Chapter 28: Chapter: twenty-seven

As the group neared the lair, the stench in the air intensified. Each of them was grappling with it in their own way. Ezekiel led the way, pushing through the discomfort.

Quill followed closely behind his brother, his mind filled with worry for Aylin. Daemon was doing his best to keep his nerves in check, but he couldn’t recall a time when he had to face demons.

Angus was mentally preparing himself, accepting the possibility that he might die for his pack. Each of them was dealing with their own emotions, but their goal remained the same.

Ahead, a ray of light pierced the tunnel. Ezekiel hurried forward and peered through to see a dimly lit hallway, the only source of light being torches. “This way,” he whispered.

Quill nudged his brother aside and sniffed at the hole in the wall. “Any scent that was here is long gone. They must not use this corridor anymore.”

“But why does it stink so bad?” Daemon grumbled.

“The demons are probably close enough that their smell is lingering.”

Angus studied the wall that separated them from the corridor. “How are we supposed to get through this without making a racket?

“This is solid stone. If they’re nearby, they’re going to hear us.”

“That’s why I’m here,” a lone female voice chimed in.

All four men looked around, hearing her voice but not seeing her.

“Over here, boys.”

Ezekiel spotted her standing there, hands on her hips. “What use are you over there?” he grumbled.

“You boys just need to step back.”

***

When Aylin woke up, her head felt heavy. She looked around and found herself alone in the room. Her memory was a bit foggy, and she wasn’t sure how long she had been out.

~“Kaia, what happened?”~

~“I think we’re in deep shit.”~

~“Why?”~

~“If you want to survive this, you need to dig deep for me.”~

~“What are you—” ~

The door swung open, and Zagan stood there, his eyes filled with more rage than she had ever seen. “I hope it was worth it,” he sneered.

“Every single pathetic wolf in your pack is going to die a gruesome, bloody death.”

Caught off guard, she wondered what had transpired while she was unconscious. Clearly, something significant had triggered the demon’s wrath.

Unable to find her words, she could only stare at the seething demon before her.

“Tonight is the full moon and the ceremony. Once it’s over, you won’t remember a thing from your life with that wolf, and we are going to wipe out the werewolves! I hope it was worth it!”

One question dominated her thoughts. “Did you ever care about me?” Despite his rage, she remained calm. Just looking at him seemed to soften his demeanor.

“Did you ever care about me the way a mate should? You seem to be blaming me for things that were beyond my control. Is that the kind of person you are? Is that why my mother left you?”

She got out of bed and cautiously approached him. “You’re so unpredictable it’s scary. Is that how you plan to keep me here? By instilling fear?”

Zagan stood frozen as she bombarded him with questions. Was this what having a mate was like? Feeling weak?

It was as if all the anger he had been directing at her suddenly evaporated, replaced by a thick fog of confusion. “What is this?!” He yelled, a vein throbbing on his forehead.

Startled, Aylin wasn’t sure either. How could a mate bond be one-sided?

“It’s normal to feel this way, but I don’t have any of those feelings for you. Keeping me here would only hurt you.” Her eyes were sincere as she spoke.

For some reason, all the rage inside him wanted to explode, but it didn’t. Instead, he remained silent for a moment. “Leave now. Leave before I change my mind.”

“What?”

Zagan stepped aside from the door, leaving a clear path for her. He wasn’t sure what he was doing. His body was betraying his mind.

The urge to take her by force was overshadowed by the heavy burden in his heart, the realization that she would never love him and she’d be condemned to a demon’s life.

The thought was unbearable.

Though thoroughly confused, Aylin started for the door when a loud bang came from it.

“Master! The werewolves have found us!”

Aylin’s eyes widened. She knew it was Ezekiel coming for her. As she moved toward him, a hand clamped around her throat, squeezing.

She clawed and gasped for breath as fury blazed in his eyes. “So, you tried to trick me, did you?”

“N-no… I-I swear,” she wheezed, struggling for air.

“Get everything ready. Make sure you lead them to the throne room.”

