Crowned by Fate Chapter 78

Skye's POV

I never thought I'd willingly return to Gravestone Pack territory. Yet here I was, seated beside Adrian in his SUV as we approached Kane's fortress once more.

The fear that had consumed me during my escape was gone.

Every bump in the road sent pain shooting through my still-healing injuries, each twinge feeding the fury building inside me.

My mind kept replaying that moment in our prison cell—Nadia's unwavering eyes as she took the poisoned coffee meant for me, her body convulsing as the wolfsbane took effect.

I promised I'd come back for you, I thought fiercely. I won't let you down.

Adrian's knuckles were white on the steering wheel, his face a mask of forced composure. Though he maintained the illusion of surrender, his scent betrayed him—ocean spray tinged with the metallic edge of barely controlled violence.

The two warriors in the back seat remained silent, their tension filling the vehicle like a physical presence.

"Remember," Adrian said quietly as Kane's compound came into view, "this is just a delaying tactic. Keep him talking. Give Ryder's team time to locate and extract Nadia."

"I know."I nodded, adjusting the collar of my jacket to hide the worst of my bruises.

Guards met us at the gate—twice as many as I'd seen during my captivity.

They searched us thoroughly for weapons before escorting us into the main building.

Kane awaited us in what appeared to be a formal conference room. He sat at the head of a massive stone table, a self-satisfied smile playing across his lips. Ten fully armed warriors lined the walls, their hands resting on their weapons—a clear message that we were outmatched.

"Adrian!" Kane rose, arms spread in mock welcome. "And the silver-haired escape artist herself." He turned to me, slow applause punctuating his words. "Slipping away from under my very nose—I truly underestimated you."

My hands curled into fists, nails digging into my palms as I fought to maintain my composure. The bruises on my body seemed to throb in time with my accelerating heartbeat.

"We brought the surrender documents," Adrian stated flatly, placing a leather folder on the table. "As agreed."

Kane made no move to examine them. Instead, he circled the table slowly, predatory eyes never leaving us.

"You know, I'm genuinely surprised. I expected more resistance from the great Alpha Adrian." He paused behind my chair, his proximity making my skin crawl. "Though I suppose even the noblest wolf will bend when his Beta's life is at stake."

Adrian's jaw clenched, but his voice remained steady. "The documents are comprehensive. Full surrender of Oasisborn territory, resources, and infrastructure. Once signed, it's binding and irrevocable according to werewolf law."

"So eager to proceed." Kane finally took the folder, leafing through the pages with deliberate slowness. "But as they say, the devil is in the details."

He pointed to a paragraph on the third page. "You've neglected to specify a timeline for evacuation." His smile widened, revealing too-sharp teeth. "Let's remedy that, shall we? I'm a generous host—I'll give you three days to vacate my new property."

"Three days?" Adrian's composure cracked slightly. "That's impossible. We need time to find new territory, to relocate our pack members safely."

Kane shrugged, utterly unconcerned. "Not my problem. Or did you plan to continue squatting on my land while you search for a new home?"

"Two weeks," Adrian countered. "The minimum time needed to evacuate without endangering our most vulnerable members."

"Three days," Kane repeated, voice hardening. "Or your Beta becomes a permanent resident." He turned to one of his warriors. "Add the three-day clause to the agreement."

I watched Adrian's throat work as he swallowed his pride. Each concession seemed to physically pain him, yet he nodded stiffly.

"Fine. Three days. But we release Nadia now, as originally agreed."

Kane laughed—a sound like broken glass. "Such impatience! Nadia will be released when your pack has fully evacuated. Consider it insurance against any... second thoughts."

Adrian surged to his feet, fury bleeding through his carefully maintained facade. "That wasn't our arrangement. You promised her release upon signing the agreement."

"Did I?" Kane's eyes gleamed with malicious pleasure. "How careless of me."

"You gave your word," I interjected, unable to remain silent any longer.

"And I'm a man of my word," Kane replied smoothly. "Tell you what—I'll provide a good-faith deposit." He gestured to a warrior near the door. "Show them."

The man moved to a control panel on the wall, activating a large screen I hadn't noticed before. The display flickered to life, revealing a dimly lit stone cell—the same dungeon where Nadia and I had been imprisoned.

My heart stopped.

Nadia was chained to the wall, her arms stretched above her head. A gag covered her mouth, but her eyes burned with defiant fury despite her obvious weakness. Blood and bruises covered every visible inch of her skin, yet she held herself with the dignity of a true Beta.

Adrian lunged across the table, seizing Kane by the collar in one swift movement. "You promised she wouldn't be harmed!"

Kane didn't flinch, his smile never wavering. "Careful, Adrian. My warriors will treat your Beta exactly as you treat me."

On the screen, as if on cue, a hulking warrior grabbed Nadia by her hair, slamming her head against the stone wall with brutal force. Blood splattered against the gray stone as she slumped in her chains, momentarily stunned by the impact.

"STOP!" I screamed, tears springing unbidden to my eyes. "Please, stop!"

Adrian released Kane immediately, his hands trembling with suppressed rage. Our warriors shifted behind us, their eyes glowing red as they fought their wolves' instinct to shift and attack.

Kane straightened his collar with exaggerated care. "Much better. Now, shall we continue our civilized negotiation?"

Something inside me broke at that moment. The pain, rage, and humiliation crashed together in a toxic wave. I'd been so proud of escaping, so determined to rescue Nadia—and here we were, still dancing to Kane's tune, helpless to stop his cruelty.

On the screen, Nadia's eyes found the camera. Though blood trickled down her face, her gaze remained unbroken, fierce and proud. Even now, she refused to surrender her dignity.

I met her eyes through the screen, a silent promise passing between us. Hold on. We're coming for you.

Kane returned to his seat, picking up a pen with theatrical flair.

"Now, let's finalize our agreement, shall we? Three days to vacate, and your Beta remains my guest until the handover is complete."

Adrian's eyes met mine, a silent message passing between us. Time. We needed to buy more time for Ryder's team to find Nadia.

"We need to discuss the details," Adrian said, his voice steadying as he regained control. "Inventory lists, water rights, boundary markers—"

"Of course," Kane purred, settling into his chair like a satisfied cat. "By all means, let's be thorough. We have all day."

As they began discussing technicalities, I kept my eyes fixed on the screen showing Nadia.

Just hold on a little longer, Nadia, I thought fiercely. We won't leave without you.