Chapter 185 DANE The runes on my chains glowed with an unrelenting glow , their rhythm steady as a heartbeat .
The Nameless had left me to the dark silence of the fortress but his words didnt leave me , his taunt biting into my thoughts like shattered ss .
I leaned back against the cold stone wall , closing my eyes .
The bond to Aurora glowed faintly , a fragile thread between us , but there was something else now , something darker .
It was like a nail beneath my skin ,ing from her .
The engagement bond .
Id felt it the moment Holden slid that ursed ring onto her finger .
It wasnt just symbolic ; it was alive , and it was feeding off her emotions … but I didnt know what had happened till Aurora told me .
Damn it , Aurora , I muttered under my breath , my fingers tightening on the chains .
But even as I hated it , I could feel a thin vein of opportunity in that connection .
2/7 Chapter 185 It wasnt one sided .
The bond was fragile , but given the right Focus I might be able to siphon some of the power that flowed through it .
Perhaps even disrupt it .
I closed my eyes again , dragging up every ounce of concentration I could find .
The oppressive ckness of theyer crushed in around me and the dull sign of the engagement bond glowed in time with the runes on my chains .
Aurora , I thought , reaching for her down our bond .
Hang in there .
Im here with you .
Her presence trembled but was present .
Dane ? Her voice was a whisper , cautious .
Im going to try something , I said , keeping my voice even .
That bond Holden forced on you , I think I can weaken it .
But you have to let me in .
There was a pause and I felt her emotions through the bond : fear , frustration , hope .
If you think it will help , do it , she said finally .
I took a deep breath , centering myself in the rhythm of the engagement bond .
It was like a living thing , coiling and uncoiling as it pulsed with dark energy .
Biting my lips , I imagined reaching into it , forcing 3/7 Chapter 185 my own power through the cracks .
It was like trying to swim against an ocean tide .
The bond resisted , thrashing andshing out at me with bursts of pain .
But I held on , shining my teeth as I pushed deeper .
Dane ! Auroras voice burst through , sharp with panic .
Whats happening ? The pain surged , and I almost let go , but then I felt it , a flicker of weakness .
The band stopped , just for a moment , its pulse shaking .
Im okay , I told her , though my body screamed in protest .
Its working .
I just need more time .
The faintest relief touched her side of the bond , but it was shaking .
Be careful , she whispered .
Please .
I didnt answer , channeling every strength of concentration into the bond .
It shook , the dark threads beginning to shake under my attack .
But then , just when I thought I was gaining ground , the runes on my chains red brightly , coursing through me like lightning .
I slumped back against the wall , hard , gasping for breath .
The engagement bond whipped back into being , stronger than before .
4/7 Chapter 185 Damn it , I growled , my fists clenching .
Before I could try again , the sound of footsteps echoed through the fortress .
They were scattered , apanied by heavy breathing .
I tensed , readying myself for another of the Namelesss tricks .
But then I saw them .
Trajan ? Evander ? My voice came out shocked , disbelieving .
They stumbled into the room , their movementsbored .
Dark markings up their arms and necks , pulsing with the same wicked energy as the runes on my chains .
Dane , Trajan rasped , his voice barely above a whisper .
He slumped heavily against the wall , his usual strength sapped .
What happened ? I shouted , straining at my chains .
How did you get free ? Evander slumped to the ground , his breathingbored .
We … we dont know , he said , his voice raw .
One moment , we were trapped .
Next , the bindings broke , and we were shoved out of their .
I frowned , my gaze narrowing on the marks .
They pulsed rhythmically , as if alive .
It wasnt mercy , I said grimly .
He let you go for a reason .
5/7 Chapter 185 Trajans jaw clenched , but he said nothing .
These marks , he aid , ncing down at his arm .
Theyre … draining us .
We can feel it .
My mind raced , I thought , the Nameless dont make mistakes .
Whatever he had done to them , it was on purpose .
The marks had been a backup n method of control , even from afar .
We need to get rid of them , I said , my voice firm .
Whatever it takes .
And how do you propose we do that ? Evander asked , his tone sharp despite his exhaustion .
I didnt have an answer .
My eyes flicked to the marks again , watching the way they pulsed in time with the runes on my chains .
Theyre connected I realised aloud .
What ? Trajan said , furrowing his brow .
The marks , the runes , I said , gesturing to my chains .
Theyre tied into the same source .
If we can break one , we might weaken the other .
Evander gave a bitterugh .
Easier said than done .
I know , I said .
But its a start .
The room was silent , the weight of our situation settling heavily 6/7 Chapter 185 on each one of us .
Trajan and Evander were losing their strength quickly and I was no closer to freeing myself , let alone Aurora .
But I couldnt give up .
Not now .
I focused my mind again on the bond , forcing aside the protests of aching muscles .
It was there , the connectiony constant , if faint .
Aurora , I thought , reaching out to her again .
Were going to find a way out of this .
I promise .
Her response was faint , but it was enough .
I trust you , she said .
I was still thinking of what to do next because it all seemed like I had a million decisions to make within such a little time and space .
Evander , I said .
Any idea please ? Im confused here , As he was about to speak , a sound came through the hallway .
Oh please , not now .