Page 35 of Rebel's Fated Mate

Elara grabbed my arm, her eyes pleading. "Kael, please."

I pulled her into a tight embrace, whispering in her ear. "I love you, Elara. I'll find a way back to you. I promise."

With a final look at the rebels and Elara, I walked toward Corvus, ready to face whatever awaited me.

Corvus laughed nastily as he bound my hands. "You've made the right choice, Kael. Emperor Draven will be pleased."

I felt the weight of large chains being locked around my wrists, waist, and ankles. They were heavy, each link clinking ominously with my movements. A guard struck the back of my legs with a baton, and I stumbled to my knees, the cold stone floor scraping against my skin.

"Move, traitor. This time tomorrow, you will have gotten what you deserve," one of the guards barked, yanking on the chains. I struggled to my feet, my head held high despite the pain and humiliation.

They dragged me through dimly lit corridors, the air thick with the stench of damp and decay. [MN80]The journey felt endless, each step echoing through the halls until we reached a dark, foreboding dungeon.

The gate creaked open, and I was shoved inside, the chains clattering against the floor as the gate slammed shut behind me.

Defeated, I slumped against the wall, my mind racing with thoughts of Elara and the rebels. I had done this to protect them, but now, trapped and powerless, doubt crept into my heart.

Suddenly, a voice pierced the darkness. "Kael, come back to me. I need you, Guardian dire bear. I cannot do this without you."

Elara's voice was filled with anguish, her words echoing through my mind. I could feel her desperation, her tears, her pain. She was weeping, begging me to return to her. The intensity of her emotions surged through me, igniting something deep within.

"No," I whispered, feeling a primal force awakening inside me. "I won't leave you."

My muscles tensed, my breath quickening. The bear within me roared, pushing against the confines of my human form.

I let it take over, the transformation swift and powerful. My body expanded, fur sprouting from my skin, claws extending from my fingers. The chains snapped, unable to contain the sheer force of my shift.

With a mighty roar, I pulled the gate free from its hinges, the metal twisting and groaning under my strength. The guards rushed toward me, their faces pale with fear. I swatted them aside with a swipe of my massive paw, their bodies flying through the air.

I charged through the palace, the corridors a blur as I made my way back to the surface. The desire to reunite with Elara and protect her fueled my every step. I burst through the city, leaving chaos in my wake.[MN81]

As I reached the edge of the forest, I shifted back to my human form, my breaths ragged. I ran through the trees, my heart pounding with hope.

Finally, I emerged at the clearing leading into Aeloria. I found Elara, the subjects, and the rebels were gathered. Elara stood[MN82] at the center, her face etched with worry. When she saw me, her eyes widened with disbelief and joy.

"Kael!" she cried, rushing towards me.

I pulled her into my arms, holding her tightly as she laughed and cried, her tears soaking my shoulder. "I thought I lost you," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I'm here," I replied, my own voice thick with emotion. "And I'll never leave you again."

The subjects and rebels surrounded us, their faces alight with relief and happiness.

Elara pulled back slightly, her hands cupping my face. "Thank you for coming back to me, Guardian dire bear."[MN83]

I smiled, pressing my forehead against hers. "Always, Elara. Always."

As we stood in the heart of Aeloria, surrounded by our friends and allies, I felt a profound sense of purpose. The journey was far from over, but with Elara by my side, I knew we could overcome anything. Our destiny awaited, and we were ready to face it together[MN84].

Part 4: Defiance

Chapter 17 Mastery of Magic

(Elara)

"Alright, everyone, fall in!" Kael's voice rang out across the training ground. The rebels and a few of the subjects who were fit enough to fight stepped into a ragged line.

"Today, we're focusing on conditioning and basic combat skills," [MN85]Kael announced. "Elara, you're up front with me."