Mia POV
The morning arrived swiftly, accompanied by the refreshing scent of a new day. Eager to embark on my battle for freedom, I slid out of bed, leaving Atlas peacefully asleep beside me. Observing the serenity on his face, I felt a surge of motivation. Success was my goal, as I envisioned a future with him.
As I removed my clothing by the bed, the cool sensation of the floor against my feet greeted me. Intent on preparing for the day, I made my way towards the bathroom. However, before I could take another step, I felt Atlas's hand lightly brush against my skin. Startled, I turned to him with a smile, "I thought you were sleeping."

A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes as he replied, "I woke up. My mind couldn't bear to miss this sight." His words elicited laughter from me. Despite my intention to continue towards the bathroom, Atlas had different plans. He pulled me back towards the bed, his lips caressing my bare skin. This display of neediness was uncharacteristic, but I understood. He was nervous about the day ahead.
Gently pushing him away, I locked eyes with him, offering reassurance, "Today will be alright. I know it because you'll be by my side." Leaning in, I pressed my lips against his, his arms enveloping me once again. "Trust me, I would love nothing more than to go crazy with you right now in bed. But we must prepare to leave. When our tasks for the day are over, you can have me however you desire," I explained to him.
A mischievous smirk played at his lips, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. “However I desire," he growled, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. "You may regret making that offer." Chuckling softly, he rose from the bed and began preparing himself. As we left the room, a goofy smile adorned his face, and he appeared lost in his thoughts. I tugged on his hand, curious. "What are you thinking about?" I asked him. "I'm formulating my plan for what I am going to do to you," he chuckled, causing me to shake my head.
As we made our way towards the entrance of the palace, where we had agreed to meet Bryn and Flint, I noticed Bryn standing by the door. However, Flint was nowhere to be seen. "How is Flint doing? Is he adjusting well?" I inquired. Bryn laughed and pointed towards the door. I walked over and peered outside, only to see a Lycan running around like an excited little child. "Good grief," I muttered. "He is like a giant kid," Atlas laughed.
Flint shifted back when he saw us. What caught me off guard was that Flint was fully clothed when he shifted back. Bryn explained that, thanks to the power from the stone, she had mastered some spells that allowed his clothing to disappear when he shifted and reappear when he shifted back. "I like that," Atlas said, expressing his approval. Bryn instructed us to step back so she could cast the spell on us as well. With a few simple words, she promised that our clothing would now remain intact when we shifted.
"Now I don't have to worry about anyone else looking at you," Atlas said to me, a sense of relief in his voice. I couldn't help but tease him, saying, "But that also means you don't get to see me." “I will tonight.” He said as he winked at me and ran outside to talk with Flint.

Observing Atlas's behavior, Bryn pointed out, "Atlas is acting strange."
"He is nervous about today, so I promised him that when we get back, he can do whatever he wants with me."I confided in her.
This revelation only made Bryn laugh. "You are a brave one, Mia. Guys tend to have some crazy fantasies," she chuckled. I laughed along, feeling confident. "I'm sure whatever it is, I'll be fine." With that, we walked out towards the waiting car.
"First, we will meet with the Vampires. They have a small gathering spot in the Rogue territory. It should be safe, and it's only about a thirty-minute drive from here."Bryn explained our plans for the day. Bryn then volunteered to drive, with Flint sitting in the front seat beside her. Atlas joined me in the backseat, and as the engine roared to life, we embarked on our journey.

