Chapter 12

Into the Abyss

The night was a shroud of shadows as Aria fled the keep, Rollan bundled tightly against her chest. The drizzle had turned to mist, cloaking the woods in an eerie haze that muffled her footsteps. Rosalie’s words echoed in her mind—"Take Rollan and run", but each step away from Caden felt like a betrayal, even if it was to protect their son. The safehouse beyond the eastern ridge was her only hope, a sanctuary Rosalie swore would shield them from Victor’s reach. But the traitor’s existence gnawed at her, a poison seeping into her resolve. Someone close to Caden was feeding Victor secrets, and Aria couldn’t shake the fear that her flight might play into their hands.

Rollan stirred, his tiny hand clutching her cloak, his amber eyes glinting in the dim light. The mark on his arm pulsed faintly, a reminder of the prophecy that made him both a miracle and a target. Aria pressed a kiss to his forehead, whispering, “I’ll keep you safe, no matter what.”

The woods were alive with danger—snapping twigs, distant howls, the rustle of leaves that could hide a rogue’s ambush. Aria’s heart raced as she navigated the overgrown path, her senses heightened by fear. Rosalie had promised the safehouse was warded, hidden by ancient spells, but Victor’s cunning had already breached the cottage’s defenses. Could she truly outrun him?

A branch cracked behind her, sharp and deliberate. Aria froze, her breath catching as she turned, scanning the darkness. “Who’s there?” she called, her voice steadier than she felt.

Silence answered, but the air grew heavier, charged with a predator’s presence. She tightened her grip on Rollan and backed away, her eyes darting for an escape. Then, a figure emerged from the mist—tall, scarred, and achingly familiar.

“Kael,” Aria breathed, relief warring with suspicion. “What are you doing here?”

His face was grim, his bandaged arm still seeping blood. “I followed you,” he said, his voice low. “You can’t do this alone, Aria. Victor’s men are everywhere, and the traitor—Whoever they are, they’re watching your every move.”

She took a step back, her trust fraying. “How do I know it’s not you? You’ve been pushing me to tell Caden everything, but you’re his Beta. What if you’re the one feeding Victor information?”

Kael’s eyes flashed with hurt, but he didn’t flinch. “If I were the traitor, you’d already be dead. I’ve been protecting you, Aria. Risking everything. But you’re right to question me. You should question everyone.”

Her throat tightened. “Then why are you here?”

“Because I care about you,” he said, his voice raw. “And because Rollan’s innocent. I won’t let Victor use him or you.”

Aria’s heart twisted, caught between gratitude and doubt. Kael’s loyalty to Caden was unshakable, but his feelings for her complicated everything. “I’m going to the safehouse,” she said finally. “Rosalie told me about it. If you’re really on my side, help me get there.”

Kael nodded, his jaw tight. “Lead the way. But we need to move fast.”

They pressed deeper into the woods, the mist thickening around them. The safehouse was a small stone structure nestled against the eastern ridge, its entrance hidden by a curtain of ivy. Rosalie’s wards shimmered faintly, a ripple of magic that made Aria’s skin tingle. She slipped inside, Kael following, and sealed the entrance behind them.

The interior was sparse, a single room with a cot, a hearth, and shelves of herbs and supplies. Aria laid Rollan on the cot, checking his mark. It glowed brighter now, almost pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat. Her stomach churned. “What’s happening to him?” she whispered.

Kael knelt beside her, his expression grave. “The mark’s reacting. Victor’s close—his magic, his intent. It’s like the prophecy’s waking up.”

Before Aria could respond, a low, mocking laugh echoed outside. Her blood ran cold. Victor. Kael drew his blade, positioning himself between the entrance and Aria. “Stay with Rollan,” he whispered. “Whatever happens, don’t come out.”

But as Kael stepped toward the door, a figure crashed through the ivy—a rogue, his eyes wild with bloodlust. Kael met him head-on, their blades clashing in a blur of steel. Aria scooped Rollan into her arms, backing toward the far wall as more rogues poured in, their snarls filling the small space.

“Give us the boy!” one growled, his claws extended.

Aria’s heart pounded, but she stood her ground, Rollan’s warmth fueling her courage. “You’ll have to kill me first.”

Kael fought fiercely, but he was outnumbered, his wounded arm slowing him. A rogue’s claw raked across his chest, and he stumbled, blood soaking his shirt. “Aria, run!” he shouted, desperation in his voice.

She hesitated, torn between protecting Rollan and helping Kael. But before she could act, a new figure burst into the safehouse—Caden, his face a mask of fury, his blade dripping with rogue blood. He cut through the attackers with lethal precision, his eyes locking onto Aria and Rollan.

“Get behind me!” he roared.

Aria obeyed, clutching Rollan as Caden and Kael fought side by side, driving the rogues back. The air crackled with violence, but Caden’s presence was a storm, unyielding even without his wolf. When the last rogue fell, the safehouse fell silent, save for Kael’s ragged breathing and Rollan’s soft whimpers.

Caden turned to Aria, his chest heaving. “Is he safe?”

She nodded, tears streaming down her face. “Yes. Thank you.”

His gaze softened, but only for a moment. “This isn’t over. Victor’s still out there, and the traitor’s still in my keep. We’re going back together.”

Aria looked at Kael, slumped against the wall, his face pale. “What about him?”

Caden’s eyes narrowed, but he nodded. “He comes too. But if I find out he’s the traitor, he’s dead.”

As they prepared to return to the keep, Aria’s heart raced. Victor was closer than ever, and the traitor’s shadow loomed large. With Rollan in her arms and Caden’s fragile trust at her side, she knew the fight for her son’s life—and her love—was only beginning.