The Princess's Revenge Chapter 150

Valencia’s POV

"I know. But now it's time to restart that plan." Logan looked up at me. "We need that ring, Valencia. It's the only way you'll be able to fully control the dragon."

I nodded slowly. "The Heart of Rubia," I said quietly. "Do you really think it can help me?"

"According to everything Aldric said, yes. The ring was created specifically to control dragon power. If anyone needs it, it's you."

"Then we should go. The sooner the better."

Logan pulled another map closer. This one showed the coastline. "Ravencrest Island is here, off the eastern coast near the border between Aldermere and Valdoria."

I leaned forward to study it. The island was marked as a small dot in the ocean.

"The closest port is here," Logan continued, pointing to a spot on the coast. "In Emerald Grove Pack territory."

My stomach tightened. "Elton's territory."

"Yes. But that might actually work in our favor now." Logan sat back in his chair. "Elton has pulled warriors away from Emerald Grove to garrison King's Fang. His home territory is more vulnerable than it's been in years."

"So we can slip in more easily."

"Exactly. We get to the coast, find a boat, sail to the island, get the ring, and come back."

I studied his face. He looked better than he had two weeks ago. The color had returned to his cheeks. His gray eyes were clear and focused.

"Logan, are you sure you're well enough for this?" I asked. "Dr. Vance said you need another week of rest."

"I'm fine." He reached across the table and took my hand. "Valencia, I'm healed enough to travel. I won't be fighting armies, but I can ride a horse and climb onto a boat."

"What if your wounds reopen?"

"They won't."

"What if we get attacked and you can't fight properly?"

"Then you'll protect me." He smiled slightly. "You're a dragon, remember? I think you can handle a few rogues."

I wanted to argue more, but I knew that look on his face. He'd made up his mind.

"Fine," I said. "But if you start bleeding or show any signs of fever, we're coming straight back."

"Deal."

Logan stood and walked to the wardrobe. He moved carefully, like someone still aware of healing injuries. He pulled out our travel bags and set them on the bed.

"We should pack light," he said. "Just the essentials. We need to move fast."

I joined him and started sorting through our belongings. Spare clothes. Weapons. Medical supplies.

"How long do you think the journey will take?" I asked.

"Three days to reach the coast if we ride hard. Then it depends on finding a boat and the weather. Maybe a week total, if everything goes smoothly."

We packed in silence for a few minutes. I folded a spare shirt and tucked it into my bag.

"We should leave as soon as possible," Logan said. "Every day we wait is another day Aldermere might attack the border. Another day Elton consolidates his power."

"Tomorrow morning?" I suggested.

"Tonight would be better."

"Logan, we need to tell people. We need to make arrangements for the pack while we're gone."

He sighed. "You're right. Tomorrow morning then. That gives us today to prepare everything."

I finished packing my bag and moved to help Logan with his. He was struggling with the buckles, his fingers not quite as nimble as usual.

"Let me," I said gently.

He stepped back and let me take over. He hated being weak, even temporarily.

"You know," I said as I worked. "You once told me that accepting help doesn't make you weak."

"I know what I said."

"Then maybe you should listen to your own advice."

Logan was quiet for a moment. Then he said, "You're right. I'm sorry. I'm just not used to being the one who needs help."

"I know. But your body went through hell, Logan. It needs time to fully heal. There's no shame in that."

I finished with his bag and straightened up. Logan pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me carefully.

"Thank you," he said quietly. "For everything. For saving my life. For leading the pack while I recovered. For being patient with me now."

I rested my head against his chest. "That's what mates do. We take care of each other."

"We should call a council meeting," he said. "Tell Elias and the others what we're planning."

"Just the core members?"

"Yes. Elias, Dr. Vance, and Ryan. They need to know where we're going and why."

I nodded. "I'll send for them."

An hour later, we sat in the council room. Elias, Dr. Vance, and Ryan filled the seats around the table. All three looked curious about why we'd called this meeting.

Logan stood at the head of the table. I sat beside him.

"Thank you for coming," Logan began. "Valencia and I need to leave Cliffwatch Pack for approximately one week."

Elias sat forward. "Leave? Alpha, with respect, is that wise? We're preparing for war on multiple fronts."

"I know the timing isn't ideal," Logan said. "But this is important. We're going north to retrieve an item that could be crucial to our survival."

"What kind of item?" Ryan asked.

