Chapter 258: Insane
"I’ll take this town, and I’ll take whatever else I damn well please. You think you can threaten me in front of all these people and walk out like some smug bastard? I’ll carve that grin off your face, Soren." Leon declared.
Soren stood atop a low slope just outside the occupied house, issuing orders with his usual cold precision. Snow leopard soldiers moved like shadows under his direction—forming patrols, fortifying key positions, and drawing up defenses that could hold the town should Leon attack at sunrise.
Riven stood just behind him, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
"This barricade needs to extend down the east road. If they push from there, we’ll be wide open," Soren said, voice low and firm. "Have the archers stationed on the rooftops. I want a clear shot the moment I give the word."
The soldiers saluted and darted off.
Riven gave it another moment. Then, when Soren turned to consult a map with his lieutenant, Riven stepped aside, gesturing to one of the wolf guards standing nearby. They weren’t many—Ronan had barely placed anyone here—but the few that had come with Riven now stood in uncertainty.
"Listen," Riven said quietly. "Follow Soren’s orders." He had no experience in such things, he knew how to negotiate, but Leon was not giving him a chance.
Riven was already slipping away under the cover of the trees before anyone could ask him any more questions.
He followed a narrow trail leading into the woods behind the town. The wind carried the scent of ash and pine, and further ahead, the familiar, faint smell of Leon. He was a wolf after all, he ought to use his animal senses.