The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 51

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**
**Chapter 51: The Sentinel System Loses Her**

**Thora’s POV:**

A smile crept onto my lips, a small victory in a world where such moments were rare. “Good.”

As I crafted that encryption system, I had woven together not only the intricate logic of apocalypse encryption but also infused it with my unique ability to manipulate.

No matter how Luke approached the code, whether from above, below, or any angle he could imagine, the algorithm would swiftly recalibrate and re-encrypt itself. It was as if I had conjured an unsolvable infinite loop, a clever cheat on my part.

Yet, I had no qualms about it; the ends justified the means as long as I achieved my goal.

“Luke, I recognize your talent. I won’t squander your abilities, nor will I expect you to work for free.”

My gaze was steady, serious. “You’re not just any computer whiz; you’re a rare gem in a sea of mediocrity. I doubt you want to spend your life merely chasing thrills through hacking jobs. In this bleak world, technology has stagnated. But I can offer you access to advancements that are far beyond what exists here.”

In the apocalyptic landscape I had navigated, I had dedicated myself to military matters, yet I had also meticulously studied the most cutting-edge information technology, all with an eye toward combat.

The technology I had encountered was not merely advanced; it was centuries ahead of what this timeline could fathom.

That audacity was what allowed me to make such a bold statement.

“For every task you complete for me,” I continued, “I will ensure you are compensated fairly.”

Luke adjusted his glasses, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “I honestly thought you’d expect me to work for free.”

I chuckled softly, appreciating his naivety. “I have always respected talent.”

A spark ignited in his eyes, and he nodded eagerly. “Alright.”

I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I had successfully brought Luke onto my team.

“As fate would have it, I need your assistance in investigating something crucial.”

I sent him the details about Diane, my heart racing at the thought of uncovering the past. “I require her files, especially everything related to the events of fifteen years ago, the day she fell victim to the Rogues, those monstrous werewolves.”

Luke’s smile widened as he closed his laptop with a confident snap. “No problem at all.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and dread.

I had already delved into the tragic death of the original Thora’s mother at the hands of the Rogues fifteen years prior, yet all the records had been meticulously buried.

To unearth them, I would need to infiltrate the Astralis Empire’s “Werewolf Community Security Bureau Archives” and the “Rogues Incident Emergency Response Center.” The security protocols for both were dauntingly high, far beyond my current capabilities. Thus, I entrusted the task entirely to Luke.

**Hugo’s POV:**

I found myself seated at the Imperial Army Conference Center, a place thick with tension and urgency.

The Chief of General Staff, a stern figure commanding respect, addressed us from the main seat. His voice was grave, cutting through the air with an unsettling clarity. “We’ve convened this emergency meeting because our reconnaissance has confirmed that ‘Greywolf’ has illegally crossed our borders and likely infiltrated Starlance City.”

A frown etched itself on my face as I leaned forward. “Is the intelligence reliable?”

“How has Wild Wolf been performing lately?” I inquired, my voice steady despite the chaos swirling in my mind.

Wild Wolf was the codename I had assigned to Thora. Since she hadn’t been officially recruited yet, this temporary designation felt fitting.

“Chief Stanton, I’ll transfer her files to your computer immediately,” the operator replied, his fingers flying over the keyboard.

Before long, all of Thora’s recent activities materialized on my screen, including her behavioral data captured by the Sentinel System.

In the Astralis Empire, every inch was monitored by Sentinel surveillance, save for a few select areas like the Nightclaw Pack territory, high-ranking Astralis residences, and the underground black markets.

As long as the Sentinel System tracked an individual, all their exposed behavioral information would be relayed directly to the military.

The Sentinel System operated under strict military jurisdiction, accessible to us at any time.

“Maintain surveillance on Wild Wolf’s movements. Report any anomalies without delay,” I commanded, my voice firm and resolute.

“Yes, Chief Stanton.”

I exhaled heavily, my gaze resting on the screen displaying Thora as she ran, her determination palpable even through the pixels.

It was precisely because of the significance of this special operations team that I felt compelled to be so vigilant and demanding.

Thora, I hope you can surprise me.

Just as that thought settled in my mind, the operator’s voice broke through the tension. “Chief Stanton, the Sentinel System has lost Wild Wolf’s trail!”