CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE: UNSEEN CHAINS II

Elsewhere: Rosa's True Intentions

Rosa stood in the center of a grand chamber, its walls lined with towering obsidian columns that seemed to pulse with a dark energy. Before her, seated on a throne of black stone, was the Hematoi lord.

"You've done well," the lord said, his voice a deep, resonant purr. His silver eyes gleamed with amusement. "The demigod is in our grasp, and the Alpha wavers on the edge of desperation. Everything is proceeding as planned."

Rosa bowed her head, though her expression was unreadable. "And what of my reward?"

The lord chuckled, rising from his throne. His presence was overwhelming, a suffocating aura that made the air thick. "Impatient, as always. Do not forget your place, Rosa. You serve at my pleasure."

Her hands clenched at her sides, but she kept her voice steady. "I've delivered Gravill to you. That was the agreement. Now hold up your end."

The lord smiled, a cold, predatory expression. "Oh, you'll get what you deserve, Rosa. In due time."

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Back at the Dungeon: The Chase Begins

The trio stumbled through the dark corridors, Gravill leaning heavily on Elsa for support. Nicholas took the lead, his sharp eyes scanning for any sign of guards.

"Almost there," Nicholas whispered, spotting a faint glimmer of moonlight ahead. Relief surged through him—until a low growl echoed behind them.

"They've noticed we're gone," Elsa said, her voice tight with fear.

Nicholas unsheathed a dagger he had taken from a fallen guard, his stance tense. "Keep moving. I'll hold them off."

"No!" Elsa protested. "We stick together—"

"Go!" Nicholas barked, his tone brooking no argument. "I'll find you. Just get him out of here!"

Before she could argue further, Nicholas turned and charged toward the sound of approaching footsteps. Elsa bit her lip, torn, but she knew he was right. She tightened her grip on Gravill and pushed forward.

As they emerged into the forest, the cold night air hit them like a slap. Elsa scanned their surroundings, her heart racing. They were free—for now. But the Hematoi would not let them go so easily.

And somewhere in the shadows, Owen's pack was waiting.

The Forest: Between Allies and Enemies

Elsa tightened her grip on Gravill, her breath clouding in the frigid night air as they stumbled deeper into the forest. The towering trees cast long shadows, their twisted branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. She stole a glance behind them. The faint glow of torches flickered in the distance—the Hematoi's guards were in pursuit.

Gravill stirred weakly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Elsa... you should leave me. I'm slowing you down."

She shot him a sharp look, her determination unwavering. "Don't you dare. We're not leaving you behind."

Ahead, the crunch of leaves and twigs underfoot made her heart lurch. She froze, her hand instinctively tightening around the small, rusted blade she'd taken from the dungeon floor. A low growl rumbled from the shadows, and her blood ran cold.

Before she could react, a figure stepped out of the darkness.

"Owen," Elsa breathed, her grip on Gravill tightening as the Alpha wolf emerged, his amber eyes gleaming with barely-contained anger.

Behind him, a dozen pack members fanned out, their forms shifting slightly in the moonlight. They were on edge, their movements predatory and precise.

"You're far from your territory, Alpha," Elsa said, her voice steady despite the fear coiling in her chest. "What do you want?"

Owen's eyes flicked to Gravill, who was slumped against her. "I could ask you the same thing. Why is Poseidon's heir bleeding all over my forest?" His voice was cold, but there was a flicker of curiosity beneath the surface.

"We escaped," Elsa said shortly. "The Hematoi are after us. If you're smart, you'll let us pass."

Owen chuckled darkly, crossing his arms. "You expect me to believe you just wandered out of their grasp? What did you give them in return?"

"We gave them nothing!" Elsa snapped. "Rosa betrayed us, and Gravill—"

Her words were cut off as Gravill suddenly straightened, his hand gripping her shoulder for support. His eyes, though bloodshot and weary, burned with a fierce determination.

"Leave her out of this," Gravill growled, his voice low and dangerous. "If you have a problem, Alpha, it's with me."

Owen smirked, stepping closer. His pack tensed, their eyes trained on the demigod. "You think I don't know who you are? The Hematoi don't chase just anyone. You're valuable... and dangerous. And I don't like having danger on my doorstep."

"Then let us go," Gravill said, his tone steady despite the pain etched across his face. "We don't want a fight."

Owen's expression hardened. "The Hematoi offered me a deal tonight. A deal that would ensure my pack's safety. Tell me, demigod, why shouldn't I hand you over to them and take their offer?"