Chapter 178 AURORA Dane ? I called out , I just opened my eyes and saw him sitting in a corner of the cell staring at space .
I blinked and sat up .
Dane turned to me and that was when I recalled what had happened .
I had been captured by the Nameless .
You thought you could get away from me , Dane , The Nameless mocked , his big body towering over us .
His golden eyes sparkled with cruel pleasure , and the shadows seemed to bend to him as he came nearer .
And Aurora , so brave , so silly .
You walked right into my trap as if it was your destiny … and it was .
I forced my head up , every muscle in my body trembling with the effort .
You wont win , I said , my voice a wrap against the crushing power .
No matter what you do , well find a way to stop you .
The Namelessughed , a sound that reverberated through the cavern like a thunderp .
2/7 Chapter 178 Ah , defiance .
How charming .
Let me show you how little it will maller .
With a quick movement of his hand , the darkness around us rushed in , closing in like chains .
Dane , still on his knees , growled as he tried to resist them , his wolf close to breaking free .
Leave her out of this , Dane said angrily , his voice deep and rough .
This is between you and me .
The Nameless tilted his head , looking amused .
How noble .
But youve got it wrong , Dane .
This isnt just about you two separately .
Its about breaking you both .
Together .
I felt something pulling me before I could grasp what was going on .
The air buzzed with magic as the shadows around us moved , pulling me closer to Dane .
The Nameless raised his hand , and a dark barrier appeared around us .
It was thick and alive , rippling with bad energy that seemed to emanate from him .
Chapter 178 3/7 The air of the cell felt weird and heavy , filled with something I couldnt figure out .
This cell , the Nameless said , his voice a quiet threat , is designed to strip away all pretenses .
It will increase your emotions , your weaknesses , and your fears .
Lets see what breaks first : your spirit or your mind .
He stepped back , his form dissolving into the darkness with a final , cuttingugh .
Enjoy your time together .
It may be yourst .
The oppressive silence that followed was almost worse than his voice .
Dane stood first , breathing fast as he stumbled to his feet .
The faint glow of his wolfs power flickered in his eyes but it was tempered by exhaustion and something deeper , something broken .
I stayed on the ground a little longer , trying to find my strength .
The barrier around us felt alive with energy , and the air was hot against my skin .
Aurora , Dane said , his voice tense but soft .
Get up .
I stared at him , feeling the heaviness of everything that just happened .
I dont need you telling me what to do , I said Chapter 178 sharply .
4/7 Danes jaw clenched , and he stepped closer .
This isnt the time to fight .
We need to find a way to escape .
Do you have a good n ? I replied , getting up .
My heart was beating fast and my feelings were a mix of fear , anger , and something like despair .
Because thest one didnt work .
His eyes widened , the gold in them shining and fierce .
I was trying to keep you safe .
Protect me ? I barked out augh , the sound bitter even to my ears .
Dane , youve been working with the Nameless for years ! Instead of being caring , you are ordering me to stand up .
Do you even have any idea how many people have suffered because of you ? He flinched , my sharp words hurting his anger .
You think I dont know that ? he said in a low , rough voice .
Every single day , I feel the weight of what Ive done .
But everything , everything , I did was to stop him from hurting you and the children .
Thinking about our children made me feel angry , but I also felt feelings .
Do you think that makes it better ? I asked , my voice shaking .
Do you think that excuses everything ? No , he said , his gaze locking onto mine .
But I didnt have a choice , Aurora .
He would have killed you .
He would have taken them .
The tension between us crackled like the air in a thunderstorm , the magic of the cell increasing every word , every emotion .
My heart pounded in my chest , my breathing in short , sharp gasps .
You should have fought harder , I said , my voice breaking .
His eyes softened and for the first time , I saw the depth of his pain .
I did , he said simply .
The silence that followed was heavy , the weight of everything unsaid hanging between us .
I turned away , my hands trembling as I pressed them against the barrier .
The darkness pulsed beneath my fingers , alive and unyielding .
Im so tired of fighting , I whispered .
Dane was behind me in an instant , his presence a steady warmth Chapter 178 against my back .
So am I , he said , his voice low and rough .
I closed my eyes , and his warmth , the heat from his body , made me feel steady like I hadnt in years .
Looking at him , I was calmed by the expression in his eyes .
It wasnt anger or guilt or even sadness .
It was something different , something strong and true .
Before I could think , before I could speak , his hands were on my arms , pulling me closer .
The world around us melted away as his lips met mine , the kiss deep and different , a sh of all the feelings we had been keeping inside .
I gasped against his mouth , my hands holding onto his shirt as the heat between us grew .
He held me tighter , his fingers digging into my skin like he was scared to let go , he caressed me and God have I missed his touch .
My boobs came in contact with his chest as I caressed his abs and now it felt like the world was silent as all that mattered was him in my front .
We both breathed heavily , our foreheads touching .
Then boom we heard a scary noise and I quickly grabbed his arm .
Chapter 178 7/7 Ill protect youe what may , Dane whispered , his voice full of feelings .