Chapter 192 PIPER We cant keep losing like this , Aurora said .


    There was a weight upon the air of Broken Ridge , the kind that clung to skin and stirred fear in the lungs .


    Wherever I looked , there were wolves in motion , but they moved .


    slowly , heads down , spirits beaten down .


    The Nameless had left more than a scar than that which seemed superficially apparent on the flesh of our pack .


    I stood near the edge of the forest , watching as some of the younger wolves worked to patch up broken defenses .


    They avoided my eyes and I knew why .


    My connection to Warrick , however strained , had made me suspect .


    The crunch of leaves behind had me scared and quickly I already held a dagger in hand .


    Warrick stepped out of the darkness , his face pale , his shoulders sagging with exhaustion .


    Do you believe me now ? he said , his tone as though he hadnt had water in days .


    I narrowed my eyes and kept my dagger raised .


    Believe you ? Why would I ? Chapter 192 2/7 His lips twisted weirdly into a worn smile , but it didnt touch his eyes .


    Because I put my life on the line for you .


    For all of you .


    After you betrayed us , I growled , taking a step closer to him .


    You made it very clear that you were with the Nameless .


    You said it yourself it was just business .


    Warrick let out a deep breath , rubbing a hand over his messed up hair .


    It was just to deceive him .


    A means of making them believe , buying enough time with them so I could help you afterward .


    I hissed and shook my head .


    Youre full of it .


    Youve always been selfish , Warrick .


    Why would I think youve suddenly grown a conscience ? He moved in closer to me ; the ck eyes locked with mine .


    Because I am here , am I not ? Surviving their wrath because of an urge to warn you ! You only survived because you ran ! I hollered now .


    His jaw mped down , and for a second , I wondered if he would snap at me .


    Instead , his shoulders loosened , his arms swinging open wide .


    You can hate me all you want , Piper .


    However , the fact is , I am here , and I can help .


    Before I could shoot back another reply , Auroras voice sliced Chapter 192 through the tension .


    3/7 Enough ! she said , moving toward us and even Warrick snapped straight at the authority in her tone .


    Her eyes shed bright as she red between us .


    We dont have time for this foolishness .


    Dane is still out there , and we need to figure out how to get him back .


    Warrick raised an eyebrow , his smile twisting up again .


    Danes been captured again ? Shut up before I stab you , Aurora said coldly .


    Warrick raised his hands in mock surrender .


    Alright , alright , cool it .


    No need for violence .


    You all should be d Im here .


    I am smart and resourceful and Ill figure something out .


    Auroraughed .


    Youre one arrogant bastard , you know that ? Comes with the territory , Warrick said , shrugging .


    I couldnt hold back any longer .


    Enough with the jokes , Warrick .


    If youre here to help , prove it .


    Otherwise , get out of our way .


    He looked at me , something unreadable shing in his eyes .


    Fine .


    Lets go .


    I blinked , caught off guard .


    What ? You heard me , he said , his voice steady .


    Lets go .


    Were not Chapter 192 going to find answers sitting around here .


    4/7 Aurora stepped one firm step forward .


    And exactly where do you think youre going ? Look for help , Warrick said .


    Actual help .


    You got anything better ? Aurora had looked at me ; now I didnt wait for her approval .


    Alright , I said , moving forward .


    But that doesnt mean a millimeter of my trust falls in your direction .


    Warrick gave an unexcited smile .


    Wouldnt really expect much less from you .


    We moved into the woods , tension between us as thick as it could be cut .


    I kept my dagger close and ready should Warrick so much as blink in the wrong manner .


    Always this scared ? he asked after a while , his tone light , with an edge of sharpness underneath .


    Only around people I dont trust , was myeback .


    Fair enough , he replied , going back into silence .


    These trees now seemed to darken , as if we entered into a forest , contorting into unnatural shapes .


    The air was heavy and cold ..


    seemed to watch us .


    Chapter 192 Do you even know where were going ? I asked after what seemed like several hours of walking .


    Not exactly , Warrick said , peering around .


    5/7 But Ive heard rumors of a hidden vige in these parts .


    Exiles , people who managed to escape the Namelesss control .


    If anyone can help , its them .


    And you didnt think to mention this before ? I snapped , my frustration boiling over .


    Would you have believed me ? he shot back .


    I said nothing , just kept my eyes on the path ahead .


    Then in an instant , Warrick stopped , his hand raised .


    Wait .


    I stopped , my grip on my dagger tightening .


    What ? Listen , he breathed .


    At first , I heard nothing but the soft stir of leaves , and then , softly , the murmur of voices .


    Warrick nodded for me to follow , creeping forward with caution .


    in the direction of the sound .


    The voices grew louder ; a sign of firelight filtered between the trees as we approached .


    We emerged into a small clearing and found ourselves confronted by a small vige , tents and wood structures scattered about , and a group of people standing near the fire , Chapter 192 their faces wary as they turned to look at us .


    6/7 Who are you ? one of them demanded , a man with graying hair and a sharp gaze .


    Were looking for help , Warrick said , stepping forward .


    We mean no harm .


    His eyes shed down .


    Help with what ? I stepped a little closer , my tone even .


    The Nameless .


    Were trying to defeat him , but we need a healer .


    Two of our packs are held by his power , and we have no idea how to redeem them .


    He did nothing but stand there as the others looked to him for direction .


    He looked back at them and then nodded .


    Youll want to speak with Lira .


    Shes our healer .


    He gestured to a small tent on the edges of the clearing and Warrick exchanged a look with me , then headed in that direction .


    Inside the tent an older woman , her eyes soft , but her hands cold and worn , looked up from her task .


    You seek healing , she said .


    Her voice was not loud , but firm .


    Yes, I answered immediately .


    Two of our packs have been marked by the Nameless .


    Can you help them ? Liras face turned serious .


    The marks are a curse , bound to his Chapter 192 power .


    They will not be easily removed .


    Can it be done ? I insisted .


    She nodded , slowly , and it can .


    But it wille at a cost .


    What kind of cost ? Warrick asked fearfully .


    Lira didnt answer at once , her gaze going far away .


    The kind which will force you to decide what youre ready to give up .


    A shiver ran down my spine when she said so .


    7/7 We will do whatever it takes , I said , making my resolve harden then and there .


    Lira nodded , a faint smile dancing upon her lips .


    Then let us begin .