“Yes, Master.” The lesser demon scurried off.

Zagan turned his attention back to Aylin, a malicious smirk on his face. “As for you, get ready. You’re going to experience the same pain I did. I’m going to make you watch as I tear your mate apart.”

***

“Damn! They heard us!” Quill exclaimed, peeking around a corner.

Demons were scurrying everywhere, all chanting the same thing. “Find the wolves!” They had to tread lightly to avoid being detected.

The entire lair felt like a maze, leading them in circles.

“Why don’t we split up?” Angus suggested.

“Won’t that make it easier for them to pick us off?” Daemon asked.

“Keep your link open,” Ezekiel commanded. “Daemon, you’re with me. Quill, Angus, if you find her first, just get out. Our priority is her safety.”

“What about you?”

“I’ll find a way out. Don’t worry—”

“Let’s aim for no casualties,” Quill interjected.

The king let out a sigh, hearing his brother’s words. “He’s right. We’re all fighters here. Don’t let them bring you down without a fight.”

The brothers shared a hug before parting ways, each fearing it might be their last encounter.

***

Zagan insisted Aylin change into a white, floor-length dress. He was barking orders at the demons, who were on the hunt for the wolves that had infiltrated their lair. His sanity was hanging by a thread, and he was ready to claim what he believed was his.

“Almost time, my sweet,” he murmured to her.

“You’re out of your mind.”

Zagan twirled a lock of her hair between his fingers, a slight smile on his face.

His long-awaited goal was within reach—taking away what mattered most to her, shattering it, and destroying the Rogue King in the process.

“I might be crazy, but soon, you’ll love me more than you ever loved that wolf.”

“What’s going to happen to me?” Her voice shook with fear.

“Master, we’re ready.”

He stepped away from her, following the demon out of the room.

~“Kaia, what do we do now?”~

~“Mate is near.”~ Aylin could tell from Kaia’s tone that she was restless, sensing Ezekiel’s proximity.

~“How near?”~

~“Right here!”~

Hearing the masculine voice in her head, a spark of hope ignited in her heart. She dashed towards the door just as it was kicked open by the king. “Aylin!”

“Zeke!”

Ezekiel pulled her into his arms, relief washing over him. He’d found her, filling the void that her absence had left. He kissed her hair, his large hands cradling her face. “Are you okay?”

She rested her forehead against his, her small hands covering his. “I’m okay.”

“Hate to break up this moment, but we need to get the fuck out of here,” Daemon hissed.

Peering around her mate, Aylin saw Daemon by the door, his head darting up and down the corridor.

“Daemon? Why are you here?”

“I’m here to rescue you, dummy. Let’s move.”

The king growled at the alpha.

“Save your growls for later. We need to go.”

~“Quill! Angus! I’ve got her! Head back to the tunnel!”~

The link was silent.

~“Quill! Respond!”~

Ezekiel’s heart sank when there was no reply. He froze, unsure of what to do. Could he leave his brother and the beta behind in a demon-infested lair?

That wasn’t an option. “Aylin, go with Daemon. I need to find Quill and Angus.”

“There are too many of them,” she protested.

“Take the queen and go. I’ll find them,” Daemon interjected.

“This is madness. We won’t make it out alive!”

A cruel laugh echoed off the walls. “The queen is right, gentlemen.”

The king and the alpha positioned themselves on either side of Aylin. Suddenly, a black mist enveloped them.

Before Aylin could grasp Ezekiel’s hand, she was pulled away. Demons circled them, hissing and spitting.

Zagan reappeared, his hand around Aylin’s throat, holding her from behind. “Did you really think I’d make this easy? Don’t underestimate me, Rogue King!”

Ezekiel growled, trying to break through the demons, but was thrown back by Zagan’s power.

“Not so fast. You took from me, now it’s my turn.”

Several demons stepped forward, binding the two with silver chains. Their cries echoed in Aylin’s ears, bringing tears to her eyes. “Don’t hurt them!”

Zagan tightened his grip on her neck, whispering in her ear. “This is just the beginning.”