Terran sat at his desk, scanning over reports and handling pack affairs, but something gnawed at the back of his mind. The day had nearly passed, and he hadn’t seen Zeph. Not even once.
His wolf stirred uneasily.
Where is she?
It wasn’t unusual for her to disappear for a few hours, but an entire day? That was unlike her. His jaw tightened as he pushed away from his desk, striding out of his office. He needed to check on her.
When he arrived at her door, he was surprised to see Vixxen already standing there, arms crossed, his usual smirk replaced with a deep frown.
“What are you doing here?”
“I should be asking you that
“Wait, you haven’t her?”
“No. Not once since this morning.”
That was all the confirmation he needed. Something was wrong. Without hesitation, he pushed open the door—only to be met with an empty room.
A cold wave of dread washed over him. The scent of the space told him everything he needed to know. It was faint, but there.
Ryker.
A deep growl rumbled in his chest, his eyes darkening.
“What the hell is that bastard’s scent doing here?” Vixxen snapped, his hands balling into fists.
He turned to Vixxen. “Take a small group with you and bring her back. Ryker won’t get away with this.”
Vixxen’s lips curled into a smirk, but his eyes burned with fury. “You don’t need to tell me twice.” He turned on his heel, already thinking of the fastest route to Ryker’s pack.
Terran watched Vixxen disappear down the hallway. A scowl appeared on his face.
“How dare he touch what belongs to me?”
**
Meanwhile, Zeph, still in the dungeon, was digging on the food that Ashral sneaked in to give her. She hadn’t realized how starving she was until the first bite hit her tongue.
Ashral stood outside the cell, arms crossed, watching Zeph eat. " You eat like you haven’t seen food in weeks.”
Zeph smiled and wiped her mouth.“I feel like I haven’t," she said. She took another bite and enjoyed the taste. "When we get out, I'm going to eat a lot."
Ashral chuckled. “You sound like your mother.”
Zeph paused mid-bite, staring at Ashral. “When last did you see my mother?”
Ashral’s gaze softened, but there was a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. “A long time ago,” she admitted. “During the attack on the pack.”
Zeph frowned. “And you haven’t seen her since?”
Ashral shook her head. “No. We got separated that night. "She fought like hell, but there were too many of them.” She exhaled slowly. “She made sure I got away… but I never saw her again.”
“Do you think she’s still alive?”
Ashral hesitated before answering. “I believe she is.”
Is my mother really out there?
Ashral studied her carefully. “You want to find her, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Then we’ll make sure you do,” Ashral said firmly. “But first, we have to get out of here.”
Zeph let out a breath. “What’s the plan?”
Ashral leaned in closer and spoke quietly. “Later today, when Ryker sends for you again, I’ll pretend to brainwash you. You’ll act like you’ve fallen under his control.”
Zeph frowned. “And what happens after that?”
“We wait,” Ashral said simply. We let him believe he'd won. You’ll need to do the part—follow his orders, keep your head down. It has to be convincing.”
Zeph's stomach felt sick at the thought. "You want me to pretend to obey him?"
Ashral's eyes were serious. "Only for now. If we escape too soon, he'll chase us with everything he has. We need to wait for the right moment."
Zeph thought for a moment. "So, let me understand. I pretend to be brainwashed, wait patiently, and then escape before Ryker even notices?"
Ashral smirked. “Exactly.”
Zeph let out a humorless laugh. “You make it sound easy.”
“It won’t be.” Ashral’s expression turned serious. “But it’s our best shot.”
Zeph ran her tongue over her dry lips, contemplating the risks. Every part of her hated this plan. Hated the idea of pretending to be under Ryker’s control, of letting him think he owned her.
But what other choice did she have?
She clenched her fists. “Fine. I’ll do it.”
“Good,” Ashral said. “But Zeph—listen to me carefully.” She pressed her hand against the cold iron bars between them. “Do not act recklessly." I know you want to fight back, but you cannot give yourself away.”
Zeph gritted her teeth. “I won’t. But if Ryker touches me—”
“Then you endure it,” Ashral cut in, her voice firm.
Zeph exhaled sharply, nodding. “I’ll try to hold back,” she grumbled. “No promises.”
Ashral rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. “Just stick to the plan.”
They were unaware that a silent observer, hiding in the darkness, had heard everything they said. The servant's mind was racing from what he had just heard, and he slipped away with no one noticing.