Chapter 154. Chaos in Nightfang

Xander’s POV

The midday sun cast sharp beams through the tall windows of my office, illuminating the dust motes that danced in the air. Papers were strewn across my desk, reports on patrol schedules, supply inventories, and diplomatic correspondences with neighboring packs. Yet, my mind was elsewhere, fixated on the gnawing unease that had settled in my chest since Simone departed on her solitary quest for the ancient witches’ spellbook.

I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples. Convincing Alison to let Simone go alone had been no small feat. Her protective instincts rivaled my own, and the thought of her friend facing unknown dangers without us was a bitter pill to swallow. But Simone had been adamant, and in the end, we had to trust her capabilities.

A sudden, urgent knock at the door snapped me from my thoughts. Before I could respond, the door swung open, and my mother stepped in, her face etched with worry.

“Xander,” she began, slightly out o