The Lightning Wolf Chronicles Chapter 150

**Evelyn's POV**

I shared my suspicions with Diana while rubbing the back of my head. The escape had gone way too smoothly, especially with all the drugs they'd been pumping into us. Plus, the number of guards we'd taken down seemed suspiciously low.

"You're right on the money," Diana said, gently holding Freya's forearm to calm her. "Since we know what we're dealing with, we need to act fast. With a bit of luck, we can remove these trackers and maybe even use them to pinpoint those bastards' headquarters."

I positioned myself facing Freya while Diana examined the back of my head. Her expert fingers quickly found the foreign object - a tiny bump with a small scar so well disguised that without medical training, no one would notice it.

"Can you get it out here?" I asked, fingers automatically touching the small lump. "Taking these things back to the training center or castle could lead Brandon's goons straight to them."

The thought made me shiver. Was this just a tracker, or could it be listening to us? Worse - could it somehow control our thoughts? What kind of tech did Brandon have access to? And who was backing him?

"Not ideal conditions, but definitely doable," Diana replied after thinking it over. "You're right - we can't risk returning with unknown devices. Since I know your condition better and understand your unusual healing, let's do yours first."

I caught her unspoken meaning - letting Freya watch would help build her trust and show her we were actually trying to help.

Alpha King Nathan and Taric quickly set up a makeshift operating table using storage boxes and flat boards. Freya and I sat by the fire, her head leaning against my shoulder as she cried silently. I wrapped my arm around her thin shoulders, amazed at her strength - surviving that kind of torture for over a year and still keeping her sanity was incredible.

"When does this nightmare end?" Freya whispered, her voice raw with exhaustion. "I just want to be free, even if I end up as the lowest omega in some far-off pack - anything's better than that hellhole."

"Things will get better," I said softly. "You've got options now - you could train with us to become a Sentinel, join Alpha King Nathan's pack, or even come with me and Aria. The important thing is you're not fighting this alone anymore."

She nodded slowly, staring into the flames like she was searching for something there.

"Evelyn, we're ready," Diana called.

"Let's go," I said, offering my hand to Freya. Seeing her confusion, I explained, "I want you to watch. Diana's crazy skilled, and everyone here is like family to me - they'd never hurt us."

She hesitated before cautiously taking my hand. "Not sure I'm ready for this... I've had enough of being someone's prisoner."

"That's exactly why," I insisted. "This isn't another torture session - it's the first step to breaking free. We need to get this thing out of you to really escape Brandon's control." Still looking scared, she gripped my hand tightly and followed.

Diana had everything set up. I lay on my side on the makeshift table so she could access the back of my head.

"I'll use local anesthesia, but I want you awake to tell me how you're feeling," Diana explained. "Based on what I felt, this should be a basic transmitter - pretty straightforward to remove."

"What happens to it after?" Freya asked quietly.

"That's the fun part," Diana's eyes lit up with excitement. "If it's just a simple tracker, our tech team can jam the signal and send those idiots on a wild goose chase through the mountains." She laughed at the thought.

The mental image of Brandon and his minions wandering aimlessly through the wilderness made me smile too.

"And if it's more complicated?" Freya pressed.

"Then we adapt," Diana said matter-of-factly. "Alpha King Nathan has tech specialists, and thanks to what you've both told us, we understand their magic better now. That helps us plan rescues for other victims. Some people joined willingly, but I bet most were forced or tricked, just like you."

I thought about Peter and Robert, forced to serve Brandon and bound by dark magic, believing only death would free them. Deep down, I hoped Peter had survived.

"Well, let's get this thing out," I said, getting comfortable. "I just want to go home already."

Diana talked through each step as she worked, checking in about my comfort. The procedure was more complex than I'd expected; she seemed to be studying the tracker's construction as she removed it.

To my relief, Freya gradually relaxed, even asking some technical questions. It reminded me that beneath all that trauma was a girl with Alpha blood and leadership qualities. Before her captivity, she was probably vibrant and influential, like Nadia or Aria.

"All done," Diana finally announced. "From the structure, this does seem to be a simple transmitter. Given its size, the signal range should be limited. Whoever's tracking us is probably closer than we thought."

I heard Taric take the tiny device and leave quickly.

Diana finished stitching my scalp and helped me sit up. I turned to Freya with an encouraging smile.

"Your turn. I'm actually curious to see what this thing looks like."

Freya took a deep breath, then carefully climbed onto the table.

"The anesthetic will sting a bit, but then you won't feel anything," Diana assured her.

Freya nodded, letting out a small whimper. Diana's eyes showed sympathy, but I deliberately avoided that emotional exchange. I didn't want to pity Freya - I wouldn't want others pitying me. While I felt terrible about what she'd been through, treating her like she might break would only reinforce her victim status.

Diana unwrapped her tools and arranged them methodically. She combed through Freya's hair, clipping most of it back and leaving only a small area exposed. After locating the tracker, she sterilized the area and donned fresh gloves.

With complete focus, she made a small incision on the back of Freya's head. Her movements were precise and efficient - one hand controlling bleeding while the other used tweezers to carefully search for the device.