The Villain Alpha's Cursed Mate
Chapter 96: The Plan

Chapter 96: The Plan

Acheron leaned back in his chair, his voice steady as he began, "Like I mentioned before, the borders stretch all the way from the Fjord to the eastern ridge."

His gaze returned to the map on the table, and he pointed at a specific spot. "Now, based on the map, the Alpha of the North is right in the center, holed up deep inside Fang Fortress. Picture a massive wall, towering high with sharp spikes of ice all around it. They’ve got patrols crawling all over the place, heavily guarded, and there are secret paths, but if we try our luck, there’s about an 80% chance they’ll catch us."

Donovan sat in silence, mulling over Acheron’s Intel. "What about their warriors?" he asked.

"Their defenses are strong, but they’re thinner at the southern ridge," Acheron replied. "There’s a way through the frost fields. It’s risky, but it’s a blind spot they don’t pay as much attention to. The slave routes skirt the edge of the mountain like here for example, leading to a place called the frozen Hollow – it’s pretty much a hidden weak point."

"The slave routes are the easiest way in, no?" Lothar proposed, his tone suggesting a plan already forming in his mind. "We could infiltrate the trading routes, use their own operations against them. With the guards distracted, we could blend in during the chaos of a staged sale."

Revana shot him a sharp look. "And how exactly do you plan to pull that off without slaves, genius? We don’t have any to play the part, and even if we did, there’s no guarantee that it would work."

Esme remained quiet as the others offered their thoughts, her gaze drifting to the map on the table. The discussion swirled around her, but her mind wasn’t really following the conversation going on.

She barely registered the sudden hush that fell over the group when Donovan spoke up.

"Here," he said, pointing to the southern ridge on the map, a section carefully marked by Kangee’s reconnaissance. "The patrols are lighter in this area. We can use it for a safer passage. We’ll split into two teams — one would engage the guards, draw their attention, while the other team slips through unnoticed. I’ll need Lothar and Revana to gather some of the Damned’s best assassins."

He leaned forward in his chair, his presence commanding as he began delegating roles with a sense of precision.

"Lothar, Revana – you’ll lead the distraction unit. Use the frost fields to your advantage. Set traps, create diversions, and pull the guards from their posts. If killing them avoids raising further suspicion, then do it."

Esme observed in awe as he deftly arranged symbols on the parchment, marking out positions and routes with remarkable accuracy. It was as if he could see the layouts clearly, despite his blindness, and not once did he make a mistake.

Lothar and Revana exchanged a knowing glance, nodding in approval at the plan.

"Acheron," Donovan continued, moving on to the next. "You and Althea excel in stealth and subterfuge. Once Lothar and Revana have drawn the guards away, you’ll lead the second team. Use the hidden paths and make your way to Ashreach’s dungeon. Wait there for my signal."

With careful precision, Donovan placed a pin onto the frozen Hollow on the map. "Acheron, I’ll need you to secure three girls before the end of the week, and they must be willing to pose as slaves for a few hours. They should be well-trained in combat, like those from the Shadowbrook Academy. With their assistance, we can easily infiltrate the Fang Fortress and locate the vault."

Revana’s objection was immediate. "You’re planning to take children on this mission?"

Donovan leaned back, unfazed by the incredulity in her voice.

"It’s not mandatory, but they’ll act as a secondary backup in case our primary plan fails," he explained calmly. "Once inside, they’ll have an hour to navigate the hidden routes and unlock every door, improving our chances of getting in. After that, they’ll exit and rendezvous with the assassins waiting for them on the other side."

Esme shot a concerned glance at Donovan, lowering her voice. "But they’re just children, what if they get caught?"

Donovan’s hold around her waist tightened reassuringly. "Shadowbrook students look like children, but their potentials are far from it," he replied firmly. "They’re sharp, ruthless, and precisely the kind of assets we need. I didn’t choose them by accident."

"I’ll take care of organizing the girls," Acheron added without hesitation, fully trusting his Alpha’s judgment more than anyone else’s.

Althea, brimming with enthusiasm, clapped her hands eagerly. "A mission with everyone involved? This is going to be fun!"

After finalizing most of the plan, Lothar and Revana departed first, eager to handpick a few skilled assassin’s who would join them. Acheron and Althea followed suit, with Archeron persuading Althea to come with him to select the girls.

Esme made an attempt to stand, intending to take her leave as well, but Donovan’s arm tightened around her waist, refusing to release her.

"And where do you think you’re going, hm?" Donovan’s voice was low, laced with a teasing warmth. "Neville needed you to examine my eyes in his absence. Won’t you do that for me? I’m in so much pain, you know."

He rested his head against the curve of her back, and Esme felt her pulse quicken at the unexpected intimacy of his gesture.

A moment ago, he had been commanding and composed, issuing orders with unyielding authority, but with her, he had softened – becoming almost endearingly vulnerable and undeniably clingy.

Esme’s heart raced, torn between exasperation and an unarguable pull toward him.

"Let me have a look," Esme said softly, and she felt the tension in his grip ease as his possessive hold around her waist loosened. She stood and turned to face him, her heart missing a beat as his breath caught the moment she straddled his lap.

A slow, sinful smile curled his lips. "Getting comfortable, are we?"

"Don’t flatter yourself," she retorted, her voice edged with defiance. "This is my way of repaying you for helping Finnian and me. Consider us even."

Esme tried to banish whatever scandalous thoughts were climbing his head, but she could tell he wasn’t even listening. He seemed more lost in the moment, more captivated by her, than her words.

She was definitely doing this to thank him, nothing more! Or at least, that’s what she kept telling herself.

With hesitant fingers, she reached for his blindfold, gently slipping it off. As soon as it fell away, his piercing eyes locked onto hers, a gaze so intense it made her heart race. She quickly averted her gaze for a moment, steadying herself for what was to come.

"What am I dealing with here?" She asked, her voice a blend of curiosity and concern.

"My vision," he murmured, his voice rough. "It’s blurry... and the light — it burns."

"How bad? On a scale from one to ten?" her eyes flickered with worry, and his lips curved into a grim smile, but there was no humor in his reply.

"Eleven."

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