Mia POV
Something seemed off with Atlas, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Perhaps it was the way he always seemed distant, even when he was by my side. Maybe it was the lingering mental scars from what happened on Alpha Jack's pack land. I wished he would open up to me, as I was growing increasingly worried. But whenever I brought it up, he simply brushed it off, insisting he was fine. Yet, the lack of passion in his kisses confirmed that something was amiss.
I longed to have a deeper conversation with him, but our warriors had just returned with crucial information. We needed to focus on the imminent dangers we faced. Inara warned me about Atlas's troubled state of mind, urging me not to let him fight in such condition. I acknowledged her concern and approached Atlas before leaving our room.

"After we're done speaking with the warriors, we need to talk," I told him, my voice filled with concern. "You say you're okay, but I know that's not true. I hate pushing you, but I can't allow you to fight unless I understand what's wrong. Physically, you may be capable, but mentally, you're not."
"We will," he promised, pulling me into a brief embrace. And so, we joined the others to discuss the intel our warriors had gathered. They had managed to estimate the enemy's numbers and noticed signs of preparation for an attack. It seemed likely that they expected us to strike first. Additionally, there was activity at the property we had asked the warriors to investigate, the very place Thora would likely take me if she got her hands on me. Strangely, it seemed as though they wanted us to know they were there. Thora herself remained elusive, but we knew better than to underestimate her trickery. With this information, it became clear that we had to make the first move and eliminate Alpha Artemis.
The news of our imminent attack seemed to unsettle Atlas even more. It wasn't just me who noticed his growing tension. In an attempt to provide him with some solace, I reached for his hand, feeling the anger coursing through our bond. Though I had planned to speak with him after the meeting, it was evident that he needed to clear his head now. Guiding him outside, I hoped the fresh air would bring him some peace.
"Shift," I said to him, catching him off guard. As he looked at me, his eyes widened in surprise. But he did as I asked, shifting his form as I walked up to him. The air was filled with tension, and I could feel the unease in my gut. This was not something I wanted to do, but I had a feeling Brutus may be a little more open with me right now.
"Brutus, block Atlas," I commanded, my voice firm but gentle. I watched as he obediently bowed his head, acknowledging my request. The sound of his heavy breath filled the air, mixed with the faint rustling of leaves in the distance.
"What is Atlas hiding from me?" I asked him, my voice filled with curiosity and concern. I looked into Brutus's eyes, searching for answers.

"Anger. We are losing control, little mate," he responded, his voice low and filled with a tinge of sadness.
"Why are you angry?" I asked, my voice gentle yet determined.
"Fear. Fear that has turned into an anger we cannot control. Something did this to us, but I don't know what, as I was blocked away," he admitted, his voice tinged with frustration.
"So something happened when Atlas was human that is causing this shift in his behavior now?" I questioned, my mind racing to piece together the puzzle.

