Chapter 188 DANE The chains creaked , the runes shing , brightly as I pulled against them with everyst shred of strength I possessed .


    Auroras faint cries echoed in my head , pushing me on .


    The bond between us glowed with pain and fear but there was something else there , beneath it all , stronger .


    Determination , Hang in there , Aurora , I said with clenched teeth .


    The power Id sucked from the engagement bond moved through me , wild and vtile .


    I had no idea how much longer I could hold it in but I did know I needed to try .


    My fingers dug into the glowing links , the runes moving against my skin .


    Come on , I growled , the strain tearing at my muscles .


    The chain snapped on one final surge , the runes light dying out like a candle .


    I buckled in my knees , but caught myself , the signs of adrenaline and ultimate power coursing through me .


    Dane ! Auroras voice came weak , but alive .


    I turned to see her slumped against the wall , her wrists bound in glowing cuffs .


    Chapter 188 217 Trajan and Evandery not too far off , their breathing shallow Their bodies bearing the ursed runes of the Nameless .


    Dont move , I said , my voice firm .


    Auroras eyes went wide as I drew closer to her .


    Dane , what are you doing ? Youll hurt yourself ! Ive got this , I assured her , though my hands were shaking like leaves as I reached for the cuffs .


    The instant my fingers came into contact with them , a surge of dark energy coursed through me , sending me stumbling .


    But I didnt let go .


    I reached out and grasped the bond between us , that flicker of hope which refused to die .


    The cuffs cracked and then shattered , falling off her wrists .


    She slumped against me and I grabbed her close against the warmth of me .


    Are you okay ? I whispered .


    She nodded weakly .


    We need to get Trajan and Evander out of here .


    I turned to them , their faces pale , their breathingbored .


    The marks on their bodies pulsed in time with the runes on the walls , feeding off their strength .


    Stay with Aurora , I told her , setting her gently against the 3/7 Chapter 188 wall .


    She tried to protest but I silenced her with a look .


    Trust me .


    I knelt beside Trajan andid my hand atop one of the marks .


    The energy was cold and relentless , leaching his strength on every pulse .


    Trajan , I said , my voice low .


    Im going to break this , but you need to fight with me .


    His eyes fluttered open , pain etched upon his features .


    Do it , he rasped .


    I focused again , drawing on that same power which had broken my chains .


    It resisted immediately the mark red bright but I pushed back against it , cing everything into it .


    The mark dimmed and then was gone , leaving Trajan gasping for air .


    Evander next , I said , moving swiftly .


    It was the same process , the same struggle and when the mark finally faded from Evanders body , he groaned and sat up , his hand mped on my shoulder .


    We need to move , I said , pulling him to his feet .


    Aurora was on her feet already , though a little unsteady .


    What about Piper ? she asked urgently .


    4/7 Chapter 188 My heart clenched , for Id felt her through the bond a faint flickering presence that rapidly faded .


    I had the feeling she was here but dont worry well find her , I promised .


    As we worked our way deeper through the twisting corridors , the sounds of distant footsteps reached us , growing louder with each second that passed .


    The Namelesss forces were closing in .


    Then I heard her : Pipers scream tore through the air , raw and desperate .


    This way ! I yelled , directing the group in the direction of the noise .


    We burst into a darkened chamber where Piper was about to be chained against a stone pir , almost fainting but alive .


    Holden stood before her ; his eyes were wild with rage .


    Here you are ? he growled ; his gaze snapped to us .


    I didnt waste any time .


    The energy I had gatheredunched forward in a big wave , hitting Holden and sending him stumbling backward .


    He shouted , fighting against it , but it was enough to drain him .


    Get her out of here ! I yelled to Aurora , who rushed forward with Trajan and Evander .


    Chapter 188 5/7 As they freed Piper , Holdens gaze locked onto me , twisting with fury .


    Youll regret this he spat ,unching himself at me .


    I met him head on , our bodies colliding in a brutal sh of power .


    The shadows around himshed out , but I fought back , using every ounce of strength to keep him at bay .


    Behind me , I heard Auroras voice .


    We have her ! Dane , lets go ! With ast burst of energy , I pushed Holden back and won myself some precious seconds .


    Go ! I yelled , whirled , and ran towards them .


    We ran down the corridors as the angry yelling of Holden vibrated from behind .


    We could see the exit but so could the forces of the Nameless .


    We are not going to make it ! Trajan painted .


    We will , I said resolutely , even as the doubt in my mind still chewed at me .


    We were just reaching the edge of the forest when suddenly Warrick appeared , crawling with panic and fear on his face .


    Warrick , Aurora spat .


    Chapter 188 Im on your side ! he shouted desperately , but none of us stopped to hear him out .


    6/7 As the Namelesss creatures closed in , Warrick wheeled to face them , his de shing in the dim light .


    Go ! Ill hold them off ! I hesitated for a moment , but Aurora grabbed my arm .


    Dane , we cant stay ! Reluctantly .


    I turned and ran with the others , Warricks shouts fading into the distance .


    We didnt stop until the safety of Broken Ridge wrapped around us .


    Piper dropped to the ground , breathing weirdly and Aurora turned to her , eyes aze .


    Exin , she said .


    Piper looked up ; her face was an odd tapestry , mixed , of guilt and anger .


    I dont understand him honestly , hes just betrayed me I didnt trust him .


    I never did .


    But well he saved us , didnt he ? Auroras gaze softened slightly , but her voice remained firm .


    Warrick betrayed us , Piper .


    And now hes paying the price .


    Pipers hands clenched into fists , her voice trembling with fury .


    He was a liar , but he didnt deserve this .


    Ill make the Nameless 7/7 Chapter 188 pay for everything .


    Trajan and Evander sat nearby, their faces pale , the marks on their bodies faint but still visible .


    Its not over , Trajan said , his voice low .


    Those marks … theyre still there .


    Still connected to him .


    Evander nodded grimly .


    Hes not done with us yet , how can we get this marks out The pack closed in , faces carved by frowns and doubts .


    A rumble of discontent passed its way through the group , all trust in Aurora now shaken .


    Shes too reckless , someone whispered .


    We cant keep following her blindly , another added .


    I think its time for us to make a major decision .