Atlas POV
Surprisingly, we encountered no issues returning to the palace. As we approached Bryn's Barrier, the scent of the familiar surroundings filled my nostrils. Pulling up, Brutus started to pull forward urgently. "Mate, Mate is in danger," he growled, his voice filled with concern. That was all it took for me to burst out of the car towards the entrance, leaving Flint in a state of shock.
As I entered the palace, my heart pounding in my chest, I called out for Mia. But instead of her, I was greeted by Bryn, her face etched with worry. "Where is Mia?" I asked, my voice filled with desperation. Bryn explained that Mia had been missing since yesterday, and she had searched tirelessly within the barrier. "I know she hasn't left," Bryn assured me. "I would have felt it."

Driven by an overwhelming sense of urgency, I started running, determined to find her. I could feel something was wrong. I continued to call out her name, my voice echoing through the halls, as I desperately tried to catch a whiff of her scent. But it was faint, elusive, no matter where I went. Brutus, sensing my distress, became restless as we continued our search.
My heart raced as I navigated down a hallway, until I reached a room from my childhood, a room forbidden to enter. The door creaked open, revealing a space filled with dust and old furniture. Mia's scent lingered in the air, growing stronger. I cautiously explored the room, ready to leave when I stumbled over something on the floor. Looking down, I realized it was a slightly ajar trapdoor.
Curiosity and fear mingled within me as I lifted the trapdoor, revealing a hidden staircase. Mia's scent now overwhelmed me, urging me forward. Without hesitation, I descended the stairs, my heart pounding in my ears. In the hidden room below, I immediately spotted Mia, lying unconscious on the floor. I dropped to my knees beside her, feeling a mix of relief and worry.
Her breathing was weak, her body limp. I carefully lifted her into my arms, cradling her close. Urgency propelled me to carry her out of the hidden room, calling for Flint and Bryn as I moved through the halls. "Come on, Mia, wake up," I pleaded, my voice filled with desperation. Finally, we reached the closest room, where Bryn instructed me to lay her down for examination. Reluctantly, I released my grip, knowing we needed to determine what was wrong with her.
I paced anxiously around the room. Bryn had asked for some space, and I couldn't blame her. Flint tried to calm me down, but his words fell on deaf ears. My mind was consumed with worry for Mia, and nothing would ease my racing thoughts until I knew what was wrong with her and if she would be okay.
Finally, Bryn walked over to me, her face etched with concern. "The room you found her in, can you describe it?" she asked, her voice filled with urgency. I did my best to recall the details, although my focus had been solely on Mia. "I can't pinpoint what caused her to pass out, but it was definitely powerful witchcraft. However, I can assure you that she'll be alright. It seems like the spell was just meant to prevent her from leaving," Bryn spoke.

Just then, I heard Mia's faint mutter, "Bryn." Bryn rushed back to the bed and took hold of Mia's hand, but Mia was still not fully conscious. "Thora's room," Mia mumbled, causing Bryn to step back, surprised. "Atlas, I need you to tell me where this room is," Bryn said urgently, and I quickly gave her instructions.
"I'm taking Flint with me to investigate while you stay with Mia. She should wake up any moment," Bryn explained as she hurriedly left the room. I sat down on the edge of the bed, placing my hand gently on Mia. "I'm sorry I took so long, but I'm here now," I whispered softly, my voice filled with regret.
As I touched her face, her eyes started to flutter open. "Atlas," she whispered, her voice filled with relief. "I'm here with you, Mia, but I need you to rest and take it easy. I managed to get the blood you needed, so you'll be better soon," I reassured her as she attempted to sit up.
"Bryn, the room," she muttered, her voice filled with concern. "Bryn is checking out the room now that I found you in," I calmly replied. "Atlas, this place... it's where she wants me," Mia spoke, her words laced with fear. I struggled to understand what she meant. "Mia, I don't understand," I said, trying to make sense of her words.

