Chapter 62
“We have to save her first!” Matteo exclaimed, his eyes filled with determination, after absorbing all the information shared by Rapha. His father, the king, was still ensconced in a meeting with his royal advisors, so Matteo swiftly initiated a mental link to relay their plan for rescuing Camilla. In hushed tones, he emphasized the utmost importance of maintaining absolute secrecy, offering a succinct explanation for the covert operation. The king, fully aware of the gravity of the situation, agreed to extend the meeting, granting them the precious time they needed, especially after learning that one of the advisors might be complicit in Camilla’s kidnapping.
Turning his attention to Alec, who was seething with anxiety, Matteo spoke with an air of composed authority. “Alec, I implore you to remain composed. While Camilla may be in grave danger, as long as you feel no pain through your bond, we can reasonably assume she’s unharmed. Our primary goal is to secure her safe return and to do that, we must execute this rescue operation with discretion. If, when we reach the cabin, you find yourself tempted to unleash your fury, please remember our shared objective and remain calm.”
Alec is the intended future gamma of the Midnight Pack, absorbing the weight of Matteo’s words, but the thought that his mate was in danger and that they were close to saving her made him agree to his prince. His love for Camilla was unwavering, and every fiber of his being longed to rush headlong into the fray. However, her safety was paramount, and he understood that his patience and self-control were essential for her well-being. “I comprehend the gravity of this situation, Matteo. My love for Camilla is immeasurable, and though my instincts scream for me to act, her safety is my highest priority. I know what needs to be done in times like this.”
Clay offered his steadfast support and pledged to intervene if Alec’s emotions got the better of him. “I shall remain at your side, Your Highness, and intervene if necessary.”
While Matteo yearned to shield Freya from harm, he knew that her indomitable spirit would never consent to being left behind. “My love, do take the utmost care of yourself,” he implored, his voice tender. Freya responded with a wry chuckle, her determination unwavering. “That goes without saying,” she replied with a mischievous grin, reflecting her unwavering determination and resilience.
Despite his confidence in Freya’s abilities, Matteo couldn’t shake his nagging worry that their adversaries might exploit this opportunity to seize her. Thus, his resolve was set-to keep her close and protect her at all costs.
When James confirmed their readiness, Matteo cast a final glance at their trusted warriors, silently signaling the commencement of their mission. A select group of these devoted warriors accompanied them as they embarked toward the outskirts of the palace, each step filled with measured determination to liberate Camilla.
As they neared the cabin, James and Rapha’s sharp eyes detected an obscure passage-a hidden route that would prove invaluable in their quest to locate Camilla. In the midst of their progress, Matteo alerted the group to the presence of rogues in the vicinity, deploying a mind-link to prompt an abrupt halt. Freya, her senses heightened, focused on discerning the number of rogues encircling them.
“Around the cabin, there are eight of them, and two are inside,” Freya relayed her findings through the mind link. Matteo conveyed the information to the rest of the team, who proceeded to position themselves discreetly, ready to engage the rogues stationed outside the cabin.
Recognizing the possibility that these rogues were Lycans themselves, Matteo cautioned his warriors against complacency. “We must remain vigilant,” he warned. His warriors responded in unison, pledging their unwavering dedication to the mission.
Rapha, whose experience and wisdom were invaluable, joined Matteo in preparing to confront the rogues. “Let us proceed,” he declared, and in perfect synchronization, the warriors emerged from their covert concealment to launch an unexpected attack on the rogue guards. As the battle unfolded, the truth dawned upon them-every single one of these rogues was a Lycan, and their scents were masterfully concealed.
Before Matteo could issue further instructions, Alec’s impetuousness led him to charge toward the cabin, with Clay and Freya hot on his heels. Matteo exhaled a heavy sigh, acutely aware of the impending danger. He had no choice but to follow suit, prioritizing the safety of his comrades.
Deep within the cabin, the rogues who had been guarding Camilla began to panic as the sounds of combat grew nearer. One of the rogues, feeling the weight of responsibility, instructed, “You stay here and watch her,” before making his exit.
Camilla remained still, her heart pounding with renewed hope upon hearing the echoes of battle. In the shadows of her imprisonment, she fervently prayed to the moon goddess for guidance and the swift arrival of Alec and the rescue team. Her deepest longing was to reunite with her mate, the love she yearned for above all else.
