Crowned by Fate Chapter 69

Skye's POV

"Earrings?" Nadia's confusion was evident even in the dim light of our prison cell. Her eyebrows furrowed as she stared at my remaining earring.

I glanced toward the guard stationed outside our cell before establishing the mind-link connection with Nadia. The mental bridge between us hummed with energy as I projected my thoughts carefully.

Not just any earrings, I explained, my mental voice tense with urgency. They're from Lydia—a birthday gift. The center is hollow and contains wolfsbane powder.

Nadia's eyes widened slightly, the only visible reaction to this revelation. Wolfsbane? As in the poison?

I nodded almost imperceptibly. A specific variant that induces temporary paralysis in werewolves. If ingested, it causes a coma-like state for several hours.

And you've been carrying this around in your jewelry? There was a note of incredulous admiration in Nadia's mental voice.

Lydia insisted, I replied, remembering the enigmatic smile on the scarred woman's face as she'd presented the delicate silver pieces to me. "For your protection," she'd said. "May you never need to use them, but should danger find you..." A hollow laugh echoed in my mind. I never imagined I'd need them so soon.

Nadia's gaze shifted toward the guard, then back to me. So what's the plan? Somehow trick our friendly watchdog into swallowing poison? Her mental tone dripped with sarcasm. Even if we could get him to ingest it, we're still locked behind these bars. We can't even reach him.

She was right, of course. The cell bars stood between us and the stoic guard who maintained his position several feet away. Even if we somehow managed to poison him, the heavy lock on our cell door would remain an insurmountable obstacle.

I sighed, allowing my shoulders to slump in temporary defeat. The plan had seemed brilliant for all of five seconds before reality crushed it beneath the weight of practicality.

The stone floor radiated cold through my thin clothing as night deepened around us. Desert nights were unforgiving—scorching days gave way to freezing darkness with little transition. I shivered involuntarily, and Nadia shifted closer, sharing what little body heat remained between us.

"We should rest," I whispered, not bothering with the mind-link for such an innocuous statement. "Conserve our strength for whatever tomorrow brings."

Nadia nodded, her dark eyes reflecting the moonlight that filtered through the small, barred window high above us. We settled against the cold stone wall, pressed shoulder to shoulder for warmth and comfort.

The irony wasn't lost on me. Just days ago, we'd been at odds over Adrian, tension crackling between us like static electricity. Now, facing a common enemy, those petty conflicts seemed as distant and inconsequential as stars.

"I never thought I'd say this," Nadia murmured, her voice barely audible, "but I'm glad you're here with me."

I turned to look at her, surprised by the admission.

"Not glad you're captured," she clarified quickly. "Just... if I had to face this nightmare with someone, I'm glad it's someone as resourceful as you."

A small smile tugged at my lips. "High praise, coming from Oasisborn's fierce Beta."

"Don't get used to it," she replied, but there was no bite in her words.

We fell into silence, each lost in our own thoughts as exhaustion gradually pulled us toward uneasy sleep.

***

Morning arrived with heavy footsteps and the metallic clang of the outer dungeon door. I jerked awake, instantly alert as Kane's distinctive scent—something metallic, like blood mixed with expensive cologne—reached us seconds before he appeared.

He strode into the dungeon with the confident swagger of a man who owned everything he surveyed, followed by two warriors carrying trays of food. The tantalizing aroma of fresh coffee and warm bread made my stomach clench painfully, reminding me how long it had been since we'd eaten.

"Good morning, ladies," Kane greeted us with exaggerated cheer, as if we were guests at a luxury resort rather than prisoners in his dungeon. "I trust you slept well? Stone floors provide such excellent lumbar support, don't you agree?"

Neither of us dignified his mockery with a response. Kane merely chuckled, gesturing for his men to place the trays on the floor and slide them through the narrow gap beneath the cell bars.

"Coffee, sandwiches—I've been told the ham is particularly good." He watched with evident amusement as we eyed the food with equal parts hunger and suspicion. "Oh, it's not poisoned, I assure you. What would be the point? You're far more valuable to me alive and well."

My gaze flew to his face at the mention of poison, but his expression revealed nothing beyond smug self-satisfaction.

Before I could reach for the coffee, Kane pulled out his phone, holding it up with the camera pointed toward us. "Smile for Adrian, ladies. Let's show him you're being treated humanely."

"You've contacted Adrian?" I asked, unable to keep the eagerness from my voice.

Kane ignored my question, his smile never reaching his cold eyes. "Come now, at least try to look pleasant. No one wants to see such gloomy faces. It gives the impression I'm mistreating you."

The camera clicked, capturing our disheveled appearance and defiant glares. Kane examined the photo with apparent satisfaction before tucking the phone away.

"Twenty-four hours," he announced, turning to leave. "Your precious Alpha has until tomorrow morning to make his decision. For your sakes, I hope he chooses wisely."

The heavy door closed behind him with finality, leaving us alone with the guard and our breakfast trays.

I immediately established the mind-link. I have an idea, I projected, keeping my expression neutral as I examined the food.

Let's hear it, Nadia responded, watching me carefully.

I can put the wolfsbane in my coffee, drink it, and fake a severe medical emergency. When they take me to a hospital, you insist on coming to ensure my safety. Once outside the compound, we find a way to escape.

Nadia's eyes widened. Are you insane? You want to poison yourself?

It's not fatal, I assured her. Just temporary paralysis.

Absolutely not! Her mental voice was fierce. I'm not letting you risk your life on such a desperate gamble. If anyone should do this, it should be me.

That makes no sense, Nadia countered. You have no wolf scent—you're more skilled at hiding. I should take the poison while you create the diversion. You'd have a better chance of escaping and reaching Adrian.

Before Nadia could respond, I reached up and carefully removed my remaining earring. With practiced fingers, I located the tiny hidden clasp at the base and twisted it open. A fine white powder spilled into my palm—barely enough to fill a thimble, but more than sufficient for its purpose.

Skye, don't— Nadia's warning came too late.

In one swift motion, I tipped the powder into my coffee cup, watching as it dissolved instantly in the dark liquid. I raised the cup, preparing to drink, when Nadia lunged forward.

Her hand shot out, grasping the cup and yanking it from my grip. Before I could react, she had raised it to her own lips, her eyes locked with mine in a silent challenge.