"That room was specifically made for me, for the royal white wolves. Thora left everything she needs in there. I'm the only missing piece, and I'm exactly where Thora wants me," she warned me, her voice trembling with worry. I could feel the weight of her words sinking in, filling me with a sense of dread.
"Flint said not even Thora can get past Bryn's barrier, so we're safe for now," I explained, hoping to alleviate her fears.
"I'm not the first of my kind to be mated to a Lycan," she whispered, her voice barely audible. As she spoke, she gently embraced me, her arms encircling my body. I could feel her tears wetting my shoulder, her body trembling with emotion. "Thank you for finding me," she said, her words filled with gratitude.
I held her tightly, offering reassurance. "I will always find you, Mia. You are no longer alone. I am on your side, and you have me now," I promised, my arms enveloping her in a protective embrace. We remained locked in each other's arms until Bryn and Flint returned to the room. Reluctantly, I released her so Bryn could join our conversation.
"Mia, I understand the significance of what you have discovered," Bryn began. "But I assure you, Thora will not gain access to the palace for the time being. It will take me some time to decipher everything in that room. It's best that you stay far away from it, at least for now."
"The relics," Mia explained to Bryn, her voice quivering, "they hold the power of the original four royal white wolves."
"Yes, I know, although I thought that was a myth until today," Bryn replied, her tone filled with surprise. Mia proceeded to share everything she had read and what Inara had told her. As she spoke, her voice trembled.
"I don't understand the language any of Thora's notes are written in, since it seems to be one of her own creation," Bryn admitted, her brows furrowed in confusion. "But I promise I will figure it out, and we will learn exactly what she is up to. For now, it's best we remove the spell on you as fast as possible. I have the room ready for you, and Atlas and Flint were able to retrieve the blood needed."
Mia glanced at me, her discomfort evident in her nod. "Flint will stay with you, Atlas, until I am done with Mia," Bryn explained.
"I want to stay with Mia," I confessed, determined.
"I understand, but this spell is tricky, and I can't have any disturbances. If you are to stay with her, you can't touch her while it is in progress." Bryn warned.
"I won't touch Mia, but I am not leaving her to do this alone. I can control myself," I assured her.
"Very well, then I will have Flint stay as well if Mia is comfortable with that, in case I need someone to hold you back," Bryn agreed.
"Again with the assumption that I can stop Atlas. You should have seen him fight while we were gone there is no stopping him," Flint chuckled.
"I am fine if Flint is in the room," Mia softly said. Bryn nodded and led us to the room she had prepared for Mia. My eyes immediately focused on the bindings attached to the bed.
"I have to use these for Mia's protection so she does not run or hurt herself," Bryn explained.
I could not suppress the low growl that escaped me, a rumbling sound that reverberated through the room. Although it was not directed at Bryn, Brutus was angry within me. I took a deep breath, inhaling the air, trying my best to calm myself. Mia walked over to the bed, her steps hesitant, and Bryn assisted her in getting situated. I could feel the nervous energy radiating off her, yet she maintained a stoic expression, a mask hiding the multitude of emotions she had held in for so long.
Bryn took the vial of blood we had obtained and expertly mixed it into the potion she had prepared. Lifting Mia's head gently, she guided her to drink the concoction. The effects were almost immediate, as Mia began to squirm against her restraints. It pained me to see her in distress, but I knew that my mere presence in the room offered her some solace. I remained in a chair a small distance away, my body tense with anticipation.
Hours passed, and with each passing moment, I felt a dull ache in my chest. Brutus reminded me relentlessly that Mia was in pain, silently screaming within. Yet, she remained brave and silent, enduring for our sake. "You've shouldered so much on your own, Mia," I spoke to her through our bond. "But from now on, you won't be alone. You don't have to hide your feelings anymore, and I won't let anyone use you. I will protect and love you forever."
She did not respond, but I knew she heard me. I watched as she continued to writhe uncomfortably on the bed, while Bryn administered more of the potion. Eventually, the increased dosage caused a small moan of pain to escape Mia's lips. "Focus on me, Mia," I urged her through our connection. "Imagine me holding you, despite the physical distance. I'm here, fighting alongside you, for as long as it takes."
After several more agonizing hours, Mia finally calmed down. Bryn checked on her, confirming that the potion had successfully broken the spell. Mia was utterly exhausted, unable to even lift herself up. Bryn assured me that by morning, she would be perfectly fine, and while Mia rested, Bryn would investigate Thora's motives. I gently carried Mia to the bedroom, her head resting against my chest the entire way. It warmed my heart to know that she trusted me and allowed me to help her.
Placing Mia gently on the soft bed, her delicate hand tightly grasped mine. "Don't leave," she whispered. "Never," I assured her as I slid into the bed beside her.
"How did you obtain the blood?" she inquired, her eyes searching mine for answers. "I made a deal and exchanged a favor," I admitted, feeling a slight tension in Mia's body as she absorbed the implications. "A favor to an immortal witch, Atlas, you should..." she began, but I interrupted her.. "Mia, you mean everything to me. I will always do whatever it takes to keep you safe. I understand the risks, but it was worth it."
"I missed you. I've never felt so alone," she confessed, her words echoing in the quiet room. I tightened my embrace around her, my lips brushing against her soft neck. "I don't think I will ever feel complete when you're not in my arms," I confessed, my voice filled with longing.
"I want to share my power with you, Atlas. I trust you, and I believe it's the only way for us to win. So, I want you to take as much as you can from me," she spoke, her voice filled with conviction. "I will gladly accept it, but only to protect you," I replied, my heart swelling with love and devotion.
As she shifted in my arms, now facing me, her hand slipped under my shirt, grazing my skin. The sensation caused a low groan to escape my lips. "Mia, you need rest," I whispered against her, the warmth of her touch sending shivers down my spine. Her hand trailed down to my pants, igniting a primal desire within me. "I don't know if I can be gentle with you, Mia. You don't understand how badly I want to ravage you," I admitted, my voice thick with desire.
"Good," she whispered, her lips brushing against mine, her breath mingling with mine. "I don't like gentle. I'm not fragile." And with that, our lips met, the world around us fading away as our passion ignited.