MIA POV
I don’t think Inara has ever been so content within me. I almost did not want to open my eyes I was so comfortable sleeping against Atlas. I felt his hand slowly moving against me gently. His lips occasionally brushed against my fresh mark, sending waves of warmth throughout my body. Finally, I heard him whisper, his voice a soft melody in the quiet room, "I know you are awake." As I opened my eyes, the world came into focus, revealing Atlas's loving gaze. "I just did not want this moment to end," I admitted with a smile.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice filled with concern and affection.

"Amazing and complete," I admitted. His smile widened, reflecting the joy in his eyes.
"How are you feeling now that you shifted and recovered your memories?" I asked, my curiosity tinged with anticipation.
"Glad to finally know the truth," he confessed. "I've never fit in, but I know now that's because I was never human."
As his words settled in, Inara howled in agreement within my mind. We were connected, bound by a love that transcended any ordinary bond.
"We need to find a way back into my old home," Atlas stated.
"I'm already on it," I reassured him. "I actually believe that may be the safest place for us, and it could provide us with supplies to help battle Artemis."

I explained to Atlas the brief discussion I had with Bryn about traveling to the Lycan Kingdom. Although he was concerned about it potentially draining me. I was well aware of Atlas' protective nature, but it seemed to intensify with the presence of his Lycan. He insisted on gently licking his mark on me a few more times as I prepared for the day, ensuring it healed properly and didn't cause any pain.
It was clear that his memories from the past were haunting him. "I know you have offered me your support, Atlas, and the same goes for you. Your past memories seem to trouble you. Please remember that I'm here to listen," I confessed.
"I'm just upset about how we treated your kind." He admitted as his hand reached out to brush my cheek, his touch was tender and warm. "I promise I'll never treat you or your kind that way," he pledged, his gaze locked with mine.
"I know you won't. Perhaps it was good for you to be raised as a human. It might have provided you with a different perspective that will help you become the true leader that is needed," I reassured him. "Bryn mentioned that she can no longer trace any more Lycan, but there's always a chance that more exist. And if not, then perhaps you will be the one to revive the Lycans, although it will require time," I explained further. His eyes flickered with a hint of fear at the thought.

