Chapter 3 The Escape

Selene's heart pounded in her chest. The sight of Ronan standing there, hidden in the shadows, sent a shockwave through her. He was alive.

Darius had assured her that Ronan had perished, that his broken body had been left to rot in the cursed ravine. And yet, here he stood, more dangerous than ever. Her lips parted, a silent plea dying on her tongue. She could not speak. Not here. Not where Darius watched her every move.

Ronan's gaze burned into her, his body coiled with tension. He was waiting. Watching. Calculating.

Then, a choice was made.

In a blur of movement, Ronan stormed into the hall, sending tables crashing as he lunged. The air was thick with the scent of fear and blood. The Crimson Howl warriors reacted too slowly-Darius was barely on his feet when Ronan's fist collided with his jaw, sending the rival Alpha sprawling.

Selene gasped as chaos erupted around her. Wolves shifted, snarling, teeth bared. But Ronan was untouchable, a shadow weaving through his enemies, delivering bone-crushing blows that sent bodies flying.

"Selene!" His voice was a command, a tether pulling her from the trance of shock. "Come with me. Now."

Darius, still reeling, let out a vicious growl. "She belongs to me!"

Selene's entire body flinched at those words. The iron collar around her neck burned against her skin-a cruel reminder of her captivity. But Ronan's eyes softened for just a moment, as if silently urging her to trust him.

And for the first time in years, she did.

Breaking into a sprint, she ran toward him, her heart hammering. The moment her fingers brushed his, he pulled her into his arms, shielding her as they burst through the shattered doors into the cold night air.

The hunt had begun.