**LIAM**

*Continuation Of Flashback*



I approached the ancient oak tree, its gnarled branches like nature's own cathedral. The moon cast eerie shadows, making me feel like I was being watched.

I checked my surroundings, hand on the hilt of my sword, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.


Damien emerged from the darkness, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity.

"Right on time, Liam." He stated, his eyes darting to and fro just like mine checking if anyone was spying on us or within ear shot. I couldn't risk getting caught.


"So why am I here? Why did you call me here?" I asked, I couldn't shake the nostalgic feeling of him been suspicious though I knew for a fact that I was alone in an unknown pack. I had to trust somebody.


Damien handed me a yellowed parchment, creased and worn. I unfolded it, studying the intricate markings and symbols.

"Okay? So what is this? What exactly am I looking at?" I asked in confusion still holding the hilt of my sword in case things take a turn.

"Firstly, you know you have to trust someone right? If I was going to snitch on you, I would have reported before now so loosen your grip on your sword." He stated and i just kept a gruff expression


"And secondly, that's a map to Leila's dungeon from here. I spent all evening preparing it, I can't take you there myself as it's of a high risk." I nodded my head in understanding of what he had said.

It was a map, leading to Leila's dungeon. My gut tightened at the thought of finally finding her.

"And this," Damien said, producing a small, rusty key, "is the key to the dungeon. Be careful, Liam. The guards are loyal only to those who hold the power and you know who I mean."

ANTONIO!!

I took the key, feeling its weight in my palm. It was a small, insignificant-looking thing, but it held the power to unlock Leila's prison. I nodded, as beads of sweat formed on my forehead.

Why am I sweating at midnight? In the middle of the woods where the air is the freshest.


"I don't know what your reasons are but thank you. And if you're trying to send me into Antonio's clutches, it would be a ride." I warned and he chuckled lightly.

Damien's expression turned serious. "You must be cautious, she's heavily guarded."

I looked down at the map and key, feeling a sense of purpose wash over me. I was one step closer to rescuing Leila. Nothing would stand in my way and even if there was anything, I would have to crush it down myself.

I glanced at the moon hanging low in the sky, its silver light illuminating the dark forest as Damien left me to my own fate sneaking into the pack.

I returned to my little hideout in the woods where I had stayed, I had made it my hideout because no one seemed to reach those parts of the woods.

Few hours passed and it was time.

Midnight. Time to leave.

I turned to make my way back through the dungeon, my footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls.

As I reached the entrance, a sinking feeling hit me like a punch to the gut.

The map. I had left it on the grasses at my little hideout.

I cursed under my breath, frustration and anxiety warring within me. How could I be so careless? The map was my only guide to finding Leila. Without it, I was lost.

I hesitated, weighing my options. Going back for the map would mean risking detection by the guards, but I had no choice. I couldn't afford to fail now.

With a deep breath, I turned back into the darkness of the dungeon, my heart racing with every step.

I moved swiftly, my eyes fixed on the spot where I was sure I had left the map. Please, let it still be there.

As I approached the table, I saw it, folded and creased, just as I had left it.

I snatched it up, relief washing over me. I couldn't believe I had almost made such a rookie mistake.

I tucked the map into my belt, my mind racing with the journey ahead.

I had to move fast, before anyone discovered my mistake. With a deep breath, I slipped into of the dungeon, into the night, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

****


I stood in the dimly lit cell, my heart heavy with the weight of Leila's fate. She lay on the cot, her eyes sunken, her skin pale. I had to get her out of here, but I knew it wouldn't be easy.

We spoke briefly and l hugged her ,my heart was so heavy to see my sister in great danger,she was just a shadow of herself and l wept bitterly and vowed within me to get her out at all cause even if it means losing my life.

Leila had sent me on a task to find her Alpha and I had to do it. As I walked, a shadow intercepted me and on closer look I realized it was Damien.

He was this close to been close to my sword slashing his head off.

"You can't take her yet, Liam," he said, his voice low. "The guards will be alerted. But I can help you leave unseen."

"Do you see me with her? If I was living with her, she would be by my side." I said through gritted teeth.

"Sorry big bad wolf, I didn't mean to upset you."

Damien led me to a small door hidden behind a tapestry.

"This passage will take you to the outer walls," he said. "But you must hurry. The guards change shifts soon."

I nodded, my mind racing. I had to come back for Leila when I have found her Alpha of course, but for now, I had to escape undetected.

I slipped through the door, Damien's hand on my shoulder.

"May the shadows protect you, Liam," he whispered.

I moved swiftly through the narrow passage, my heart pounding.

I could hear the guards' voices echoing in the distance. I had to move faster.

Finally, I saw a glimmer of moonlight ahead. I burst through the door, finding myself at the base of the castle walls.

Just as I was running, I turned to see if anyone was in my tracks and fell head straight into someone's chest.

Fuck!!! I had been caught.

"Move and you die?" I grunted unsheathing my word when Damien raised his hands in surrender.

"You can't follow this paths, the guards are taking their night patrol." He stated and I eyed him suspiciously. How was he able to get to me so fast?

Damien gestured for me to follow him, we moved swiftly through the pack's encampment, the warriors nodding or bowing their heads as we passed.

I felt a sense of respect and admiration from them, but also a hint of wariness. They knew I was an outsider, and that my presence here was precarious.

"Just keep you head low and you'd look like one of the guards." Damien warned and I did as he said.

"Where are you off to Damien?" One of the men asked and my heart rate peaked.

"Night patrol reinforcements." He simply stated without looking back.

As we reached the edge of the pack's territory, Damien stopped, his gaze scanning the trees ahead.

"We're here," he said, his voice low.

I looked around, seeing only the dense foliage of the woods. "Where's here?" I asked, confusion etched on my face.

Damien smiled, his eyes glinting. "The front of the woods, Liam. The edge of our territory. From here, you'll need to make your own way."

I nodded, understanding. This was where our paths diverged.

I turned to Damien, my hand extended. "Thank you, Damien. For your help, your guidance... and your trust."

Damien took my hand, his grip firm. "May the road rise up to meet you, Liam. May the wind be at your back."

I didn't wait to reply as any time wasted could get us both caught and an inch close to execution so I ran of