Episode 53.

Inside The Room.

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Dean's warnings had made it increasingly difficult for Elena to consider visiting Mula in his cell again. The lingering question that she couldn't answer, replaying in her mind, was how Dean had discovered her secret visits to Mula.

There was an enigmatic depth to Dean, a dark spirit that allowed him to sense when something was amiss. His alpha power was not to be underestimated.

While Elena couldn't be certain if Dean knew she was the one sneaking food to Mula, as he hadn't explicitly confronted her about it, his demeanor from the previous night hinted at his awareness.

Elena's restless pacing in the room was fueled by her concern for Mula's well-being. She couldn't bear the thought of him starving in that prison. The choice was clear - she had to find a way to feed him.

Despite the temptation to forget about the situation and plan an escape, Elena knew she couldn't abandon Mula. With no escape plan in sight, she resolved to retrieve the dungeon key from Dean's drawer.

She opened the drawer and gazed at it for a moment before reaching in and grabbing the keys and carefully standing up.

Her mind was in turmoil, even her wolf advised her to return the key. She didn't want to risk Dean finding out, which would mean trouble for her and Mula. All her efforts to gain freedom would be in vain.

Unable to take another step, she hesitated and retraced her actions, placing the key back in the drawer and closing it.

The baby's cries filled the room, signaling his need for his mother. Without delay, Elena went to him and cradled him in her arms.

"Don't worry, my darling, mommy's here for you," she whispered, planting a kiss on his cheek. The baby calmed down instantly, comforted by his mother's touch.

Elena moved to the window, staring out at the forest, her thoughts racing. It seemed like there was nothing more she could do alone; she needed Elisa's help.

She knew that freeing herself and Mula from the pack would require assistance. Elisa alone wouldn't suffice for such a task.

Realizing that Mula was an Alpha with many loyal wolves who could come to his aid, she smirked, seeing a starting point. But first, she needed to feed Mula. He must be hungry since she hadn't visited him in his cell since yesterday.

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Outside The House.

Dean stood outside the house, waiting for Jared's arrival, hands behind his back, nodding as he waited.

After what felt like an eternity, Jared finally emerged from the castle, noticeably without Minerva by his side.

"I don't see Minerva with you," Dean remarked before Jared could utter a word.

Pausing, Dean took a deep breath, his heart already filled with trepidation.

"She was supposed to be inside, but I couldn't find her. I asked the others, and they mentioned waking up this morning without a trace of her or her belongings," Jared explained, fear lacing his voice.

Struggling to speak assertively, his voice quivered inwardly.

Dean observed Jared, who seemed unsure of how to broach the subject, exchanging glances with him briefly.

Glancing at the ground, the sky, and then back at Jared, Dean finally spoke up.

"Where were you last night, Jared?" His voice carried a deep, angered tone.

"I... I... I was at the omegas' quarters sleeping..." Jared began, only to be cut off by Dean.

"Sleeping amongst those omegas when you know you'll be leaving soon? Really?" Dean's voice raised in frustration.

Witnessing Dean's fury, Jared instinctively backed away, breathing heavily.

"Didn't I emphasize the importance of staying vigilant and watching over the pack as an upcoming scout?" Dean questioned, to which Jared slowly nodded in agreement.

"Did you really do what you wanted instead of following my instructions?" Dean asked, as Jared shook his head in fear.

"I'm sorry, Alpha. If you could give me another chance, I promise it won't happen again," Jared pleaded, and Dean nodded in response.

"Well done! That's a strong promise. Apology accepted," Dean said, applauding Jared, who felt a wave of relief wash over him.

Jared couldn't believe the Alpha had forgiven him so easily; it was unexpected.

"You know what? Come closer, let me commend you for your newfound commitment and promise," Dean said, as Jared cautiously approached.

As Jared neared, Dean suddenly grabbed his throat, causing him to struggle for breath, grasping at Dean's hand.

"I see I've been too lenient with all of you, leading to this lack of respect. Huh?" Dean shouted, while Jared tried to plead but couldn't speak clearly due to Dean's grip.

"Please..." Jared managed to beg, his words muffled by the tightening hold around his throat.

Despite Jared's pleas, Dean continued to tighten his grip, then extended his claws, using them to tear across Jared's face.

"Ugh!" Jared screamed at the top of his lungs as the claws tore down his skin, raking across his face and leaving it bloody. He was then released from the grip, and Jared fell to the ground, screaming in agony.

His face was contorted in pain as blood seeped through his wounds, causing him to writhe on the ground while Dean stood by, watching him scream.

After some time, he began to calm down, and Dean slowly moved closer, lowering himself to peer into his eyes.

"Don't test me again," Dean warned, his voice firm. "You failed to complete the task I assigned, and now you'll face the consequences. I strip you of your position and demote you to the lowest rank of omegas." Dean declared, his expression unyielding.

Jared shook his head, tears streaming down his face, his eyes pleading for mercy. But Dean was resolute, his mind made up. He had a reputation for being stern and unyielding when dealing with others, and he wouldn't let emotions cloud his judgment.

"Before then, you will go out there alone. Find her, look for her, and bring her back to me. If you fail to return, I will find you both, and you know what that means!" He yelled before rising to his feet.

Suddenly, Ryan arrived and stood next to the alpha, observing Jared in pain on the floor.

"Ryan, you have been a reliable ally. I commend your trustworthy duties. To reward your loyalty, you are now the scout of this pack," the alpha declared. Ryan smiled broadly, bowing his head in gratitude.

"Thank you very much, alpha. I promise never to let you down," Ryan responded with gratitude evident on his face.

"I know you will not let me down, but I will assign you your first duty now," Dean said, glancing briefly at Jared before turning his attention back to Ryan, who was eagerly awaiting his next task.

"You will take this ingrate with you. Both of you will hunt for Minerva, find her wherever she is, trace her, and bring her back to this place. Don't return without her," he declared. Ryan nodded in agreement and then Dean left their presence, visibly upset.

Watching Dean walk away, Jared struggled on the floor with a deep injury on his face. Breathing heavily, he expected more pain or a similar ordeal. To his surprise, Ryan approached him extended his hand towards him.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Jared took Ryan's hand, allowing him to help him back to his feet.