Olivia's POV "We're going to be okay," I murmured, even though my own heart didn't believe it. His small fingers curled desperately around mine, his trembling body showing his fear.After what felt like hours, we came into a cavern. Looking up, I noticed the small opening. The leader looked at me. “Climb.”Before I had time to do anything, someone grabbed Liam, ripping him from my arms. I wanted to tell them no, but I knew that I didn’t have a choice here; I had to do as they told me. Climbing seemed an impossible task with the weight of fear pressing down on me, but I had to hold it together and keep reminding myself that I was stronger than I knew.The climb was hard. As I reached the top, dirt caked under my nails, I was met with more rogues. I turned back towards where I had come from, waiting for Liam to emerge from the hole in the ground. I held my breath. Every passing second felt like hours. Liam emerged from the hole. The Leader right behind him threw Liam back into my arms.
Olivia's POVWhen the darkness finally lifted, I found myself in a damp, suffocating cave. Chains wrapped around my ankles held me in place. My head throbbed, and my muscles ached, but my immediate concern wasn't my pain—it was Liam.To my relief, he lay beside me, his small chest rising and falling steadily. Feeling the coarse texture of the cold stone floor beneath, I marvelled that even here, under such dire circumstances, he could find asemblance of peace in sleep."Liam," I whispered, shaking him gently. He didn’t stir. Panic surged through me, setting my heart into a frenzied rhythm. I placed my hand on his forehead, and my fear magnified—his skin was scorching. Liam had a fever.The cold storm weather and the fear of being kidnapped knocked him down. I should act to be stronger and give my child more hope. Tears filled in my eyes."No, no, no," I muttered, fighting the tears that threatened to break loose. The rogues had to have some medicine, anything to bring his fever down.
Alexander's POVThe forest was a maze, an ever-changing place of shadows and sounds that kept me on edge. My wolf senses picked up every scent, every rustle of the leaves as I pushed through the dense underbrush. Despite the rain, my instincts screamed that I was on the right path. The forest canopy overhead provided sporadic shelter, but it also cast deceptive patterns on the ground, making it hard to distinguish tracks from shadows.I paused, sniffing the air again. The scent of Olivia was still faint but discernible. Adrenaline surged through my veins as I quickened my pace, my paws slipping in the mud but finding a grip on the rocks.Finally, I caught sight of the rocky base of a looming mountain. This had to be it. The rogues had chosen to hide here, thinking the weather and terrain would stop anyone from following them and give them the chance to spot anyone coming. They underestimated the lengths I would go to for Olivia. I shifted back to human form, my heightened senses not di
Olivia's POV I watched as Liam's breathing began to steady, the fever ebbing away thanks to the medication. Relief washed over me, though it was short-lived. I still needed to work out a way to get out of here. I looked around, praying for something—anything—that could help me escape. A familiar tingle coursed through my veins—Aura, my wolf, was stirring, albeit with a nervous energy that was hard to ignore. "What's happening, Aura?" I asked internally, straining to keep my voice even. "Olivia," she responded, her tone filled with an odd mixture of alarm and excitement, "Alexander is here. I can sense his wolf." I froze, my heart pounding with disbelief. "Impossible. Alexander is gone. Long gone. He left to go home, and he wouldn't be anywhere near here." Yet, that flicker of hope buried deep within me began to grow. Could it really be? "He is still far, but he's getting closer. We might be able to link with him once he's nearer," Aura reassured me. The idea of Alexander's prese
Alexander's POV"We found her," my wolf said excitedly, nearly making me lose my stealthy composure. My heart leapt, but I quickly reined in my emotions. Charging in without a plan would get us all killed—Olivia, Liam, and me. I scanned the area once more, counting heads and noting patrol routes. There were too many of them to fight head-on.I slipped away back the way I had come, retracing my steps silently. Every leaf and twig seemed an enemy ready to betray my presence. Returning to the small house where I had taken refuge, I closed the door behind me and linked to Olivia. “Olivia, can you hear me?”“Yes,” her voice was a lifeline, fragile but consistent.“I know where you are, but I need to know everything you know,” I urged.“We're in a cave, chained to a wall. I don’t know how we got here. They knocked me out, and I woke up in here.”Rage surged through me, but I pushed it down deep where it wouldn't cloud my judgement. “I'll get you out of there, Olivia, I promise. Just hold on
Alexander's POVI stood in the cottage rubbing my temples, anxiety gnawing at my every thought. Time was slipping away, and I needed a plan—a clever one. Picking them off one by one seemed like my only option to make it out alive, but there were too many of them, and every second counted. My eyes darted to the rogue I had just killed, his clothes a perfect match to the ones I wore. An idea sprouted. I could blend in.“You need to wait for Victor and the others. You will never make it out of here alive,” my wolf cautioned, his voice a low rumble in my mind. For once, he tried to be the voice of reason, but I shoved him aside. Waiting meant risking Olivia's life.I ripped the dead rogue's cloak from him, putting it on, disguising myself as one of them. With the hood pulled low over my eyes, I slipped out of the cottage. The rogue camp sprawled ahead of me, guarded by scattered patrols. Keeping my head low, not wanting to draw attention to myself.I looked around, trying to see where they
