Page 31 of Rebel's Fated Mate
Lyra’s expression softened slightly, but her resolve didn’t waver. "Kael, please. If you go in there without a strategy, we might lose both of you. Let us figure out a way to—"
"I said no!" I roared, the bear within me rising to the surface. "I can’t risk her life with your delays."
Without another word, I grabbed my sword and sheathed my knife, my movements quick and decisive. The anger and fear drove me, and I couldn't bear to waste another moment.
Ignoring their calls, I shifted into the dire bear as I turned and bolted into the forest. My strong paws moved with supernatural speed, the world around me blurring as I dashed through the trees.
Each heartbeat fueled my fury and desperation, propelling me forward with inhuman swiftness. The wind whipped past my ears, the forest floor a mere streak beneath my feet as I raced to Eathel.
As I plunged deeper into the shadows, the forest seemed to close around me, but I felt no fear. Only the burning need to save Elara, no matter the cost.[MN67]
Chapter 15 Union Against the Empire
(Elara)
I swung the branch with all my might, the makeshift weapon connecting with a satisfying thud against a guard's helmet. He crumpled to the ground, but more surged forward, their eyes cold and unyielding.
"Stay back!" I shouted, summoning the earth beneath my feet. Rocks and stones erupted from the ground, hurtling toward my attackers. One guard was knocked off his feet, another shielded himself just in time.
But they kept coming. I tried to find Kael in the melee even as I ducked under a sword swing, kicking out and sending another guard sprawling.
My heart pounded, the adrenaline coursing through my veins driving me to fight harder. But their numbers were overwhelming.
Suddenly, I felt a chill run down my spine. Corvus stepped forward, a twisted smile on his face. He raised his hand, and a tendril of dark magic snaked toward me. I tried to dodge, but the magic was too fast. It wrapped around me, cold and unyielding.
"Sleep, Weaver," Corvus whispered, holding a vial of shimmering liquid under my nose.
The fumes filled my lungs, and my vision blurred. I fought against the darkness closing in, but it was too strong. My legs gave out, and I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
When I awoke, I was in chains, the cold metal biting into my wrists. The rhythmic clatter of wheels and the rocking motion told me I was in a moving carriage. Panic surged through me, but I forced myself to stay calm. I needed to assess my surroundings and plan my next move.
I struggled against the chains, but couldn’t move more than a few inches.[MN68]. The carriage eventually stopped, and rough hands dragged me out. I blinked against the harsh light, my eyes adjusting to the sight of towering walls and iron gates. This must be the capital of the Aethel Empire.[MN69]
The guards marched me through the streets, the people of Aethel watching with curiosity. The imposing structure of the palace loomed ahead, its dark spires reaching towards the sky. They led me inside, through grand halls adorned with dark, opulent decor, until we reached the dungeons.
They flung me into a cell, the door slamming shut with a resounding clang. The walls were lined with runes that pulsed with a dull, suppressive light. I felt my connection to the earth weaken, the magic within me subdued.
Despite the suppression, I refused to give in to despair. I knew Kael would come for me but I would find a way out too. I had to. For Kael, for our people, and for the prophecy. I pulled at the chains, testing their strength, and began to plan my escape, determined to break free and reunite with Kael.
Suddenly, the cell door creaked open. A guard appeared, carrying a heavy hose. Before I could react, a powerful stream of water hit me, the force of it knocking me back. I gasped, struggling to breathe as the icy water drenched me.
"Get dressed," the guard barked, flinging a comb and a dress at me. The fabric was rich and opulent, completely out of place in the grimy cell.
My first instinct was to rebel, to fight back, but I realized that pretending to cooperate might get me to the surface where I could find a way to escape. I nodded, forcing myself to appear compliant. "Fine. I'm dressing."
The guard waited impatiently as I slipped into the dress, the fine material feeling alien against my skin. We had no such luxuries in Sylvanaar, and our clothes were usually made from woven sack. I combed through my tangled hair, every movement a reminder of my captivity.
"I'm ready," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
The guard tied my hands behind my back and led me through the labyrinthine corridors of the palace. The opulence was overwhelming, every surface adorned with gold and precious stones. Finally, we reached a grand hall, its ceiling soaring high above us.
Emperor Draven sat on an oversized throne; his small frame dwarfed by the extravagant surroundings. He was a short, slight man, but his presence was anything but insignificant. His eyes glittered with cold calculation as he regarded me.
"Well done, Corvus," Draven said, his voice oily. "Indeed, her beauty is as you described. I will make her my bride."
Corvus stood beside him, his expression smug. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Draven turned his gaze back to me, his lips curling into a cruel smile. "Take her to the chambers and get her cleaned and ready for the royal wedding in three days."