Chapter 363: Chapter 363

“What is it?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest as I glared at Kaida. She smirked, dragging herself closer to the bars of her cell.

“Come closer if you want to hear it,” she taunted, rolling her

eyes.

I stepped forward cautiously, keeping a safe distance. I didn’t trust her, not even for a second. “Speak now, or I’ll leave. I have. no time for games.”

She lowered her head and grinned, a sinister glint in her eyes. “Don’t worry, Aurora,” she said, her voice dripping with malice. “You’re already close enough.”

Before I could react, her tongue darted out, pushing a small metallic object from her mouth. She blew it toward me, the tiny shard gleaming in the dim light.

I sc. camed, instinctively closing my eyes and throwing my arms. u to shield my face. There was no time to dodge.

“Your death could buy me the freedom I need,” she hissed, her voice echoing in the cold dungeon.

Suddenly, I felt strong arms pull me into a protective embrace.

My heart raced as the familiar scent of cedarwood and rain calmed me instantly. Dane.

He held me tightly, his steady hands soothing the tremors. running through my body. “You’re fine, honey,” he whispered, his voice soft and comforting. “You’re safe now.”

I buried my face in his chest, my breathing uneven as I clung to him. He gently kissed the top of my head, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back.

After a moment, I pulled back slightly and looked up at him. Standing on my tiptoes, I kissed him softly on the lips, and he kissed me back with a warmth that chased away my lingering

fear.

When I turned to face Kaida, she was watching us, her

expression twisted into a bitter scowl. But the moment our eyes met, she forced a smile–a fake, malicious one.

I smiled back, triumphant. “You missed, Kaida,” I said, my voice. steady. “My Dane saved me.”

She rolled her eyes dismissively. “Don’t worry,” she sneered. “I’ll try harder next time.”

Dane stepped forward, gripping the cell bars with enough force to make them creak. His voice was a low growl, laced with fury. “If you so much as harm a single hair on her head,” he warned, his eyes glowing with his wolf’s rage, “I swear to the goddess, I will wipe out your entire pack.”

Kaida chuckled darkly, feigning fear. “Oh no,” she mocked, covering her face theatrically. “The big, bad Alpha is threatening mc. How terrifying.” She lowered her hands, her grin widening. “Just a few days ago, you were at my mercy, Dane. Funny how quickly things change.”

Dane bared his fangs, his anger palpable. “Kaida, I’m warning. you,” he snarled.

“Shh,” she said, pressing a finger to her lips. Dane instinctively. stepped back, out of her reach. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve, spitting on the ground as if her presence disgusted him.

Her eyes darkened with desire as she leaned against the bars. “Do you know what truly suits those amazing lips of yours?” she purred.

We both remained silent, glaring at her. I was too shaken to speak, still replaying the near–death experience in my mind.

Kaida smirked, running her hands sensually over her body. “Those lips were meant for me–for my neck, my breasts,” she whispered, her voice dripping with venom.

I couldn’t listen to another word. Spotting a bucket of water near hc. well, I grabbed it and flung the contents at her.

She gasped as the water drenched her, her smirk vanishing as she looked down at her soaked clothing.

“That suits your body much better,” I spat, my voice sharp with

anger.

Grabbing Dane’s arm, I turned and stormed out of the dungeon.

A sudden noise made me stop and turn around. One of the guards was convulsing on the floor, foam and blood spilling from his mouth and nose.

“Get the pack doctor!” I yelled, panic gripping me as the guards rushed to obey.

Dane crouched beside the guard, checking his pulse. His face darkened as he looked up at me. “It’s too late, Aurora,” he said. grimly. “He’s gone.”

Kaida’s mocking laughter rang out from her cell. “You’re lucky, Luna. Your savior showed up just in time. That could’ve been

you.”

My chest tightened with a mix of fear and rage as I turned to glare at her. “You’ll pay for this, Kaida,” I vowed, my voice. trembling with anger.

I stormed out, Dane following closely behind. The guards moved quickly to carry the young guard’s lifeless body out of the dungeon.

As we reached the top of the stairs, Dane stopped me, pulling me into a tight embrace.

“Why did you go down there alone?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion. “What would I have done without you?“

I smiled softly as he pulled back slightly, only to begin kissing me–my forehead, my cheeks, even my arms.

“Come on, Dane, stop it,” I said, laughing despite myself. “I know you’ll always protect me. You’d never let anything happen to me, right?”

He nodded firmly, his eyes filled with unwavering devotion. “Always,” he said. “For you and for our kids.”

He held my hand as we walked back toward my office.

“I have a headache,” I murmured as we reached the door.

“Stay here,” he said, his tone gentle but firm. “I’ll bring you lunch and some medicine.”

I nodded, entering the office while he headed toward the kitchen.

To my surprise, Evander was already there, slumped over my desk with his head resting on his arms.

“Evander?” I said, startled. “What are you doing here?”

Haised his head slowly, his face weary and his eyes filled with a range mix of sadness and resolve.

“I needed to give you this,” he said, his voice low as he slid a small photo across the desk toward me.

I picked it up and turned it over, my breath catching as I

recognized the face.

“Piper’s photo?” I asked softly.

He nodded, his lips pressing into a thin line. “I’m ready to let go. of Piper now,” he said, his voice breaking.

My jaw dropped as I stared at him, stunned. His shoulders shook, and I realized he was crying silently, his face buried in his hands.

Covering my mouth with one hand, I looked down at the photo, my heart aching for him.