Atlas POV
I felt like an empty shell without Mia, unlike the other times we had been separated this was different. I felt like a part of my heart, a part of my soul was ripped away. I walked into the bathroom and brushed my fingers against her mark as I looked in the mirror. "Mia, please be safe," I whispered. "I will find you, I won't fail you."
As I stood there, Bruitus howled in my mind, broken and fragmented. Thora had wanted this - for our bond to be broken - and right now, I felt like she had won. I could not feel my bond with Mia anymore, and it pained me deeply. I left the bathroom and made my way back to the bedroom, the floorboards creaking beneath my weight. I retrieved the vial Bryn gave me from the nightstand and brought it to my lips, the bitter taste lingering on my tongue as I swallowed it down.

Climbing into the cold, empty bed, I couldn't shake the feeling of guilt. Sleeping felt like a waste of precious time that I could be using to find a way to break Mia free. Despite this, exhaustion soon overtook me, and I found myself in the dream that often repeated yet Mia was missing.
I fell to my knees, the cold ground biting into my skin as I clutched my chest. Even in my dreams, the pain of her absence was overwhelming. I needed to see her, to hold her, to tell her how deeply I loved her once again. Without her, my life had no meaning.
"My child," a voice enveloped me, its echoes resonating in the vast emptiness surrounding me. A stunning woman materialized before my eyes, her presence ethereal and otherworldly. "I know it is hard without your mate by your side. She made a great sacrifice to save the world from an evil that would have caused great destruction. She did so because she has a pure heart and cares for all."
"Please tell me there is a way for her to survive this. Please tell me that when I find her, she will wake. I will do anything, give anything for her to be a part of the future she has fought so hard for." I pleaded with the mysterious woman, desperate for any glimmer of hope.
The woman's voice was soft yet filled with wisdom. "I am not allowed to alter fate. I can only offer guidance. You have the power within you to free your mate, and you have the power to keep her alive. But I'm afraid that power is for you to discover."
"Can you tell me this, did she lose her wolf?" Desperation clinging to my words.

Her response pierced my heart. "Her wolf sleeps, my child. Inara will always be a part of Mia, but I cannot say if Mia will ever feel her wolf's presence again or if she will shift. She knew of this consequence when she entered the cave."
The weight of those words settled heavily upon me, intensifying the ache in my chest.
I inhaled sharply, my breath catching in my throat as I fought to control my emotions. Mia needed her wolf, and I needed her. The goddess spoke, her voice resolute yet soothing. "Atlas, as her mate, you make her stronger. You hold the power to heal her, just as she holds the power to heal you. Trust in your bond, the love that burns fiercely within you. Mia is closer than you think, and when you sever your link to Thora, I will guide you to her hiding place. But from there, you must find a way in."
Desperation filled me, and I pleaded, "Can I see her? Can I connect with her, even if just this once?"

