Chapter 173 DANE I strode down the dark halls of hisir as the Namelesssmands reyed in my head .


    His voice was a tempest and unrelenting .


    The artifact is to be recovered tonight .


    I want it in my possession before morning .


    Ensure no interference from her .


    Her .


    Aurora .


    Her name was a whispered plea wrapped in defiance that stuck with me .


    The memory of her voice , her scent , her touch , things that were a strong pull to me from the abyss .


    I growled low , forcing the thoughts away .


    I was his weapon .


    A vessel for his will .


    Thats what I had to be .


    The dark wolves at my heels moved silently , their golden eyes aglow , faintly in the dim light .


    They were loyal to me , yet notpletely ; their true master lurked in every corner , watching through their eyes .


    Alpha Montague , one of the wolves growled , low and guttural .


    The location is secure .


    We await yourmand .


    Chapter 173 2/7 Good , I said , my voice tight , authoritative .


    Get ready to move .


    I will be with you in just a moment .


    It inclined its head and soundlessly disappeared into the corridors shadows , leaving me utterly alone .


    I leaned against the cold stone wall , pping my palms against it as if the touch could steady me .


    My head was chaos , rent between the duty I couldnt evade and the love I couldnt forget .


    Auroras face shed before my mind , her eyes aze with fierce determination .


    She was ready to risk all for me , for our family .


    What was I ready to risk for her ? Shes your weakness , the Nameless had sneered once , his voice full of disdain .


    Thats why I left her alive .


    To remind youve lost .


    you what But to me , she wasnt my weakness .


    She was my strength .


    And that strength was building into a fire I couldnt douse .


    The mission was simple .


    At least , thats how the Nameless had framed it .


    There was this relic that Aurora had hidden , which would form the key to his n and he needed it at all costs .


    Chapter 173 3/7 I pulled myself up and closed my eyes , I needed to sense where the dark wolves were .


    It was time to get this over with .


    I could feel them in the forest , and I went into motion and reached them in no time .


    The wolves and I flew across the forest , the moonlight casting ghostly patterns upon the forest floor .


    Every noise magnified as tension rose ; we were almost there to the edge of Broken Ridge territory .


    I could feel it in me , each nerve of my body pressed an rm in urgency .


    I felt the soft , steady hum of Aurora , like a lighthouse from some faraway darknd , then … Hold , I called , raising a hand .


    The wolves stopped as one , which was altogether too uniform .


    I crouched low , peering at the barrier ahead .


    A pang of guilt shot through me .


    This barrier wasnt just a line of defense .


    It was a testament to Auroras determination to protect her people and me .


    It was to be breached , the wards torn down , the relic retrieved .


    Yet as I stared at that glittering surface , another n began to take shape in my mind .


    A n to tip the bnce .


    Alpha , one of the wolves growled ; a questioning note .


    Begin the breach , I said , my voice level .


    The wolves shifted toward the barrier , dark energy shining in their fingernails as they reached in to start the tedious task of Chapter 173 unraveling wards .


    I watched my heart pounding in my chest .


    The instant the firstyer crumbled , I moved forward .


    4/7 Stop ! I shouted , the order shaking off the leaves on the trees .


    Wolves stopped in shock as they whirled back towards me , fur bristling from movements turned into shocked snaps .


    Theres a trap , I said , walking ahead .


    The witches haveyered the barrier .


    If we breach it , well alert the entire pack .


    But the Nameless ordered ….


    I know what he ordered ! I snapped , my voice clear and sharp .


    Do you question me ? The wolf lowered his head , his golden eyes narrowing .


    No , Alpha .


    Good , I said , the chill of ice in my voice .


    Fall back .


    Ill handle this myself .


    The wolves atst retreated into the darkness , leaving me alone at the barrier .


    Iid my hand against the shining surface and let its energy pulse through me .


    Then , with deliberate care , I began to weave false signals into the wards , mimicking a breach in relies hiding ce .


    It was a risk .


    If the Nameless saw through it , I would pay dearly .


    But if it worked , it would buy Aurora time , the time she desperately needed .


    When I finished , I stepped back , my breathing in ragged gasps .


    The barrier shimmered , its false breach glowing faintly in the distance .


    I turned and strode back to the waiting wolves .


    Its done , I said .


    Well regroup and report to the Nameless .


    The witches defenses are stronger than anticipated .


    The wolves exchanged a look but said nothing .


    I knew they could tell that II had flopped the n , but I dont care what they think .


    I led them back through the forest , my heart pounding with a mix of triumph and fear .


    The Nameless was waiting when we returned .


    His huge , shadowy form loomed in the center of their , his golden eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence .


    Whats the report , he said , his voice like a thousand whispersyered over a roar .


    The witches wards were moreplex than anticipated , I said , keeping my voice steady .


    Ive located a weak point , but 6/7 Chapter 173 well need more time to exploit it .


    The Nameless watched me , piercing .


    For a moment , It looks like he might believe me .


    Then his lips curled into a cold , cruel smile .


    So what can we do now , oh lover boy , he said .


    Lover boy ? I dont understand I said You think I didnt see what you did ? he said , his tone dripping with mockery .


    My blood went cold .


    I see everything , Dane , he went on , stepping closer .


    Your little trick was clever but not clever enough .


    His shadows sprang out before I could even react , wrapping around me like chains , burning against my skin with searing pain that made me grit my teeth .


    You defied me , he hissed , his voice echoing in my mind .


    You think you can protect her or them ? You are mine , Dane .


    You will always be mine .


    The pain intensified and I fell to my knees , the weight of his power crushing me .


    But even as I suffered , I held onto the memory of Aurora .


    Her Chapter 173 strength .


    Her defiance .


    Her love .


    She was worth it .


    7/7 The Namelesssughter echoed through their as his shadows tightened around me , a reminder of the price of my rebellion .


    I knew I was in trouble , But do I regret it ? No , not for a moment .


    Ahh ! I yelled out in pain as I balled my fist and hit the ground .