Rescue

**Erick's POV**

Everything was ready, we had loaded up the busses and I was with the group that was going to be running to the castle. Our connection to the Crescent Moon pack wasn't sure he would be able to recruit a lot of inside help, but he arranged a trusted team to patrol the territory's southeastern border. They would allow us to cross over the territory without alerting their pack.

They were going to allow us entry without alerting the pack. We would have the element of surprise on our side when we breached the castle. He was hoping to do more but didn't want to risk telling the wrong person about the attack and ruining our advantage.

"Attention everybody!" Samuel was addressing the crowd of warriors before we took off. "If anybody is unclear on their objective please talk to your group leader before we arrive. Everybody must do their part so we can minimize the risk to innocent lives. I want to thank each and every one of you for helping us. Alright, let's roll, it's time we teach Eliza a lesson for meddling in werewolf affairs!"

The run was uneventful, just long. We had bags lashed to our legs so that we would have clothes after shifting. We had a set to leave at our designated meeting area just beyond the territory and the ones we would keep with us. We wanted to be prepared for any scenario.

We made it to the meeting spot before the busses so we were huddled up with the maps out analyzing our paths one more time. We had a team going to cut off the path from the city to stop reinforcements on their side. Another team would border the castle to help catch stragglers coming in or out.

We knew the castle had 4 floors, a basement, main, second, and towers. So we had four teams of five to clear each floor. Given the images I had seen I suspected she was in the basement. I was grouped with Samuel, David, and 2 other top warriors from other packs.

Alec was leading the search of the main floor, and alphas from two other packs led the remaining teams. We were hoping to cover every floor at the same time so we wouldn't be surprised by an attack.

As soon as we finished going over our method of entry to breach the castle the busses pulled up. Everyone was reminded of their specific tasks and Samuel asked for me to lead the charge. "Alright, everyone knows their jobs. Be quick, be smart, be safe. Let's go!"

Hundreds of us crossed into the territory the patrols wished us luck as we passed them. It should only take us fifteen minutes to get to the castle. I was surprised at the lack of defense, this was easy, too easy. I stayed vigilant just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Even entering the castle we had yet to confront a single person. The moment we went through the door we headed for the stairwell. Three of our teams headed to the stairs. As the two teams headed to the second floor and the towers got to the steps they were hit with a wave knocking us all back.

It was almost as if a wall had come down trapping them on the stairs. They attempted to come back down the stairs and were snared by the magical barrier. "What the hell man," Alec shouted as he stood up.

"I knew this was too easy so far. This must be one of the traps she set up. We already planned on dividing our attack, so let's keep going. Stick together, don't enter a room without the others moving as one." I gave the order.

Samuel added, "He's right, this doesn't change our strategy. The spell will be broken when we defeat whoever cast it. Just be careful. Watch for other tricks. If we are going to get trapped down below let's check this floor together and double up going downstairs."

We were vigilant as we continued to clear the main floor. It was quiet, too quiet. I wasn't sure what awaited us in the basement For Rhian's sake I knew we had to hurry. Just like we suspected the moment we made it to the stairs we felt the barrier fall and we were trapped as well.

"Keep your eyes peeled! We need to find Rhian I'm guessing they know we're here since the barrier activated." I directed the team.

As soon as we wound around beyond the first floor we were hit with darkness. Being werewolves we had better eyesight in darkness, but this was pitch black. Even with our night vision, it was like we were going in blind. (Mind link communication from here on out.) I let everyone hear, a heard a series of yes sirs, affirmative, roger in my head in response.

We had just made it to a level surface when I froze. The sound of Rhian's blood-curdling scream rocked me to my core. I saw the other's faces filled with shock as they looked at me.

**Rhian's POV**

I knew the pack was coming soon. I just needed to hold out a little bit longer. Joel was having his fun with the cattle prod again today. This time Cyrus was there watching. I was slightly surprised when he actually pleaded for mercy on my behalf. I wasn't sure what to make of that change in him.

Joel was lost in a state of happiness over the torture he was inflicting when he suddenly stopped. His head cocked to the side and a huge grin took over his face. In a sing-song voice, he exclaimed, "They're here! Let the festivities begin! They triggered the upper-level barrier."

Thank the Goddess, Erick had finally arrived I was saved. What did Joel mean by a barrier?

"Come on nitwit, we have to set things up." He snapped at Cyrus.

Oh no, they were still prepared to lead the pack into a trap. I tried my hardest to reach Erick but it was no use. I felt like a brick wall surrounded my mind. Maybe I just needed to remove it brick by brick like I had done with Joel at the meeting.

I was concentrating hard but this was different. The bricks certainly didn't come down as easy as they had with Joel. I was so focused I didn't recognize that I was no longer in the room alone. I was surrounded and many of them I didn't recognize.

Eliza, Cyrus, Joel, I could smell at least 2 more wolves. One was older and fairly small, the other was larger and looked like a brawler. I recognized the masking smell of the fae guards posing as wolves. There was also an old couple, the man held a large scepter. The final couple was ghostly pale but gorgeous; I could feel the cold aura that surrounded them.

Eliza stood in the front and addressed the group. "The stupid mutts are headed this way. Remember what I told you, no mercy. I want each and every one of those despicable creatures dead. The shield is up and they will not be able to retreat. Ready yourselves." She turned to face the door.

I had to warn them, I hadn't been able to remove the wall in my mind so I did the only thing I could. I began to yell only to be met with Joel's claws. He had been behind me and I felt the skin rip and tear along my back. I let out a blood-curdling scream.

"Try it again and I will rip your throat out." Joel hissed in my ear. "We already have him right where we want him we don't need you anymore."

I could feel the wet hot tears running down my face. The cuts on my back ran deep. I heard a struggle behind the door. It sounded like they were ramming it repeatedly but it wasn't budging. I could feel the vibrations as I heard a terrifying roar. I looked up just as the door came crashing in. I caught a glimpse of his eyes before the pain and blood loss overtook me.