The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 74

**Chapter 74: The Promise**

Astralis College, a sprawling institution filled with secrets and shadows, held its breath as a tense atmosphere enveloped the group.

“Thora, where’s Shirley?” Ashton’s voice broke the silence, laced with a hint of concern.

Since they had emerged from the depths of the basement, Shirley had slipped away, her presence evaporating like mist in the morning light—no one had caught sight of her since.

Thora surveyed the surroundings with a keen eye, her senses heightened. “Relax. She’s just hidden herself,” she replied, her tone calm yet confident.

Harvey and Ashton exchanged a glance, their brows furrowed in confusion. Hidden? Could it be that Shirley possessed the same stealth skills as Thora?

With determination, Thora took the lead, her every step deliberate and cautious. Harvey and Ashton flanked her, their bodies tense with anticipation, while the rest of their team followed her directive, scattering into the shadows, becoming one with the environment around them.

“Thora, two targets at the left corner, one in the upper right hallway,” Luke’s voice crackled through her earpiece, steady yet urgent.

Thora halted abruptly, raising her hand in a silent signal.

Instantly, everyone dropped low, taking up defensive positions, their fingers curling tightly around their weapons as adrenaline surged through their veins.

Perched on the rooftop, Shirley adjusted her aim, her finger poised delicately on the trigger, every muscle in her body coiled like a spring, ready to release.

The sound of heavy black combat boots thudded against the floor with precision, long legs propelling her forward with a grace that belied the danger of their situation.

Suddenly, Lance froze, his gaze darting toward a shadowy corner with an intensity that made the air crackle with tension. A faint red dot pulsed ominously in the gloom.

At his monitor, Luke’s pupils dilated, his heart racing as fear gripped him. “Thora, I’ve got visual on the Greywolf leader…”

Thora, who had just dispatched a mercenary and was in the process of securing his weapon, lowered her voice, filled with a mix of urgency and focus. “Where?”

Lance’s eyes flickered with determination. He raised his pistol, aiming upward with precision.

Bang!

The sharp report of the gunfire shattered the stillness, echoing ominously through the halls.

Luke flinched violently, the chair he occupied scraping backward as his heart raced in his chest, a drumbeat of dread.

“What happened?” Thora sensed the shift in his breathing, her instincts on high alert.

Luke took a moment to steady himself, staring at the grid on his screen that had suddenly gone pitch black.

“They found us,” he replied, his voice low and serious, the weight of the situation pressing down on them all.

If they had uncovered the hacked surveillance, it meant they would soon lose all visual contact. And worse, Luke’s team could be in grave danger.

“What’s going on?” Harvey rushed forward, concern etched across his features.

Thora’s tone turned steely, a chill creeping into her voice. “Head straight to the library. We need to draw them that way, or Luke’s location will be compromised.”

Harvey’s dark brows knitted together, but he nodded resolutely. “Got it.”

If not for the hostages and the overwhelming enemy numbers, she would have chosen to go in alone.

But having borrowed their lives to aid her cause, she was determined to bring them back whole.

That was her promise.

Her words ignited a fierce determination within the boys, their grips on their weapons tightening as they locked eyes with her, hearts racing in unison.

A powerful surge of emotion coursed through Harvey, igniting something primal within him. He didn’t fully grasp what it was—only that he felt compelled to speak.

Stepping forward, he met Thora’s gaze with unwavering conviction. “I’ll guard your promise.”

Ashton, the group’s usual jester, lifted his gun, stepping up beside Harvey with a newfound seriousness. “Count me in!”

Thora’s expression remained composed, but a flicker of something—gratitude, perhaps?—passed through her eyes.

She turned her gaze toward the distance, where a small figure perched high above gave a silent thumbs-up in approval.

Thora allowed herself a faint smile before turning back to her team. “Move out.”

Unbeknownst to them, the wheels of fate were already in motion—

A destiny that would intertwine their loyalty for eternity, heralding the rise of a werewolf army that would one day send tremors through the very core of the Blue Star.