Andor to the Rescue

Ashina –

As we approached the dungeons, we noticed a fight erupting, indicating Malcolm would soon be aware of our presence. In order to assist my mate in fighting Malcolms warriors, I had the loyal warriors of my mother go around and get my father to a physician while I stayed behind to assist my mate. 

As soon as Andor caught my scent, he looked up for a split second, giving the attacking enemy enough time to stab him in the back. Even though Andor grimaced, he kept fighting. After jumping into the ring of fighters around my mate, I took my gold-bladed dagger and stabbed each traitor in the neck, killing them instantly. There are two down and two more to go. As a result of the killing of the first two men, Andor killed the other two men that had been assaulting him. 

I pulled the dagger from Andor's back and closed the wound with magic. Again, tears streamed down my cheeks as I hugged Andor. 

My face was buried in his chest, my tears soaking his clothing with tears as I apologized. I thought I was helping you by leaving you behind. I now realize that mates should never be apart. I missed you so much Andor. Please don't reject me because I am an idiot." My face was buried in his chest, my tears soaking his clothing with tears as I apologized. In the absence of a response from Andor, I was becoming increasingly nervous.

Andor pushed me back from his chest and my heart began to sink, fearing he didn't want me near him. In an effort to look at me, he lifts my chin up with his hand. I feel those warm tingles that feel lightening straight to my core. How I would have missed those. If we weren't at war right now, I would take him into one of the many rooms here at the castle and have my way with Andor.

"My dear Ashina, I have never let you go, and I would go the length of the earth to find you. You are mine and I am yours. I will always love you and protect you. I am the one who will always be there for you. Now let's leave here. I think Malcolm knows we are here, and the entrance is no longer secure. Oh, and Princess, watch out for what you are thinking. I can smell your arousal, princess, and I will take you right here and now, if you can't control it." I could hear Andor's wolf purr in agreement.

Grabbing me by my hand, Andor leads me to the secret tunnels. After closing the door, I magically sealed this entrance from the tunnel so that Malcolm's men could not follow us through it. I had my mother's loyal warriors come along with us. 

Looking at the loyal warriors, I could see their distress as they vocalized their concerns. 

Jake –

"Princess, we need to get back to the castle before Malcolm figures out we are gone. I needed to protect the queen. I hope you understand, but I must get back inside."

Ashina –

Nodding, I use magic to put Jake and his warriors outside the cleaning closet that once held the maids. Malcolm's grip is getting tighter and tighter around my mother, but at least she will be protected until I can rescue her from him.

Turning around once again, Andor took my hand, rushing me out of the tunnel. The light outside at first blinds me, once my vision had adjusted from the darkness of the tunnels. My mouth dropped open to see hundreds of pack members being sorted out.

Dean –

I bowed before the princess out of respect for her authority over the wolves, "Princess, Dolly escorted us to a secret underground bunker, which was really more of a mini city for the pack. Dolly had to return so that Malcolm wouldn't notice her missing. If it is alright Princess, may I go back in and retrieve Dolly?" Speaking lowly still out of disbelief, "She is my mate."

Ashina –

At first, I thought I heard Dean wrong. I mean Dean is a bear shifter and Dolly is a wolf shifter. "Did you just state Mate? Did I hear you correctly?"

Dean –

"Yes, I am confused as well. I am a bear, and she is a wolf. However, be it a joke from the Gods or maybe there is something I don't know about her. She is my mate."

Ashina –

"Dean, could you lead me and a team of warriors to the underground bunker? I have an idea."

Dean –

"FYI Princess, electronic communication isn't possible from the bunker. I am not sure about mind links, but electronic communication is blocked somehow."

Ashina –

Realizing what he meant, it would be hard to communicate outside of there with the warriors. I decided we would find someone who was savvy at communications and see how we could Gerry rig the system to our needs, this would be a great base for operations. I nodded at Dean and explained that I would get someone to help and to wait. I still needed him to escort me and Andor as well as several men to the bunker.

Malcolm –

I glared over at Amira; I knew she had to have something to do with this uprising I had detected. My witches let me know when magic has been used in my kingdom. Some of my warriors have also reported missing men.

"Tell YOUR HIGHNESS about this uprising that has been reported." I watched as she shrugged her shoulders.

Amira –

"I do not know what you are talking about." I tried to sound indignant at such a claim.

"After all, you never let me out of your sight. How can I even attempt to plan anything!"

Standing up from my throne that Malcolm makes me sit on every day so I can watch and feel the horrors he commits against my people. In the hopes that I will give up my power and cave in. Even if it was just to save my people, I would give them up in a heartbeat. However, I possess great power, and he would have no problem wreaking havoc on all species and mankind. It is not acceptable for me to let him destroy all living things for his own sick entertainment.

Turning my back to Malcolm, Malcolm leaped up as I left the throne. Hurrying behind me, he grabs my throat with a dagger and threatens to slice it open.

The blade pierces my skin and I feel blood oozing out. There would be no crying or whimpering, no showing of weakness on my part. Ashina will automatically receive my powers if I die today, and that is fine with me. It is my poor mate who will sadly have to suffer the loss of my death and my short time with Ashina.

After Malcolm slices even more into my throat, he throws me to the ground, and my world darkens until I am now enveloped in a black abyss.