gave a simple nod of approval. Zayn was surprised by Lily’s approval. He weighed his options carefully. “Fine,” he finally said. “But you follow my orders without question. Understood?” Victoria’s lips curled into a smile. “Of course, Alpha.”