Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3009

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3009

At Throne City, urgent military reports poured in without pause. An elite family warrior knelt in the great hall, his voice tight with urgency. “Sir, the Cathedral’s army has bypassed Abyss City and is advancing directly toward the family’s headquarters. They’re less than one hundred and twenty miles from Throne City now. Every outpost along the route has failed to stop them and has already fallen.”

Alonzo, who had taken Raiden’s place in presiding over the Ludendorff family’s central affairs, was visibly shaken. “How could they move this fast?” he demanded, his voice echoing through the hall. “Has Abyss City already fallen to the Cathedral?”

The kneeling subordinate trembled. “There’s been no change in Abyss City, sir. According to our intelligence, it’s still under Dragonfang’s control.”

Alonzo stiffened, his teeth grinding together. “So Abyss City let the Cathedral march straight through to attack Throne City?” His eyes flashed with fury. “What the hell is Andrew trying to pull?”

Cyril and the others erupted, barely able to contain their anger. “Arguing about it now is pointless,” someone shouted. “We have to mobilize immediately and stop the Cathedral before it reaches Throne City. Damn it! Wyrmhelm swore the Cathedral army could never push this far. How is the war already at our doorstep?”

The hall descended into chaos. Alonzo suddenly roared, “Enough! Shut up—all of you!”

His shout silenced the room. He looked at the dozens of Ludendorff elders and commanders running around in disarray, and a pounding headache set in. “What are you panicking for?” he said coldly. “Tell me—what is there to panic about?”

His murderous gaze swept over everyone present. “Just because Lord Raiden is gone, does that mean this family has no one capable left? They’re still one hundred and twenty miles away. That’s more than enough time to prepare. Everything will proceed according to plan.”

He turned sharply. “Cyril. You’ll take valuable gifts and go to Abyss City immediately.”

Cyril froze, then exclaimed, “What? What’s the point of going there now?”

“To win Andrew over,” Alonzo replied flatly. “Abyss City is in his hands. That means half of our defensive line is effectively under his control. We can’t afford to ignore that. Right now, the best strategy isn’t to confront the Cathedral head-on—it’s to get Andrew to cooperate with us and strike the Cathedral army from both sides. That’s the optimal solution.”

Cyril bristled. “So you want the Ludendorff family to beg him? That’s ridiculous! He’s provoked us again and again. Just the fact that he let the Cathedral army march toward our stronghold is reason enough to kill him!”

Alonzo sneered. “Fine. I’ll give you five thousand mercenaries. Take them and wipe Andrew out yourself. How about that?”

Cyril fell silent, his face flushing red. His mouth opened, but no words came. Even Garal and Prescott had nearly died at Andrew’s hands. Sending five thousand men to besiege Abyss City would accomplish nothing. Worse, Cyril himself would likely end up dead, another name added to the Ludendorff family’s losses.

Seeing through Cyril’s bluster, Alonzo snorted. “We’re at war. The Ludendorff family isn’t afraid of the Cathedral. If it comes down to a full-scale clash, we can hold our ground. But we must secure maximum victory.”

His tone grew colder. “If we suffer catastrophic losses fighting the Cathedral, what do we gain? Will we still be the kings of the Wastelands afterward? The werewolf clans, the vampires, and the sirens are all watching from the shadows. This family cannot afford that kind of loss.”

He paused, then added, “Making peace—or even forming an alliance—with Andrew is absolutely necessary right now. Conflict resolution is the art of compromise and adaptation. You’ll understand that eventually. Even if Lord Raiden were still here, I believe he wouldn’t oppose this decision.”

Alonzo fixed his gaze on Cyril. “So you’ll go. Personally.”