Caleb’s POV:


    This fight drained us considerably.


    Andrew, the deputy leader of the witch n, and I, the Alpha of a pack, sat on the floor, catching our breath for a long while.


    Once rested, I stood and offered a hand to help Andrew up.


    He gave me a disdainful smile and refused to take my hand.


    But I still held my hand in front of him.


    Andrew’s expression changed slightly and he finally held my hand.


    I pulled him up and the two of us smiled together.


    Such was the way of men; we understood each other through conflict.


    Often, a fight sufficed to resolve our issues.


    I wiped the blood from my mouth and said, “Alright, lead the way.


    Let’s get Nora to talk.


    ”


    Without a word, Andrew led me to the dungeon.


    We moved in surprising harmony, as if we hadn’t just been at each other’s throats.


    As we approached the dungeon entrance, Andrew remarked, “By the way, Nora is a mixed-blood witch.


    ”? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    “A mixed-blood witch?” I echoed, surprised, since Debra was also of mixed heritage.


    Andrew nodded and borated, “In the witch n, mixed-bloods are often seen as lesser.


    Years ago, there was a brutal purge that targeted them.


    Nora’s family was killed during that massacre.


    So, her grudge against the leader, her daughter, and even me, has deep roots.


    Until recently, Nora lived on society’s fringes, with no opportunity for revenge.


    But being rescued by Debra and brought to my manor gave her the chance she needed.


    ”


    Pausing, I turned to Andrew.


    “Do you believe Nora orchestrated all this alone? That she’s trying to sabotage your rtionship with Shirley, or even between the Thorn Edge Pack and the witch n?”


    With a grave nod, Andrew confirmed, “It’s entirely possible.


    ”


    However, I suspected that Andrew was pinning everything on Nora to preserve the witch n’s stability and protect his fiancee, Shirley.


    I kept my thoughts to myself, giving Andrew a questioning look.


    He seemed to catch my skepticism and offered a helpless smile.


    “I’m just putting it out there.


    You can make your own judgment after you speak with Nora.


    ”


    Andrew’s insights into Nora’s background gave me a better grasp of her actions.


    Upon reaching Nora’s cell, I was taken aback by its tiny size, barely two square meters.


    Noticing my reaction, Andrew exined sheepishly, “Space is limited in the manor’s basement.


    We had many prisoners in the past, necessitating smaller cells.


    ”


    I nodded silently and pressed on, wrinkling my nose at the foul odor within.