The Matchmaker - The Arrax Saga Book 1 Chapter 147

“No,” Nikolas said instantly, his voice slicing through the air like a blade. He turned sharply to Jasper, eyes blazing with protective fury. “She’s not going alone.”

Saphira’s breath hitched, but she didn’t flinch. Her spine stayed straight, her gaze locked on Nikolas. She stepped forward, her tone calm but firm, the kind of quiet that carried weight. “Nikolas, this could give us answers. He came alone. That means something.”

Nikolas shook his head, jaw clenched so tightly she could see the tension ripple down his neck. “It means he’s baiting you. It’s not safe, and I’m not risking it.”

Saphira reached out, her fingers brushing his arm before curling around his wrist. His skin was warm, taut with resistance. “Walk with me,” she said softly, but there was no room for argument in her voice.

He hesitated, then followed her a few steps away from the others. The wind tugged at her plait, strands catching the torchlight as she turned to face him.

“This is the option we go with,” she said, voice low but unwavering. “Give them this. Let me go. I can find out what he wants, what they’re planning. And if things go south…” Her hand pressed lightly to her chest, where the bond with her dragon pulsed like a second heartbeat. “I have my dragon.”

Nikolas stared at her, conflict carved into every line of his face. His fingers flexed at his sides, like he wanted to grab her and never let go. “I don’t like it.”

“I know,” she said, her voice softening. “But we don’t get to like any of this.”

He exhaled sharply, shoulders rising and falling with the weight of the moment. Then he nodded, reluctantly. “We all go to the entrance. You go out to him. But we’re right there.”

Saphira nodded. “Deal.”

They turned back to the group. Nikolas relayed the plan, his voice clipped and controlled. “We wait by the entrance. Saphira goes out alone to speak with Lupus. We stay ready.”

Finn frowned, arms crossed tight over his chest. “I don’t like this.”

Nikolas gave a dry laugh, more tension than humour. “Neither do I.”

Saphira didn’t give them time to protest. She turned, boots crunching against the gravel path, her stride purposeful. Her heart thudded in her chest, but her steps didn’t falter. *No more waiting. No more fear. This is mine to face.*

The others followed behind her, silent and tense. The pack entrance loomed ahead, torches casting flickering light across the clearing. Warriors stood scattered, eyes alert, weapons ready, the air thick with anticipation.

As they reached the edge, Nikolas caught her arm and pulled her gently toward him. His voice was low, close to her ear, the warmth of him surrounding her. “Be careful.”

Saphira met his gaze, her hand brushing his cheek, thumb grazing the edge of his jaw. “I promise.”

Then she stepped away, each footfall deliberate, her silhouette cutting through the torchlight like a blade. Her eyes locked on the figure waiting beyond the threshold.

*Let’s see what you’ve come for, Lupus.*

Saphira stepped past the threshold of the pack entrance, the torchlight behind her casting long shadows across the clearing. The moment she crossed, the air changed. Her boots met the earth with quiet finality, each step deliberate. She kept her posture tall, shoulders squared, chin lifted, every inch of her radiating control she didn’t entirely feel.

Lupus stood a few paces ahead, arms folded, his silhouette rigid against the moonlight. His expression was unreadable until his gaze landed on her. His brows lifted, just slightly. Surprise flickered across his face.

She didn’t give it room to grow.

“What do you want?” she asked, voice sharp, slicing through the silence like a blade unsheathed.

Lupus tilted his head, a slow smile curling at the edge of his mouth. “Didn’t expect you to actually listen to the request,” he said. “But then… you always were the obedient child.”

Her jaw tightened. The word obedient scraped against old wounds. She stepped forward once, boots crunching against gravel. “What do you want?” she repeated, firmer this time. No space for nostalgia. No space for games.

Lupus began to pace, side to side, like a predator circling a line he hadn’t yet crossed. “I want Ruby back. Hand her over, and we’ll forget about your little intrusion. Forget about the prisoners you took.”

Saphira’s eyes narrowed. “They’re not prisoners. They’re my family.”

A pulse stirred in her chest, not emotion, but warning. Her dragon’s voice slid into her thoughts, low and urgent. *‘Something feels off.’*

She didn’t move, didn’t blink. *‘What is it?’*

*‘Magic,’* Vaelora replied. *‘Old. Hidden. Close.’*

Saphira kept her cool, her voice steady. “Why would I give her back for nothing in return?”

Lupus laughed, the sound dry and hollow. “Because it’s better than the alternative.”

Her gaze sharpened. “And what’s the alternative?”

Lupus gestured to the blank space beside him. “Come out.”

For a moment, nothing happened. Then the air shimmered, like heat over stone and a figure stepped forward from the veil. A woman cloaked in black, her eyes gleaming with cruel amusement, her presence thick with power.

Saphira’s breath caught. *The witch. The same one they used on Amara no doubt.*

The witch smiled, lips curling like smoke. “The alternative,” she said sweetly," is a daughter for a daughter. And you’re already blocked from re-entering your precious pack.”

Saphira took a deep breath, her fingers twitching. *It was a trap. Of course it was. Stupid to think it wasn’t. But now… now I improvise.*

Before she could speak, noise erupted behind her, shouts, footsteps, the crunch of urgency. Amara burst forward, fury etched into every line of her face.

“You!” she shouted, voice cracking. “You did this to me!”

Saphira spun, catching Amara by the arm before she could get too close. “Amara, stop,” she hissed, gripping her tightly. “Think.”

Amara struggled against her grip, eyes wild, breath ragged. “She ruined everything!”

The witch laughed, low and delighted. Her lips moved, a spell whispered under breath, the air around her pulsing with dark energy. Then she looked at them both. “That’s the last person to exit the pack entrance. We did say to come alone.”

Lupus stepped forward, voice cold and final. “Two prisoners for two now. If you don’t return Ruby and Damon, we’ll take both of you. No special treatment. We might even put you back in the Matchmaker.”

Amara gasped, her eyes wide, breath catching as the reality sank in. Her body went still in Saphira’s arms, the fight draining into dread.

Saphira held her tighter, her own heart thudding. *We’re in it now. And we don’t get to panic. We get to fight.* She shifted her stance, eyes locked on Lupus and the witch, calculating.