(**unedited** but it's a double update so ta-da! enjoy xx)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

HARRY STARES AT THE camp scrutinizingly, suspiciously. He can see people hustling around on the fields, probably the Normals who Wolf had enlisted as slaves. All the experiments know about Wolf's past desire to become a king, but apparently he finally had enough resources to make that fantasy into a reality.

That's a terribly frightening thing for everyone else.

Davon purses his lips beside Harry, looking none too pleased about returning. He's asked Davon plenty of questions about what the camp is like, but a lot of it is hard to believe. For instance, there's electricity and running water and a food supply to last over a year. There's people loyal to him, people unloyal but too afraid to say so, and outright rebels that get executed as quickly as they turn against him. That is easy to believe, but Harry can't imagine anyone in their right mind would look up to Wolf.

He figures that's the key phrase: in their right mind.

He glances back at Robbie, Caroline and Maxie, his chest constricting with the thought of dragging them into this place. He doesn't want to go in, either, but if Sasha truly is in there, he'll be damned if he doesn't get her out. He may not be as vocal as Evelyn about his determination to save her, but that doesn't mean he isn't determined.

He looks to Evelyn to find she's already looking at him, waiting for him to make the first move. He takes in a deep breath before standing from his crouched position. There's no need to try and sneak in. If Wolf is as secure as Harry knows he'll be, they'll be caught in a matter of moments. It's better for them to be upfront and honest with why they're there to keep Wolf from getting antsy about their presence. He wouldn't hesitate to have them killed if he considered them even the slightest threat.

His body tenses with anticipation as he turns to face his group, anxiety churning his stomach. He doesn't want to put any of them in danger, but he knows all of them will agree to go anyways. To save Sasha.

"All right," he say quietly in case a patrol strides near. "We're just going to walk through the front gate."

Everyone blinks back at him in confusion.

Davon clears his throat. "Honestly, that's the only way you could get in with Wolf's security. I don't think you should mention the girl, though, or he won't let you in simply out of spite. You'll have to find a way to convince the guards at the gate to let you in."

"You know them," Evelyn says. "What do you suggest?"

Davon hums in thought. An idea seems to pop up, but he gives Harry a strange look like he's afraid to say it.

Harry frowns. "What is it?"

"Wolf is always going on and on about you and your 'rebellion,'" he says, wincing with his own thoughts. "I think you should say you're here to challenge him."

Harry isn't surprised by this, but Evelyn is horrified. "Are you kidding me? That's the one thing we've been trying to avoid."

"You don't understand. Wolf is obsessed with the idea of beating Harry in front of everyone so they know he's their true leader. He won't turn Harry away with witnesses around."

"He's already been forced to fight before because of a psychopath named Quincy," Evelyn argues, narrowing her eyes in a way that always makes people rethink their decisions. "I'm not going to let you force him into another, especially against an even bigger psychopath."

"I think he's more of a sociopath, honestly," Micah chimes in under his breath.

"It's all right," Harry tells Evelyn before she rips Davon's head from his shoulders. "It's the best plan."

Evelyn stares at him in the way she always does when she's pissed that he spoke up and contradicted her. Mad because she can't argue with him in the way she argues with everyone else.

"This is for Sasha," he adds, and as he hoped for her face softens and she sighs in defeat.

Max takes a step forward. "So, we're just going to walk up to them like we belong there?"

"No," Davon says. "He's going to walk up there like he belongs and we're going to be his entourage." He's pointing at Harry.

Harry isn't sure if he can exude the confidence Davon believes he can, but he supposes he has no other choice but to try.

Without another word, he breaks through the trees, ready to get this over with. Naturally, everyone else follows and he wonders what they must look like to the guards on patrol. A mix of Normals and experiments emerging from the woods like they've lived there their entire lives. Harry holding his chin high and his jaw clenched. Micah and Gavriel right behind him, along with Killian sticking close to Micah, Davon behind him, Max and his soldier next to Evelyn who's holding Robbie's hand, who's holding Caroline's hand, who's holding Maxie's. It must be quite a sight.

He notices the two guards at the main gate instantly go stiff, eyeing the group warily as they get closer. One of their eyes widen in surprise and recognition, and he elbows his partner in the side to whisper the revelation in his ear. They don't know that Harry can hear them, even yards away.

"It's 748, the one leading the rebellion. The first success!"

Harry stifles the urge to roll his eyes.

The guard straightens as quickly as he lost formation, daring to meet Harry's eyes as he stops right in front of the gate. He can hear both of their hearts pounding. He can hear their blood rushing to their cheeks. He can smell the nervousness practically dripping off of them.

"Can we help you?" the more professional one asks, acting as if he doesn't know who Harry is.

"I'd like to speak with Wolf," Harry replies nonchalantly, as if he were an old friend of Wolf's being invited over for tea.

The two exchange glances. "What is your business here?"

Harry levels his stare with the more anxious one who spoke, making sure to make a show out of narrowing his eyes. "I do believe I said I would like to speak with Wolf."

