04

POV: DYLAN 

The revelation ignites an inferno of fury within me, my teeth clenched tightly, and a ferocious snarl escaping from deep within my chest. 

"Where is she?" I demand, my voice a thunderous growl, my eyes narrowing with unwavering determination. 

His trembling voice tremors as he responds, "I... I don't know, sir." The fear that emanates from him is palpable, and I can sense his genuine lack of knowledge regarding Daliah's whereabouts. 

My frustration reaches its boiling point, and with a final surge of anger, I release my grip on him. He crumples to the ground, his body shuddering with both pain and terror. The answers I seek elude me, and my mind races, contemplating the next course of action. 

"Find her," I command, my voice icy and authoritative. "Search every corner of this territory until you locate her. And bring her back to me unharmed. Failure is not an option." 

With a mixture of fear and determination, the guard nods, his understanding of the urgency and consequences of his task evident.

As he scurries away, I am left with a simmering wrath, fueling my resolve to reunite with my mate, to shelter her from harm, and to exact vengeance upon those responsible for her suffering. 

POV: LIAM 

Feeling refreshed after my morning routine, I make my way to Dylan's office, brimming with determination for the day that lies ahead. 

Without bothering to knock, I stride confidently into the room, my presence commanding the attention of all those present. 

Dylan, seated in his chair, is flanked by the former Alpha and Luna, accompanied by two other men who also rise to their feet, offering respectful bows in acknowledgment of my arrival. 

Maintaining a veneer of civility, we exchange cordial greetings as I take my seat in a chair strategically positioned to face the new Alpha. 

The atmosphere in the room crackles with an undercurrent of tension, the weight of unspoken issues lingering between us. It is in this charged space that we now find ourselves, ready to address the challenges and decisions that lie before us. As I settle into my seat, my gaze locks onto the new Alpha, a steely determination evident in my eyes. It is clear that this meeting holds significant importance, and I brace myself for the discussions and negotiations that will shape the future of our pack. "I found my mate among your pack," I assert, my voice filled with a mix of determination and accusation. 

The expressions on their faces betray their prior knowledge, an uneasy tension hanging in the air. 

Dylan's brows furrow, a flicker of interest crossing his features, while the others attempt to mask their reactions with forced cheers, their caution evident in their strained demeanor. 

"She was locked away in the dungeons, subjected to the unspeakable actions of your guards," I state with a seething disgust. 

Dylan's fury mirrors my own as I continue to recount the grim details, holding nothing back. 

The room grows heavy with an electric silence as my words hang in the air, each syllable etching deeper into the consciousness of those present. The weight of the injustice inflicted upon my mate fuels the fire within me, demanding justice and retribution. 

"I will kill them," Dylan declares, his voice filled with an unyielding determination. A sardonic smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I respond, "Already have." The satisfaction in my voice is palpable, a testament to the swift and ruthless justice I had enacted. 

Seeking answers, I lock my gaze on Dylan, my eyes penetrating his restless and uncomfortable demeanor. I can sense his involvement, and I demand the truth. "What happened? Why did they arrest her?" 

His eyes dart nervously, attempting to evade my piercing scrutiny. A fleeting moment of hesitation passes before he takes a deep breath, gathering himself to respond. "Don't make a fool of yourself; it's already starting to piss me off," I retort, my patience wearing thin. I refuse to entertain his facade.

His expression shifts, shortly offended, but he wisely chooses not to challenge me further. Instead, he takes another deep breath, visibly collecting his thoughts, and places his arms on the table, looking up at me. 

It is a silent acknowledgment that he can no longer hide behind lies and half-truths and that the time for transparency and accountability has arrived. 

Dylan's words hang in the air, their weight sinking deep into my consciousness. Silently, I repeat the name "Daliah" to myself, each syllable leaving an indelible mark within my mind. The sound of it resonates with a profound beauty, a melody that aligns perfectly with the essence of the girl who has not only captured my attention but has also stolen my heart. 

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips as I envision her, her name now carrying an even deeper meaning. 

Saga's voice echoes within me, concurring with my thoughts. "It suits her," he affirms, an agreement that further solidifies the connection between the name and the extraordinary girl it represents. 

But as Dylan continues, his words take an unexpected turn, shattering the tranquility of the moment. 

"There has been a mistake. Daliah is not her mate; she is mine," he asserts, attempting to claim ownership over what is rightfully mine. 

In an instant, rage surges through me, a feral growl escaping my lips. With lightning speed, I rise from my seat, crossing the distance between us in a heartbeat. My hand closes tightly around his throat, lifting him off his feet, and denying him the very air he breathes. His face begins to turn a shade of purple, but I show no mercy. How dare he lay claim to what belongs to me, to my mate? 

The former Alpha and Luna, sensing the dangerous storm brewing within me, plead with me to release him, their voices laced with urgency. But their pleas fall on deaf ears as my focus remains fixed solely on Dylan. 

I refuse to relinquish my grip, my unwavering resolve driven by a primal need to protect what is mine. 

"Daliah is my mate, and I will protect her with my life," I state with controlled intensity, casting aside the useless Alpha who gasps for air as he crumbles to the ground. His parents rush to his aid, but he pushes them away, consumed by his futile defiance. Alpha Dylan, attempting to assert his claim, interjects, "With all due respect, my King, she was mine first." 

I fix him with an unwavering gaze, my voice laced with a mix of authority and incredulity. "If the Moon Goddess has bestowed her upon me, it can only mean that you have rejected her, Alpha Dylan. This is further evidenced by the abhorrent circumstances in which I found her. Is it your custom to lock your mate in dungeons?" 

The weight of my words hangs heavily in the air, challenging Dylan to confront the truth of his actions and the consequences they have wrought.