FULL NOVELXO Chapter 173
Chapter 173 DANE I strode down the dark halls of his lair as the Namelesss commands replayed in my head .
His voice was a tempest and unrelenting .
The artifact is to be recovered tonight .
I want it in my possession before morning .
Ensure no interference from her .
Her .
Aurora .
Her name was a whispered plea wrapped in defiance that stuck with me .
The memory of her voice , her scent , her touch , things that were a strong pull to me from the abyss .
I growled low , forcing the thoughts away .
I was his weapon .
A vessel for his will .
Thats what I had to be .
The dark wolves at my heels moved silently , their golden eyes aglow , faintly in the dim light .
They were loyal to me , yet not completely ; their true master lurked in every corner , watching through their eyes .
Alpha Montague , one of the wolves growled , low and guttural .
The location is secure .
We await your command .
Chapter 173 2/7 Good , I said , my voice tight , authoritative .
Get ready to move .
I will be with you in just a moment .
It inclined its head and soundlessly disappeared into the corridors shadows , leaving me utterly alone .
I leaned against the cold stone wall , slapping my palms against it as if the touch could steady me .
My head was chaos , rent between the duty I couldnt evade and the love I couldnt forget .
Auroras face flashed before my mind , her eyes ablaze with fierce determination .
She was ready to risk all for me , for our family .
What was I ready to risk for her ? Shes your weakness , the Nameless had sneered once , his voice full of disdain .
Thats why I left her alive .
To remind youve lost .
you what But to me , she wasnt my weakness .
She was my strength .
And that strength was building into a fire I couldnt douse .
The mission was simple .
At least , thats how the Nameless had framed it .
There was this relic that Aurora had hidden , which would form the key to his plan and he needed it at all costs .
Chapter 173 3/7 I pulled myself up and closed my eyes , I needed to sense where the dark wolves were .
It was time to get this over with .
I could feel them in the forest , and I went into motion and reached them in no time .
The wolves and I flew across the forest , the moonlight casting ghostly patterns upon the forest floor .
Every noise magnified as tension rose ; we were almost there to the edge of Broken Ridge territory .
I could feel it in me , each nerve of my body pressed an alarm in urgency .
I felt the soft , steady hum of Aurora , like a lighthouse from some faraway dark land , then … Hold , I called , raising a hand .
The wolves stopped as one , which was altogether too uniform .
I crouched low , peering at the barrier ahead .
A pang of guilt shot through me .
This barrier wasnt just a line of defense .
It was a testament to Auroras determination to protect her people and me .
It was to be breached , the wards torn down , the relic retrieved .
Yet as I stared at that glittering surface , another plan began to take shape in my mind .
A plan to tip the balance .
Alpha , one of the wolves growled ; a questioning note .
Begin the breach , I said , my voice level .
The wolves shifted toward the barrier , dark energy shining in their fingernails as they reached in to start the tedious task of Chapter 173 unraveling wards .
I watched my heart pounding in my chest .
The instant the first layer crumbled , I moved forward .
4/7 Stop ! I shouted , the order shaking off the leaves on the trees .
Wolves stopped in shock as they whirled back towards me , fur bristling from movements turned into shocked snaps .
Theres a trap , I said , walking ahead .
The witches have layered the barrier .
If we breach it , well alert the entire pack .
But the Nameless ordered ….
I know what he ordered ! I snapped , my voice clear and sharp .
Do you question me ? The wolf lowered his head , his golden eyes narrowing .
No , Alpha .
Good , I said , the chill of ice in my voice .
Fall back .
Ill handle this myself .
The wolves at last retreated into the darkness , leaving me alone at the barrier .
I laid my hand against the shining surface and let its energy pulse through me .
Then , with deliberate care , I began to weave false signals into the wards , mimicking a breach in relies hiding place .
It was a risk .
If the Nameless saw through it , I would pay dearly .
But if it worked , it would buy Aurora time , the time she desperately needed .
When I finished , I stepped back , my breath coming in ragged gasps .
The barrier shimmered , its false breach glowing faintly in the distance .
I turned and strode back to the waiting wolves .
Its done , I said .
Well regroup and report to the Nameless .
The witches defenses are stronger than anticipated .
The wolves exchanged a look but said nothing .
I knew they could tell that II had flopped the plan , but I dont care what they think .
I led them back through the forest , my heart pounding with a mix of triumph and fear .
The Nameless was waiting when we returned .
His huge , shadowy form loomed in the center of the lair , his golden eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence .
Whats the report , he said , his voice like a thousand whispers layered over a roar .
The witches wards were more complex than anticipated , I said , keeping my voice steady .
Ive located a weak point , but 6/7 Chapter 173 well need more time to exploit it .
The Nameless watched me , piercing .
For a moment , It looks like he might believe me .
Then his lips curled into a cold , cruel smile .
So what can we do now , oh lover boy , he said .
Lover boy ? I dont understand I said You think I didnt see what you did ? he said , his tone dripping with mockery .
My blood went cold .
I see everything , Dane , he went on , stepping closer .
Your little trick was clever but not clever enough .
His shadows sprang out before I could even react , wrapping around me like chains , burning against my skin with searing pain that made me grit my teeth .
You defied me , he hissed , his voice echoing in my mind .
You think you can protect her or them ? You are mine , Dane .
You will always be mine .
The pain intensified and I fell to my knees , the weight of his power crushing me .
But even as I suffered , I held onto the memory of Aurora .
Her Chapter 173 strength .
Her defiance .
Her love .
She was worth it .
7/7 The Namelesss laughter echoed through the lair as his shadows tightened around me , a reminder of the price of my rebellion .
I knew I was in trouble , But do I regret it ? No , not for a moment .
Ahh ! I yelled out in pain as I balled my fist and hit the ground .