Chapter 15
Chapter 15
Damien’s POV
From the edge of the cliff, I watched the patrols of the Red Moon Pack, the shadows wrapping around me like an old friend. The night was quiet, almost reverent. Every movement caught my eye—the guards shifting, their patterns, and those pesky blind spots between the outer wall and the west gate. Fourteen seconds. That’s all it would take for someone to slip by unnoticed, if they moved like a shadow, and, you know, held their breath too.
I heard the crunch of footsteps behind me. I didn't even need to look—just knew it was Rhys. Only he would dare sneak up on me like this, no warning.
“You’re too close,” he whispered, crouching down next to me. “They’ve got scent wards set up in a triangle. If the wind shifts, you’re done for.”
“It won’t shift,” I replied, my voice low. “Not tonight.”
He narrowed his eyes, following my gaze.
“You’ve been watching them for two weeks now.”
“Three.”
“And?”
“They’re sloppy,” I said, my tone flat. “Killian’s crew is all show and no substance. They move like clockwork—no surprises, no instincts.”
“You say that like it’s a good thing.”
“It is,” I murmured. “Means I can get her out without a fight. We just need time. Precision.”
Rhys went quiet. The wind danced through the pine needles above, and I could hear a crow squawking down the slope, like it had some secret knowledge we didn’t.
“You really think she’s still alive in there?” he asked, his voice softening.
“She’s alive,” I said firmly. “But she’s suffocating.”
And she was carrying my pups.
Honestly, I still couldn’t believe it—not completely. That one night at the club was supposed to be a getaway—a chance to escape the bloodshed, the betrayals. I hadn’t expected to find someone like her—grieving, eyes stormy and full of emotion, lips trembling like she was so tired of pretending to be strong.
Now, she was stuck in Killian’s pack, bearing the name of a man who would destroy her just to get back at me.
“She sent the signal,” I continued. “The red thread over the stone well. Just like we talked about.”
Rhys shook his head. “I still think it’s a death wish. Killian’s not an idiot.”
“No,” I agreed. “But he’s arrogant. He thinks Larisa will give in. That she’ll accept the mating mark and give him what he wants.”
“She hasn’t?”
I clenched my jaw. “She’s still unmarked. He can’t force it without backlash. Even his council would turn against him.”
“And the pups?”
“She hasn’t told him,” I said. “There’s no way she would.”
Rhys looked at me for a long moment. “You’re sure they’re yours?”
I didn’t dignify that with an answer. Didn’t need to.
Instead, I stood up and pulled a map from my coat pocket. Kneeling again, I spread it on the flat rock between us. Every inch of Red Moon Pack’s territory was marked, including a new tunnel system under the south courtyard. That bit of intel had cost me a trade deal with the West Ravagers, but honestly? It was worth it.
“We go through the waste channel,” I said. “Underground. South wall.”
“Too narrow for two,” Rhys pointed out.
“She’ll go first. You and I will cover her exit.”
He pointed at another mark. “What about this? The ward line by the east forest. If they catch a breach—”
“They won’t. We’ll use the blood charm from the Witches of Marrow Vale. It mimics her scent and reroutes it back to her quarters.”
Rhys let out a low whistle. “You’ve really thought this through.”
“I’ve had no choice.”
“Because you love her?”
I paused for a beat, then closed the map, folding it carefully until it fit neatly in my palm again.
“I’m not trying to be her knight in shining armor,” I said finally. “I just want her free to make her own choices. If she hates me after, that’s on her. But she deserves that chance.”
Rhys tilted his head. “You planning to tell her about Killian’s trap?”
“What trap?”
“The one he’s setting,” he said, his tone grave. “He’s baiting you, Damien. This isn’t just about Larisa. He wants you to come. I’ve intercepted four messages from his northern allies—he’s gathering forces.”
“Let him,” I muttered, a growl creeping into my voice. “He thinks I’ll just stroll through the front gate like some idiot. But trust me, I’m not going there looking for a fight.”
“Then what’s your plan?”
I locked eyes with him. “I’m going to break a chain.”
Rhys let out a heavy sigh, standing next to me. “What’s the signal to pull back?”
“A howl,” I replied. “One long, one short. Coming from her.”
“And if she doesn’t make it out in time?”
“Then I’ll turn the Red Moon Pack to ashes.”
He stared at me for a moment, his face giving nothing away, then nodded slowly. “Alright, I’ll get the route ready.”
And just like that, he slipped into the forest, as quiet as a ghost.
I stayed on that cliff for what felt like ages, gazing at the flickering torches in the Red Moon courtyard. I couldn’t help but picture her behind those stone walls—alone, surrounded by enemies, carrying the weight of life inside her while lies loomed outside.
I shut my eyes, feeling that bond within me stir ever so slightly. It wasn’t your typical mate bond. Ours was different, unspoken, raw, wrapped in mystery and fire.
And then I heard it.
Not a memory. Not something I was imagining.
A howl.
One long. One short.
It echoed from the east woods, not far from the well. Quiet. Controlled.
Larisa.
She was ready.
I turned toward the slope, my legs moving before I even thought about it, blood racing through my veins like war drums.
But then—
Another sound froze me in my tracks.
A third howl. Louder. Sharper. So close.
Not hers.
Neither mine.