Alpha's STOLEN Mate Chapter 82

Elowen

I tried to summon my lightning rift ability the moment I left Lysandra's cave, eager to return to the castle instantly. But the moment I reached for that familiar power, trying to set the castle as my destination, it sputtered and died like a candle in a windstorm.

*What the fuck?*

I tried again, concentrating harder, but the energy refused to coalesce. It was like trying to grasp smoke—every time I thought I had it, it slipped through my fingers.

*The castle. The magical interference is even stronger than before—and it's not just blocking anymore, it's actively suppressing my power when I try to reach there. The Elders are taking serious precautions against me now.*

Frustration burned hot in my chest, but there was no time to waste. I shifted into my wolf form and called upon the wind, letting it carry me swiftly across the landscape. My wind manipulation sent me racing through forests and over streams as the moon began its ascent into the darkening sky.

As I drew closer to Kaius's territory, something shifted inside me. The confusing tangle of emotions Lysandra's words had stirred—that unsettling awareness of Frost's feelings, the uncomfortable warmth in my chest—all of it began to fade. The bond with Kaius grew stronger with each mile, drowning out everything else.

I could feel him. Feel his pain radiating through our connection like waves of heat. The torture he'd endured since being taken to the dungeons hit me in pulses—sharp, aching, relentless.

My wolf whimpered, urging me faster. *He needs us.*

By the time I reached the castle, my emotions had crystallized into a single burning purpose. Save Kaius. Nothing else mattered.

I shifted back to human form, changed into fresh clothes, and uncorked Lysandra's potion, downing it in one gulp. The liquid was cool and slightly sweet, sliding down my throat like liquid moonlight. Within seconds, I felt a clarity settle over my mind—a shield forming against the oppressive magical interference.

*Now. Time to move.*

I immediately sought out Gamma Cross. I found him in the guard quarters, pacing like a caged animal, his weathered face etched with worry.

"Cross," I called out softly.

He spun toward me, his eyes widening with relief. "You're back!" He rushed over, practically vibrating with anxiety. "Thank the Moon Goddess! The King is in the dungeons—he's suffered such terrible injuries, and I wanted to send the medical staff down to treat him, but—" He slammed his fist against the wall in frustration. "The guards have all been replaced by the Elders' men! Even I can't get down there to check on the King's condition! Please, my Queen—our King depends on you now!"

It was the first time Cross had called me "Queen." The weight of that title settled over my shoulders like a mantle, bringing with it a surge of protective determination.

"I understand," I said firmly. "You can stand down now. Don't do anything rash. I have my own way to rescue the King."

Cross looked conflicted, his brow furrowing. "Queen, I know you're thinking of charging in there, but direct confrontation might not be wise. And I notice Frost isn't here either..." He hesitated. "Perhaps we should use strategy instead of force?"

I considered his words. He was right—stealth would serve us better than open warfare. At least initially.

"Create a distraction," I ordered. "Draw the dungeon guards away. Give me an opening."

Cross's expression shifted to grim determination. He nodded once, sharply, and hurried off to execute the plan.

I returned to my rooms and changed into a form-fitting black dress and veil, the fabric designed to blend with shadows. I strapped a silver dagger to my thigh—if the potion failed and I couldn't shift, at least I could fight as a human assassin.

*One way or another, I'm getting him out.*

I made my way to the highest tower of the castle, looking down at the dungeon area below. Even from this distance, I could feel the oppressive magical energy emanating from that section—the same force that had been suppressing my abilities. But now, with Lysandra's potion coursing through my system, the interference was beginning to lift.

I could feel my wolf spirit stirring, testing its strength against the magical barriers.

*If I hadn't taken that potion, I'd be completely helpless down there. Unable to shift, unable to use my lightning rifts. Trapped.*

The thought sent a chill through me, but I pushed it aside.

Below, I saw flames suddenly erupt near the dungeon entrance. Smoke billowed into the night sky as guards began shouting and running to fetch water. The carefully orchestrated chaos spread quickly.

