Chapter 147: He Doesn't Deserve Any Offspring
Evelyn's POV
"I don't see any clear instructions yet," I said, scanning our surroundings. A faint light flickered at the end of a narrow passage beside the spiral staircase. "There. We need to cross without being seen and reach that passage."
We exchanged a quick glance before sprinting forward. No time to look back - only to run.
We reached the passage entrance where a narrow iron door blocked our way. I pushed it open just enough to create a gap, ready to defend against any attack. The room beyond was dim, lit only by a few candles. If it was daytime outside, the sudden brightness might temporarily blind us during our escape.
Just as I was about to step forward, a hand shot out from the darkness, grabbing my arm. My Sentinel training kicked in, and I struck back instantly.
"Stop! It's me!" Peter hissed, rubbing his chin where I'd hit him. I tried to push past him, but he blocked me. "Don't step into that circle! It's a witch's trap. Those runes mask scents and hide tracks, but anyone who steps in gets trapped, becoming its power source."
This matched what the mystery woman had told me - take down as many enemies as possible to weaken Brandon's magic. I nodded.
"Follow me, I'll get you out," Peter turned to lead us, but Freya grabbed my arm.
"Isn't he one of them?" she whispered harshly. "Why are we trusting him?"
Honestly, I wasn't entirely sure myself, but the witch had told me to trust my instincts, and something told me Peter had never really wanted to hurt me. Looking back, he'd always shown some kind of warning whenever Aria and I showed up at their gatherings.
"I'm choosing to trust him," I said simply. "Let's get the hell out first, we can figure out the rest later."
Freya followed, but I could feel her tension, her eyes constantly searching for traps. I should've been just as cautious, but something drove me forward.
We passed through a round room covered in cobwebs and entered a passage so narrow we could barely walk side by side. The air reeked of decay and rodents - clearly unused for a long time. My wolf's senses helped me navigate the darkness, but the stench made my stomach turn. From the changing scents and terrain, I could tell we were moving upward toward the surface. The passage grew steeper, forcing me to brace against the walls.
As we climbed higher, the air freshened.
Finally, we reached a hidden exit. Peter stopped abruptly, his arm shooting out to block us.
"Hold it," he whispered. "Patrol outside. We need to wait. They'll find out you're gone soon, and Brandon's prepared for your escape."
"God, he's sick," I shuddered. "He's probably cursed by the Moon Goddess - torturing all these girls and still no kids. Destined to fail forever."
"Worked out for me," Freya said with a hint of pride. "I've had a contraceptive implant this whole time. That arrogant asshole never even thought to check."
"Seriously?" Peter looked incredulous. "He kept you for over a year, saw you never got pregnant, and never had you checked?"
"If he's that stupid and still blames women for not cooperating, he doesn't deserve offspring," Peter shook his head, checking his watch. "Get ready - in three minutes, run as fast as you can. Don't stop, don't look back."
"What about you?" I suddenly realized his situation. "If Brandon finds out you helped us, he'll kill you."
"I'm dead either way," Peter gave a bitter smile. "Especially since Brandon thought you had feelings for me. His paranoia's getting worse. Despite his Alpha King bloodline, no one would follow him without manipulation and dark magic. All these women he's forced, and still no heir - it's destroyed his sanity. I never wanted any part of this sick plan, but I didn't have a choice until now. Death might be my only way out."
"So that day in the forest when I was caught, you were deliberately provoking him?" I realized.
"Not exactly, but it worked out," he admitted. "I didn't know he'd given Robert special instructions about you. I was just testing Brandon's limits, seeing if he'd admit his fixation on you."
"How much longer?" Freya cut in urgently.
"Patrol could come by any second," Peter scanned the area.
Just then, two dark figures walked past, completely unaware of us.
"Once they're out of sight of that grove, we move," Peter whispered. "I'll go as far as I can, but I'm still bound to this territory, so I can't go too far. This is all I can do - now, run!"
We took off, but my muscles screamed in protest after being drugged and restrained. Freya was even worse after a year of captivity. Despite the pain with each step, I kept checking to make sure she was keeping up. If she couldn't make it, I'd carry her myself.
"Safe zone just ahead," Peter called, but our hope came too soon - a wolf leaped from the bushes, attacking him directly.
"Keep running! You're almost there!" he shouted while fighting.
I slowed instinctively, unwilling to leave him behind.
Freya ran past me, shouting: "Forget him! This was his choice!" She pushed forward desperately.
"I can't watch him die," I said. "He helped us. He deserves a chance."
"He brought this on himself! Move!" She continued ahead, pulling away from me.
After confirming no other enemies nearby, I charged toward Peter, shifting mid-air. I landed on the wolf's back, teeth sinking deep into the vulnerable spot where neck meets shoulder. Blood filled my mouth as the wolf howled in pain.
I exchanged a glance with Peter - save yourself - then broke away, racing after Freya. In wolf form, my speed and strength improved significantly. I caught up quickly, signaling her to climb onto my back. She didn't hesitate, leaping up and clutching my fur.
Just as we prepared to continue, something slammed into me from the side, throwing Freya several meters away. I turned to face my attacker - Robert's wolf, eyes wild with murderous intent.
To fulfill his Alpha's command, he seemed ready to kill me at any cost. Our friendship had vanished, leaving only betrayal. I refused to surrender.
I channeled my rage into fighting power, preventing him from approaching Freya. Each time he circled, I attacked ferociously, forcing him back.
With each assault, his movements grew sluggish, his body covered in wounds, blood flowing freely. When our eyes met, I saw something unexpected - not a will to fight, but hollow desperation. He wanted to die, to reunite with his lost mate. He wasn't truly fighting me; he was seeking release.
Realizing this, I shifted back to human form. "You don't get an easy way out, and you definitely don't get my sympathy," I said coldly. "You kept me locked in that hell, and God knows how many others suffered because of you. You're as disgusting as Brandon. Go find someone else to end your pathetic life, you coward."
I turned and ran toward where Freya had fallen.