Kael’s POV_ 

Lisa’s head lifted slowly. Her eyes blinked. She frowned at me. 

“Kael?” Her voice cracked on my name. She sounded shocked. It was as if she did not believe what she was seeing. 

Relief slammed into me so hard I almost staggered. “It’s me.” My voice came out rough. “I told you, I would always come for you.” 

Her lips trembled, and I saw the fight in her face between tears and relief. “I… I thought…” She stopped herself and shook her head. 

“No more thinking,” I said while moving fast. My hands worked the knots around her wrists. The rope was rough and tight. It was digging deep into her skin. I cursed under my breath and tore at it harder until it gave way. 

Her fingers were cold when they fell into mine. She didn’t let go. 

Valric’s voice was low in my head. You did it. She’s here. 

Not yet, I told him. Not until we’re out. 

Behind me, Morana had already crossed to Rylan. She crouched beside him, her black cloak pooling like shadow around her. Her hands hovered over the chains. 

“Melt,” she whispered, her voice edged with power. 

The iron shuddered. There was a sharp sound like ice cracking on a frozen lake and the metal snapped. The pieces hit the floor with a dull clatter. 

Rylan’s chest rose, but his eyes stayed closed. 

Morana reached into her pouch and pulled out a small vial. She twisted the cap with her teeth, then poured a fine powder into her palm. It shimmered faintly in the torchlight. 

“Wake,” she breathed and blew it over his face. 

The powder swirled like silver smoke before sinking into his skin. 

Rylan’s eyes snapped open. He sucked in a breath and coughed. The sound was harsh in the quiet room. 

Lisa moved to him instantly and dropped to her knees. “Rylan!” She touched his face. Her 

voice was trembling. “You’re okay.” 

I felt a sharp twist in my chest: jealousy. It was fast and hot. I shoved it down. This wasn’t 

the time. 

Valric growled anyway. She runs to him before you. 

I know. Shut up. 

Rylan blinked at her, then at me. I could see confusion clouding his face. “What….what’s happening?” 

Morana’s voice cut through. “We don’t have time for questions. The illusion won’t hold for much longer.” 

Lisa helped Rylan to his feet. She put one arm around his waist. He leaned on her. He was 

still weak. 

“We have to move,” I said. My voice came out harder than I intended. “Now.” 

We left the room. Morana was leading us. I stayed behind Lisa and Rylan. I was ready to grab either of them if they stumbled. 

The stairwell was darker than before. Shadows clung to the corners. The fortress groaned as 

if it knew we were trespassing. 

We made it down one flight when Morana stopped abruptly. 

I nearly ran into her. “What is it?” 

She tilted her head and listened. I strained my ears and heard it too. There were voices and footsteps. Many of them. They were getting closer. 

“They’ve realized,” she said. “They know it was an illusion. They’re coming back.” 

My wolf bristled. “How far?” 

“Close enough.” Her eyes flashed. “We need to block the path.” 

The corridor ahead was lined with old vines creeping out from cracks in the walls. They were thin and brittle, and a little more than weeds. 

Morana lifted her hands. Power hummed in the air, making the hair on my arms rise. The vines quivered, then began to twist and grow. They thickened rapidly. They turned dark and strong, knotting together into a living wall. 

In seconds, the corridor behind us was a barricade of tangled roots and thorns. 

“That’ll slow them,” she said, her voice tight. “But not for long.” 

We pushed forward. We weaved through the ruin’s narrow halls. The air grew colder and my gut told me we were heading deeper into the fortress’s bones. 

Then we hit it. 

A dead end. 

The hallway ended in a crumbling stone wall. To the right was a massive, dust–covered window. Half of the glass was broken and the rest was clinging in jagged shards. 

Morana cursed under her breath. “Only one way out.” 

Lisa stared at the window. “You mean…jump?” 

“Yes.” Morana’s voice was firm. “It’s the only way. I’ll cushion the fall with magic. You’ll land safely.” 

Lisa’s eyes went wide. “No, I can’t…I’ll fall….” 

I stepped toward her. “Lisa, you’ll be fine. I promise. I won’t let anything happen to you.” 

Before she could answer, Rylan’s voice cut in. “Don’t worry, Lisa. I’m here. I’ll help you.” 

Something sharp flared in my chest. I clenched my jaw. This wasn’t the time to fight over words, but the possessive part of me didn’t like it. 

Valric’s voice was a snarl. He thinks she belongs with him. 

Focus, I snapped. 

Morana moved to the window. She brushed away the remaining shards of glass with a sweep of her hand. “We don’t have time to argue. They’ll be through the vines in seconds.” 

I glanced over my shoulder. The faint sound of tearing wood and snapping vines carried through the hall. 

“Lisa,” I said, softer this time. “Trust me.” 

She hesitated, then nodded. 

Morana stepped aside. “Rylan, you first. I’ll push my magic out to catch you. Go.” 

Rylan limped forward and gave Lisa’s hand one last squeeze before he climbed onto the ledge. He looked down then jumped. 

The air shimmered faintly as Morana’s power wrapped around him. He hit the ground below 

༢/༨ 

Shapter 112 

with a grunt but stayed upright. 

“Your turn,” I told Lisa. 

She swallowed hard. Her grip on my arm tightened. “Don’t let go.” 

“Never.” I helped her onto the ledge. My hand was steady at her back. She looked down, then up at me. I gave her a nod. 

She jumped. 

Morana’s magic caught her mid–fall and slowed her descent. She landed beside Rylan, who immediately stepped close, steadying her. 

My wolf growled. My teeth clenched. 

“Go,” Morana said to me. “I’ll follow.” 

I jumped without hesitation. I twisted in the air to land in a crouch. The cushion of magic eased the impact, but I was already moving and scanning the tree line ahead. 

Morana landed a moment later. She didn’t wait. “Move! The wards won’t hold them back for 

long.” 

We sprinted into the woods. The cold night air was biting against my skin. Branches clawed at us, roots caught at our feet, but we didn’t slow. 

Behind us, the fortress roared with activity. There were shouts and magic crackling through the air. The scent of it burned in my nose. 

Through the trees, I caught sight of headlights. 

“There!” I shouted. 

We broke into the clearing where my men were waiting. Two SUVS idled. Their engines were running. My men stood ready. Their eyes were scanning the shadows. 

“Get in!” Jared yelled. 

I shoved the back door open for Lisa and Rylan. She slid in first, Rylan following. I climbed in beside them and Morana took the seat up front. 

The doors slammed. The tires spun in the dirt and we were moving. 

The fortress disappeared behind us. It was swallowed by the dark trees. 

Only then did I let myself breathe. 

Chapter 112 

Valric’s voice was quiet. You got her out. 

Yeah, I said. But this isn’t over. 

Chapter 113