All Chapters of THE SLAVE THAT STOLE THE ALPHA'S HEART.: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

Selena's POVThe stronghold loomed ahead.Dark. Silent. Waiting.I stood at the edge of the forest. Ian was behind me. Raven was beside me. Warriors were hidden in the shadows.I had promised to come alone.But I was done following rules."Remember," Ian whispered. "We'll be close. If anything goes wrong—""I know."He pulled me close. Pressed his forehead to mine."Don't die.""Same to you."I walked toward the stronghold. My heart pounded. My hands were shaking.But I kept moving.Razor's Voice"Selena, you're scared.""Yes.""Of dying?""Of Hope dying.""She's not going to die. You're going to save her.""How do you know?""Because you're her mother. And mothers don't give up."---The gates were open.I stepped inside. The courtyard was empty. Silent.The main hall was lit. Candles flickered against the walls.And in the center, a single figure stood."Selena," Kael said. "I was wondering when you'd come."I gripped my blade."Where is she?""Safe. For now.""I want to see her.""

Selena's POVThe mountains stretched before us.Elara led the way. Her steps were sure. Her eyes never stopped scanning the treeline.I followed close behind. My heart pounded. My hands shook.She's alive.My mother was alive."Selena," Raven said from beside me. "Are you okay?""I don't know.""That's okay."I looked at her. "I've been without her for so long. What if she doesn't want to see me?""She's your mother. Of course she wants to see you.""But what if—""Stop." Raven grabbed my arm. "You're going to drive yourself crazy. Just wait. You'll see her soon."I took a breath. "Okay."---Razor's Voice"Selena, you're shaking.""I know.""Because you're scared.""Terrified.""Of your mother?""Of what she'll think of me. Of who I've become.""She'll love you. She always has.""But what if she doesn't? What if she's disappointed?""Impossible. You're her daughter. That's all that matters."The path wound higher.The air grew thin. The trees grew sparse. The world opened up before u

Selena's POVThe sun rose over Silvermoon.Golden light spilled across the courtyard. The bodies were gone. The blood was washed away. The stronghold was silent.I stood at the gate, watching the dawn. Hope was in my arms. My mother was beside me. Ian was behind me.We had survived."It's over," my mother said."Is it?"She took my hand. "Yes, Selena. It's over. The Order is broken. The prophecy is fulfilled. You can rest now."I looked at her. Her face was tired. But her eyes were bright."I don't know how to rest," I said."Then let me teach you."She pulled me into a hug."I've waited so long for this," she whispered. "To hold you. To see you. To be with you.""I've waited too.""Then let's not waste another moment."---Razor's Voice"Selena, you're crying.""I know.""Happy tears?""Yes.""Good."I pressed my face against my mother's shoulder."I can't believe you're really here," I said."I'm here. I'm not going anywhere.""Promise?""Promise."---The pack gathered in the great

Selena's POVThe name echoed in my skull.Cassius.I pushed Draven into my mother's arms. Grabbed my blade. Ran toward the gate.Ian was beside me. His face was hard."How is this possible?" I asked."I don't know. But we're about to find out."We reached the wall. Looked down.Thousands of warriors. Black armor. Sharp blades. And at the front—Cassius.He was alive.He smiled up at me."Scarlet," he called. "Did you miss me?"I gripped the wall. "You're supposed to be dead.""I was. For a while. But death didn't suit me.""How did you survive?"He laughed. "You really want to know?""I want to know how to kill you properly this time."He stepped forward. His eyes burned with hatred."You can't kill me, Scarlet. I'm immortal now."---Razor's Voice"Selena, he's lying.""I know.""He's not immortal.""I know.""Then why is he still alive?"I looked at Cassius. At his army. At the threat."Because someone saved him. Someone powerful.""Who?""Someone who wants to destroy us."---Cassiu

Selena's POVThe words tasted like ash in my mouth.I surrender.Cassius smiled. His eyes were cold. Triumphant."Finally," he said. "The great Selena Wrath. Brought to her knees."I gripped my blade. Every muscle in my body screamed to attack.But Hope was in that tower. Draven was in that tower.I couldn't risk them."Let Hope go," I said. "She's just a child.""She's the chosen one. She's everything.""She's my daughter.""And now she's mine."I stepped forward. "If you touch her—""You'll what? Kill me?" He laughed. "You already tried that. Twice.""I'll find a way. I always do."He stepped closer. His face was inches from mine."Not this time, Scarlet. This time, you lose."---Razor's Voice"Selena, don't do this.""I have to.""There's another way.""There's not. Not fast enough.""Then let me take over.""No.""Why not?""Because if you take over, I lose control. And if I lose control—""Hope dies.""Yes."Razor was silent."Then we play his game," she said. "For now.""For no