The remaining rogue seized upon the opportunity to taunt Camilla as he approached her. He cruelly grabbed her by the hair, causing her to cry out in pain as she instinctively struggled.
“Let me go!” Camilla vehemently demanded, pouring every ounce of her defiance into her voice as she fought back.
The rogue sneered in response, his arrogance more pronounced. “Do you truly believe I was oblivious to your wakefulness? I can hear the frantic rhythm of your heartbeats,” he retorted, revealing that he was merely a pawn, following orders from a more sinister figure. Now, he appeared eager to employ Camilla as a means to facilitate their escape.
Nevertheless, he maintained a vice-like grip on her hair as he moved toward the cabin’s exit. Camilla continued to cry out for help, her voice a beacon of hope, even in the depths of the
underground chamber. However, she knew all too well that they were concealed far from the prying ears of potential rescuers.
The rogue cast a furtive glance toward the stairwell before electing to traverse in the opposite direction. Their captors had devised a contingency escape route, unbeknownst to Camilla. Yet she harbored her own secret plan, methodically scraping her skin against the wall to leave behind traces for Alec and the impending rescue team. Gradually, her scent began to return, eluding the rogue’s detection. Camilla persisted in her vocal protests, her cries and shouts serving as a clever distraction to divert the rogue’s attention away from her subtle actions.
Beyond the cabin’s walls, the loyal warriors of the palace continued their relentless assault on the rogue Lycans, emerging victorious with the resilience and unity they embodied. Alec and the others ventured into the cabin, embarking on their perilous mission. Their initial encounter consisted of a lone rogue Lycan, prompting Alec to charge forward without hesitation. His implicit trust in his comrades reassured him that assistance would be swift if required. Clay assumed responsibility for subduing the rogue and ordered him to reveal Camilla’s whereabouts.
“I shall pursue him,” Freya declared, her resolve unshakable. Clay gave his concurrence, returning to the fierce battle outside. In due course, Matteo and Rapha joined the fray, with Matteo assuming command of the captured rogue.
Anxious and filled with dread, Matteo inquired about Alec and Freya’s whereabouts. “Where can Alec and Freya be found?” he queried, his voice tinged with concern.
“They proceeded in that direction to locate Camilla,” Clay reported, hastening to comply with the search effort.
Matteo and Rapha pressed forward, their senses keenly attuned to Camilla’s scent, which grew stronger with each passing moment. They were drawing closer to her and the unknown captor who held her fate in their hands.
Alec, driven by the urgency of the moment, raced ahead, his heart pounding with the hope of reuniting with Camilla. Relief washed over him as he sensed that she remained unharmed through their bond. Freya and Matteo maintained their unwavering proximity to Alec, a united front against the impending confrontation.
Suddenly, Freya underwent a startling transformation, shifting seamlessly into her wolf form. This change spurred Matteo to follow suit, understanding that Freya’s heightened instincts had detected an imminent threat. Freya bolted past Alec and lunged at a rogue Lycan, her powerful jaws clamping around his neck, compelling him to release his hold on Camilla’s hair.
With lightning speed, Matteo engaged another rogue, his movements fluid and deliberate. Alec, meanwhile, rushed to Camilla’s side, his eyes filled with an intense mixture of relief and love.
“Camilla, you’re safe now,” Alec whispered, tears of joy welling in his eyes as he took her in, searching for any signs of injury or distress.
Camilla’s tearful gaze met Alec’s, overwhelmed with gratitude and affection. “Of course, my love. I knew you’d come for me,” she replied, her voice trembling with emotion. She was unharmed, a testament to the strength of their bond and the determination of her rescuers.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.
Turning his attention to Matteo, who continued to contend with a rogue, Alec silently conveyed his gratitude. Matteo acknowledged the unspoken sentiment with a subtle nod, silently signaling to Alec that he could manage the situation, freeing Alec to focus entirely on Camilla.
Freya joined them, her wolfish grin mirroring the elation that enveloped them all. They were together again, safe and resolute in their commitment to thwart their adversaries and put an end to the harrowing ordeal that had brought them to this point.
Freya