Chapter 188 DANE The chains creaked , the runes flashing , brightly as I pulled against them with every last shred of strength I possessed .

Auroras faint cries echoed in my head , pushing me on .

The bond between us glowed with pain and fear but there was something else there , beneath it all , stronger .

Determination , Hang in there , Aurora , I said with clenched teeth .

The power Id sucked from the engagement bond moved through me , wild and volatile .

I had no idea how much longer I could hold it in but I did know I needed to try .

My fingers dug into the glowing links , the runes moving against my skin .

Come on , I growled , the strain tearing at my muscles .

The chain snapped on one final surge , the runes light dying out like a candle .

I buckled in my knees , but caught myself , the signs of adrenaline and ultimate power coursing through me .

Dane ! Auroras voice came weak , but alive .

I turned to see her slumped against the wall , her wrists bound in glowing cuffs .

Chapter 188 217 Trajan and Evander lay not too far off , their breathing shallow Their bodies bearing the accursed runes of the Nameless .

Dont move , I said , my voice firm .

Auroras eyes went wide as I drew closer to her .

Dane , what are you doing ? Youll hurt yourself ! Ive got this , I assured her , though my hands were shaking like leaves as I reached for the cuffs .

The instant my fingers came into contact with them , a surge of dark energy coursed through me , sending me stumbling .

But I didnt let go .

I reached out and grasped the bond between us , that flicker of hope which refused to die .

The cuffs cracked and then shattered , falling off her wrists .

She slumped against me and I grabbed her close against the warmth of me .

Are you okay ? I whispered .

She nodded weakly .

We need to get Trajan and Evander out of here .

I turned to them , their faces pale , their breathing labored .

The marks on their bodies pulsed in time with the runes on the walls , feeding off their strength .

Stay with Aurora , I told her , setting her gently against the 3/7 Chapter 188 wall .

She tried to protest but I silenced her with a look .

Trust me .

I knelt beside Trajan and laid my hand atop one of the marks .

The energy was cold and relentless , leaching his strength on every pulse .

Trajan , I said , my voice low .

Im going to break this , but you need to fight with me .

His eyes fluttered open , pain etched upon his features .

Do it , he rasped .

I focused again , drawing on that same power which had broken my chains .

It resisted immediately the mark flared bright but I pushed back against it , placing everything into it .

The mark dimmed and then was gone , leaving Trajan gasping for air .

Evander next , I said , moving swiftly .

It was the same process , the same struggle and when the mark finally faded from Evanders body , he groaned and sat up , his hand clamped on my shoulder .

We need to move , I said , pulling him to his feet .

Aurora was on her feet already , though a little unsteady .

What about Piper ? she asked urgently .

4/7 Chapter 188 My heart clenched , for Id felt her through the bond a faint flickering presence that rapidly faded .

I had the feeling she was here but dont worry well find her , I promised .

As we worked our way deeper through the twisting corridors , the sounds of distant footsteps reached us , growing louder with each second that passed .

The Namelesss forces were closing in .

Then I heard her : Pipers scream tore through the air , raw and desperate .

This way ! I yelled , directing the group in the direction of the noise .

We burst into a darkened chamber where Piper was about to be chained against a stone pillar , almost fainting but alive .

Holden stood before her ; his eyes were wild with rage .

Here you are ? he growled ; his gaze snapped to us .

I didnt waste any time .

The energy I had gathered launched forward in a big wave , hitting Holden and sending him stumbling backward .

He shouted , fighting against it , but it was enough to drain him .

Get her out of here ! I yelled to Aurora , who rushed forward with Trajan and Evander .

Chapter 188 5/7 As they freed Piper , Holdens gaze locked onto me , twisting with fury .

Youll regret this he spat , launching himself at me .

I met him head on , our bodies colliding in a brutal clash of power .

The shadows around him lashed out , but I fought back , using every ounce of strength to keep him at bay .

Behind me , I heard Auroras voice .

We have her ! Dane , lets go ! With a last burst of energy , I pushed Holden back and won myself some precious seconds .

Go ! I yelled , whirled , and ran towards them .

We ran down the corridors as the angry yelling of Holden vibrated from behind .

We could see the exit but so could the forces of the Nameless .

We are not going to make it ! Trajan painted .

We will , I said resolutely , even as the doubt in my mind still chewed at me .

We were just reaching the edge of the forest when suddenly Warrick appeared , crawling with panic and fear on his face .

Warrick , Aurora spat .

Chapter 188 Im on your side ! he shouted desperately , but none of us stopped to hear him out .

6/7 As the Namelesss creatures closed in , Warrick wheeled to face them , his blade flashing in the dim light .

Go ! Ill hold them off ! I hesitated for a moment , but Aurora grabbed my arm .

Dane , we cant stay ! Reluctantly .

I turned and ran with the others , Warricks shouts fading into the distance .

We didnt stop until the safety of Broken Ridge wrapped around us .

Piper dropped to the ground , breathing weirdly and Aurora turned to her , eyes ablaze .noveldrama

Explain , she said .

Piper looked up ; her face was an odd tapestry , mixed , of guilt and anger .

I dont understand him honestly , hes just betrayed me I didnt trust him .

I never did .

But well he saved us , didnt he ? Auroras gaze softened slightly , but her voice remained firm .

Warrick betrayed us , Piper .

And now hes paying the price .

Pipers hands clenched into fists , her voice trembling with fury .

He was a liar , but he didnt deserve this .

Ill make the Nameless 7/7 Chapter 188 pay for everything .

Trajan and Evander sat nearby, their faces pale , the marks on their bodies faint but still visible .

Its not over , Trajan said , his voice low .

Those marks … theyre still there .

Still connected to him .

Evander nodded grimly .

Hes not done with us yet , how can we get this marks out The pack closed in , faces carved by frowns and doubts .

A rumble of discontent passed its way through the group , all trust in Aurora now shaken .

Shes too reckless , someone whispered .

We cant keep following her blindly , another added .

I think its time for us to make a major decision .