80: NO PEACE

As I was about to leave Alpha Jo’s chambers, Maria walked in, her presence immediately altering the atmosphere. Her eyes darted between Alpha Jo and me, a calculating gleam in them.

"Ava," Maria said, her voice smooth but with an edge, "I didn't expect to see you here. What brings you to Alpha Jo’s chambers at this hour?"

"I came to ensure Nashville's defenses are ready," I replied, not willing to divulge too much.

Maria's eyebrows arched in feigned surprise. "Oh, really? And what makes you think they aren’t?"

I narrowed my eyes at her, feeling a surge of suspicion. "We've received intelligence that the bandits might attack soon. I needed to make sure Alpha Jo and his men were prepared."

"Interesting," she said, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "And what exactly is your plan, Ava? You seem to be taking quite a lot of initiative lately."

I glanced at Alpha Jo, who looked increasingly uncomfortable. "My plan is to defend Nashville and protect our people, Maria. Isn’t that what we all wa