Chapter 44: The Key to Freedom Lucas POV

The hallway echoed with the sound of boots, getting louder with every step. I signaled Anna to keep quiet by putting a finger to my lips. My senses were awake, and my heart was racing. They were not here to bring good news, whatever was coming.

Just outside our cell, the steps came to a stop, and the silence was broken by a voice we knew.

"Well, well. If it isn't our favorite rogues," Dax said condescendingly, but with a hint of laughter. "I bet you didn't think I would be here tonight."

Despite the anger that was building inside of me, I kept my face neutral as I walked closer to the bars. "Dax. We owe the pleasure to what?"

His face was lit by the dim glow of the candle he was holding as he leaned against the bars. "I simply couldn't help myself. You see, we don't have visitors like you two very often, especially those with a lot of secrets."

Anna moved behind me, her back straight. "Dax, what do you want?"

His amused eyes glinted as he grinned. "Oh, don't worry, my love. I'm not here to cause you any harm. At least not yet. I was simply hoping we could talk for a little while."

"About what?" I asked in a calm tone.

His eyes met mine and he said, "About you, Caleb. Or, perhaps more correctly, whoever you truly are."

I tensed up, my thoughts racing. He was unable to know the truth. But I felt sick to my stomach from the way he was looking at me.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, trying to be perplexed.

Dax shook his head and laughed. "Don't act stupid around me. You've been under my watch. Your story doesn't match with your speech or your demeanor. Something is being hidden by you."

"And why do you believe that?" I moved closer to the bars in answer.

"Just call it instinct," he shrugged. "Or perhaps you're simply too well-dressed for a rogue. Too... orderly."

I refrained from retaliating by clenching my hands. He wasn't totally incorrect, but I couldn't allow him to understand that.

Anna's words broke the tension as she said, "You're wasting your time. Everything we know has already been shared with you."

Dax's grin grew as he turned to face her. "Oh, I'm sure you have. But here's the thing, Lia—liars always slip up eventually. And when you do, I'll be right here to catch you."

I could feel Anna's anger radiating from behind me, but I kept my attention on Dax. He was too close, too careless. If I could just distract him long enough...

"Why are you even here?" I asked, my tone harsh. "Shouldn't you be off kissing the Alpha's boots?"

His smile faded for a split second, and I saw my chance. I shifted slightly, my eyes jumping to the ring of keys hanging from his belt. They moved with every movement, tantalizingly close.

"Careful, rogue," Dax warned, his voice dropping to a deadly tone. "You don't want to push your luck."

"I think we're already out of luck," I remarked, trying a sour laugh. "But you? You're just a pawn, aren't you? Running errands for someone who doesn't even respect you."

Dax's eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer to the bars. "Watch your mouth, or I'll make you regret it."

Behind me, I heard Anna's sudden intake of air. She knew what I was trying to do, and the tension in the air was almost oppressive.

I leaned against the bars, moving casually in spite of the rush of energy. "What do you regret? Speaking the truth? You are nothing more than a lazy lapdog, Dax."

His face contorted in anger, and I quickly feared that he would snap. Instead, a cool smile grew across his face as he straightened up.

"Don't you think you're smart?" His voice was filled with contempt as he spoke. "Well, Caleb—or whatever you are—let me tell you something. You're not as clever as you believe."

He took a step back, and I became angry. I was running out of time, and the keys were still out of reach.

With his eyes moving between Anna and me, Dax went on, "You can keep playing your little games. It won't matter, though. In one way or another, the Alpha will acquire what he wants."

"And what is that?" Anna asked, her voice staying steady despite the anxiety.

Dax smiled, but it was without pleasure. "The truth. You will wish you had never entered this area once he gets it."

He then turned on his heel, the keys jingling derisively as he did so.

"Wait," I called, my voice beginning to sound desperate. "You can't simply abandon us here!"

He stopped and smiled as he looked over his shoulder. "Yes, I am able to. And I will."

He grabbed the wall-mounted torch and blew it out before we could say another word. Darkness filled the cell, oppressive and thick.

"Get a good night's sleep," Dax whispered, his voice resonating in the darkness.

His footsteps stopped, and we were left alone in the dark chamber. I slammed my hand on the bars while muttering a series of curses.

"Lucas," Anna said in a tremulous tone. "How are we going to proceed?"

I inhaled deeply while trying to keep my composure. Despite the darkness encroaching on us, I said strongly, "We're going to get out of here. No matter the cost."

However, I couldn't get rid of the feeling that time was running out as I leaned back against the chilly stone wall, my thoughts whirling with ideas and options. And we might not have another chance if we didn't take quick action.