Chapter 117
I took a slow sip of water, letting my thoughts drift back as I spoke softly, “I still remember my very first day here. Back then, I was absolutely certain that wolves and humans could never truly stand as equals.”
Andy gave a knowing nod, his eyes reflecting understanding. “That’s still what most people believe on both sides,” he said quietly.
I glanced around the bustling cafeteria, where a diverse group was huddled together, strategizing for an upcoming mission. The electronic bulletin board caught my eye, displaying mission success rates—human-led teams performing just as well as those led by wolves. Nearby, new human recruits were being guided through orientation by werewolf mentors, a scene that brought back memories of my own harsh introduction to this world.
“It’s been three years,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper, “and yet, I feel more at home here than I ever did out there in the human world.”
“That’s exactly why Lightkeepers was created,” Andy responded with a gentle smile. “To prove that there’s another way—one where we can coexist.”
My gaze shifted toward the memorial wall tucked in the corner of the room. Photographs of fallen members—both human and werewolf—were displayed side by side. Each one had sacrificed their life for the cause, and here, their memories were honored equally, regardless of species.
We shared a comfortable silence as we ate, but my attention soon drifted to the large screen showing today’s duty roster. My name appeared under the afternoon training session.
“Looks like I’m in charge of teaching the new recruits how not to get caught by hunters today,” I said with a half-smile, trying to keep the mood light.
Andy pointed to his own assignment. “I’ll be working with the intelligence team, analyzing intercepted Triad communications from last week.”
My expression turned serious immediately. “Any new leads?”
He shook his head slowly. “Still just low-level operatives. Nothing that leads us to their leadership. But Jennifer says we’re getting closer.”
I drummed my fingers on the table, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “Three years of tracking them, and we still can’t reach the top.”
“We’ve disrupted their operations significantly,” Andy reminded me gently. “That counts for something.”
But to me, it wasn’t nearly enough. Not when my father remained unconscious—his body healed but his mind trapped behind an impenetrable wall.
My throat tightened as I thought of the part of myself I’d lost—the price I’d paid just to survive.
“I will find out who did this to you,” I promised once more, as I did every day. “I’m getting closer. And when I do, I’ll make them pay. And I’ll find a way to bring you back.”
I stayed with him for nearly an hour, sharing stories about my day, the organization, and the small victories we’d had against the Triads. Maybe he could hear me. Maybe not. But I couldn’t stop trying.
Just as I was about to leave for my afternoon training session, my communication device buzzed sharply with an incoming message.
“Silverstone, report to Jennifer’s office immediately,” a clipped voice instructed.
My heart jumped. Direct summons to the leader’s office were rare, usually reserved for major breakthroughs or emergencies. I quickly checked my reflection in the window, straightened my training uniform, and headed toward the elevators.
Outside Jennifer’s office, I paused, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Whatever awaited me inside could change everything. Three years of relentless training, investigation, and preparation might finally be on the verge of something much bigger. Gathering my courage, I knocked firmly on the door.

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