Chapter 122
Amica
“Stephan… the castle needs to be protected! Rogues are here!” I gasped, barely catching my breath.
His eyes widened. “What? How do you know that, my Luna?”
“There’s no time to explain! Gather the men–now!”
“How many are we dealing with?” he asked, his voice tense.
“A lot–too many,” I said, my chest tightening with fear.
“Damn it!” he cursed under his breath. “We don’t have enough men here… Come with me, Luna. Stay close at all times!”
I had no choice but to obey.
We move quickly, gathering what warriors we can–twenty in total. It’s not nearly enough.
The castle is already on edge. Some of our men, having witnessed Dane strike Bria, stepped forward to defend her. But they weren’t met with reason–they were met with violence.
Shouts echo through the stone halls. The clash of steel rings out, followed by the sickening sound of flesh meeting fists. The sounds of grunts and cries echoed through the halls, each one sending a shiver through me. I clenched my fists, trying to steady my breathing. Though I couldn’t see what was happening, I was certain–those were our men.
Stephan led us swiftly through the guards‘ quarters, sticking to the shadows as we moved toward the back of the castle. Every step felt heavier, the air thick with uncertainty.
We finally reached the garden–an open field, too exposed for comfort. The men crouched low, using the shrubs as cover, their weapons drawn, eyes scanning for movement.
Stephan turned to me, his expression grim.
“Luna, I need to get you somewhere safe. You have to stay hidden until this is over.”
Before I could protest, he gripped my wrist and pulled me toward a heavy door. I recognized the path instantly–he was leading me to the underground cells.
My stomach twisted. The cells?
What the fuck?
I wanted to fight him on this, to demand a better alternative, but now wasn’t the time. I swallowed my frustration, forcing myself to move.
For now, I had to trust him.
There were other places I could have hidden–safer places. If only I knew the damn code combinations.
I had seen Deckard press a set of transparent buttons once, right there on the wall of our room, and a hidden door had opened. Another room lay beyond it–one I never dared to ask about. At the time, we weren’t even speaking, and my pride wouldn’t let me pry. Now, I regretted that more
than ever.
Bria might have known the combination. But Bria was in the hands of those monsters.
Stephan gripped my wrist firmly as we reached the cell door. I hesitated for just a second–this isn’t where I should be–but he didn’t give me time to argue. He led me in, shut the door behind us, and we descended into the underground basement.
The air was damp, thick with the stench of decay and something worse.
And then, Collin saw us
A slow, mocking grin spread across his face.
“Ah, back so soon?” he sneered, his voice like a blade
“Tell me. Amica, what seems to be the problem? Anything I can do to help?” He let out a dry, taunting laugh.
I clenched my jaw. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of a response
“Pay no attention to him, Luna,” Stephan muttered, his grip tightening as he pulled me deeper into the prison. We turned a corner, moving beyond Collin’s sight, but I could still feel his eyes–sull hear his laughter echoing off the stone walls
1/2
11:39 AM
Chapter 122
I hate this.
I hate feeling trapped.
0
Once we reached the door of the cell, Stephan led me inside and shut it firmly behind us. We descended into the underground basement, the air thick with dampness and the stench of captivity.
The moment Collin caught sight of us, a slow smirk stretched across his face.
“Ah, back so soon?” he mocked. His voice dripped with amusement. “Tell me, Amica, what seems to be the problem? Is there any way I can be of service?” He let out a low, mocking laugh.
“Pay no attention to him, Luna,” Stephan said, his grip tightening around my hand as he led me further in–away from Collin’s piercing gaze.
We stopped in front of an empty cell.
‘I’m sorry, Luna Amica,” Stephan said, his voice low, almost pleading. “But you have to get inside. I must lock you up… It’s the only way to keep you safe.”
His words hung heavy between us.
I nodded, understanding his concern. “It’s okay, Stephan. I trust you. But if you can, please do the same for the helpless women in the castle. Keep
them safe too.”
His eyes softened. “I will.”
With that, he entered a code, and the heavy metal door swung open. I stepped inside, and as the door shut behind me with a final, echoing clang, I could only hope this nightmare would soon be over.
“Stephan!” I called out just before he disappeared.
He stopped, turning slightly.
“Please… be safe. May the goddess be with us all.”
His lips pressed into a firm line. “Thank you, Luna.”
And then, without another word, he hurried out of the basement, leaving me alone in the dim, suffocating silence.
I lowered myself onto the cold stone floor, my arms wrapping around my knees. I hate this. I hate sitting here, locked away, completely blind to what’s happening outside.
Why is Dane here with rogues? And why is Mary speaking to him like they share a secret? Does Dane have no shame? He’s an Alpha of a sovereign pack. Why would he lower himself to working with savages?
And where the hell is my Alpha?
My heart pounds. A sickening wave of unease rolls through me. Could something have happened to Deckard?
And Scarface Man? Is he really dead?
My thoughts race, spiraling into panic, I feel useless–trapped, waiting for something to happen. I should be out there. But instead, I’m sitting here, a prisoner of my own safety.
1 press my back against the wall, trying to steady my breathing.
I need to see what’s going on.
