Chapter 33 Lost And Searching

Chapter 33 Lost And Searching
Chapter 33: Lost and Searching

Ronan’s POV

The forest was dark, shadows stretching long and twisting around me. I pushed past the branches, my heart pounding, my hands bleeding from thorns I barely felt. I could not think of anything else. Not the meeting, not the territory, not the pack—I could only think of her.

Maltida.

The thought of her alone, scared, vulnerable… it tore through me like fire. I had left her for only two days, but it felt like a lifetime. Every second that passed in her absence felt like a punishment I did not deserve.

“She could be anywhere…” I muttered, my voice rough, almost breaking. “Why didn’t I stay? Why didn’t I take her with me?”

I stumbled over roots, branches scratching my face, my arms, my chest. The weight of my own fear pressed down on me heavier than the forest itself. I was an Alpha, a leader, strong and feared by many—but right now, I felt weak. Helpless.

“Maltida!” I shouted, my voice carrying into the trees. “Maltida! Where are you?!”

No answer.

I ran further, my steps reckless, my breathing ragged. My voice rose again, desperate, torn between anger and sorrow. “Maltida! Answer me! I’m here! Please!”

I could feel my chest tightening, my head spinning. Every nerve screamed. I had always been strong, always been in control, but the panic clawing at me now was different. Raw. Dangerous. I had never felt fear like this—not for myself, but for her.

“She’s alone. She’s afraid,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “I should never have left her. If I had known… I would have stayed. I would have taken her with me. I should have protected her myself.”

My hands trembled as I pushed through another thicket. My eyes scanned every shadow, every movement. My mind raced through all the possibilities. Could she have been taken? Was she hurt? Was someone—no, something—keeping her from me?

“Maltida!” I screamed again, my voice raw, echoing through the silent forest. The trees swallowed it, offering no answer.

I sank to my knees for a moment, clutching a branch for support. I hated myself for leaving her. I hated that my absence could have brought this upon her. I hated that she was alone, scared, and I could do nothing—nothing—right now.

My ears caught a faint rustle in the bushes ahead. My head snapped up. I ran without thinking, muscles burning, adrenaline roaring through me. My eyes widened as I saw…

Two figures surrounding a woman.

I froze for a second, heart leaping into my throat. I did not recognize them. They were strangers. Rogues, maybe—dangerous ones, judging by the way they moved, the way they held themselves.

And the woman… she looked small, fragile, defenseless. But something about her—I could not mistake it—something in the curve of her form, in the way she stood, reminded me of her. Maltida? No… I wasn’t sure. My mind was spinning.

Without thinking, I surged forward, growling low in my throat, my Alpha power flaring, ready to strike. “Hey!” I roared, my voice shaking the very air. “Let her go!”

The rogues looked up. Surprise flickered across their faces for just a moment—but it was enough. My anger, my desperation, my sheer will to protect her radiated like heat.

“Maltida?” I whispered to myself, uncertain, afraid I would be wrong.

My chest tightened again. My legs trembled from the exhaustion, my arms ached from running through the forest, my throat was raw from screaming her name. But I could not stop. I could not falter. She was here. Somewhere here. And I would find her.

Every step forward made my heart pound harder. Every beat, every breath, was dedicated to her. She could not be hurt. She could not be taken from me.

And then I realized—I might have been too late.

The rogues tightened their hold, stepping closer to the woman.

I clenched my fists. My teeth ground together. I was an Alpha. I was strong. I would not let anyone, anyone, harm her.

“Maltida!” I shouted again, louder, rawer, more desperate than ever.

The wind carried my voice, but the forest seemed to close around me. My mind whirled with panic, fury, and fear. I was so close. So close to finding her.

And then the realization hit me like a blade—I had no idea what I would find when I reached her.

But I had to try.

I surged forward again, growling, my senses sharp, my heart almost bursting from my chest. Every step was fueled by love, fear, and a burning need to protect her.

The rogues looked up. Their eyes flicked between me and the woman. Their smirks faded into confusion—and maybe, just maybe, fear.

I moved faster. Closer.

And in that moment, all I could think of was one thing:

I would not let anything happen to her. Not now. Not ever.

“Maltida!” I screamed again, my voice cracking, shaking the forest with my desperation.

And then—

I saw her face.

Or… I thought I did.