Chapter 181 AURORA The Namelesss deadline weighed on me like a heavy load crushing my chest .
Sunrise was hours away , but it felt as though the light would nevere .
My thoughts raced , each one more hopeless than thest .
Trajan and Evander were in unimaginable danger and Danc .
Dane looked as defeated as Id ever seen him .
I sat opposite him in the dark cell , my knees to my chest .
I could not bear the silence any longer .
Dane , I whispered , leaning forward .
My voice cracked but I didnt care .
We have to do something .
His head lifted slightly , his jaw tight as he stared at me .
You think I dont know that ? he muttered , frustration etched into every line of his face .
Then help me think ! I snapped , the words sharper than I intended .
I immediately softened .
Please , Dane .
Youre the only one whos ever outsmarted him .
You have toe up with something .
Dane exhaled heavily , pressing the heels of his hands to his face .
Aurora , Ive been trying , he said in a low , hoarse voice .
But every time I think Ive found a crack in his ns , it closes .
Its like hes always three steps ahead .
2/5 Chapter 181 His words sent a shiver down my spine .
The Nameless wasnt just powerful , he was calcting , always waiting for us to make a mistake .
I inched closer to Dane , desperate to reach him .
Then we have to find a way to surprise him .
There has to be something he doesnt expect .
Something he hasnt nned for .
Dane looked at me , his eyes heavy with sorrow .
He didnt expect me to rebel , he said bitterly .
And look where that got us .
Im chained , Trajan and Evander are his pawns , and youre stuck here because of me .
I swallowed and said , Stop it , Dont you dare go and me yourself .
None of this is your fault .
Danes gaze suddenly locked onto mine , gentling .
Aurora , he whispered roughly , his voice breaking close .
I dont know if I can protect you from this .
Tears welled up in my eyes but I fought them back .
Then dont think about protecting me , I said .
Think about surviving this .
Together .
His hands tightened around mine , his grip steadying me even as doubt threatened to consume us both .
Ill do whatever it takes , he said finally .
But you cant give in to him , Aurora .
No matter what he says .
No matter what he does to me or anyone else .
Chapter 181 3/5 I nodded , though the promise felt like a thread tightening around my neck .
I wont , I whispered , even as fear wed at the edges of my resolve .
Time stretched to eternity .
I sat silent , trying to hold on to the fragile hope Danes words had given me , yet with every minute that passed the increase of the magical energy inside the cell chewed away at my defenses .
Every thought seemed magnified ; every doubt amplified .
I couldnt shake the feeling that Trajan and Evander were bound and suffering because of me .
The cell door creaked open and I scrambled to my feet , my heart pounding .
The Nameless stepped inside, his shadowy form towering over me .
His golden eyes gleamed with malice as his lips curled into a mocking smile .
I clenched my fists and made myself meet his gaze .
You wont break us , I said , though my voice shook .
Nameless let out a cold , hollowugh , and chills ran down my spine .
Oh , Aurora , he said , taking another step closer to me .
Youre already broken .
You just dont realize it yet .
He turned to Dane then , his face darkening .
And you , he sneered .
The great betrayer .
How does it feel , knowing youve failed at every turn ? Knowing your rebellion was nothing more than a pathetic gamble ? Dane red at him , his jaw tight .
You havent won yet , he said through gritted teeth .
Chapter 181 4/5 The Nameless smirked , his eyes glinting with cruel amusement .
Havent I ? He waved his hand , and the air around us began to increase .
An image appeared a vision of Trajan and Evander bound in chains , screaming in pain .
Their faces contorted in twisted agony as shadowy monsters wrapped around them , seeping into their very being .
No ! I cried , my hands flying to the image as if somehow I could reach them .
Not surprisingly , the Nameless chuckled , a low rumble that caused my bones to quiver .
Theyre quite resilient , he said .
But even the strongest Werewolves break eventually .
And when they do .
He trailed off , his smile broadening further .
I finally turned to him , my chest heaving with anger and desperation .
What do you want from me ? I demanded .
The Nameless stepped closer , his golden eyes locking outo mine Ive already told you , he said , his tone almost gentle .
Mar Holden , and they are free .
Refuse , and their suffering will be endless .
My breath hitched as the weight of his words sank in .
Youre a monster , I whispered .
He leaned in closer , his dark silhouette loomin Chapter 181 5/5 god , he whispered , and you , Aurora , are nothing but a pawn in my game .
Tears spilled down my cheeks as I turned away , my mind racing .
I couldnt let him win .
I couldnt let him destroy the people I cared about .
But what choice did I have ? The Nameless straightened , a cold , mirthless smile twisting his face .
Once again , You have until sunrise , he said , his voice booming in the tiny cell .
Choose wisely .
With that , he turned and left , the door to the cell mming shut behind him .
I sank to the floor , my head in my hands as sobs wracked my body .
Dane knelt beside me , his hand resting on my shoulder .
We will find a way , you dont have to marry him , he said , his tone steady though despair danced in his eyes .
I promise .
But as the hours ticked by , the weight of this decision finally crushed me .
The ultimatum of the Nameless beat over me like some terrible dark cloud , until I could see no clear way out .
And when the first rays of sunlight crept into the cell , I realized the time to make a choice was over .