Chapter 290 I Must Be With You

Chapter 290 I Must Be With You

Ella POV

"I agree."

Mason surprised me by not arguing with Owen. He lowered his head, his nose gently brushing my cheek, his voice filled with a mix of tenderness and authority. "You and the baby need to stay somewhere safe. I'll go."

"No way!" I shot back almost immediately.

I turned to face him, gripping his arms tightly, looking up at his defined jawline.

"Mason, you can't just leave me in a safe place alone. I'm your Luna, the mother of this child. I need to be with you."

My emotions were running high, and a slight pain in my abdomen made me wince.

"Ella!" Mason instantly became tense, supporting me and gently rubbing my back to help me calm down.

"Don't get worked up, be careful."

"I'm calm, Mason."

I tried to steady my emotions, looking directly into his eyes, speaking clearly and firmly:

"I know exactly what I'm saying. The witch's target is my child; she will eventually find me. Hiding won't help. Only with you will I be truly safe. Besides, I'm the heir to the Nachtsonne Pack bloodline. If we need to go to that tribe, my presence might be the key to opening that door. You can't do this without me."

I was stating the truth. We both knew this was the best choice, even if it was fraught with danger.

Mason fell silent, his deep blue eyes locked onto mine, filled with intense emotions—worry, reluctance, struggle, and a hint of reluctant acceptance.

"She's right."

Owen's voice sounded beside us. "If we're going to the Nachtsonne Pack, Ella must be there. Her bloodline is the pass. And I must go too. I'm the Alpha of the Wildheart Pack and her brother. I have a responsibility to protect her and to uncover the full truth about our mother from the tribe elders."

The stone chamber fell silent again. The three of us formed a new, solid triangle.

After a long pause, Mason finally sighed, a sound filled with compromise and affection for me. He cupped my face, resting his forehead against mine, his voice low and raspy. "You always manage to convince me."

"Because I'm right," I whispered, snuggling into his embrace, drawing comfort from his cool, reassuring scent.

"Alright," he finally relented. "We'll go together. But you must promise me, Ella, that you will never leave my sight. Your safety is the highest priority, above everything else, including finding the witch and uncovering the truth. If I sense any danger to you or the baby, we will retreat immediately. Understand?"

"I understand," I nodded solemnly.

"Now," Mason lifted his head, resuming his decisive Alpha demeanor, looking at Owen. "When do we leave? What's the route? Who will guard your Pack?"

A series of questions showed he was already planning the entire operation in his mind. The phase of fear and shock was over; now it was time for the warrior.

"There's one more thing we need to address before we leave."

Owen's expression turned cold again as he pulled out a list from the documents. "Colin is missing, but we can't leave any loose ends behind us."

I looked at the list, recognizing some names, unfamiliar with others. My heart sank, realizing how deeply the rot had spread without us knowing.

"I'll handle it," Mason's voice was devoid of emotion as he took the list, his gaze as if reading a death sentence. "Before I leave, I'll clean everything up."

I watched his stern profile, knowing a purge was about to unfold within several Packs. It would be painful but necessary for our upcoming expedition, for our rear guard, and for our child's future.

We had no other choice.

I clasped Mason's hand again. This time, there was no hesitation in our hearts. The path ahead might be fraught with danger, shrouded in mist and frost, but our goal was clear.

To uncover the secrets of the Nachtsonne Pack.

To confront the witch who sought to "create gods."

Owen looked at our clasped hands, his gaze complex, but wisely said nothing more.

He put away the parchment and remaining documents on the table, nodding in agreement with Mason's plan.

"Mason," I called softly.

He didn't respond immediately, folding the list and placing it carefully in his inner pocket, close to his heart.

After finishing, he turned fully to me, cupping my cheeks, forcing me to look up and meet his gaze.

"I'll take you back to your room to rest."

His voice was much softer than before. "What happens next isn't something you should see."

I didn't argue, just nodded obediently.

He held my hand, leading me out of the chamber that held so many secrets.

He walked me back to our bedroom. "Rest well, Ella." He stood at the door, not coming in immediately.

He lowered his head, planting a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Don't overthink, and don't worry about anything."

"Mason," I held his hand, not letting him leave. "Let me stay with you."

His body stiffened, then he sighed helplessly. "Ella, I said..."

I interrupted him. "I know you don't want me to see those things. But I don't want you to bear it alone. You're about to face people who once fought alongside you, those who have been blinded. I know you have to do this, but I also know your heart isn't made of stone."

I brought his large hand to my lips, gently kissing the rough scars left by years of training.

"Your heart will ache, I know. I might not be able to help much, but I can be with you. After you make those tough decisions, when you feel exhausted, I can give you a hug. I don't want you to return to this room carrying the coldness of solitude."