Chapter 97: Danger Lurking Below.
Leonardo’s POV
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees as I studied Marcus.
He looked like a man who had nothing left to lose, but I knew better. Everyone had something they feared.
"You look terrible," I said, my tone calm but sharp.
"Seems like the pack hasn't been too kind to you."
Marcus chuckled dryly, then winced as the movement sent pain through his battered body.
"You think?
They’ve been trying to break me for days. But I have nothing to say." His voice was hoarse, but there was still defiance in his eyes.
I smirked. "Oh, but you do, Marcus. And you're going to talk."
He scoffed. "And why would I do that?"
I tilted my head, pretending to think.
"Because if you don’t, I’ll make sure you rot in this dungeon until you beg for death.
Or... I could offer you something much better."
Marcus eyed me warily. "Better, huh? What could you possibly give me that’s worth betraying my employer?"
"Lena," I said simply, watching his reaction closely. His expression didn’t change, but I caught the slight tension in his jaw.
"I don’t know what you’re talking about," he muttered.
I leaned in closer. "Don’t play dumb. We both know Lena sent you to attack Aurora.
And that creature that tried to kill her in the pack? I bet that was her doing too.
You see, Marcus, I don’t just need answers, I need proof. And you’re my only lead."
He let out a tired breath, looking away.
"Even if I did talk, do you think you can protect me from her? You have no idea what she’s capable of."
I sat back, crossing my arms.
"Oh, I know exactly what she’s capable of. That’s why I need you to give me something I can use against her.
Something big enough to make her back off for good."
Marcus was silent for a long moment. Then, he gave a slow, bitter smile.
"You want something on Lena?" He chuckled darkly. "Then go and talk to her yourself because I ain’t telling you shit.”
I clenched my jaw, my patience almost running out.
“Why would you betray your pack for her, Marcus? We have been friends for years, and you betray me for her.”
Marcus let out a rough sigh, shaking his head.
"You don’t get it, Leonardo. This isn’t about friendship. It never was."
I furrowed my eyes. "Then what is it about?
Power?
Fear?"
He scoffed. "Survival."
I frowned. "Survival?"
Marcus looked up at me, his swollen eye barely opening.
"You think Lena is just some spoiled, power-hungry woman?
No, she’s a monster. She doesn’t just threaten people, she destroys them.
You have no idea what she’s done, what she’s capable of."
I studied him carefully. He wasn’t just holding back because of loyalty, he was scared.
"Then help me stop her," I said firmly.
"If we take her down together, you won’t have to be afraid anymore."
Marcus gave a dry laugh. "You think it’s that simple? If I talk, I’m dead. If I don’t, I’ll probably still die in this cell.
Either way, I lose."
I clenched my fists. “Tell me what you know, Marcus. Give me something, anything that I can use against her.”
He scoffed.
“You think Aurora is safe in the packhouse? Nah.”
He shook his head, a bitter smirk on his bruised face.
“Lena is keeping her alive for now, but only because she doesn’t want to kill her yet.
But when Lena makes up her mind to do something, she does it."
His words made me worried, but I tried not to show it.
"So I’ll advise you," Marcus continued, his voice low and serious,
"Take Aurora far away from this pack before she gets hurt or worse, dies."
I felt a sharp wave of anger rise in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm.
My nails dug into my palms as I stared at Marcus, his words replaying in my head.
Lena was only keeping Aurora alive for now.
I took a slow breath, suppressing the urge to lash out. "If you know this, why won’t you help me stop her?"
Marcus chuckled dryly, shaking his head.
"You still don’t get it, do you?
This isn’t a battle you can win with just threats. Lena has been planning this for a long time.
She has people under her control people you wouldn’t even suspect. She’s always five steps ahead."
I clenched my jaw. "Then I’ll get ten steps ahead."
Marcus smirked, amused by my determination.
"You think you can outplay her?
Good luck with that." He shifted against his restraints and winced.
"But if you really want to make a move, don’t waste time. The longer Aurora stays here, the more danger she’s in."
His words echoed in my mind, fueling the storm growing inside me.
Lena had gone too far. I had been patient long enough.
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “Marcus, help me stop her. We need proof and only you can provide such.”
He was silent for a long time. Then, in a low voice, he muttered,
"Check the tunnels beneath the packhouse."
I stiffened. "The tunnels?
What’s there?"
Marcus hesitated, then sighed.
"That’s all I’m saying. If you really want the truth, you’ll have to see it for yourself."
I stood up, staring down at him. His battered form, his defeated posture it was clear that whatever Lena was hiding, it was worse than I had imagined.
Without another word, I turned and walked toward the door.
I had my lead. Now, it was time to uncover the truth.
As I stepped out of the dungeon, the guards gave me a questioning glance, but I ignored them.
My mind was already racing, piecing together everything Marcus had said.
The tunnels beneath the packhouse.
What could Lena be hiding there?
I needed to find out and fast.
I made my way toward my quarters, my pace quickening with each step.
Aurora was still in danger, and every second I wasted could be the moment Lena decided to strike.
As soon as I reached my room, I grabbed my phone and dialed Rafael.
He picked up after the second ring.
"Leonardo? What is it?" His voice was tense.
"I need you to meet me near the east wing of the packhouse. We’re going underground."
There was a pause. "Underground? What the hell is this about?"
"I don’t have time to explain. Just meet me there in ten minutes. And come prepared we might not like what we find."
Rafael sighed. "Fine. I’ll be there."
I ended the call and grabbed a flashlight and a dagger from my drawer, tucking the blade into my belt.
I had a feeling I was going to need it.
Ten Minutes Later…
Rafael was already waiting when I arrived near the hidden entrance to the tunnels.
His arms were crossed, his face wary, but he wasn’t alone.
Alessandro was with him.
I stopped in my tracks, my jaw tightening.
“What the hell is he doing here, Rafael?” I asked, my tone sharp with irritation.
Rafael sighed.
“Brother, relax, alright?
I felt Alessandro needed to be here since he handles all the pack matters.
We don’t know what we’ll find down there, and we could use the extra hand.”
I clenched my fists. I didn’t like this not one bit.
This was my moment.
My chance to prove to Aurora that I was the one who could protect her.
Not Alessandro. And yet, my foolish brother Rafael didn’t seem to get the clue.
Alessandro met my glare with a calm look on his face.
“Look, I don’t know what your problem is, but if Lena is involved, we all need to be on the same page.”
I scoffed. “Stay out of my way.”
I didn't wait for a response. I turned, opened the old wooden door, and stepped inside.
The air was musty and damp, with a bad smell. Rafael and Alessandro looked at each other, then followed me in.
We entered the darkness, and our search for the truth started.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
