Chapter 17: The Iron Roots
The sound of hammers and electric saws echoed through the valley, a stark contrast to the gunfire that had torn through the lodge six months prior.
We didn’t just rebuild the sanctuary; we fortified it. The shattered glass was replaced with ballistic-grade panes, the wooden doors swapped for solid steel disguised behind rich cedar overlays, and the perimeter was expanded with a state-of-the-art security grid. The physical scars of the lodge were healing, mirroring the women inside.
I walked through the newly constructed sunroom, a clipboard in hand. The space was bright and airy, filled with plush couches and vibrant potted plants. Chloe sat in the corner, a sketchbook balanced on her knees.
The feral, terrified girl who had collapsed at our gate was gone. In her place was a young woman finding her footing. Her blonde hair had grown out, returning to its natural chestnut brown, and the hollows of her cheeks had filled in.
"How is the drawing coming along?" I asked gently, taking a seat opposite her.
She turned the sketchbook toward me. It was a charcoal drawing of the lodge, but not as it was now. It was a drawing of the lodge on the night of the storm, illuminated by the flashing lights of the tactical helicopters. Yet, in the foreground, standing between the chaotic woods and the front door, were three wolves.
Not the silver, snarling wolf of Richard’s ring, but real wolves. Fierce, protective, standing guard.
"It’s us," Chloe explained softly, tracing the outline of the largest wolf with her charcoal-stained thumb. "You, Marcus, and Elena. The protectors."
A lump formed in my throat. I reached out and squeezed her hand. "You’re part of the pack now, Chloe. You protected yourself the night you decided to run."
She looked down, a quiet strength settling over her features. "The federal prosecutor called yesterday. Silas Vance’s trial date is set for next month. They want me to take the stand."
"And what do you want to do?" I asked, giving her the one thing Silas and Richard had stolen: a choice.
May you like
"I’m terrified," Chloe admitted, her voice trembling slightly before she took a deep, steadying breath. "But I watched Elena’s testimony online. I saw what it did to Richard Vanguard. Silas thinks I’m just a loose end. I want to be the one to tie the noose."
I smiled, a fierce, burning pride warming my chest. "Then we’ll make sure your knot is tight."
