Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3360

Azrael sneered.

“You’re looking at this the wrong way. How many times have we marched on Holtrien throughout history? And how many times have we actually won?

“Not once.”

His voice turned colder.

“The situation looks favorable right now. But Holtrien is the kind of nation that grows stronger the harder you hit it. The more pressure you apply, the more united they become.

“So we don’t rush. We grind them down—step by step.

“One day from now, I’ll go meet Andrew myself.”

Edmond bowed deeply. “Understood, Marshal. I’ll take my leave.”

When he was gone, Azrael muttered to himself, his eyes dark.

“Andrew… my old rival. We’ve crossed paths again. Last time, I failed to kill you.

“But this time, on the battlefield, there will be nowhere left for you to run.”

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

Andrew didn’t waste time.

“Patriarch Atticus, Nyx and I will remain in the northeast for now. But we can’t stay long. The true center of this war is in the south—at Azure Gate.”

Atticus and Asher couldn’t hide their disappointment.

Still, Atticus forced a polite smile.

“Mr. Lloyd, we’re all fighting for Holtrien. Whether you stay here or head to Azure Gate, it’s for the same cause. So why not remain and help us deal with the armies of the three empires?”

Andrew shook his head.

“The three empires only move when it benefits them. The real threat is the Dark Trinity answering the call of the Vampire Queen.

“On the western continent, the Dark Clans are ancient forces operating in the shadows. The three empires are just the surface-level powers.

“It’s similar to Holtrien, where the military and the ancient sects once shared influence. Different details—but the same structure.

“If we want to truly end this war, the real target has to be the Vampire Queen.”

Atticus was stunned.

“Mr. Lloyd, no one even knows where the Vampire Queen is. And eliminating someone like her would be nearly impossible. In my view, if we push back the Western armies, the crisis will cool down. That’s the smartest path.”

Andrew shook his head again.

“Maybe. But if the Vampire Queen refuses to back down, even the emperors of the three empires will be dragged deeper into this.

“Her followers—vampires—are likely scattered across the world. When their one true Queen calls, none of them will refuse.

“So as long as her will remains intact, this war will never truly end.”

The room fell silent.

Heavy. Tense.

After a moment, Asher asked quietly, “Then what do you suggest?”

Andrew’s voice lowered.

“For now, we fight to the bitter end.

“But we also need to shift from reacting… to taking the initiative.”

From across the room, Jakob let out a cold scoff.

“Initiative? Easy to say, Andrew. What does that actually mean in practice?

“There are hundreds of thousands of soldiers from three empires outside these walls. The Dark Clans massed at Azure Gate are an even bigger nightmare.

“Other than throwing everything we have at them, what initiative is there to take?

“Stop acting like you’ve got all the answers.”

Nyx’s head snapped toward him, her patience gone.

“And who exactly are you to speak to my husband like that?

“Say something like that again—and I won’t hesitate to kill you.”

Jakob’s face flushed with anger. The word “bitch” nearly slipped from his lips.

But Nyx’s gaze was ice-cold. Deadly serious.

He swallowed the insult before it left his mouth.

If they actually fought, he knew the truth.

He wouldn’t stand a chance.