“Perfect for a hideout,” I replied, gripping the artifact tightly at my side.

“Stay alert,” I instructed, my voice steady but low. “Marcosias is cunning. He’ll have traps laid out.”

My senses were on high alert, the primal instincts of an alpha roaring to life. With each step, I felt the adrenaline coursing through my veins, pushing me forward. The dull thud of my heart was a reminder of what was at stake—Luna.

“Do you think she’s in there?” one of my men asked, his voice barely above a whisper. I could hear the concern laced in his words.

“She’s in there,” I confirmed, my determination solidifying. “And we’re going to get her back.”

We moved stealthily, shadows swallowing us as we approached the entrance. The metal door was rusted and half ajar, creaking ominously as I pushed it open.

“Spread out,” I ordered. “We need to find a way to the back—where he’d likely keep her.”

“Over here!” Jake suddenly called, his voice breaking the silence. I turned to see him pointing at a series of faint footprints leading deeper into the warehouse.

“Let’s follow them,” I said, a surge of hope igniting in my chest. “We’re getting closer.”

Finally, we reached a heavy door at the far end, its surface scarred and splintered, a stark contrast to the silence that enveloped us. I could hear muffled sounds from beyond, a mix of voices—the unmistakable tone of Marcosias and, faintly, Luna’s desperate pleas.

“This is it,” I said, my voice a low growl. The air crackled with tension as I turned to my men. “Prepare yourselves. We’re going in.”

“Luna!” I shouted, bursting through the door.

The sight before me was a nightmare: Luna, bound and vulnerable, surrounded by Marcosias and his men. “Get away from her!” I roared, adrenaline surging through my veins.

“Ah, the mighty Alpha arrives,” Marcosias sneered, stepping forward. “Too late, as always.”

Chapter 21

Luna

Icould see Orion’s fists clenched at his sides, his entire body trembling with barely contained fury. “Let her go, Marcosias,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Now.”

Marcosias raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. “You’re in no position to make demands, Orion.” His gaze flickered toward me, and my stomach twisted with dread. “Besides, Luna and I were just getting to know each other better.”

Orion’s muscles coiled like a spring, his entire body tensed, as he took a step forward. Just as he moved, Marcosias snapped his fingers. Out of the shadows, two men emerged, blocking Orion’s path.

My heart pounded in my chest as I watched the confrontation unfold.

“Really, Marcosias? More men?” Orion growled, his voice low and lethal.

“Just a precaution,” Marcosias replied, his voice slick with amusement. “Can’t have you thinking you’re unstoppable.”

I watched in stunned silence as Orion lunged forward, his body a blur of movement. “No! Don’t!” I shouted, but my voice was drowned out by the chaos that erupted.

His fists flew through the air, each punch landing with brutal force. I winced as I heard the sickening thuds echo around the room. “Orion, be careful!” I cried, my heart racing in fear for him.

But he moved like a whirlwind, relentless in his fury, each strike fueled by his desperate need to reach me. “Get away from her!” he roared, and I felt my heart swell with hope.

The men fought back, but they didn’t stand a chance against him. “You won’t take her!” Orion shouted, his face twisted with rage, a look I had never seen before. The raw intensity in his eyes made my breath catch in my throat.

With each blow he landed, I could see the guards crumpling to the floor, one after another, unconscious and defeated. “Orion!” I urged him to stay safe, but the fire in his eyes told me he wouldn’t stop until he reached me.

I barely had time to react when Marcosias moved, his speed leaving me breathless. “No! Let me go!” I shouted, as I felt his cold hand grip my arm.

“Stop struggling,” he hissed, untying me with an unnerving calmness. Panic surged through me as he yanked me closer to him. “Orion!” I cried out, my voice trembling with fear.

Before I could process what was happening, I felt the sharp, icy edge of a blade press against my throat. “Don’t move, or I’ll make this very painful,” Marcosias warned, his voice low and menacing.