"Yes," he simply responded, his eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and confusion.
"You say fear turned into anger. Is this an anger you can't control?" I asked, trying to understand the depth of his emotions.
"Yes, it makes me go feral," he explained, his voice tinged with a hint of desperation. The scent of wildflowers danced in the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil that surrounded us.
"So witchcraft is involved, yet something Bryn did not detect," I murmured, my mind racing to uncover the truth. I stood there, processing what he said for a moment, the weight of the situation heavy upon my shoulders.
"Thora, Brutus, you know Thora's scent now from when she trapped you. Is that a scent you know from the past? I know you were locked away, but you should have still been able to sense it," I asked.
"Yes, it's familiar. One we grew up with. She was around us a lot on a daily basis," he explained.
"She raised him, Mia. Thora must be his grandmother," Inara spoke in my mind, her voice filled with certainty and understanding.
"Thank you, Brutus. You may give Atlas control. I'm going to fix this anger of yours, I promise. Don't block me away," I said to him, my voice filled with compassion. I pressed my hand against his fur one last time, feeling the warmth and strength beneath my touch, as he shifted back, giving Atlas control. The sensation of his strong arms wrapping around me brought a sense of comfort and safety.
"Mia, why did you..." Atlas started speaking, his voice filled with confusion and concern, but I interrupted him.
"You worry I was messed with throughout my life, but it has been you who has endured so much more, Atlas. Growing up, your grandmother raised you. Do you remember her possibly saying weird words around you or giving you anything to take?" I asked, my voice filled with urgency.
"My grandmother... I guess she gave me a vitamin. She was strict about taking it, always said it was for good health. I took it even when I moved away for college, but when she passed, I stopped," he admitted.
"So she dosed you with something," I growled, my voice filled with a mix of anger and protectiveness.
Atlas looked at me with a furrowed brow, his confusion evident in his eyes.
"Atlas, I believe Thora, disguised, was the one who raised you," I said, my voice filled with certainty.
I reached out to touch his hand, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine. "You're struggling to control your anger right now," I continued, my words gentle yet firm.
"I think whatever she gave you is causing this. We need to go and speak with Bryn," I urged. The weight of the situation pressed upon my shoulders, but I refused to let it crush me.
Atlas raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "You figured all this out by talking to Brutus?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
I nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of my lips. "Yes, over time I've learned how to ask the right questions. I've always had a knack for solving puzzles," I confessed.
"Your control is slipping, and I'm certain that's her plan," I declared. I met his gaze, my eyes reflecting my unwavering resolve. "But I won't allow that to happen," I promised, my voice steady.
I pulled Atlas back inside. Bryn and Flint were still with the warriors, their voices mingling. Bram stood nearby, as he connected with the small army that would aid us. Flint's arm was wrapped protectively around Bryn, their contentment evident in their smiles.
"Bryn, I need to speak with you, Flint, and Atlas in private," I requested, leading them to a secluded room. I knew I had to share what I had discovered and my growing suspicions.
"We had learned of the role she played in hiding Atlas,but you think she raised him," Bryn said, her voice filled with shock, after I explained everything. The room fell silent, the air heavy with tension.
"Yes, she has been manipulating him since he was a child," I explained, my voice tinged with frustration. "She has always known what he means to me."
Bryn furrowed her brow, her eyes searching mine. "If she used a potion, it might be impossible for me to detect," she said, her voice filled with uncertainty. "But I can try. I may need time to research and find a way to reverse its effects. In the meantime, I can create something to help Atlas maintain control. It won't be a permanent solution, but it will aid him. What triggers your anger, Atlas?"
Atlas hesitated, his eyes haunted. "Mia, my fear of losing her," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've been plagued by dreams, reliving the moments when I failed her in my past life."
I couldn't bear to see him burdened by guilt. "You did not fail me," I reassured him, my voice filled with conviction. "Your duty is not just to keep me alive and safe. Your duty is to be my teammate and to love me."
"It is normal for mates to want to protect each other," Bryn explained calmly, her voice tinged with concern. "But Mia is right, Atlas. You can't blame yourself for what happened to her in the past, nor can you do so for what she still may have to face." Atlas nodded his head slowly, his eyes clouded with worry.
"It feels like whenever I feel that fear, a flame ignites in me," he admitted, his voice strained. "And I'm starting to get worried. I may even hurt Mia." Bryn sighed, rubbing her temples. "It would seem that is Thoras plan," she said, her voice heavy with unease. "It would seem she wants you to hurt Mia."
But just knowing this now helps us. I will have a potion ready within the next hour. Personally, I don't think anyone can break the bond you two have. But we will take precautions to ensure Thora doesn't have a chance," Bryn explained. I thanked her for her help.
"Let me know whenever you start feeling angry, Atlas. I know you fear for my safety and want to protect me, and you are doing just that. I promise you, no one can take me away from you, and no one can take you away from me. Even if Thora manages to get her hands on me, it will only be temporary. In fact, part of me thinks it might be a good thing, because then we will have her, and I can finally end her," I explained to him. As I spoke, he wrapped his arms around me, providing comfort and support.
"Thank you for pushing me to be open. I should have talked to you earlier, but I just didn't understand what was happening. This feeling of anger I have, it's like my entire body is consumed by it, and I won't be able to distinguish between what's good and what's bad. I just never want to hurt you, because it would devastate me to know that I caused you harm," he admitted, his voice filled with sincerity.
"And that's exactly what she wants, Atlas. Even if you do end up hurting me, I will know deep down that it's not truly you. Someone else will be controlling your actions. So don't let anything you do to me break you. That's what she wants," I reassured him, placing my hand on his cheek and looking into his eyes.
"It is clear Thora has something planned for when we attack," I said to him, my voice filled with determination. "We just need to show them we are not just strong and powerful, we are smart."
"I have a feeling she may be there in hiding, but that's OK," I continued. "She can witness us destroy another one of her plans."
"Based on the warriors' reports, it's also clear that the place we originally believed Thora was going to use to keep Mia and tap into her power is not the real place." Bryn warned. I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "Mia going tomorrow, especially if Thora is there, does put you at a huge risk of her getting you. She is powerful and tricky, as we know."
"I'm well aware," I replied, my voice filled with confidence. "But I am strong, powerful, and tricky as well. If she takes me, I won't let her break me. I know there is a huge chance she will, but we also need to face her to defeat her. So I can always turn the tables on her."
Bryn chuckled, her laughter tinged with a hint of nervousness. "Whatever plan is brewing in that mind of yours, I would be terrified to be on the receiving end." I smiled, feeling a surge of determination. "I look forward to exacting my revenge. She is the cause of so many innocent lives lost. They were all part of this insidious plan of hers."
"I will survive, and not just that, I will conquer so I may allow those who have fallen and sacrificed to rest in peace." I promised. Atlas squeezed my hand, his touch providing comfort and support. "I won't let fear or anger blind me, Mia, because I believe you when you say you will survive."
He looked into my eyes, his voice filled with unwavering loyalty. "Just promise me you will wait for me to join you so we can finish her off together." I nodded, feeling a sense of unity and love. "Always and forever. Now, let's get Bryn's potion into you and prepare, for we have a battle to win."