I smiled grimly. *Cross knows what he's doing. Old soldiers always do.*

I raised my hands, feeling the familiar crackle of electricity dance across my fingertips. The lightning responded eagerly now, unhindered by the magical suppression. A rift tore open in the air before me—a swirling vortex of crackling energy.

Without hesitation, I stepped through.

The world twisted and reformed around me. When my feet touched solid ground again, I was standing in the dungeon corridor, just outside the cells. The air here was dank and cold, smelling of stone and misery.

And there, in the cell directly across from me, sat a solitary figure bathed in pale moonlight streaming through a high window.

My breath caught in my throat.

Kaius sat slumped against the far wall, his magnificent body covered in wounds that looked even worse in the silvery light. The wolfsbane lashes from the trial had left angry red welts across his chest and back, some still seeping blood. His face was pale with pain, but his eyes—when they lifted to meet mine—still burned with that fierce, indomitable will.

I rushed to the cell door, my hands trembling as I worked the lock. The moment it clicked open, I flew inside and dropped to my knees beside him.

Kaius's lips curved into a weak smile as he took in my appearance. "Serious? My mate has an assassin form now?"

"Don't joke," I said sharply, my hands hovering over his wounds, afraid to cause more pain. "You're hurt."

I gently touched one of the lash marks on his shoulder. He flinched, a sharp intake of breath betraying his agony.

I immediately pulled my hand back. "Sorry, I—"

"I'm fine," he lied through gritted teeth.

I slipped my arm under his shoulders, trying to help him stand. "The guards are distracted with a fire outside. We need to move now. I can open a rift back to my pack territory. We'll get you medical treatment there."

But Kaius didn't move. Instead, he leaned closer, inhaling deeply near my neck. "You smell like potions. Where's Frost?"

The mention of Frost made something uncomfortable twist in my chest. I pushed the feeling away. "The potion—it's to resist magical interference. I traded for it." I hesitated. "Frost is fine. He's just... I won't see him for a week. Long story." I tugged at Kaius's arm urgently. "Come on, we have to go!"

But Kaius pulled away from me, his jaw setting with that stubborn determination I knew too well.

"I can't leave," he said flatly.

I stared at him, certain I'd misheard. "What the fuck? What are you talking about?"

"Elowen." His voice was calm, rational, infuriating. "Do you understand what happens if I run? I become a fugitive. A traitor. The Elders will have every right to name a new Alpha King. And then?" His eyes blazed with intensity. "My pack members, my Beta, my Gamma—everyone loyal to me—will be stripped of their positions. Hunted. Killed."

Fury exploded in my chest. I grabbed one of his wounds and squeezed, making him hiss in pain.

"Fuck that! Better you alive and dishonored than dead in this fucking pit!"

He clenched his jaw against the pain but didn't back down. "I'm an Alpha King. You know what dignity means to me. I won't become a coward who fled his judgment. I won't have every wolf in this territory saying I ran away like a frightened pup."

I'd had enough of his pride. I stepped back and raised my hands, electricity crackling between my fingers as I prepared to open another rift. The swirling vortex of lightning appeared before us, leading to safety, to freedom.

I grabbed his hand and started pulling him toward it.

Kaius shoved me away.

Something inside me snapped. "Fine!" I snarled, my wolf surging to the surface. "If you won't come willingly, I'll knock you unconscious and drag your stubborn ass through that portal myself!"

My body began to shift, bones lengthening, muscles bunching with supernatural strength—

"Wait." Kaius's voice cut through my rage. His eyes closed briefly, and when he opened them again, they held a different kind of intensity. "There's another way."

I froze mid-transformation, forcing my wolf back down. "You better have a fucking good explanation," I growled. "You better tell me you have a plan that preserves your precious dignity *and* gets you out of this death trap."

Kaius met my eyes with absolute certainty.

"What if," he said slowly, "instead of running... we turn this trial into our victory?"