Chapter 0352

Athena

"Three individuals named Ash are present, but none match the name Ash Thomas." Zachary informs me, tossing the clipboard onto the desk. He turns to Luc. "Whoever provided that name deceived you!"

"Alternatively, the name he gave both you and Athena was false." Luc counters. "That might be his actual identity."

I scan the highlighted names on the clipboard, searching for connections, while ignoring Zachary and Luc's argument. They behaved more childishly than actual children.

Identifying links to each name, I summon them and demand their immediate presence in the office. Perhaps one had provided a false surname out of fear.

Three men arrive within minutes. Luc shakes his head. "None of them are him."

The men exchange confused glances, uncertain why they were summoned.

"Do any of you know Ash Thomas?" I ask.

Two shake their heads and deny it. The third nods. "He arrived yesterday. He asks excessive questions."

"Regarding what?" Luc demands.

"Everything. I assumed it was because he's new here."

'Seraphina claimed that Levi would come here. What if she was correct? What if he's already here under an alias?'

'Luc would recognize him.' I murmur. 'That man couldn't possibly slip past us. Could he?'

'It aligns with what that woman said. That this man searches places where he believes his prisoners might hide. All these questions suggest he's tactically searching for someone.'

'If he sought Blair, why take Hannah? What if this is another scheme orchestrated by Seraphina?' I challenge.

She remains silent, aware, as I was, that too many uncertainties clouded the situation.

"What does he look like?" I ask Luc. Many newcomers had arrived recently; I couldn't recall every name, but faces remained distinct. He provides a description. The moment he mentions green eyes with blue flecks, I recognize who he refers to.

"You spared him." I frown. The man he described had been in the office with Charlotte and me. Charlotte had stopped drawing the instant he entered, spending the entire time staring silently as I questioned him. After he left, she refused to share what she saw or felt, requesting to leave shortly after.

Luc frowns. "He wore one of my daughter's stickers. I distrusted him—his soul was highly questionable—but I had to trust my daughter's judgment."

Zachary shakes his head, crossing his arms. "She's seven years old, Luc. Seven. She shouldn't be involved in this. Children err."

"She didn't provide him one." I state.

"What?" Luc mutters.

"She didn't give him a sticker." I confirm. "He must have seen another wearing one and taken it, knowing it would protect him."

"Fool!" Zachary mutters at Luc. "Among all those you've killed for appearing suspicious, you spare this one. And within twenty-four hours of his arrival, he kidnaps a Lycan."

"Why Hannah, though? She can't even shift. Why bother taking her?" I ask.

Luc looks away. "He saw us together."

If concern for Hannah didn't dominate my thoughts, I'd feel happiness for Luc. Finally, he acknowledged being mated to her.

"You were with a Lycan?" Zachary asks, a smirk forming. His previous anger vanishes.

"Yes, and keep your opinions to yourself!" Luc snaps, his hand moving to his belt's gun.

"So Hannah is..." Zachary leans against the wall, grinning widely as he awaits an answer. "None of your concern!"

"You stormed in here, demanding we find her. As Beta, it becomes my concern. I repeat: why were you with Hannah?" Zachary taunts. He already knew the answer.

"I lack time for this!" I snap, rising from my seat. "I need answers regarding this situation and this man's identity."

"Can't you mind-link him?" Zachary asks.

"No link exists to anyone named Levi or Ash Thomas. The alternative is ordering all Lycans here so you can identify him."

"No." Luc mutters. "I must locate Evelyn. She implied she knows precisely where this Levi takes them."

"I'm accompanying you." Zachary snarls.

"No, Zachary. You remain here." I tell him. "I will go with Luc."