Adelaide's POV
"Are we just going to wait here? Wait for them to mercifully return the captives?"
Ulrik's impatience was palpable. His wolf ears perked up in anger, and his cedar-scented pheromones signaled his rage.
"Yes, we wait for them to send them back," I said steadily, meeting his gaze without flinching.
He looked at me as if I'd lost my mind. "You're insane! Why would they just let them go? Do you think they're philanthropists?"
"Nothing in this world comes easily," I said, pausing as if lost in thought. "Just like the Bloodscar Border treaty didn't materialize out of thin air."
Ulrik froze, stunned and confused.
"What are you implying?"
I asked calmly, "Do you really believe Solanke withdrew to the Western Tribes' border just because Velda spread rumors of Alpha Lance's im