We all remained on high alert, vigilant for any signs of an imminent attack. As we ventured beyond the protective barrier, an eerie silence enveloped the air, accompanied by a thick, unnatural fog. It was as if witchcraft itself was at play. .
"Thora must be concocting something powerful," Bryn sighed, her words laden with concern. Atlas pulled me closer, his protective embrace offering a sense of security. I noticed Flint, too, casting periodic glances back at me, assuming the role of a steadfast bodyguard. Perhaps it was due to the new powers we gifted him.
Eventually, the fog dissipated, revealing the small rogue area. Within this realm, it served as a safe haven, a place where attacks were forbidden. Many species conducted their business here, often engaging in meetings. We disembarked and entered a cozy bar, surprisingly familiar to Bryn. It seemed another mystery surrounded her. She exchanged words with the bartender, granting us seats. After a few more moments, a distinct scent filled the air - the unmistakable aroma of vampires. Three of them entered, capturing our attention. The bartender swiftly locked the door, ensuring our privacy for this meeting. One female and two males stood before us, their appearance betraying their status as purebloods - vampires who had thrived for countless centuries.
Bryn rose from her chair, briefly pausing to engage in conversation with the Vampires. She then gestured for them to join us at our table, facilitating introductions. Their names were Crimson, Dorian, and Bram. Their scrutinizing gazes swept over us before we exchanged handshakes.
"We have heard many tales about you, Royal white wolf, and the same goes for you, Royal Lycan," Crimson, the female Vampire, addressed us. "We have observed from afar during your emergence, remaining concealed as we delved into your true motives. You yearn for a world where our kinds no longer endure the oppression of forbidden relationships and friendships. A world where our species can collaborate, if they so choose. Am I correct?”
"Yes, you are," I responded, the vampire's voice carrying a hint of wisdom acquired over the centuries. The dimly lit room seemed to hold an air of secrecy as she raised her hand, beckoning the male bartender. He approached, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek.
"This is Dante, my mate," she revealed. "We have hidden our bond for a very long time. It is a dangerous secret, as you know. For my kind, uniting with anyone other than another pure blood means certain death. The same goes for werewolves."
Dante, now revealed as a hybrid, shared in her immortality, bestowed upon him by her venom. The room seemed to crackle with a palpable tension as they spoke of their hidden child, a hybrid too, their forbidden love personified.
"We seek a world where we can live without hiding," she declared. "To achieve that, we must eliminate the immortal witches, the very beings who created these laws for our kinds."
Her words resonated, and the room seemed to pulse with anticipation. "We will stand by you," she offered, her eyes locked with mine, "if you will have us in your fight." The weight of her trust settled upon me.
"Yes, we would be honored to have you join our cause," I said.
"I have been blind for a long time to how many have suffered due to rules that should have never been made," I continued, my fingers tracing the edges of the worn wooden table.
"I will do everything in my power to stop Thora so that this world does not change for the worse," I declared, my voice echoing in the room. "And I promise I will stand for all of our kinds and not deny our destiny."
"Dorian has a werewolf mate as well, and Bram has a witch for a mate," Crimson explained.
"We are only a select few in hiding," Crimson continued, her voice steady. "We have formed an underground community as a sanctuary for those who are hunted for not defying their destined mate bond. The community also consists of many hybrids who are hunted purely for being a forbidden product."
"I ask that Bram stay with you and travel with you for the time being, he has a direct link to me and can alert me when we are all needed to gather and help" Crimson explained as I looked at Bram and then at Bryn, who nodded her head. I trusted Bryn's judgment.
"Bram, you are welcome to travel with us and stay with us," I said as Crimson smiled.
"We look forward to building a future relationship as well. We will stand behind the two of you if you choose to turn the Lycan Kingdom into a kingdom that stands for all," Crimson explained. "Now we must be going, but Bram is strong and will lend a hand in any fight you may face. And when needed, we will all come and stand by. Based on intel we have collected over our own observations, Thora and the Alpha she has been using have an army of a little under 500 warriors, and they continue to grow," she explained.
I felt Atlas tense a little as I grabbed his hand. "I will build an army of warriors that can easily stand against him," I reassured her as Crimson left with Dorian. "We have one more meeting here shortly. I have arranged for Alpha Jack to meet here," Bryn explained. I was planning on going to his pack lands, but agreed this was a safer place. We all spent some time getting to know Bram better as we waited. But it was not long before Alpha Jack showed up, his presence commanding attention. I had met him several times.He was an Alpha that held no loyalty for really anyone, but he played well by the old rules many packs followed, and that may play to our advantage.
I stood up from my seat, as his piercing gaze scanned over me. The guy was always a creep, and his presence alone caused Atlas, to emit a low growl.
"Alpha Jack, it has been a long time. But I am hopeful you will hear me out. I know your pack warriors are among the strongest, and I need their aid. We face a common threat, one that seeks to not only seize power over all packs but also tear down the barrier that separates us from humans." I explained.
"I seek to build a new world within our realm," I explained, my voice steady yet resolute. "A world that embraces the coexistence of lycans, vampires, witches, and humans. But I firmly believe in keeping the human realm separate from ours, for our own safety."
His eyes narrowed, skepticism evident in his gaze. "Your father and pack fell, Mia. And though I am aware of what you are, you have yet to prove your strength as a leader. If you want my support, I challenge you to an old-fashioned fight. A battle of strength, where you must refrain from using the power bestowed upon you as a white wolf. This fight will not be to the death, but it will determine your worthiness."
"I will fight for her," Atlas said, his voice filled with determination as he looked at me, concern etched on his face. I shook my head, knowing that he hadn't been raised to understand our rules as I did.
"I accept your terms, Alpha Jack. I will engage in the fight according to the old rules, on one condition: Bryn must confirm that nothing has been tampered with prior to the battle," I replied, my words laced with conviction.
"Be on my pack lands at 1pm tomorrow," he instructed, extending his hand for a handshake. I complied, our hands meeting briefly before he rose to leave. As he made his way out of the bar, he turned back to me, his voice a low rumble. "It would be wise to educate your lycan mate about our long-standing rules," he advised and left.
"Why did you accept? It could be a trap," Atlas asked, his concern evident in his voice.
"It is no trap," Bryn reassured, her voice calm and steady. "I will verify that nothing has been tampered with, per Mia's request. Alpha Jack is known for following the rules, and Mia must be the one to fight. If she wins, you will gain the support of 300 very strong warriors."
As we rose from our seats, the weight of the day's events hung in the air. Together, we made our way towards the car waiting outside. Thankfully, it had three rows of seats, allowing Bram to easily fit in with us. The engine hummed softly as we drove back to the palace, the sound of the tires rolling over the gravel road filling the silence.
Atlas sat beside me, his silence speaking volumes. I reached out to him through our mind link, my words echoing softly in his thoughts. "Tonight, I keep my promise to you." A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.