Chapter 179. Leverage

Ava left the Queen Mother’s side quickly and made her way to where Nilda was. She spun around to face Nilda, eyes blazing with urgency. “Summon Zander! Tell him—Princess Riela is missing!”

Nilda’s hands moved over the crystal Zander had left them, her fingers tracing the familiar patterns as she tried to connect. But instead of the usual pulsing glow, the crystal flared into ash in her hands, crumbling instantly.

Ava froze, a surge of panic overtaking her. “No… no, this can’t be happening! He’s—he’s betrayed us! That Zander’s gone behind our backs!”

“Do you think the Alpha King took her to make sure no one could interfere with her healing?” Nilda asked.

“How would I know?!” Ava hissed, her frustration sharp. “This is bad… if that’s the case. And that damn Zander! How can we even reach him now? I shouldn’t have trusted him so easily!”

Nilda placed a calming hand on Ava’s shoulder, her tone measured. “Lady Ava, breathe. Just because we can’t con