Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 3360

Azrael sneered and said, "You're thinking about this all wrong. How many times have we marched against Holtrien throughout history, and how many times have we actually won? Not once.

"The situation looks favorable right now, but Holtrien is the kind of nation that gets stronger the harder you hit it. The more pressure you apply, the more united they become. So we don't rush. We grind it out, step by step. One day from now, I'll go meet Andrew myself."

Edmond bowed and stepped back. "Understood, Marshal. I'll take my leave."

Left alone, Azrael muttered to himself, "Andrew, my old rival, we crossed paths again. Back then, I failed to kill you, but this time on the battlefield, there will be nowhere for you to run."

…

Inside the mountain pass stronghold, Andrew and Nyx were welcomed warmly by the Cavendish family.

Andrew got straight to the point. "Patriarch Atticus, Nyx and I will stay in the northeast for now, but we can't be here long. The real center of this war is down south at Azure Gate."

Atticus and Asher both showed clear disappointment, yet Atticus still forced a smile. "Mr. Lloyd, we're all fighting for Holtrien. Whether you stay here or go to Azure Gate, it's for the same cause, so why not remain here and help us deal with the armies of the three empires?"

Andrew shook his head. "The three empires only moved when it suited them. The real threat is the Dark Trinity under the call of the Vampire Queen. On the western continent, the Dark Clans are ancient powers operating in the shadows, while the three empires are the surface-level forces.

Jakob let out a cold scoff from across the room. "Initiative? Easy words, Andrew. What does that actually look like in practice? There are hundreds of thousands of soldiers from three empires outside these walls, and the Dark Clans massed outside Azure Gate are an even bigger nightmare. Other than fighting back with everything we have, what initiative is there to take? Stop acting like you have all the answers."

Nyx's head snapped toward him, her patience gone. "And who exactly are you to talk to my husband like that? Say something like that again, and I won't think twice about killing you."

Jakob flared with anger, and the word "bitch" almost slipped out. However, Nyx's gaze was ice-cold and deadly serious, so he swallowed the insult before it left his mouth.

If they truly fought, he knew he was no match for her.