"She sleeps, even within the realm of dreams, her body trapped in slumber. You may see her, for she is your mate. But understand, she will not awaken. I must leave now, but I will return when the time is right."
As the woman faded away, I noticed something in the distance, a glimmer of hope amidst the dream. I ran towards it, and there, amidst a bed of delicate wild flowers, lay Mia, just as the goddess had described. Even in the dream, she was trapped in a deep sleep, her body motionless and serene.
I sank to the ground, pulling her sleeping form into my embrace. Her skin, smooth and velvety, felt like silk against my hands. She lay naked, yet radiated warmth. I held her close, pressing my lips gently against her skin.
"You're my forever, Mia," I whispered, my voice filled with determination. "I will fight for you, for your awakening, and for your return to me. I will give you my strength, and I will heal you. I promise, I will never give up."
And so, I continued to hold onto her, refusing to let go, until the dream slowly faded away.
As I sat up in the soft bed, the gentle morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a warm glow in the room. The remnants of the dream lingered, leaving me longing to hold Mia a little longer. But now, with a renewed determination, I rose from the bed and hurriedly stepped into the invigorating stream of the fast shower. The cool water awakened my senses, revitalizing me for the challenges that lay ahead.
After dressing, I made my way towards the entrance, curious to check on everyone's progress. As I approached, the sound of voices reached my ears, mingling with the crisp morning air. Bryn stood there, engaged in conversation with both Crimson and Bram. Their voices ceased abruptly when they noticed my presence, their attention shifting towards me.
"I hope you slept well, Atlas," Bryn said with a warm smile. I nodded in response.
"Now that this realm is safer and several packs have announced their support for the lycan kingdom," Bryn explained, her voice carrying a sense of relief and excitement. "Crimson is helping the hybrids and mixed couples that were hiding move into the housing within this kingdom."
"I am happy to see this place now coming alive." I responded.
"It is thanks to you, Atlas, for offering the hybrids a place within this kingdom." Crimson explained.
I nodded, "It is the way it should be. From now on, we have a kingdom that represents and protects all. I also know Mia wanted to select a council to help represent this kingdom, and she wanted you, Crimson, to represent the vampires."
Crimson's eyes widened with honor as she looked at Bryn and then at me. "It would be an honor."
"I know of Mia's situation. I would like to come as well and offer any support I can in ending Thora and saving Mia. You have many standing behind you now, and many who want to help bring Mia back." Crimson explained.
"Thank you. We will bring her home, and she will see the kingdom already moving forward with the future she has fought so hard for." I responded.
As Crimson left with Bram, the sound of their footsteps echoed in the distance. "In just a few days, we have already had many packs announce their support for the Lycan Kingdom," Bryn explained, her voice filled with awe. "The hybrids now have a home within this realm, where they can be safe and flourish. In time, we will have strong warriors who will protect this realm, thanks to their mix of powers and strengths."
I couldn't help but marvel at the progress we had made. "It is amazing how much has been accomplished so far."
Bryn's eyes met mine, gratitude shining within them. "It is because of the support you two have earned."
I gently reminded her of the collective effort. "You mean the four of us. You and Flint have played a huge role."
"Leo is almost prepared to cast the spell. He said by later today, he will begin, although it may take several days to complete. Did you learn anything from your sleep?" Bryn asked.
"Yes, the goddess will guide me to Mia once I am no longer linked to Thora. And I discovered that Mia still has her wolf, though she is sleeping. Inara will always be a part of her."
Bryn's voice held a sense of relief. "That's good news, Atlas. If Inara is with her, we will find a way for her to wake.”
"Where is Flint?" I asked.
"He is outside, awaiting Alpha Jack's arrival," Bryn replied, her voice filled with urgency. "Since news of the Lycan Kingdom's revival and your return has spread, it is no longer safe to leave this land unattended. We need to stand united with other packs. While we journey to get Mia back, it would be wise to appoint someone to temporarily command here. Alpha Jack is the first to offer support, and his warriors are standing with us. I suggest you appoint him to protect this kingdom."
Understanding the gravity of the situation, I responded, grateful for Bryn and Flint's presence in my life. "I understand. That is a wise decision."
"How about we head to Leo? Flint can handle discussions with Alpha Jack." Bryn offered.
"Yes, let's go. I want to hear about his progress. Can we ensure his safety?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.
Bryn reassured me, "Yes, I will aid in casting the spell. It won't cost his life, but his power will be stripped. He's willing to make this sacrifice."
Sighing, I expressed my gratitude, "I hate that he has to give up so much, but I will forever be grateful." As we approached the door to Leo's room, I could feel a mix of anticipation and hope.
Leo had overheard my words and looked at me. "Mia is my friend, my one and only real friend. Pretending to be a werewolf doesn't change the fact that she showed me what love feels like. Even without my power, I will find my happiness. I hope I'll be allowed to stay and help in this kingdom with my knowledge. And I'm sure I'll find my forever, as Mia calls you Atlas."
Moved by his sincerity, I spoke to him, "Thank you for not betraying her in the end. You are the good in your bloodline."
Leo nodded, "I am almost done preparing. It's good you two are here to help me finish. Bryn, as you know, I can't break the link you have to Mia. That means if she dies, so do you. The only way to break that link is to kill my mother."
"I know, and I have no issue being linked to Mia." Bryn responded without hesitation.
We were determined to bring Mia back and finally put an end to Thora's reign of terror.