Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Elena’s POV
The morning air bites against my skin as I stand at the heart of the park’s gathering circle. The weight of their stares is suffocating. My wolf paces restlessly inside me, her frustration microring my own. This is not where I’m supposed to be–not while Lucian is out there, trapped and suffering.
But the park needs me. Sebastian made that clear before he left, and I gave him my woril.
“Strengthen the borders,” I say, my voice steady despite the storm brewing within me. “Double the patrols and send word if you see anything unusual We can’t afford any surprises.”
council nods in agreement, though unease flickers in their eyes. They’re looking to me for guidance, for strength, and I’m trying to give it to them. The deep down, I’m crumbling. Every second I stand here feels like a betrayal to Lucian
The bond between us thrums faintly, a thread stretched thin across the distance. It’s been this way since Rowan returned with the news of his capture–flashes of pain, fleeting impressions of darkness, and a deep, aching loneliness that isn’t just mine.
I feel his suffering as if it were my own, and it’s tearing me apart.
By midday, the tension within the pack is palpable. The patrols return with news of rogue wolves lurking near our borders. They havent attacked, haf their presence is a clear threat–a warning, or perhaps a rest
“We should strike first, one of the warriors growls during the meeting. “Show them we won’t be intimidated.”
“And risk provoking a full scale attack?” counters another. ” this is a distraction, attacking could weaken our defenses“.
The room erupts into argument, voices clashing like thunder. I try to focus, to think logically, but all I can hear is the faint echo of Lucian’s pain in the back of my mind.
“Though!” I snap, slamming my hands against the table. The room falls silent. “We don’t act rashly. Not until we understand their intentions. Increase the patrols and prepare the defenses. If they want a fight, they’ll have to bring it to us.”
My words are met with reluctant nods, but the tension lingers. They trust me because they have no choice, but I can feel their doubt.
A’s night falls, I find myself on the balcony of the Alpha’s home, staring out at the dense forest beyond our borders. The moon hangs heavy in the sky, s silver light illuminating the shadows that creep across the land.
My wolf stirs restlessly, her instincts screaming at me to act, I clutch the railing rightly, the cold metal biting into my palms
Lucian’s pain flares again, sharp and sudden, and I gasp. This time, it’s more vivid than ever. I see fragments of his world–chains rattling, damp stone walls, a faint glove of moonlight through iron bars. And then, his voice, barely a whisper:
My heart clenches, and tears sting my eyes. He’s reaching out to me, calling for me.
1can’t wait anymore.
The decision solidifies in my mind like a stone sinking to the bottom of a lake. I slip into the training yard, my movements quick and deliberate. If I’m going to do this, I need to be prepared
Grabbing a pack, I fill it with essentials–maps, weapons, supplies. My wolf hums with approval, her eagerness bleeding into my veins.
“Elena”
I freeze at the sound of Rowan’s voice. Turning, I find him leaning against the doorway, his expression a mix of concern and suspicion.
Chapter 27
“You’re leaving,” he says flatly.
I don’t deny it. “Lucian needs me. I can’t stay here while he’s out there suffering”
The park needs you too,” he counters, stepping closer. “Sebastian trusted you to lead.”
“And I’m failing them.” I snap, the words spilling out before I can stop them. “I can’t think, I can’t focus. Every second I’m here, I feel like I’m betraying him. Don’t you get it? He’s my mate, I have to go.”
Rowan’s expression softens, and he exhales slowly. Then let me come with you.”
I shake my head. “I need you here. If something happens while I’m gone-
ht not come back. And if you don’t “He
Nothing will happen,” he interrupts. The pack can hold its own for a few days. But if you go alone, you might not come
s off, his gaze heavy. Tam sworn to protect Lucian. Let me help you save his life.”
Thesitate, torn between the need to act and the fear of what could happen if we fail. But Rowan’s resolve is unshakable, and deep down, I know I can’t
do this alone.
“Fine,” I say finally. “But we leave now,”
The drive down here was long and quiet. Rowan had parked his Jeep way out of the borders, and we hiked through the forest to make it to Crimson Valley. The forest is eerily quiet as we move through the shadows, our steps swift and purposeful. The bond with Lucian guides me like a faint beacon pulling me deeper into unfamiliar territory.
“Do you really think we can get him out? Rowan asks as we navigate a rocky incline.
“I have to believe we can.” I reply. “If I lose him.” I shake my head, unable to finish the thought,
Rowan nnds but says nothing more. The silence between us is heavy, filled with unspoken fears and doubts
Hours pass, the forest growing darker and more oppressive. The scent of unfamiliar wolves lingers in the air, a reminder of the danger we’re walking
Finally, we reach a ridge overlooking a valley. Below, a cluster of buildings sits shrouded in mist, the faint glow of torches illuminating the compound.
That’s it.” Rowan whispers.
1 Sud, my wolf growling softly in anticipation. The bond with Lucian pulses stronger now, a steady rhythm that tells me he’s close.
“Stay low,” I marmar, and we begin our descent.
The closer we get, the more my senses sharpen. Every sound, every movement feels amplified. My wolf is on edge, ready to spring at the first sign of
danger.
We slip through the outer defenses undetected, our movements silent and precise. The compound is larger than I expected, with guards patrolling the perimeter.
This way,” I whisper, leading Rowan toward a narrow passageway that winds toward the main building
As we approach, the bond with i
Lucian surges, and I feel his presence like a physical weight. My heart races, a mixture of hope and dread.
We find a small, barred window at the base of the building, and I peer inside. My breath catches in my throat.
Lucian is there, chained to the wall, his body bruised and battered. His eyes are closed, his chest rising and falling shallowly
“Lucian.“I whisper, my voice trembling
His eyes flutter open, and for a moment, they focus on me. Recognition flickers across his face, followed by a weak, pained smile.
“Elena
Tears blur my vision, but I don’t let them fall. Tm getting you out,” I promise, my voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside me.
hand on my shoulder. “Web
have to move fast. They’ll notice if we’re here too long.
inod, determination hardening my resolve. I don’t care what it takes–I’m not leaving without him.
