Chapter 181 AURORA The Namelesss deadline weighed on me like a heavy load crushing my chest .

Sunrise was hours away , but it felt as though the light would never come .

My thoughts raced , each one more hopeless than the last .

Trajan and Evander were in unimaginable danger and Danc .

Dane looked as defeated as Id ever seen him .

I sat opposite him in the dark cell , my knees to my chest .

I could not bear the silence any longer .

Dane , I whispered , leaning forward .

My voice cracked but I didnt care .

We have to do something .

His head lifted slightly , his jaw tight as he stared at me .

You think I dont know that ? he muttered , frustration etched into every line of his face .

Then help me think ! I snapped , the words sharper than I intended .

I immediately softened .

Please , Dane .

Youre the only one whos ever outsmarted him .

You have to come up with something .

Dane exhaled heavily , pressing the heels of his hands to his face .

Aurora , Ive been trying , he said in a low , hoarse voice .

But every time I think Ive found a crack in his plans , it closes .

Its like hes always three steps ahead .

2/5 Chapter 181 His words sent a shiver down my spine .

The Nameless wasnt just powerful , he was calculating , always waiting for us to make a mistake .

I inched closer to Dane , desperate to reach him .

Then we have to find a way to surprise him .

There has to be something he doesnt expect .

Something he hasnt planned for .

Dane looked at me , his eyes heavy with sorrow .

He didnt expect me to rebel , he said bitterly .

And look where that got us .

Im chained , Trajan and Evander are his pawns , and youre stuck here because of me .

I swallowed and said , Stop it , Dont you dare go and blame yourself .

None of this is your fault .

Danes gaze suddenly locked onto mine , gentling .

Aurora , he whispered roughly , his voice breaking close .

I dont know if I can protect you from this .

Tears welled up in my eyes but I fought them back .noveldrama

Then dont think about protecting me , I said .

Think about surviving this .

Together .

His hands tightened around mine , his grip steadying me even as doubt threatened to consume us both .

Ill do whatever it takes , he said finally .

But you cant give in to him , Aurora .

No matter what he says .

No matter what he does to me or anyone else .

Chapter 181 3/5 I nodded , though the promise felt like a thread tightening around my neck .

I wont , I whispered , even as fear clawed at the edges of my resolve .

Time stretched to eternity .

I sat silent , trying to hold on to the fragile hope Danes words had given me , yet with every minute that passed the increase of the magical energy inside the cell chewed away at my defenses .

Every thought seemed magnified ; every doubt amplified .

I couldnt shake the feeling that Trajan and Evander were bound and suffering because of me .

The cell door creaked open and I scrambled to my feet , my heart pounding .

The Nameless stepped inside, his shadowy form towering over me .

His golden eyes gleamed with malice as his lips curled into a mocking smile .

I clenched my fists and made myself meet his gaze .

You wont break us , I said , though my voice shook .

Nameless let out a cold , hollow laugh , and chills ran down my spine .

Oh , Aurora , he said , taking another step closer to me .

Youre already broken .

You just dont realize it yet .

He turned to Dane then , his face darkening .

And you , he sneered .

The great betrayer .

How does it feel , knowing youve failed at every turn ? Knowing your rebellion was nothing more than a pathetic gamble ? Dane glared at him , his jaw tight .

You havent won yet , he said through gritted teeth .

Chapter 181 4/5 The Nameless smirked , his eyes glinting with cruel amusement .

Havent I ? He waved his hand , and the air around us began to increase .

An image appeared a vision of Trajan and Evander bound in chains , screaming in pain .

Their faces contorted in twisted agony as shadowy monsters wrapped around them , seeping into their very being .

No ! I cried , my hands flying to the image as if somehow I could reach them .

Not surprisingly , the Nameless chuckled , a low rumble that caused my bones to quiver .

Theyre quite resilient , he said .

But even the strongest Werewolves break eventually .

And when they do .

He trailed off , his smile broadening further .

I finally turned to him , my chest heaving with anger and desperation .

What do you want from me ? I demanded .

The Nameless stepped closer , his golden eyes locking outo mine Ive already told you , he said , his tone almost gentle .

Mar Holden , and they are free .

Refuse , and their suffering will be endless .

My breath hitched as the weight of his words sank in .

Youre a monster , I whispered .

He leaned in closer , his dark silhouette loomin Chapter 181 5/5 god , he whispered , and you , Aurora , are nothing but a pawn in my game .

Tears spilled down my cheeks as I turned away , my mind racing .

I couldnt let him win .

I couldnt let him destroy the people I cared about .

But what choice did I have ? The Nameless straightened , a cold , mirthless smile twisting his face .

Once again , You have until sunrise , he said , his voice booming in the tiny cell .

Choose wisely .

With that , he turned and left , the door to the cell slamming shut behind him .

I sank to the floor , my head in my hands as sobs wracked my body .

Dane knelt beside me , his hand resting on my shoulder .

We will find a way , you dont have to marry him , he said , his tone steady though despair danced in his eyes .

I promise .

But as the hours ticked by , the weight of this decision finally crushed me .

The ultimatum of the Nameless beat over me like some terrible dark cloud , until I could see no clear way out .

And when the first rays of sunlight crept into the cell , I realized the time to make a choice was over .