Chapter 137

"Easy," I whispered, though my voice shook. The wolf didn't move, its gaze locked on me. I could feel the raw power radiating from it, a predator watching its prey.

I swallowed hard, trying to stay calm. "I'm not a threat. I'm just trying to find my way home. Please. I'm lost." 

The wolf tilted its head slightly, almost like it was studying me. My heart pounded so loud I was sure it could hear it. I didn't know whether to run or stay perfectly still.

"Please," I said softly. "I just... I just want to find my way home. Can you help me? Is there a way?"

The wolf stepped forward, slow and deliberate. My breath hitched. It was close enough now that I could see the moonlight glinting off its thick fur. It wasn't snarling anymore, but the tension was still there, coiled beneath its powerful frame.

I dared to speak again. "Do you... understand me? Do you know what I'm saying?" 

For a heartbeat, nothing happened. Then the wolf's eyes seemed to soften. It lowered its head slightly, no longer looking at me like I was prey. My chest heaved with a shaky exhale.

"Who are you?" I whispered, barely able to hear my own voice. "Why do you feel... familiar?"

The wolf didn't answer — of course it didn't. But it didn't attack, either. It simply stared at me a moment longer before turning away. It padded to the entrance of the cave, pausing just long enough to glance back at me.

It wanted me to follow.

My heart stammered. Every instinct screamed at me that this was insane. But another part of me — the part that dreamed of Rowan, the part that didn't trust Gregor — told me this was right.

I pushed myself up, legs trembling beneath me. The wolf waited patiently as I gathered my strength. Then, without looking back, I followed it into the night.

The forest was eerily quiet, save for the sound of my footsteps and the soft padding of the wolf ahead of me. It moved gracefully, weaving through the trees like it belonged there. I couldn't shake the feeling that it knew exactly where it was going — and that it wanted me to come with it.

"Where are we going?" I whispered, knowing I wouldn't get an answer. The wolf didn't slow down. It just kept moving, and I followed.

Time felt strange, stretching and bending around us. My body was exhausted, but something deeper — something more than fear — kept me going.

I didn't know what waited for me beyond the trees. I didn't know what Gregor would do when he found me missing. But I couldn't stay in that village, waiting to be married off like a bargaining chip.

The wolf led me deeper into the woods, and I followed — hoping it would lead me to answers... or to my freedom.

..............

The wolf pressed forward, relentless in its pace. My body ached, exhaustion weighing down my limbs, but it wouldn't let me stop. Every time I lagged behind, it turned back, fixing me with those glowing amber eyes, urging me forward.

"How much further?" I panted, knowing full well the wolf wouldn't answer. 

It only huffed and continued moving, its dark fur blending into the night. I followed because I had no choice, because something deep inside me told me this wolf was leading me somewhere important.

We walked for what felt like hours, my legs trembling beneath me. The night air grew colder, biting at my skin, and I fought against the overwhelming urge to collapse.

Then, finally, the trees parted, revealing a massive stone bridge stretching across a deep ravine. My breath hitched at the sight of it. 

The wolf padded to the edge of the bridge, turning to look at me expectantly. 

I shook my head. "I just need a moment," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the wind rushing through the trees.

I was tired. So exhausted I could feel it deep in my bones. 

The wolf didn't move. It just stood there, waiting.

"I can't," I murmured, sinking to my knees at the foot of the bridge. My body screamed for rest. The exhaustion was too much.

The wolf watched me for a long moment before letting out a low growl. Then, without warning, it turned and sprinted across the bridge, disappearing into the mist on the other side.

I exhaled shakily, leaning back against the cold stone of the bridge's foundation. My heart still pounded from the journey, but now, at least, I could breathe. I closed my eyes for just a moment, willing my body to recover. I had to follow the wolf, but my legs felt like steel, they were too heavy to move. 

Then I heard it.

Voices.

Low murmurs in the woods behind me.

Panic flared in my chest. I scrambled to my feet, whipping my head around to scan the darkness. The rustling of leaves grew louder, closer.

And then he emerged.

Gregor.

My stomach twisted into a knot. His face was twisted in fury, his eyes wild as they locked onto me.

"There you are," he growled, stalking forward.

I turned to run, but I was too slow. His hand clamped down on my wrist, yanking me backward.

"No," I gasped, struggling against his grip. "Let me go! I’m not going back with you!” 

His fingers dug into my arm. "Do you have any idea where you are?" he hissed. "You don't understand the danger you're in, Ariadne. How could you leave after everything I have done for you!” 

"I don't care!" I shouted, thrashing against him. "I'm not going back with you! Leave me alone! Thank you for your help but I’m going back home.” 

Gregor's jaw clenched. "Home?! This isn’t your home! You are coming back with me. Now."

I shook my head violently, trying to pry his fingers away. "I belong to no one," I spat. "Especially you! I don't need you to protect me anymore. Go back to your village Gregor.” 

Gregor let out a sharp breath, his expression darkening. "You're a fool if you think those men won't find you," he snapped. "The people who were after you before, they're still looking for you. And if they find you before I get you out of here—" 

"I'd rather take my chances," I bit out, my voice shaking.

He exhaled through his nose, his patience fraying. "You don't understand, Ariadne. If they take you, you won't be able to escape. Ever. They’ll kill you and that baby in you. Don’t you dare cross that bridge.” 

I froze, something in his voice sending a chill down my spine. 

Gregor took advantage of my hesitation, tightening his grip. "Enough of this," he muttered. "You're coming with me. I won’t let you stupidly endanger yourself.” 

"No!" I screamed, twisting with everything I had left. My lungs burned as I fought, my voice echoing across the ravine. 

"Stop fighting me!" Gregor snarled, his grip turning bruising as he dragged me backward. 

Tears pricked my eyes. I was losing. I didn't have the strength left to keep fighting him.

Then I heard it.

The sound of hooves pounding against the earth. The heavy rhythm of boots. The unmistakable clatter of other people.

Gregor froze.

A deep voice cut through the night. "Unhand my wife now!” 

A shudder ran through me at the words. 

Gregor stiffened, his head snapping toward the bridge.

Across the stone expanse, a group of armored soldiers stood, their weapons drawn. At the front of them was a man. 

A man I recognized.

Rowan.