Chapter 183 PIPER The forest seemed unnaturally quiet as if even the trees were holding their breath .
My heart beat fast in my chest , a steady drumbeat of caution and determination .
Every rustle of leaves made me flinch , my fingers twitching near the dagger Id strapped to my side .
Aurora was like a thin string pulling me onward .
I did not know in which direction I was going , but something made me feel I was close to finding it and I needed to be .
Moonlight filtered between the tree branches , casting patches on the forest floor that seemed to take fantastic shapes .
I stepped over a bent root , peering closely at every shadow .
Half my mind was with Aurora ; half of it was with Warrick .
Warrick .
Oh , Warrick .
Just the mention of him made me feel like vomiting .
I couldnt think about him now .
I took another careful step forward and felt the hair on my neck shoot to attention .
I wasnt alone .
Quickly I pulled the dagger out and held it defensively in front of me and I looked up to see Warrick , I staggered back a bit .
Chapter 183 Warrick , I breathed .
2/6 He stood a few steps away , leaning easily against a tree , as though hed been waiting for me .
His tall body was in shadow , but the shine of his dark eyes was clear .
Hello to you too , Piper , he said smoothly , his voice annoyingly calm .
What are you doing here ? I asked firmly , my grasp on the dagger tighter .
He smiled as he drew closer , his movements cautious but not threatening .
I think you want to find Aurora , just like I do .
I squinted , keeping my de raised .
Why would you want to find Aurora ? Shes the Luna of Broken Ridge , right ? he asked , cocking his head .
Her being found is important to all of us .
Or did you forget that ? I dont believe you , I snapped .
You only do things that benefit you .
So what is your real reason ? Warricks smile vanished , and for a moment , he looked Believe what you want , Piper , but I have my reasons .
And they angry .
are not for you to know .
Youre right , I said , anger growing .
They arent .
Because I dont need your help .
I began to walk away , but his voice stopped me .
3/6 Chapter 183 Youre walking right into trouble , he said , sounding serious .
Do you really know what youre up against ? I turned back to look at him , feeling angry .
Dont act like you care .
Youre only here because you think you can benefit from this .
He shrugged and crossed his arms .
Maybe I can .
But that doesnt mean Im wrong .
I thought for a moment .
His words hit home , even though I knew better .
Warrick was clever and selfish , but he wasnt stupid .
If he was warning me , it meant he knew something I didnt .
What do you know ? I asked carefully .
He moved closer , and I couldnt understand what was going through his mind .
The Nameless is not some random enemy , he thinks and then acts with a n in his mind .
If you go on your own , youve got no chance .
Just like Aurora .
Finally , the mention of Aurora had my heart aching .
I could have argued that he was wrong , but somewhere deeper inside , I knew his words were right .
What am I supposed to do then? I asked looking tired already .
An alliance , he said straightforwardly .
4/6 Chapter 183 Iughed rudely .
You think I will trust you ? No , he said smiling , taking me by surprise .
But you have no choice .
Youre in too deep , Piper .
And like it or not , I can help you .
I stared hard at him , trying to catch a glimpse of a lie .
Warrick had always been able to take people in , but there was something about him that seemed a little off this time .
Perhaps a sign of truthfulness .
Or maybe he was just in some kind of a spell .
Okay , I said with deliberation .
But lets get one thing straight , I dont trust you .
You slip up once , Ill kill you myself .
His smile was back , but this time , it wasnt humorous .
Thats fair .
We continued walking in the forest together , but I kept my distance from him .
For someone who could be so annoying , Warrick was quiet ; his footsteps were nearly silent against the earth , Why are you here , Warrick ? I asked after a while because I couldnt stand the silence anymore .
He looked at me , and I had no idea what he was thinking .
I told you , Im looking for Aurora .
For your gain , I pressed .
5/6 Chapter 183 He didnt deny it .
Maybe .
But that doesnt mean I want to see her dead .
Or you , for that matter .
I scoffed .
How noble of you .
He suddenly stopped and raised a hand to quiet me .
His eyes looked ahead to the darkness , his body tense .
What ? I whispered , clenching my dagger tightly .
Somethings watching us , he whispered .
I tried to see what he did as my heart started beating fast .
The trees felt as though they moved around us , the darkness looking somewhat different from what they truly were .
We need to go , Warrick whispered , his tone low and urgent .
For once , I did not argue .
We did walk a little faster while every single sound of leaves and breaking twigs seemed to fill me with more fear .
As I walked , I couldnt help feeling that Warrick was keeping something from me .
He kept scanning around and looked really nervous .
You know more than youre telling , I whispered .
He didnt answer immediately , his gaze cast down the path before him .
Chapter 183 6/6 Finally , he said , I know enough to keep us safe .
Isnt that good enough for you ? No.
I said firmly .
If we are going to do this , I need to know the truth .
Warrick was hesitating , his face turned to me with worry on his features .
The truth , Piper , is you dont know what youre up against .
Not only does the Nameless pose a threat to Aurora , but he threatens us all .
He will destroy everything we love if we dont put a stop to him .
His words made me feel scared , but I wouldnt let him see my fear .
Then why are you really here , Warrick ? What do you get from this ? He fell silent , his jaw getting tight .
Redemption .