Chapter 4: Running for Her Life

Amara’s POV

I pressed myself against my cell's chilly stone wall and held my breath. Even though my heart was racing, I made myself remain composed. I needed to leave. Before Viktor ruined me entirely, I had to get out.

There was a loud yawn from the guard outside my cell. He was becoming reckless. Excellent. For me, that would simplify things. I clenched the little pin I had stolen earlier, looking down at it. I knew how the mechanism operated because I had seen them lock and open the door enough times.

I carefully twisted the pin into the lock. Even though my hands were shaking, I couldn't afford to fail. Click. I paused when the door cracked open one inch. The guard remained still. I barely managed to get through by pushing it open. I walked slowly in the direction of the exit, listening for any alarm.

The chilly night air pricked my flesh as I arrived at the outer gate. I took off running. My breath came out in quick spurts as I ran into the darkness, my legs burning. I knew I had just a few minutes before they realized I was gone as soon as my feet struck the thick woodland floor.

“Seek her out!”

Behind me, the cry echoed. I continued.

As I pushed through the dense foliage, branches scratched my arms. Despite my body's protesting screams, I pushed through. They were approaching, and I could hear them crashing through the jungle.

I had to vanish.

I pushed myself into the shadows and crouched behind a downed tree. I bit my lip to refrain from letting out a sound as my chest heaved.

"Spread out! She couldn't have traveled very far!

I willed myself to become invisible and closed my eyes. The footsteps shifted away, but I wasn't sure if it was due to my wolf's increasing strength or just good fortune. My heart pounded in my ears, but I refrained from moving until the noises had subsided entirely.

I had freedom. However, I wasn't yet secure.

Darius clenched his hands and paced his room. His inner beast was roaring restlessly. There was a problem. A persistent aching that would not go away was palpable in his chest.

"Amara," he whispered to himself.

Days had passed since she was abducted, and now he felt nothing but emptiness. Something held them together despite the faint rejection bond. And it was yanking at him more forcefully now.

He hurried in one of his men. "We have news, Alpha. Amara got away.

Darius tightened all over. "What?"

They are after her even though she managed to escape Viktor's area. She is by herself in the bush.

His heart tightened. By themselves. Chased. Inside of him, his wolf screamed for him to do something. He had been wrong. Instead of protecting her, he had let her go. And now he was putting her in danger.

He picked up his coat and made his way to the door. "Get my best trackers ready. We're heading out now.

How long I had been jogging was unknown to me. I was so tired that I could hardly move my legs. I had to halt. Only for a second.

Then I noticed it. A tiny wooden home tucked away in the forest. From the chimney, smoke curled. It was inhabited. I paused. Was it secure? Were I left with an option?

I walked slowly over to the door and knocked.

An elderly woman with silver hair and sharp eyes appeared in front of me as the door cracked open. A knowing smile formed on her lips as her eyes ran over me.

She said, "Come in, kid." "You appear to have been through a lot."

After a moment of hesitation, I entered. I felt warmth immediately envelop me. The air was heavy with the smell of plants and something new.

"Who are you?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

The woman laughed. "My name is Morgana. And you—you have something unique, don't you?

I reached for my stomach. My trade secret. How was she aware?

Her gaze grew gloomy. Amara, I can assist you. But there is a cost to everything.

My whole body froze. "What is the price?"

Her voice was gentle but menacing as she approached. "Your child has strength. Too strong. I can give you the strength to defend yourself if you give it up.

A shiver went through my body. "Release my child?"

Morgana's head cocked. "Dear, you can't run forever. You will eventually require power to survive.

I shook my head, though my hands were shaking. "No. I refuse to do it.

Her face grew icy. "You will suffer as a result."

I froze as I heard a strong knock on the door.

Morgana turned to face the door with an expression that remained unchanged. "They've located you."

My heart was racing. No. Not right now.

"You must go," she stated coolly.

I took a step back. "But"

"Child, there's no time!" She spoke sharply. "Go!"

The door burst. As he entered, a man wearing Viktor's uniform fixed me with his gaze. With my body yelling in protest, I turned on my heel and ran out the back door.

Around me, the woodland became hazy. I exerted more effort, making my legs continue to move. Behind me, shouts resounded. They were close behind me.

My vision was swimming when I stumbled. I felt my body shutting down. I had run too far and pushed too hard. My strength fled me, and I gasped for air.

With my hands clutching my tummy for protection, I fell to the ground. My darling. I have to protect my child.

I heard footsteps approaching immediately before I passed out as darkness surrounded me.

A voice. In-depth. Known.

"Amara."

Then everything turned dark.

Who had discovered me? The men of Viktor? Darius? Or worse?