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Connor’s Pov The storm in my mind mirrored the chaos outside as I paced the floor, wracking my brain for answers. Aria was out there, in Tiara’s grasp, and I was failing her. Every plan I considered felt useless, every idea a dead end. I was desperate for a way forward. Then I thought about it, ‘if Tiara is a wolf from Aria’s pack, she didn’t survive this long on her own. She had to have an ally, someone who knew her secrets and helped her…..Liam’ I felt a growl rising in my chest as the realization hit me. He’d spent more time with Tiara than anyone. I stormed into the training ground, where Liam was sparring with some of the guards. The sight of him made my blood boil. Without a word, I grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the wall. “You betrayed me!” I roared, my voice echoing through the space. Liam’s eyes widened in shock. “Connor, what the hell are you talking about?” “Tiara!” I spat. “Aria is suffering because of your stupidity!” Liam shoved me off, his own anger flaring. “I didn’t know she was that dangerous! She fooled me, just like she fooled everyone else.” “She didn’t fool me,” I snapped. “I let her stay because I trusted you.” He looked down, guilt etched across his face. “I didn’t know she’d go this far. I… I just couldn’t say no to her. She’s my mate, Connor. That’s why I had to help her.” “Your mate?” The words left a bitter taste in my mouth. “You put this pack in danger because of some twisted bond?” “I didn’t know she was like this,” Liam said, his voice breaking. “I swear, if I’d known, I would’ve stopped her. I would’ve….” “Enough,” I growled, cutting him off. “If you want to make this right, you’ll find a way to get her to show up. I don’t care what it takes.” Liam hesitated, his guilt and loyalty warring in his eyes. Finally, he nodded. “I’ll try to mindlink her, but she’s been blocking me since she took Aria.” I clenched my fists, trying to keep my fury in check. If Liam couldn’t get through to Tiara, I’d have to find another way. I closed my eyes and reached out with my mind, focusing all my energy on Aria. Aria… can you hear me? There was a long silence before her voice came through, faint and weak. Connor? Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. “Aria, where are you? Can you describe the place?” Her response was heartbreaking. “It doesn’t matter. You can’t save me. Just take care of Val.” “Don’t say that,” I snapped. “I’m coming for you, Aria. Just tell me where you are!” ‘No, Connor,’ she said, her voice shaking. ‘I’d rather die than let her hurt you. I won’t let you sacrifice yourself for me.’ Her words cut deep, but they only fueled my determination. “You don’t get to make that choice, Aria. I’ll find you, no matter what.” The connection broke before I could say more, leaving me standing there, seething with frustration. I gathered a group of guards, explaining the situation and preparing them for the journey. If anything was going to happen, one of us would have to set a toe for the others. We were about to set out when one of them stepped forward hesitantly. “Alpha,” he said, bowing slightly. “I think Sofia might know what to do.” I froze, narrowing my eyes. “What are you talking about?” “She was the first to meet Tiara, the both of them were together before any of us and I'm so certain she would have something to say if we asked her” the guard said. “And she mentioned something about a place Tiara might go if she needed to complete her plans.” Sofia had her own motives, and I wasn’t sure how much I could trust her. Still, if she had information, I couldn’t ignore it. I went down with a rod of fire to check her out, she probably was sleeping. The whole place I had put her in was for her to learn her lesson but she probably wasn't. I walked in and opened the small window that was placed there for ventilation. I didn't recognize the Sofia that I grew up with. She was a completely different one, and she has to be treated that way. “Connor,” she said smoothly. “What brings you here?” “You know where Tiara might be,” I said bluntly. “Tell me.” She raised an eyebrow. “And why would I do that? What’s in it for me?” I resisted the urge to growl. “This isn’t a game, Sofia. Aria’s life is on the line. Why do you always want something in return?” Her smile faltered slightly, but her eyes remained sharp. “Tiara is desperate to complete her ritual. She needs a secluded place, somewhere with strong ties to her past. There’s an abandoned temple on the edge of the forest, one tied to the old ways. That’s where she’ll be. She doesn't take risks, so she would stay there to avoid any form of attention. You wouldn't think she'd go far away from the pack, would you?” I stared at her, trying to gauge her sincerity. “Why are you telling me this?” She shrugged. “Maybe I just want to see how this plays out. Or maybe I’m tired of Tiara’s antics. Either way, you’d better hurry.” “Yeah… that too. I don't think you're right. You still aren't feeling remorse for trying to take over the pack?” “I haven't stopped, just taking a rest.” “Are you just pushing us out with the description you gave? You know what, just come with us” I said, after I asked her to be released, still tied properly. “What are you doing? I'm not going anywhere with you” “Yes, you are. And you'll be right by my side, figuring out how we could save Aria. You gave the description, you'll lead us there.”