she is my mate

Rylan's POV

I stepped further into the room, senses hyper-alert, scanning for any sign of danger. The figure lay still, and for a heartbeat, I feared someone might need our help—or worse, succumbed to whatever wrath had brought us here.

"Stay behind me," I instructed softly, keeping my voice steady even as adrenaline surged through my veins.

As I edged closer to the figure, I could finally make out the familiar features of my brother, Enzo. His face was pale, and his usually vibrant blue eyes were closed, but there was no mistaking him. Relief and dread mixed in my gut like a heavy poison.

"Enzo!" I called, my voice stronger now. My brother stirred slightly, a groan escaping his lips as he slowly opened his eyes, squinting against the dim light.

"Rylan?" he croaked, confusion flickering across his expression. "What's going on? Where are we? Where is Rio and Ed?

I rushed to his side, dropping to my knees next to him. "I don't know, but I'm glad you're here. We need to get out."

Enzo's gaze darted around the room, taking in the shadowy corners as if sensing something I couldn't. "Something attacked…" He stared at me, fear creeping into his voice. "I don't remember everything, just flashes. The pack… the screaming… it happened so fast."

A chill crept down my spine. "Is anyone else with you?" I asked urgently, pressing him for answers.

He shook his head slowly. "I don't think so. I woke up here alone. I-I think it's a trap."

My heart raced as I considered what that meant. "Daniella and I woke up in a strange room, too. We were trying to find a way out. We have to regroup with the others."

Enzo pushed himself into a sitting position and rubbed his temples as if trying to shake off a bad dream. "What if they're already…?" His voice faltered, and I could hear the unspoken words hanging in the air.

"Don't say that," I snapped, fueled by the fiery need to protect my brother and pack. "We can't give up hope. We'll find them."

Suddenly, the low hum reverberating through the walls grew louder, vibrating beneath my skin. It was disorienting, filling the room with an ominous energy that seeped into my bones. Daniella shivered beside me, her eyes darting toward the doorway, anxiety radiating off her in waves.

"Rylan…" she whispered, her voice trembling. "We need to leave now."

"Agreed," I replied, urgency thrumming through my veins. "Enzo, can you stand?"

He nodded, pushing himself up with some effort. "Yeah, just a bit dizzy. Let's get out of here before whatever is making that noise finds us."

With Enzo on his feet, I motioned for Daniella to follow as we carefully returned to the door. My instincts told me we had little time to waste—the noise seemed to be pulsing now, beckoning and threatening. As we stepped back into the corridor, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched.

"Which way?" Enzo asked, glancing down the dimly lit passageway.

"Let's go right," I suggested, remembering how we had arrived. "The more doors we check, the better chance we have of finding someone or figuring out what's going on."

We moved quickly but cautiously down the hallway, each step weighted with tension. With every closed door, curiosity and dread built within me, each one a potential harbor for danger—or perhaps a clue to what happened.

The hum became more insistent, vibrating against my chest, and I forced myself to focus on the sound of our footsteps instead. A cold sweat trickled down my back, and I could sense Daniella's fear building again.

"Rylan, what if something is hunting us?" she whispered, her eyes wide.

I clenched my jaw against the fear that echoed her words. "We won't let it. Stay close."

My resolve solidified as we pressed on, determination sparking in my chest. No matter what nightmares lurked in this twisted labyrinth, we would find our way through it. More importantly, we would find our pack.

Then, through the cacophony of uncertainty, a soft sound reached my ears, bringing a flicker of hope.

A distant voice, muffled but familiar, calling out.

“Rylan! Enzo! Daniella!”

"Did you hear that?" I turned to my brother and Daniella, who both nodded wide-eyed.

"Who is it?" Daniella asked, her voice trembling with the mix of dread and hope.

"I think it's Eric!" Enzo said, and my heart raced at the thought of our strong alfa leading the way.

"Come on!" I urged, breaking into a sprint. The promise of reunion propelled us forward, and as we raced down the corridor, I clung to the hope that we were not too late, that perhaps the light of our pack would cut through the darkness that surrounded us.

I skidded to a halt, instincts on high alert, as I heard the voice calling again, but with more urgency.

"Rylan! Daniella! Grayson needs you!"

My breath caught in my throat. I didn't have to think twice about it.

"Let's go!" I urged, charging down the corridor with renewed determination, following the sound of his voice. Daniella and Enzo hurried after me, their footsteps echoing in the narrow space as adrenaline surged through my veins.

We turned a corner, following the voice that felt tantalizingly close now. "Grayson!" I shouted, my voice filling the air. "Where are you?"

"Rylan! This way!" Grayson's voice called back, sharper now, laden with fear and urgency.

We rounded another corner and burst through a heavy door that swung wide, revealing a larger chamber bathed in unsettling, flickering light. My heart sank at the sight before us.

Grayson was positioned defensively in front of a figure slumped against the wall, trapped in chains that glimmered ominously under the flickering light. My eyes widened as I recognized her—Lila. She looked injured, her face smeared with dirt and blood, fury etched into her features.

"Rylan!" Grayson shouted, eyes frantic, his stance tense. "Get her out of here!"

I rushed forward. "What happened?" I asked, glancing nervously around the room. The hum from earlier was louder here, resonating in a menacing thrum that made my skin crawl.

"I don't know!" Grayson replied, tightening his grip on Lila's arm as if he could shield her from whatever terror loomed around us. "They were ambushing us—our guards didn't stand a chance. I barely managed to get away… to find you. You've gotta help her!"

"Lila! Can you stand?" I asked, kneeling by her side, scanning her for injuries.

She gasped, pain flickering across her brow, but she nodded. "I can… just help me with these chains."

Using all my strength, I examined the chains that bound her wrists. They looked like they were made of dark metal, almost designed to suppress her powers. My pulse quickened.

"I can't get them off!" I huffed, tugging unsuccessfully. "What did they do to you? We have to find Rio and Ed. I just hope that Princess Eliza is safe."

"Just get them off!" she hissed through gritted teeth. "They're coming back! Rylan, we don't have time!"

Fear jolted through me. "What do you mean they're coming back?"

Suddenly, a loud crash echoed outside, and the heavy door shuddered under a powerful impact. Daniella and Enzo rushed back, panic etched across their faces.

"We need to go!" Daniella urged, eyes wide.

Grayson stepped forward, eyes blazing with anger and protection. "I'll hold them off. Get Lila out of here! She needs help!"

"No way!" I snapped. "We're not leaving you behind."

"I won't let them retake the pack! I'll keep them busy; you need to get Lila out!" Grayson shouted fiercely, and I could see the conviction in his eyes. "She is my mate!" he hissed.