Lahat ng Kabanata ng THE CAPTIVE'S LOVE: Kabanata 21 - Kabanata 30

Tethered as she was, they dragged her through the dark corridors in which her feet dragged over the cold stone, her body almost falling apart with the ceaseless pain and fatigue. The damp air in the place was stoked high with blood and suffering. But she did not lower her head.Not to them.Not to him.Her people's screams still tore through her soul."Alpha, please—""Stay strong, Princess—""We will endure—"Their voices, even in pain, even in despair, did not shatter.Neither would she.But then—Crack!A new lash.A new scream.And this time, it was a child's.Emereah jerked her head up.The cell door shut with a resounding crash, the noise reverberating like a death knell.Emereah stumbled to the floor, the golden chains pulling her down, their sadistic magic searing her flesh. As air quickly ran out of her burning throat, choking, and gasping in agony, the strength which they needed to escape from such pure suffocation appeared somewhere out in the distance.She had suffered wo

Vladimir walked across the marble halls of his stronghold, boots echoing off gleaming stone. His golden eyes burned with cold purpose as one of his scouts dropped to his knees before him, gasping, grime on his uniform."My lord," the scout panted. "We've confirmed sightings—marks of the Silverfang pack. They're alive. Hiding in the Blackmist Mountains."Vladimir's stride faltered. His lips cramped into a thin smile that never reached his eyes."Alive?" His voice was low, deadly."Yes, Alpha. Scouts reported campfires—tracks too disciplined to be travelers. They're reorganizing."Vladimir's face clouded."Fools," he said. "Do they believe they can rise from ash?"He spun about. "Take two battalions. Flush them out. I want every last one of them shackled in iron chains. Bring them here to kneel.""Yes, Alpha!"But Vladimir caught the scout's arm before he could dash off. His eyes were burning."And if they do resist?"The scout swallowed. "We… kill them, my lord?"Vladimir's sneer was sa

The chill night air sliced into her ragged breathing as she sprinted.Blood continued to ooze from the lashes along her back, and her body shrieked with each pace. But Emereah did not care.They're going to the cliffs. If Vladimir's men get to them… She would not let that happen.Twigs lashed across her face, branches ripped at her skin. The forest floor was treacherous with roots and boulders, but she did not ease. Behind her, the palace alarms still blared, the cries of terror. Her pack had broken into cover as intended.She had only one goal: reach the cliffs ahead of Vladimir's soldiers.The path branched ahead of her.The left towards the river. The right… the cliffs.She ran right, lungs searing, heart hammering like thunder in her chest.A sharp yelp ripped through the night air behind her.Vladimir's hounds.Run faster, run faster.She stumbled, steadied herself on a low branch, and continued on.At last, the treeline ended.There they were.Figures crouched on the rocky ledg

She burst open into the courtyard at the same moment that Vladimir came raging down the steps of the east wing, his fur cloak flying behind."Don't let them escape!" he bellowed, echoing off stone walls. His eyes flashed with cruelty. "Especially Emereah!"Soldiers spilled, swords bared, torches blazing.Emereah stood frozen for a half-second, surrounded.And then — movement to her left.A figure emerged from the shadows — Siran.Her friend. Her pack-brother."Emereah!"Emereah’s heart twisted. She knew that voice."Siran, run!"But Siran threw a dagger — it landed perfectly, slicing through one soldier’s neck."Come on! We’ve come to get you!"A burst of hope rose in Emereah’s chest —Until strong arms grabbed her from behind.Chains tightened around her wrists once more with brutal force."No!"She struggled, thrashing, but three guards brought her to her knees."Run!" Emereah screamed in a raw voice. "Run for your lives! Don't let them take you!"Siran hesitated for a fraction of a

The chains rattled gently as Emereah moved, her weight crushing, her head confused like a cloud of smoke. The scent of flames and metal stung her nose, yet there was nothing known. Only disorientation.She slowly opened her eyes.Silken fabrics. Rich tapestries. Flickering golden candleflame casting light upon black stone walls.Where… where am I?The door groaned open.Vladimir entered, his presence storming the room. His gaze landed on her — and softened."You're awake."Emereah blinked slowly. "Who… who are you?"Satisfaction flashed across his face."Your mate," he breathed, moving closer. He knelt beside the bed, pushing hair from her face.She winced away slightly, but chains wrapped about her wrists confined her. She stared down at them, sickness welling up in her throat."Why…""Shh," he said softly. "You were hurt. There had been an accident. But now you're all right. You're home."Her breathing became shallow. "I don't… remember."Vladimir's smile was cold, but his voice was