The Princess's Revenge Chapter 120

Valencia's POV

The noon sun was high in the sky when we finally rode through the gates of Cliffwatch Pack. Two days of hard riding had left us all exhausted, but there was no time to rest.

"Take care of the horses. Make sure they're fed and watered properly."

"Yes, Alpha," the young man said, bowing quickly.

I slid off my own horse, my legs stiff from the long ride.

Dr. Vance appeared beside us, his expression serious. "Alpha, welcome back. I've kept the border patrols doubled as you instructed. No sign of enemy movement yet."

"Good," Logan said. "Gather everyone in the great hall. I need to speak with the core members immediately."

"Right away, Alpha."

Within twenty minutes, we were all assembled in the great hall. Logan sat at the head of the long table, with me beside him. Dr. Vance, Elias, and Amara took their seats around us.

Amara's face was as expressionless as always, but something had changed. The hatred that used to burn in her amber eyes when she looked at me was gone. She simply nodded politely when our eyes met.

Logan didn't waste time. "We're entering full war preparation. Aldermere's invasion is coming, and we need to be ready."

"What are your orders, Alpha?" Elias asked.

"First, increase border patrols to maximum strength. I want eyes on the Grey River at all times, day and night. Second, begin stockpiling food, weapons, and medical supplies. We need to be able to withstand a siege if necessary."

Dr. Vance pulled out a piece of parchment and began writing notes. "I'll need to order more bandages and healing herbs. Our current supplies won't last long in a prolonged conflict."

"Do whatever you need to do," Logan said. "Money is no object. The pack's survival depends on this."

"What about training schedules?" Elias asked.

"Implement a rotation system. Half the warriors train while the other half rest. No one should be exhausted when the attack comes. And increase combat drills—focus on defensive formations and coordinated attacks."

Amara spoke for the first time, her voice calm. "I'll oversee the weapons inventory. Make sure every warrior has proper equipment."

"Thank you, Amara," Logan said.

The meeting continued for another hour, covering logistics, supply chains, and defensive strategies. Everyone contributed ideas, and I was impressed by how smoothly they worked together.

When we finally finished, Logan dismissed everyone except me. As the others filed out, I noticed Dr. Vance lingering near the door.

"Alpha, Luna," he said quietly. "May I have a word?"

Logan frowned slightly. "Of course. What is it?"

Dr. Vance's expression was troubled, and my stomach tightened with sudden unease. Something was wrong.

"Perhaps we should speak in private," Dr. Vance suggested, glancing at the servants who were clearing dishes from the table.

"Come to my chambers," Logan said.

The three of us walked through the corridors in silence. My unease grew with every step. Dr. Vance's face was too serious, too sad. Whatever news he had, it wasn't good.

We entered Logan's room, and he closed the door behind us.

"What's happened?" Logan asked directly.

Dr. Vance took a deep breath. "It's about Isaiah. The minstrel."

My heart stopped. "What about him?"

Dr. Vance's eyes met mine, filled with sorrow. "I'm sorry, Luna Valencia. Isaiah took his own life two days ago."

The words hit me like a physical blow. For a moment, I couldn't breathe. The room seemed to tilt, and I felt Logan's hand on my arm, steadying me.

"No," I whispered. "No, that can't be right."

"I'm afraid it is," Dr. Vance said gently. "He was found in his cottage in the village. He... he used a knife."

My legs gave out. Logan caught me before I fell, guiding me to sit on the edge of the bed. My mind refused to process what I'd just heard.

"When?" I managed to ask, my voice shaking. "When did it happen?"

"Two days ago. Delphine found him."

Horror crashed over me. "Delphine found him?"

Dr. Vance nodded. "She'd brought him lunch, as she did everyday. When she arrived, he was already gone."

I couldn't imagine it. Delphine, walking into that cottage with food and hope, only to find—

"Where is she?" I asked urgently. "Where's Delphine now?"

"She's in the servants' quarters. She's been there since it happened. She won't eat, won't speak to anyone. She just lies in bed, facing the wall."

I stood up immediately, though my legs were still shaking. "I need to see her."

"Valencia, maybe you should rest first—" Logan began.

"No," I interrupted. "She needs me. I have to go to her now."

Logan looked at Dr. Vance, who nodded. "It might help. She hasn't responded to anyone else."

"I'm coming with you," Logan said.

"No," I said quietly but firmly. "She needs a friend right now, not an Alpha. Let me go alone first."

Logan studied my face, then nodded reluctantly. "Alright. But if you need me, call through the mind link."

"I will."

I left them and made my way to the second floor, my heart pounding. I pushed open the door to the main sleeping area. Several women looked up as I entered, their faces sad and worried. The room was dim, lit only by a few candles. Simple beds lined the walls, separated by thin curtains for privacy.

"Luna Valencia," Maya whispered, standing up from where she'd been sitting. Her eyes were red from crying.

"Where is she?" I asked softly.

Maya pointed to the far corner. "She's been there since Dr. Vance brought her back. She won't move, won't talk. We've tried everything."

I walked slowly toward the corner bed. The curtain was partially drawn. Behind it, I could see a small figure lying on her side, facing the wall.

"Delphine?" I said gently. "It's me. Valencia."