Chapter 37 37
Maddy’s POV
With a heavy sigh, I rose to my feet, my footsteps silent against the cold wooden floor.
I approached the closet and pulled on a dark cloak to cover up my revealing nightwear, slipping it over my shoulders before tiptoeing towards the door. I slowly got out of the room and closed the door behind me.
I had to make sure to be as discreet as possible so as not to wake up Zac as I walked down the hallway, heading for the dungeon. My footsteps quickened as I approached the entrance to the dungeon, and the fear and trepidation in my heart temporarily disappeared.
However, my heart sank when I saw two very familiar men standing guard right outside the dungeon gates with a suppressed sigh. I took my stance in a commanding way with an authoritative aura.
"Let me pass," I ordered, my voice steady despite the nerves festering within me. The guards exchanged wary glances, their jaws tensing.
"We were instructed by Alpha Zac never to let you see the prisoner again," one of them replied gruffly, his gaze so serious it made me confused and pissed at the same time.
My heart sank. "Why would Zac say that? Let me pass at once," I ordered, my voice laced with anger and pride. "I need to see Jason. It's a matter of utmost importance."
Their stern expressions softened slightly, their eyes searching for the truth in mine. "Maddy, we can't go against the Alpha's orders," the other guard explained gently, his voice filled with a hint of sympathy.
Time seemed to slow as my mind raced for a solution. I couldn't blame them for their obedience, nor could I fault Zac for his protectiveness. But I was really upset by this. Why would Zac instruct them to go against me and my orders?
Taking a deep breath, I decided to employ a different tactic. "Jonas," I whispered, the anger in my voice seeping through. "Lovers can have little misunderstandings and sometimes distrust, but you all know how much Zac and I are in love with one another, so it is impossible for me to betray him.”
“If you do not let me pass today, then I promise that you will find the heads of your family members on a silver platter right before you join them in hell, because we both know that's where you all are heading off to."
The guards exchanged glances once again; they seemed petrified, but this time their hesitance was more pronounced. Minutes ticked by, each second weighing heavily on my shoulders. And finally, as if guided by a newfound sense of conviction, they relented.
"Alright, Miss Maddy," one of the guards said, his voice filled with a hint of trepidation and fear. "We'll let you pass. But please be careful. And please do not inform the Alpha about this encounter."
I felt so much gratitude for myself and my smarts. I nodded in acknowledgment, acknowledging the risks that they were taking for me. The dungeon hall way stood before me, its dark corridors ominously whispering secrets adorned with the remnants of broken souls.
As I ventured further into its dark, ominous path, the only sound that could be heard was that of my footsteps echoing against the cold stone walls. I couldn't help but notice the empty, broken bones scattered along the way.
Some bore only skulls and other remnants of other bone paths in the body. while others housed individuals who no longer resembled their former selves. The sight sent a shiver down my spine, as it all looked like I was in a horror house.
Except this time it's an actual, real one. Time seemed to stretch endlessly as I navigated through the labyrinthine passages. Finally, when I reached Jason's pitched black prison, the only light visible was that of the moon that peeped in through the really small mirror.
My heart pounded in my chest, filled with anticipation and a mix of dread. I knew what awaited me—the sight of him, battered and broken, caught in chains as a hapless prisoner.
Finally, I gathered enough courage to reach out to the cell's iron bars, their cold touch jarring against my fingertips. I called out to Jason, my voice laced with trepidation and worry. His head lifted slowly, aching and bloodied, and his eyes filled with resolve.
"Maddy," he rasped, his voice filled with urgency.
"Tell me you have information to offer." My heart sank as the weight of my silence settled upon me like a heavy cloak. "I'm sorry, Jason," I whispered sadly. "Zac has begun hiding things from me.”
“These past few weeks have been strangely peaceful; he never even mentioned the names of Olivia and Nathan, and knowing Zac, he is definitely not considering letting things go at all. I can't shake the feeling that something is not right."
"What exactly have you noticed? Share it all." He urged.
"An example is that those guards stationed outside had been unwilling to let me through. He had said Zac had ordered them not to let me through. Our secret is no longer secure."
I gazed down at Jason the whole time, watching as he kept his head bowed low. He suddenly had a dangerous aura around him; he seemed to be really angry.
"That means there will be no way of being able to relate information to my pack," he hissed, his broken form trembling against the chains that held him captive. "Don't give up now, Jason. We'll just have to find another way."
A deafening silence enveloped us after that. That's when I had the chance to carefully look at Jason. He was all bloodied as expected and I felt so bad about it and decided to elevate the mood.
"You relish the fact that you can at least act less arrogant, don't you?" I asked, a hint of worry on my lips. "At least it means fewer lashes, right?"
Jason didn't reply to that; instead, he kept quiet, and I knew my effort in raising his spirit flushed down the drain. "I have an idea," I said, my voice filled with a desperate resolve.
And Jason immediately propped himself up and gazed deep into my eyes, seeking answers. "We cannot rely on getting information from Zac any longer. It's time for you to break free from this dungeon, escape this pack, and return to your own Pack.”
“Perhaps even if you are unable to get information, you can still fight alongside your people.” Jason's eyes widened in disbelief, his hesitation evident. "Maddy, it's not that simple," he retorted, his voice tinged with both frustration and concern.
My words resonated in the air, each syllable carrying the weight of truth, as Jason's stubborn facade began to crumble. He still had his head bowed and seemed to be battling with inner conflicting emotions.
Reluctantly, Jason let out a frustrated growl, his pride bruised by the inevitability of his current situation. He fell silent, contemplating the gravity of my suggestion.
"Okay okay. You win. I'll go back to the Diamond Pack as soon as possible. You're right, it's fine if I am unable to help my pack by being an inside spy; I'll just have to fight alongside my people and lead us all into victory.” he said, and I nodded with a smile.