CHAPTER 26

Arya's POV

It's been weeks since I came here, and every day feels like a battle. I still haven't been able to break David free, and the weight of this mission is crushing me. No matter how much I despise it, I have to do this for the sake of my sister. But there's a problem: my mate. Never in my life did I think I'd find my mate here. The moment Travis stepped in front of me, I knew he was my mate. A rush of dopamine surged through my body, and my wolf danced with joy. The alluring scent of wood and lilies intoxicated my lungs as I breathed him in.

But I wasn't here for him, or to start my romantic love story. I was sent here for a mission, and I had to make sure no one got in my way, not even my mate. My sister's life was at stake. I had to do what needed to be done, not what I wanted. I was supposed to keep my eyes on the King and Luna, to report everything happening inside and outside of this palace. I was successfully doing my job from afar until the orders came.

I had to help David escape the dungeon. The moment I received the order, a wave of regret washed over me. I regretted informing them about that bastard, regretted revealing his identity as Luna's former mate, and the fact that he was being held as a captive. But I knew I couldn't refuse any orders. My sister's life hung in the balance. I had to save her.

Every day, I navigated this double life, torn between my duty and the bond that I never desired. Travis' presence was a constant reminder of what I was sacrificing. That night when he looked at me with those kind eyes, filled with warmth and hope, it broke my heart. He had no idea of the turmoil inside me, the conflict tearing me apart.

The nights were the hardest. Alone in my room, the silence amplified my fears and doubts. I couldn't sleep, haunted by the thought of what I had to do. The memory of my sister's pleading eyes kept me awake, pushing me to go on. But the thought of betraying Travis, my mate, was unbearable.

For a long time, I had tried to keep my distance after I found out that my mate was Alpha King's beloved friend, but fate had other plans. Travis and I were always meant to meet. His scent, the sound of his voice—they were all becoming ingrained in my soul. But I had to stay strong, had to remember why I was here. I couldn't let my heart overrule my mind.

Each day, I watched the King and Luna, gathering information, and playing the role I was sent to play. But inside, I was crumbling. The orders to help David escape loomed over me like a dark cloud. I knew it was only a matter of time before I had to act.

And when that moment came, when I received the final order, it felt like a dagger to my heart. The realization of what I had to do, of the betrayal I had to commit, was suffocating. I knew the risks, knew the consequences, but I couldn't let my sister down.

The deception, the pain—I had to push it all aside. I had to be strong, had to focus on the task at hand.

I hoped that one day, Travis would understand, that he would forgive me. But most of all, I hoped for the safety of my sister, for the hope that this sacrifice would not be in vain.

The coronation's just around the corner, and all eyes would be on the King and his Luna. This is going to be my last chance, as I've been told. They would kill my sister if I failed to break David free. The weight of that threat pressed heavily on my heart, making it hard to breathe.

My thoughts were consumed with memories of my little sister, her tear-streaked face, and the desperate grip of her small hands as she clung to me. "Arya! You'll come back for me, right? I don't want to be alone," she'd sobbed in my arms as the guards pulled me away from her. Her voice, frail and trembling, echoed in my mind constantly, a relentless reminder of what was at stake.

"I'll be back in no time, I promise. Take care of yourself for me, okay?" I'd yelled as the guards took me away, my voice breaking with the effort to sound reassuring. The memory was still so fresh, so raw. I could still feel the warmth of her tiny body against mine, the wetness of her tears soaking through my clothes.

There was no room for hesitation or doubt. The thought of her alone, scared, and vulnerable kept me awake at night, pushing me forward even when I felt like crumbling.

The palace buzzed with activity, preparations for the grand event in full swing. It provided the perfect cover for my actions but also heightened the risk. Any misstep could be disastrous, not just for me, but for my sister as well.

I watched Travis from a distance, his strong presence a painful reminder of what I could lose. His loyalty to Damon was evident, and I knew that if he discovered my plans, it would shatter our bond, and he might end up rejecting me. I'd lose my mate forever and would be destroyed from the inside. But I couldn't afford to think about that now.

The night before the coronation, I made my final preparations. The plan was simple, but execution would require precision and nerve. I had to get to the dungeon, bypass the guards, and break David free without raising any alarms. My heart pounded in my chest as I went over the plan again and again, knowing there was no room for error.

On the day of the coronation, as the palace settled into an uneasy calm, I moved silently through the corridors. Each step felt like a step closer to saving Lily, to bringing her back into my arms.

When I reached the dungeon, the cold, damp air sent a shiver down my spine. The guards were stationed as expected, but I had planned for this. Working here had helped me a lot, the guards recognized me as a healer maid and didn't think of me as a danger.

"What are you doing down here beautiful? Shouldn't you be cheering for the new Luna of our pack?" one of the guards remarked, and all the other guards started laughing. I hated them, hated how their eyes scanned my whole body and objectified every inch of it. I took in a deep breath and smiled, "I've been ordered to bring food here".

"I'd like to eat something else," I heard a raspy voice from behind and I instantly knew from whose disgusting mouth it came from.

I turned and faced the man. "Commander Brandon! Unfortunately, I have nothing for you," I tried my best not to gag. "The food is for the prisoner".

"Too bad. Maybe someday Arya you'll let me eat to my heart's extent," he stepped closer, invading my personal space and his breath fanning my face. All I wanted to do in that moment was to punch his face, but I stayed calm not giving anything away.

I quickly made my way inside as Brandon stepped aside. David was chained, looking disheveled and beaten. "Took you long enough."

"Shut up," I hissed, my fingers working quickly to unlock the chains. "Just follow my lead, and we'll both get out of here alive."

The chains fell away, and I grabbed his arm dragging him towards the other exit as he was too beaten up to even see straight. Only a few people in the palace knew about this exit, and I'd made some strong connections here in just the short while I worked here.

As we neared the exit, my heart raced with the fear of getting caught. I could almost feel my sister's arms around me, and hear her voice calling my name. But I knew this was just the beginning. Getting David out was one thing; keeping him out was another.

We finally made it outside, the cool air hitting my face like a wave of relief. I turned to David, my voice low and urgent. "Run. Don't stop until you're far away from here. I'll meet you at our decided spot in a short while."

He shook his head and grabbed my hand tightly, "Where do you think you're going?"

"My belongings," I replied in a hurry, but the truth was, there were no belongings. I wanted to see a glimpse of my mate for the very last time. I knew I'd never be able to step foot here after tonight, but my heart wanted to see Travis for the last time and admire him from afar even if it was too risky.

David searched my eyes for any kind of deception, then released my hand. I watched him disappear into the darkness, my heart heavy with the weight of what I had done. I had saved my sister, but at what cost? The bond with my mate, the trust of those I had come to care for—everything was shattered.

As I made my way back into the palace, my mind was a whirlwind of emotions. I had completed my mission, but the consequences were just beginning.