"That will only happen if we know it's safe, Mia. My memories have shown me the fate of the werewolves used as breeders. I refuse to take any risks with your life like that. As long as I have you, I am perfectly content," he declared, pulling me close against him for a fleeting moment.
I nuzzled myself against Atlas, feeling the warmth of his body against mine, desperately wishing I could avoid facing reality for just a little longer. Reluctantly, we left the room together. I needed to know what Bryn had learned from the information Flint had secured, and discuss our plans for heading to the werewolf realm now that Atlas had shifted.
As we entered the living room, I noticed Bryn and Flint staring at a computer screen. Their worried expressions made my heart sink. "I'm assuming whatever you uncovered isn't good," I sighed. Ignoring my statement, Flint looked at Atlas and asked, "Your shift went fine, you have control over your lycan?"
"Yes," Atlas responded calmly. Frustrated, I turned to Flint. "I needed to make sure he had control, Mia. He is your mate," Flint sighed, opening the computer and handing it to me.
Taking the computer in my hands, I clicked through the documents. "They have formulated a potion, with the help of witches, that would increase the amount of power you can transfer. As a rare wolf, you can already transfer some of your power and strength to aid in healing or temporarily during fights. But with this potion, it would amplify your abilities, allowing you to heal and lend strength to any wolf, with a stronger effect."Flint explained.
"But the only way for me to transfer that kind of power is to..." Before I could finish my sentence, Atlas suddenly put the computer down and pulled me close. I could feel his lycan presence, restrained but still present. "He wants to keep me as some sort of sex slave, doesn't he? Since the only way for my power to pass over is if I mate," I whispered.
"Correct," Flint confirmed, his voice filled with concern. "He even constructed a protected location to keep you. If his method works, he could become stronger than a lycan and control the elements, just like your wolf can.”
"You may want to consider occasionally sharing your power with Atlas Mia," Bryn suggested. "I know you grew up thinking that was a bad thing, but with Atlas being a Lycan, you adding to his strength and power could make him the ultimate warrior."
Atlas turned to Bryn, his brow furrowed with curiosity. "That won't hurt Mia, will it?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.
"No," Bryn assured him, her tone soothing. "In the beginning, it may make her feel drained, but over time, she will get stronger and used to it. If anything, it will feel good for Mia, for the both of you."
"I'm honestly surprised the two of you are even down here right now since Atlas marked you, Mia," Flint teased me, his voice dripping with mischief. "I'm sure his mark will bring your heat on."
A low growl escaped my lips, a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. Flint's words held some truth - I would probably go through heat again soon. But Inara, had not warned me yet.
"OK, enough of that topic," I interjected, trying to change the subject. "What about heading to the werewolf realm?"
Bryn nodded, her expression serious. "The sooner, the better. It is clear Alpha Artemis knows your location now, Mia. I have had several attempts on my barrier over the past few hours. Yet, it is strong enough for now. However, it could call for trouble. It is said the Lycan Kingdom holds ancient artifacts that would aid in a much stronger barrier."
"I can provide us coverage in a car, but that may not stop all the threats at the barrier from detecting us. We will need to be prepared for a possible attack once we leave. I am confident that with Atlas, I can get us in and a barrier up fast. But, again, while I'm doing so, we must be prepared to fight." Bryn Continued.
"I think that is our best option," I said firmly. "I will be prepared to fight."
"Let's all pack a few things then," Bryn explained. As I nodded in agreement, I made my way to the room, with Atlas right behind me.
I quickly grabbed a small bag we had recently purchased.As I carefully selected clothing for both me and Atlas, the silence in the room was palpable. I could sense that Atlas's Lycan was speaking to him, guiding him in his thoughts. His eyes held a determined glint, as if he was ready to face any challenge that lay ahead.
Finally, he gave me a small smile. Taking the bag from my hands. "Are you ready to return to your true home?" I asked him.
"Yes, and no," he admitted honestly, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "The palace has a bad history, but it also provides us with materials that will keep you safe. The threat against you will be eliminated, trust me. I may need a few days to adjust and learn how to fight more, but I will be prepared fast. And when I am, I will give that Alpha a very slow death for thinking about assaulting you," he growled, his voice filled with a primal intensity.
Feeling a surge of emotions, I took his hand in mine, intertwining our fingers. I knew that it would take time for him to adjust to his newfound strength and emotions. In many ways, he was still my human mate, shaped by the way he was raised.
"We will face him together when we are prepared." I said. His eyes flickered occasionally with an Amber hue now. "I will take Bryn's advice and work on lending you my power once we get to the palace," I explained, finally coaxing a chuckle out of him. "Sounds like fun," he admitted, his deep voice resonating through the air.
As we descended the stairs, Bryn had already pulled the car in front, its engine humming softly. Flint immediately claimed the passenger seat beside Bryn who insisted on driving, his fondness for her evident. Flint's previous mate had rejected him years ago when he was just eighteen. She was an Alpha's daughter from a different pack, opting for a chosen mate instead. Flint deserved happiness.
"Be prepared, there are about six werewolves camped near my barrier, so they may sense our exit," Bryn warned, her voice steady as she started driving.
Fortunately, we managed to slip past them undetected. As we continued our journey, the car glided smoothly along the road, the silence enveloping us all. I could feel the warmth of Atlas' hand as he occasionally rubbed mine. Flint clicked on music as Atlas closed his eyes, seemingly lost in thought, but I knew he was still awake. Seizing the moment, I decided to deepen our mental connection and teach him how to communicate with me privately during the drive.
Focusing on our bond, I reached out to him, "Atlas, can you hear me?" His eyes fluttered open, meeting mine.
"Yes," his voice boomed in my head, resonating with such intensity that it made me giggle. "Good. I know I accidentally shared my memory of the attack on my pack with you, but now we can communicate like this and share memories," I explained to him mentally. A mischievous smirk formed on his face, and an image of me underneath him flashed in my mind, causing me to shake my head. "Yes, just like that," I responded through our mental link, feeling his hand brushing through my hair.
"Sorry," his voice filled my mind. "I should not have shared that."
"I happen to like how I look pinned under you," I admitted through our link., my mind painting vivid images of the warmth and weight of his body against mine.
"I'm nervous to be honest about returning to the werewolf realm," I confessed through our link.
"Since I never really left my pack, I only went off of the news I was told. It's going to be hard for us to find a place where we can be accepted and safe. Both you and I are seen as dangerous to many." I continued.
In the depths of our mental connection, I poured out my fears and desires. "I want to help keep my home safe and get justice for my pack," I confessed. "But is it selfish for me to seek a place where we are accepted, or at least safe?"
As the weight of my supposed destiny as the savior or destroyer settled upon me, I couldn't help but question my purpose. "What am I even saving," I wondered aloud in our mental link, the sense of isolation and rejection wrapping around me like a suffocating shroud. "If no one accepts me?”
"I will make sure we find a place safe for us," Atlas's voice echoed in my mind. "I'll help you protect your realm, only if that's what you want, Mia. We don't have to remain there. I'm content going back to living among the humans if needed. For now, let's just get what's needed to keep you safe while we take down Alpha Artemis. And after that, we will do whatever you want. I will stand by any decision you make, Mia. My lycan told me our duty is to keep you safe, and I will always do that, my little white wolf mate."
"Just as long as you are happy as well, we will do what we both agree on," I replied through our deep connection. It was important to me that he didn't just act for my happiness alone, but for both of us.
After what felt like an eternity, we finally arrived at the entrance of the werewolf realm. The distant sound of howling wolves carried on the wind, creating an eerie symphony.
"Mia, this is where I am going to need your help," Bryn said, breaking the silence. "Since you have not done this much, it may be hard for you. I need you to focus on enforcing my shield with the electricity your wolf controls with storms," she explained.
"I understand," I responded, my eyelids fluttering shut for a moment as I handed over control of my body to Inara. A surge of power emanated from me, enveloping the car. "I'm going to need you to hold it for some time now, Mia, while we drive. I sense lots of werewolves who may try to attack," she warned. "We will," Inara spoke through me.
With Inara in charge, the overwhelming sensation lessened, but I could no longer focus on my link with Atlas. My attention was solely on maintaining control. Inara didn't block me off completely, so I could still hear what was happening around me, but my vision was obscured. The distant sounds of rogue wolves reached my ears as we drove, and every so often, I felt their attempts to attack, but my electric current kept them at bay.
After a while, the strain began to take its toll on me. I heard Atlas, in a worried tone, asking Bryn when I could stop. "It's about a three-hour drive from here to the Lycan kingdom. She'll need to keep it up until then," Bryn explained. I felt pressure in my hand, followed by Atlas pulling me tightly against his body. "We've got this," Inara said weakly through me.
Another two hours passed, and I knew I was rapidly running out of energy. "Almost there, Mia. You're doing great," Bryn's voice reassured me. Inara relinquished control, but the power continued to flow. I coughed into my arm, and Atlas immediately tried to comfort me. My focus remained fixed on maintaining my power. "We need to go the rest of the way without it. This is hurting Mia she's coughing up blood," Atlas demanded.
"I'm fine," I whispered, but finally, Bryn announced our arrival. I released the power, feeling drained as I slumped against Atlas. We had made it. Now, all we needed to do was break the seal on the palace.