Chapter 3

_Alina's POV_

With Juliet leading the way, we dashed through the corridors of the fortress, our footsteps echoing against the stone walls as we raced toward the hidden base that only we knew of. My heart pounded in my chest, fear gripping me with every step as I dreaded the thought of being caught before we could make our escape. Moonlight spilled through the narrow windows, casting long shadows that danced across the floor as we moved swiftly and silently. I kept close to Juliet, my eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger.

Finally, we reached the entrance to the hidden base. It was a small door tucked away in a forgotten corner of the fortress. With a quick glance to ensure that we were not being followed, Juliet produced the key and unlocked the door.

Without a word, we set to work, gathering our stored luggage and essentials, moving quickly and efficiently to prepare for our escape. My hands shook as I fastened the straps of my bag, my heart racing with the fear of being discovered at any moment.

After ensuring that our luggage was packed correctly, we exchanged a silent nod. With our bags slung over our shoulders, we moved with stealth towards the pack border, where the shadows provided cover as we waited for the guards' shift to end. Every minute felt like an eternity, each rustle of the wind sending a shiver down my spine as I feared that it might betray our presence.

As the shift of the guards ended, we seized the opportunity to make our move. Juliet and I prepared to dash across the pack border to freedom. Our hearts pounded in anticipation as we waited for the perfect moment.

Just as we were about to make our break for it, a beam of light from a torch caught sight of us. My heart sank as I realized we had been spotted. The patrolling guard called out, his voice cutting through the stillness of the night.

"Hey, you there! Stop right where you are!"

Juliet and I exchanged a glance, our hearts racing with panic. We froze in our tracks, knowing that our chances of escape were dwindling by the second. With a sinking feeling, I turned to face the guard, bracing myself for what would come next.

As the guard rushed towards us, I started to panic. But in a critical moment, Juliet acted decisively. With a swift push, she shoved me aside.

"Run!" she commanded. "As the Alpha's sister, they won't harm me. You must escape!"

My heart clenched with a mixture of gratitude and fear as I watched Juliet stay behind to confront the guard. Without a moment's hesitation, I obeyed her command and I started running as fast as I could.

But as I sprinted through the darkness, the sound of shouting filled the air. Other guards had been alerted by the commotion, and they were closing in on our location. I realized that Juliet's sacrifice had bought me only precious seconds of freedom and the consequences would be severe if they caught me since this was the second time that I was attempting to escape.

Driven by my survival instincts, I pushed myself harder, my lungs burning with each labored breath as I sprinted towards a lit area ahead. It was the only visible escape route, and I knew that my only chance at freedom lay beyond its borders.

The shouts of the guards grew louder behind me, their voices echoing through the night as they closed in on my trail. But I refused to let fear consume me. With each stride, I pushed past the limits of exhaustion, my determination burning bright within me. The pounding of my heart drowned out the noise around me as I focused solely on reaching my goal.

As I ran, I prayed silently to the moon goddess, begging for the strength to endure and overcome the obstacles in my path. Suddenly, without warning, I collided into a broad and sturdy embrace. Panic surged through me as I instinctively recoiled, my mind racing with fear of being caught by one of the guards. I dared not look up, certain that punishment awaited me for my disobedience. Caleb would surely kill me this time for attempting to escape.

But as the seconds stretched on in tense silence, I realized that the figure holding me did not move to restrain or punish me. Instead, a voice, gentle yet firm, cut through the darkness.

"Are you alright?" the voice asked.

Slowly, cautiously, I lifted my gaze, bracing myself for the inevitable confrontation. Yet, to my astonishment, I found myself staring into the eyes of a stranger, his expression filled with genuine worry and compassion.

He was so handsome. His dark hair framed his face, and the moonlight danced in his emerald-green eyes, casting a mesmerizing glow that seemed to draw me in. Despite the chaos surrounding us, I couldn't help but feel a sense of calm wash over me in his presence.

For a moment, I was speechless, struck by his striking appearance and the unexpected kindness in his gaze. He seemed to radiate a quiet strength that both comforted and intrigued me, and I found myself drawn to him in a way I couldn't quite explain.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came. Instead, I simply nodded, my heart pounding with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Who was this man, and why did he seem to care so deeply about my well-being?

As his gaze swept over me, he noticed the cuts and bruises that marred my face and arms and his expression changed. With a gentle touch, he reached out to inspect the injuries, his fingers light and comforting against my skin.

I couldn't help but flinch at his touch, the memory of past pain still fresh in my mind. But he reassured me with a soft smile.

"There's no need to be afraid," he said gently. "I am your mate. Please, tell me what happened."

His words sent a shockwave of confusion through me. Mate?

Did the moon goddess truly bless me with a mate? The notion seemed both surreal and hopeful, stirring a glimmer of warmth within me. But even as I dared to entertain the possibility, doubts gnawed at the edges of my mind.

How could I be sure that he was telling the truth? After all, Caleb had deceived me before. How could I trust a stranger, no matter how genuine he seemed to be?