Faye's POV
"Why do I have to come?" I demanded, my voice sharp with frustration. Hardy had just announced they were returning to the pack territory, and apparently I would be accompanying him. Just the two of us.
I watched his expression remain unreadable, those storm-gray eyes giving nothing away. Quickly, I added, "I mean, we've already crossed the borders. Even if I wanted to go back, how could I possibly make the journey undetected? I don't have a wolf. I'd collapse from exhaustion long before we reached the territory."
Hardy's gaze never wavered. "Isn't that exactly the point? To verify whether the map you provided is genuine?"
The truth hit me like a physical blow. Of course. This wasn't about trust or partnership. From his perspective, I could have handed him a complete fabrication, a carefully crafted trap designed to lead him into an ambush. If the map proved false, it wouldn't simply be an error. It would be concrete evidence of my betrayal.