Olivia’s POVI grabbed a nearby rock, clutching it in my hand. Alexander was coming, and I needed to protect us until he got here. The cave was quiet except for the occasional dripping of water from the ceiling. Liam lay beside me, his breathing steady but shallow. Every second felt like a countdown to salvation—or doom."Olivia!" Aura's voice rang in my mind again, more urgent now. "Something's wrong. I can't reach Alexander anymore."Fear gripped me again. "What do you mean? You said he was close!"Aura hesitated. "He's close, but something is blocking our link. Be on guard."I closed my eyes tight, trying my hardest to link with Alexander, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t. My heart started to ache. He was our only hope.A cacophony erupted from outside the cave—shouts, the clang of metal, and an eerie howl that chilled my blood. I pressed my back against the cave wall, the rock hard and cold under my fingers. The noise grew louder, and the unmistakable sound of footsteps e
Olivia's POV As we moved farther into the cave, I could feel the cold wind biting at my skin. Desperation clawed at my insides, but I couldn't afford to show it. Every fibre of my being screamed for Alexander, but right now, I needed to rely on someone else—my wolf. The rogue gripped my arm tight, sending pain shooting up my arm as he dragged me along. My eyes stayed glued on the one in front who was carrying Liam carelessly. His small body shook as he whimpered from fear of what was about to come. I shrugged as much as I could, hoping it would slow us down, giving Alexander more time to get to us. It was becoming clear with every passing second that we were running out of time and fast."You're not going to get away with this," I spat out, trying to project a confidence I didn't feel nor have right at that moment. The tall rogue turned around, sneering at my defiance."You’re in no position to make threats, sweetheart," he replied, his voice dripping with condescension. We paused
The soft crunch of leaves underfoot marked our journey through the dense forest. The symphony of chirping crickets and the faint rustle of nocturnal creatures created a haunting yet soothing backdrop. But my thoughts were far from the serenity surrounding us, caught instead in a relentless loop of urgency and frustration.Hours had slipped by since we began this trek, each passing hour a new knot of tension coiling within me. The sense of time slipping through my fingers like grains of sand was maddening. I cast a glance at Tinsley, her expression unreadable as she navigated the underbrush as though it understood her silent command.“Just a little further,” she murmured, her voice a gentle reassurance that erased none of my impatience. It wasn't enough. The thought of Olivia and our children, their lives tethered to the whims of a tyrant, burned in my mind like a branding iron.“Tinsley,” I barked, the restraint in my voice unravelling. “If I shift into my wolf form, I can carry you.
Alexander's POV The sun hung low as I approached the palace gates, an ominous silence filling the air. There, waiting with a posture that promised a steadfast determination, stood Tinsley. Her silver hair caught the fading light, a beacon against the encroaching dusk. “Are you ready to make this journey to the magical land?” she asked, her voice both soothing and filled with the gravity of the impending quest. Her words resonated with the weight of destiny and the urgency of our plight. I nodded, the resolve firm within me, though uncertainty lingered like a shadow at the edge of my thoughts. Just as we began to move forward, a familiar voice shattered the fragile calm. “Daddy, wait!” Liam’s voice reached me like a lifeline, pulling me back from the precipice. I spun around to see my son running toward me, his little legs moving with desperate urgency. My heart clenched painfully, each beat echoing with his cries. Lidia trailed behind, her voice gentle but firm as she called, “Li
Olivias povI moved forward towards the voice. The tunnels bent and swirled around me, a labyrinth that seemed to stretch into infinity. I called out again, gentler this time, "Hello? Is anyone there?" My voice felt tiny in the vast darkness, threading through the heavy silence. Suddenly, I caught a whisper—a voice faint yet persistent—a single word that seemed woven from the air. "Olivia..." I hesitated, feeling a tremor of both hope and fear. That voice, so distant yet unmistakably real, beckoned me with a familiarity I couldn’t ignore. My grip on the wall tightened, anchoring me as I ventured further in, letting the whisper guide me. The passage narrowed, its cold stone brushing against my arms as if ushering me onward. I heard more voices then, a soft scuffle mingling with the breeze that funnelled through the maze. Despite the chill, determination warmed my skin and coaxed courage from my bones. Ahead, a glow illuminated the gloom—a flickering light that pushed back the shado
