Chapter 5 Awakening and Escape

Chapter 5: Awakening and Escape

Melissa's POV

Despite how oppressive the confinement was, I refused to give up. With my palm resting on my stomach, I silently vowed to defend you at all costs.

I turned to look in the next cell when I heard a faint rustling. Through the bars, I could see the renegade inmate, a man with sharp green eyes and shaggy brown hair.

"Hey," he murmured. "You're new here. What is your story?

I paused. It was difficult to gain trust, but there was something sincere in his eyes. I muttered, "I was coerced into a marriage I didn't want." "And I'm here now, fighting to keep someone who is dependent on me safe."

He gave a contemplative nod. "Damon is an evil jerk. Caleb is my name. I have a plan to leave, even though I have been here for months.

A beat skipped in my chest. "You do? How?

His words were barely heard as he drew closer. "The dungeon's fortifications have a weakness. I've spent weeks working on it. In addition to using a partner to escape with, I could use some assistance.

With fear and hope fighting inside of me, I bit my lip. "What makes you want to help me?"

He answered, "Because I see that fire in your eyes." "You're different from the others." Damon is broken. You have a cause worth fighting for.

Slowly, I nodded. "All right. Tell me what has to be done.

Caleb taught me survival tactics over the course of the following few days, including how to move quietly, how to read the guards' routines, and how to remain composed under duress. Every instruction restored the strength I believed I had lost.

One night, Caleb remarked, "Remember, freedom isn't just about getting away." The goal is to remain free. Are you prepared for this?

With resolve pulsing through me, I nodded. "I'm prepared."

My heart thumped in my chest on the night of the escape. When the guards were most distracted, that was the ideal time for Caleb and me to wait.

"Now," he murmured.

The cool night air greeted my face like a blessing as we squeezed through the small opening that Caleb had been working to loosen for weeks. I could taste freedom so closely.

However, the triumphant moment was fleeting. We were recognized by a guard, whose cry reverberated through the darkness.

"Go!" Taking hold of my hand, Caleb drew me closer.

The sound of following warriors grew louder as we sped into the woodland. My legs burned and my breath came in rough gasps, yet I was unable to stop. Not right now.

"Go in the direction of the river! Caleb yelled. "There, they won't be able to follow us as easily!"

I nodded, exerting more effort. But as we got closer to the riverbed, the air was pierced by a harsh howl. We were being overtaken by Damon's warriors.

"Leave!" Caleb shouted and shoved me forward. "I'll keep them away!"

"No!" I turned around and sobbed.

He yelled angrily, "Melissa, you have to protect that baby and yourself." "Prevent Damon from winning."

As I complied and ran toward the water, tears ran down my cheeks. Even when I heard the noises of a scuffle, I didn't turn around. I was troubled by Caleb's sacrifice, but I knew he was right-I couldn't give up now.

The jungle parted to reveal a moonlit clearing. An old and weathered stone shrine stood in the middle, encircled by symbols carved into the earth.

An invisible force pulled me toward the altar as I staggered into the clearing. A weird sensation crept through my body as I got closer. The fatigue that had engulfed me for days started to subside, and my heartbeat slowed.

"What is this location?" I rubbed my fingertips over the polished stone and said.

A quiet yet strong voice echoed in my head. Melissa, you are more than what they have taught you. The wolf goddess' blood is in your veins. Bring your strength to life.

The feeling was so strong that I gasped. Scenes of conflicts, triumphs, and a lineage I had never known were all part of my blurry eyesight and unfamiliar memories.

I felt whole for the first time as the force swept through me. I wasn't merely a victim of Kane's rejection or a tool in Damon's scheme. There was more to me-someone more.

However, the moment was short. I was brought back to consciousness by the sound of footsteps and irate yelling. The warriors of Damon have located me.

As I turned to run, my inner might erupted once more, sending the first warrior sprawling to the ground.

"What was that?" I muttered as I looked at my shaking hands.

Too little time to doubt it. I had to keep going.

As I staggered back into the jungle, my body failed me, my inner strength fading like a dying spark. My legs wouldn't take me much farther, and my vision became blurry.

I clutched my gut as I fell to the woodland floor. I muttered to my unborn child, "I'm sorry." "I made an effort."

Darkness began to creep in, but before I passed out, I smelled something familiar, earthy, male, and reassuring.

I exhaled, "Kane," as powerful arms raised me off the ground.

His face was marked with amazement and something else-concern?-when I opened my eyes for a moment.

"Whatever became of you?" His voice was thick with emotion as he muttered.

I wanted to respond, to tell him everything, but I was dragged down by the shadows.

Feeling conflicted, Kane gazed down at Melissa's comatose body. Even though he had rejected her, he felt something deep inside when he saw her like way.

His jaw tightened as he murmured, "What are you hiding, Melissa?"

His mind was full of questions as he brought her back to safety. Who had harmed her like this? And why did he feel so helpless when he saw her shattered form?

Her face was lighted by the moonlight, and Kane felt the weight of his rejection for the first time.

"I will obtain answers," he pledged. "Even if it means confronting the reality I've been avoiding."