Semua Bab Fated and Forsaken: A Mate's Redemption : Bab 41 - Bab 49

Ryker turned to Eirlys. His brows were drawn together and without a waste of time, he said quietly but yet, firmly. “Stay back.” His tone wasn't harsh but it left no room for argument.“I need to catch up with Rowan and the others,” he added, already glancing in the direction they'd gone.Eirlys shook her head slowly. Her lips parted like she wanted to protest—but she could not find the right words. She stood there, her eyes locked with his. She didn't like it—his decision, wanting her to stay back—not one bit, but she knew better than to push him when he had that look in his eyes. A serious look, one that said his mind was made up and nothing would shift it.Ryker stepped closer, not blinking. “This is not a discussion, Eirlys. We talked about this before leaving the pack and we agreed. What I decide out here, sticks. You don't get to argue with that.”It wasn't cold with the way he said it, but there was another feeling behind the words. Enough to let her know he wasn't trying to

The heavy doors of the council hall slammed open with a loud thud, drawing every gaze in the room.But Celeste didn't care. Her heels echoed sharply against the polished floor as she strode inside, her brows draw tight and her eyes filled with storm that only she could explain. The elders were silent, murmur fading as they watched her move. At the head of the room stood her father, Micheal—Head of the Council, always in his composed state.He raised his hand calmly. “Give me a minute,” he said to the others.Without waiting for their response, he stepped down and met Celeste halfway, guiding her out through a side door into the quiet corridor beyond.“What is it?” he held her shoulder on either side.Celeste folded her arms, her nails seemed to be digging into her skin. “Still no word from Ryker. Not a message. Not even any news. It's been too long since they've been gone.”Micheal retracted his hands and studied her face for a beat, then gently placed again, a hand on her shoulder. “

Eirlys crouched down, her hands pressed tightly against the rough bark. Her heart pounded in her chest as she peeked from behind the trunk. The sounds of clashing bodies, growls and cries filled the air. Dust rose from the ground as the fight grew more intense.Ryker and Orion already charged at each other with full force. They crashed together in the center of the field like two storms colliding. Ryker struck first, slamming Orion to the ground. He climbed on top of him and threw a punch, then another and another. Though Orion tried to block, Ryker's hits were quick and hard.Eirlys gasped quietly, her eyes wide as she clutched the side of the tree tighter, her fingernails digging into the bark. Her breathing was shaky but she tried not to take her eyes off Ryker. Not for a second.Orion twisted his body and rolled, flipping Ryker off him. And for a moment, he had the upper hand. He struck Ryker hard across the face, pushing him back. But Ryker didn't stay down. He growled and surged

Eirlys felt like someone had struck her across the face. She tried to speak but her lips parted without any sound. Her throat felt tight… and her thoughts scrambled.“You mean, by his own half brother?” Her voice cracked.Rowan didn't respond. He didn't have to as his silence said everything.Eirlys stood slowly, her legs giving way to stiffness. She turned away from him and took a few steps toward the window, staring out at the trees beyond the walls.herhands gripped the side of the wooden frame as her mind turned over the truth again and again.How could Ryker—strong, fearless Ryker—fall into Orion's hands?Rowan leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on his knees and his hands clasped. His voice came out low—almost like he was speaking to himself more than to Eirlys.“Orion must be torturing him by now,” he muttered. “Piercing his skin… slow, deliberate… like he's waited for this moment his whole life.”Eirlys turned to look at him, her face looking tense. Rowan didn't meet he