He visibly swallows and the professional one takes a step forward. "One moment."

He waves down a guard on patrol and tells him to alert Wolf that there's someone at the gate who wants to speak with him. The patrol hurries off at a jogging pace at the guard's insistence that it's urgent.

Nice to know they're taking him seriously, then.

Harry is careful to keep his eyes ahead of him, though he desperately feels the need to check on Evelyn. He doesn't want the guards to notice, because he knows how their minds work. They'll tell Wolf immediately, who will then know what Harry's greatest weakness is and use it against him. If there truly will be a challenge, he wants to keep Evelyn as far away from it as he possibly can.

It isn't long after the patrol leaves that the front door to the large building swings open, and lo and behold emerges Wolf. He looks exactly like he always has--smug and arrogant. Harry clenches his jaw naturally when seeing him, taking in his suit and tie as if he's attending a formal event rather than running a slave encampment.

His infamous smirk stretches when he meets Harry's gaze. He stops on the other side of the gate and doesn't command for it to be opened. He's being cautious, which is a good thing for Harry. It means Wolf is still afraid of him.

"Well, isn't your face one I thought I'd never see again?"

"We both know you've been counting on it."

"Fair point." Wolf tilts his head as he studies Harry's group, Davon probably cowering behind Gavriel in case Wolf were to recognize him. "A measly crew you have here. You've certainly downgraded."

"Judging by appearances has always been a fault of yours." Harry tilts his head as well, mockingly. "You have quite a long list of those, don't you?"

Harry can tell Wolf is stifling a snarl and, despite himself, it makes a grin of his own spread. What can he say? The two have never gotten along. It's an ego boost to know he can still get under Wolf's skin so easily.

"What do you want?" Wolf snaps, already impatient with small talk.

"You're not going to invite me in for a tour? That's not very humble of you."

"What do you want?" he repeats, lower this time, practically spitting out each word.

Harry folds his arms across his chest. "I want to end this, Wolf. This pitiful feud between us and our people."

He almost cringes saying "our people."

Wolf doesn't allow himself to look surprised, though Harry can see clearly that he is. He scratches his chin as if he's indifferent. "Are you suggesting a challenge?"

"I'm not sure what else it could be mistaken for."

Wolf rolls his eyes then, unable to keep himself from doing so. "Why the sudden change of mind, hmm? As I recall, you've never enjoyed a challenge."

"Yes, but I've never enjoyed your presence either, so it balances itself out."

"Still quick-witted, I see."

"Sorry to disappoint if you expected anything else."

Wolf grins. "I could never."

He hesitates a brief moment before snapping his fingers, the two guards in front of the gate moving to unlock it. Once it slides open, Harry is the one to hesitate, narrowing his eyes in thought as he gives Wolf another look over. Wolf holds his arms out wide as if to say, Yes, go ahead and soak in the power I've gained.

Wolf makes the first move, gesturing towards the people behind Harry. "Why don't you introduce your crew to me? I can't help but notice not all of them are like us." Wolf catches Gavriel's eye and smirks. "Nice to see you again, Gavriel. Glad to see you found your master."

Gavriel is used to such remarks and doesn't budge.

Wolf looks to Micah next. "Ah, and Micah. It's been too long, hasn't it?"

"Not quite long enough," Micah growls back.

"You've always been temperamental."

Micah opens his mouth to ramble about the long list of things that Wolf is, but Harry speaks before he can. "Who they are isn't important to you. Now, either you're going to step back and let us in, or you can close the gate and we'll be on our way."

Wolf glares at Harry, and he continues before Wolf considers kicking them out already. "You wouldn't want to deny a challenge in front of all your loyal lackeys, would you?"

The hatred burns so brightly in Wolf's eyes, Harry fights the urge to look away.

"Of course not," he grumbles, taking a reluctant step to the side. "Do make yourself comfortable."

"The children," Harry says, nodding to the three kids next to Evelyn. "Surely you have other children here. Where can they go?"

Fear rises in each of their eyes, Evelyn included, but Harry wants them far away too. He knows how nasty Wolf can be in a fight, how brutal. He would send Evelyn off with them if she'd listen to him.

Wolf gestures to a nearby guard. "Take the kids to the children's dormitory."

Evelyn looks devastated to let go, but she does so all the same, knowing how important it is to keep weaknesses unknown. Robbie seems to catch on to something in Evelyn's eyes and he takes Caroline's hand firmly in his own, leading her and Maxie towards the guard. He acts much older than nine. The thought makes Harry's chest ache. He's been forced to act older than nine.

"Now, if you'll follow me."

Harry watches the kids go, biting the inside of his cheek, but he follows Wolf nonetheless, dread in the pit of his stomach.

"You're actually right on time," Wolf says. "We're having a party tonight."

Harry blinks. "A party?"

"Oh, yes. We have quite a few things to celebrate. Don't worry. I'll make sure each of you have proper attire."

Harry glances to Evelyn, who's now walking at his side, only for her to be reflecting the same confusion.

What the hell did they just walk into?