Logan glanced at me. I took a deep breath.

"A ring," I said. "Called the Heart of Rubia. This ring can help control dragon power."

Understanding dawned on Dr. Vance's face. "So you can prevent what happened at King's Fang from happening again."

"Yes," I said quietly. "I need to be able to control the dragon completely. Not just shift, but actually control what happens when I'm in that form."

"Where is this ring?" Elias asked.

"On an island called Ravencrest," Logan said. "Off the eastern coast, near the Aldermere-Valdoria border."

Ryan frowned. "That's in Emerald Grove Pack territory. Elton's lands."

"Yes. But Elton has pulled many of his warriors to King's Fang. His home territory is less defended than usual."

"It's still dangerous," Ryan said.

"Everything is dangerous right now," Logan replied. "But this is a risk worth taking. If Valencia can fully control her dragon form, she becomes our most powerful weapon. She could defend the border against Aldermere's entire army if necessary."

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed that.

Finally, Elias spoke. "How long will you be gone?"

"Approximately one week. Maybe less if we're fortunate."

"And who will lead the pack while you're away?"

"You will," Logan said firmly. "Elias, you're Gamma. You know this pack inside and out. You know our defenses, our strategies, our people. I trust you to keep everyone safe."

Elias straightened in his chair. "I won't let you down, Alpha."

"Dr. Vance," Logan continued. "I know you'll want to lecture me about my injuries."

Dr. Vance stood and walked to a cabinet in the corner. He pulled out a leather pouch and brought it to the table.

"I won't lecture you," he said. "Because I know you'll go regardless of what I say. But take these."

He opened the pouch. Inside were dried herbs and small vials of liquid.

"These are the frost flowers Valencia gathered from the mountains. I've prepared them as both dried herbs and tinctures. If your wounds start to hurt or show signs of infection, use them immediately."

Logan took the pouch. "Thank you."

"And Valencia," Dr. Vance turned to me. "Make sure he actually uses them. Don't let him be stubborn."

"I won't," I promised.

"Is there anything else we should know?" Elias asked.

Logan shook his head. "Just keep the training going. Keep the patrols running. If you receive any intelligence from the scouts or word from Soren, send a raven to us immediately."

"Where should we send it?"

"We'll check in at villages along the way. Send ravens to the major settlements between here and the eastern coast. We'll find them."

Ryan spoke up. "Alpha, please be careful. Both of you. The pack needs you."

"We will," I said. "And we'll be back as soon as possible."

The meeting ended shortly after. Elias, Ryan, and Dr. Vance filed out, each looking concerned.

Logan and I returned to our room to finish preparations. The sun was setting outside, painting the sky orange and red.

"Do you think they'll be alright without us?" I asked.

"Yes. Elias is capable. And the pack is well-prepared."

I sat on the edge of the bed. "I'm worried about leaving right now. With everything happening."

Logan sat beside me. "I know. But Valencia, we can't keep reacting to threats. We need to be proactive. Getting that ring gives us a real advantage. It changes the entire situation."

I knew he was right. "Alright," I said. "We leave tomorrow at dawn."

Logan nodded. Then suddenly he grinned at me. "What?" I asked.

"I just realized something. This will be our first real journey together. Just the two of us."

"We traveled to King's Fang together."

"That was different. That was rushing into danger. This is more like an adventure."

I laughed. "An adventure to steal a magic ring from an island of hostile guards?"

"Exactly. Very romantic."

"You have a strange definition of romance, Logan."

He pulled me closer. "Maybe. But you love me anyway."

"I do," I said softly. "Very much."

We spent the rest of the evening preparing. Double-checking our supplies. Sharpening weapons. Going over maps one more time.

By the time we finished, it was late. I closed my eyes and let sleep pull me under.

I woke before dawn. Logan was already up, moving quietly around the room as he gathered the last few items.

"Morning," I said, sitting up.

"Morning. Did you sleep well?"

"Well enough. You?"

"Same."

I got out of bed and dressed quickly. Simple traveling clothes. Sturdy boots. A warm cloak.

Logan strapped his sword to his waist. I noticed he moved more easily today. The stiffness from yesterday was fading.

"How do you feel?" I asked.

"Good. Strong."

"No pain?"

"A little soreness. Nothing serious."

I finished dressing and grabbed my own weapons. A sword and two daggers. Logan handed me my travel bag.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Yes. Let's go."