Olivias pov We began our descent, a part of me wished this ride could last forever. Eventually, Pyrrhus landed softly in a secluded courtyard, his scales catching the last rays of the setting sun.Elijah slid down first, turning to offer his hand to help me dismount. I took it, feeling the warmth from his touch lingering even after my feet touched the ground. I walked around the front of Pyrrhus and patted him gently on the head.“Thank you, Pyrrhus,” I whispered, the dragon’s eyes reflecting understanding and acknowledgment before he curled into a rest.The walk back to my chambers felt longer than it should have. We finally arrived at my door. As I turned to face him, his eyes bore into mine, a flicker of something unsaid reflecting deep within them.Taking my hand, he brought it to his lips, his breath warm and gentle against my skin. “Thank you for trusting me, Olivia,” he murmured, his voice almost husky. “I had an amazing time with you.”A knot formed in my chest. Something in
Olivias pov Sitting on the bed, my heart was filled with worry for Sarah. The sound of the door being unlocked snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up right as the door started to open. I readied myself for another meeting with King Nicholas, but instead, in walked his son.“Good morning, Olivia.” he greeted me as he bowed his head to me. I sat there silent, my mind still swirling. Elijah’s presence did little to ease the pounding in my chest. His politeness was almost unsettling in the midst of everything else.“Elijah,” I acknowledged tersely.He offered me a soft smile, one that tried to reassure me. It did nothing to pierce the dread hanging over me. “I thought a tour of the palace and a ride around the kingdom might lift your spirits today.”I hesitated. “I don’t think I’m in the mood.”He looked at me, his eyes filled with disappointment that seemed to come from a deeper place. “I understand. But maybe some fresh air and a change of scenery will do you good. For now, let me
Alexander's POVMy mind whirred with thoughts half-formed, worries and strategies crisscrossing in a tangled web. I moved briskly, packing essentials, etching Tinsley’s instructions into my memory. But I knew I couldn’t leave without seeing Liam one last time.I found Liam sitting in the garden, his eyes staring down at his hands in his lap. Linda was sitting next to him, watching his every move. I could tell he wanted to cry. He missed his mother and sister but was trying to be brave. My heart ached for him, and I wished I could take his pain away. Walking slowly towards him, I called out his name. “Liam,” his eyes meant mine, and a smile grew on his face. “Daddy,” he said as he stood up and came towards me. I picked him up, holding him close to me. For a moment, we stood there in silence, the weight of the situation threatening to crush me whole. But I couldn’t let him see my fear. “Listen, buddy,” I began, my voice soft but firm, “I have to go now, but I’m going to bring Mummy a
Alexander's POVThe guard’s words slammed into me like a jolt of electricity. I straightened up instantly, my breath catching as hope flickered in the depths of my exhaustion. "Bring her in," he commanded, his voice steadier than I felt.Seconds stretched into an agonising eternity until the door opened again. And in walked a lady. She paused in the doorway, her eyes wide with the weight of her message. Recognition sparked in my mind; she was the one who had guided us out of the treacherous forest. Her presence brought both a rush of hope and an undertow of dread.“Where is Olivia and Sarah!” I demanded. She stepped inside, eyes darting around the room, assessing the situation. Her expression remained solemn as she gravitated toward me, her hands clasped in front of her as if in prayer."Alexander, Victor," she began, her voice a mixture of urgency and sorrow. "My name is Tinsely, and I am bringing news about Olivia and your daughter, Sarah.""Tell us," Victor pressed, the tension i
Alexanders povThe world around me was a blur when I woke up, my body heavy and head throbbing with a pain that seemed to reverberate through my entire being. Darkness curled at the edges of my vision, but through the haze, I realised I was in a small, unfamiliar room. Panic surged through me, and I bolted upright, immediately regretting the swift motion as dizziness threatened to pull me back under."where am I?" I croaked out, my voice raw from disuse. I glanced around, taking in the clinical white walls and the beeping monitors next to my bed. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a cold, harsh light on the room.A figure moved in the corner of the room, drawing my attention. It was a woman in a nurse's uniform, her face lined with concern as she stepped closer, making soothing motions with her hands."Easy now, Alexander," she said, her voice steady and calm. "You've been through a lot. You need to rest.""Rest?" I echoed, incredulous. "How long... how long have I been here?
Back in my dimly lit room, I closed the wall softly behind me, the faint sound of the lock clicking into place echoing in the silence. The heavy atmosphere pressed down on me, and worry ate away at my insides as I paced the room. My heart ached, an incessant thud against my ribs that matched the urgency in my footsteps.Time seemed to stretch endlessly, each minute feeling like an eternity. I paced the small confines of my room, every clink and clatter from outside jarring my already frayed nerves. Aura, usually a voice of calm within my mind, was eerily silent.Then, the unexpected sound of my door creaking open splintered the silence. I turned abruptly, my breath catching in my throat. Nicholas stood in the doorway, his cold gaze piercing through me. And behind him—Sarah. Relief washed over me, and I rushed toward her without a second thought."Sarah!" I cried, reaching out, but before I could touch her, a guard stepped in my path, blocking me. His arm was like a steel barrier, unyi