Chapter 186 AURORA Oh please , not now , Dane begged within him .
I was trying to communicate with him but its like something happened .
Last I heard from him was a footstep was approaching and his heart was racing more and more with every step .
I just concluded in my mind that anything that wants to happen should happen .
All of a sudden , I didnt hear anything from him again .
Oh , I hope hes fine though .
Was it gone ? I thought .
The frozen metal of the engagement ring still disturbed my skin as I was escorted into the grand hall of the Namelesss stronghold .
Heavy with the darkness , the air was thick and choking .
Ancient runes etched into the walls provided the only illumination , their soft glow casting patterns across the gathered crowd of onlookers that had come to bear witness to this Chapter 186 nonsense of a union .
2/7 My dress felt heavy , its dark fabric laced with the same magic that pulsed through the ring on my finger .
It wasnt a dress , but a shroud , a binding .
Every step I took closer to the throne side felt like a step toward my doom .
Standing at the far end of the hall was Holden , his ceremonial robes showing the ominous decorations of the hall .
There was a gleam in his eye , but it wasnt triumph directed at me .
No , his gaze was fixed on the Nameless , an idiot basking in the approval of his master .
Smile , Aurora , the Namelesss voice coiled around my mind like a serpent .
His shadowy form materialized beside me , his presence sending a chill down my spine .
Let them see your joy .
I forced my lips into a thin , brittle smile , my fists clenched at my sides .
Good , he said .
Play your role well , and perhaps Ill let precious wolves live a little longer .
your My heart twisted , but I managed to keep my expression well hidden .
I did what I was obliged to do for now .
Every moment that I played along was buying time for something .
Danes faint presence in my mind was my anchor , a sign of hope Chapter 186 even in the desolation .
3/7 Im here , Aurora , his voice whispered through the bond .
Stay strong .
I was so glad to hear his voice but no time to ask him what happened .
I just held on to the lifeline it provided .
The Nameless raised a hand and silenced the murmurs within the crowd .
Today , he rumbled , his voice echoing across the hall , we rejoice over a union that will make us stronger over the Broken Ridge Pack and beyond .
The crowd cheered , the sound grating on my ears .
Holden stepped forward , extending a hand to me .
Luna , he said , his voice dripping with false reverence .
I hesitated for a fraction of a second before laying my hand in his .
His handshake was cold , unyielding , and I bit back the urge to pull away .
Play along , I reminded myself .
Just a little longer .
Holden leaned in , his lips brushing against my ear .
Youll come to see this as your rightful place , Aurora .
By my side .
I didnt respond , keeping my gaze fixed ahead .
A Chapter 186 4/7 And then the ceremony started a lot of chants and incantations .
in some language Id never heard .noveldrama
The weight of the magic in the air grew thicker , crushing against my skin until I could hardly breathe .
My mind was racing , scattered and searching for some break , some weak point in this charade .
Suddenly , a sharp light shot through the bond .
It wasnt painful , but it was enough to make me stagger .
Holdens grip tightened on my hand , his eyes narrowing .
Whats wrong ? he demanded .
Nothing , I lied , steadying myself .
But it wasnt nothing .
It was Dane .
Aurora , his voice came through the bond , stronger than before .
Ive found a way to fight back .
What are you doing ? I thought back , panic threading through my mind .
Trust me .
The bond pulsed again this time with a surge of power .
It wasnt just coming from Dane it was coming from me , too .
The engagement band on my finger started to heat up , the dark runes etched into it flickering crazily .
5/7 Chapter 186 Holdens eyes flicked to the ring .
Whats happening ? I didnt get a chance to reply as the Namelesss voice thundered through the hall , thick with enraged fire .
ENOUGH .
The air around us hissed as the Nameless appeared on the center of the party .
His gold eyes blazed hot as he fixed upon me , then moved to Holden .
Control her , he growled .
But Holden didnt move .
The bond between me and Dane bucked again , and I realized with a jolt that the engagement bond was glowing : Dane was siphoning its power , using it to launch a mental assault on the Nameless .
The crowd exploded into chaos .
Shadows climbed up the walls , frantic , out of control .
Holdens grip on my hand and he stumbled backward , clutching his head .
What are you doing to me ? he screamed , the tone weird .
I didnt say anything .
I couldnt .
All my attention was for the bond , for the power moving between me and Dane .
The Nameless roared , his form shifting and expanding as he fought to regain control .
You think you can defy me , Dane ? You are nothing but a pawn ! 6/7 Chapter 186 But even as he spoke , I could feel the cracks spreading .
The Namelesss hold on the fortress , on the shadows , on us it was weakening .
Holden , the Nameless barked .
Stop her ! Holden launched himself at me , face filled in a rage .
I barely had time to react before a burst of magic exploded from the bond , hurling him backward .
The force of it threw me onto my knees , but I didnt let go of the bond .
Not now .
Not when we were so close .
The Nameless turned to me then , his eyes of gold ablaze with anger .
You dare defy me ? I met his gaze , my chest heaving .
Youll never win , I said , my voice steady despite the chaos erupting everywhere .
His laughter then was cold , cruel .
You really think this changes anything ? You have merely delayed the inevitable .
He raised his hand , and the shadows wrapped around him now coalesced into this huge , writhing form .
I will show you the meaning of despair .
Rrraaaaaa , tskk , tskk said the nameless , I could barely grasp what he was saying but suddenly the ground beneath me shook as the shadows surged forward , devouring everything in their path .
And then , everything went dark .