Chapter 178 AURORA Dane ? I called out , I just opened my eyes and saw him sitting in a corner of the cell staring at space .

I blinked and sat up .noveldrama

Dane turned to me and that was when I recalled what had happened .

I had been captured by the Nameless .

You thought you could get away from me , Dane , The Nameless mocked , his big body towering over us .

His golden eyes sparkled with cruel pleasure , and the shadows seemed to bend to him as he came nearer .

And Aurora , so brave , so silly .

You walked right into my trap as if it was your destiny … and it was .

I forced my head up , every muscle in my body trembling with the effort .

You wont win , I said , my voice a wrap against the crushing power .

No matter what you do , well find a way to stop you .

The Nameless laughed , a sound that reverberated through the cavern like a thunderclap .

2/7 Chapter 178 Ah , defiance .

How charming .

Let me show you how little it will maller .

With a quick movement of his hand , the darkness around us rushed in , closing in like chains .

Dane , still on his knees , growled as he tried to resist them , his wolf close to breaking free .

Leave her out of this , Dane said angrily , his voice deep and rough .

This is between you and me .

The Nameless tilted his head , looking amused .

How noble .

But youve got it wrong , Dane .

This isnt just about you two separately .

Its about breaking you both .

Together .

I felt something pulling me before I could grasp what was going on .

The air buzzed with magic as the shadows around us moved , pulling me closer to Dane .

The Nameless raised his hand , and a dark barrier appeared around us .

It was thick and alive , rippling with bad energy that seemed to emanate from him .

Chapter 178 3/7 The air of the cell felt weird and heavy , filled with something I couldnt figure out .

This cell , the Nameless said , his voice a quiet threat , is designed to strip away all pretenses .

It will increase your emotions , your weaknesses , and your fears .

Lets see what breaks first : your spirit or your mind .

He stepped back , his form dissolving into the darkness with a final , cutting laugh .

Enjoy your time together .

It may be your last .

The oppressive silence that followed was almost worse than his voice .

Dane stood first , breathing fast as he stumbled to his feet .

The faint glow of his wolfs power flickered in his eyes but it was tempered by exhaustion and something deeper , something broken .

I stayed on the ground a little longer , trying to find my strength .

The barrier around us felt alive with energy , and the air was hot against my skin .

Aurora , Dane said , his voice tense but soft .

Get up .

I stared at him , feeling the heaviness of everything that just happened .

I dont need you telling me what to do , I said Chapter 178 sharply .

4/7 Danes jaw clenched , and he stepped closer .

This isnt the time to fight .

We need to find a way to escape .

Do you have a good plan ? I replied , getting up .

My heart was beating fast and my feelings were a mix of fear , anger , and something like despair .

Because the last one didnt work .

His eyes widened , the gold in them shining and fierce .

I was trying to keep you safe .

Protect me ? I barked out a laugh , the sound bitter even to my ears .

Dane , youve been working with the Nameless for years ! Instead of being caring , you are ordering me to stand up .

Do you even have any idea how many people have suffered because of you ? He flinched , my sharp words hurting his anger .

You think I dont know that ? he said in a low , rough voice .

Every single day , I feel the weight of what Ive done .

But everything , everything , I did was to stop him from hurting you and the children .

Thinking about our children made me feel angry , but I also felt feelings .

Do you think that makes it better ? I asked , my voice shaking .

Do you think that excuses everything ? No , he said , his gaze locking onto mine .

But I didnt have a choice , Aurora .

He would have killed you .

He would have taken them .

The tension between us crackled like the air in a thunderstorm , the magic of the cell increasing every word , every emotion .

My heart pounded in my chest , my breath coming in short , sharp gasps .

You should have fought harder , I said , my voice breaking .

His eyes softened and for the first time , I saw the depth of his pain .

I did , he said simply .

The silence that followed was heavy , the weight of everything unsaid hanging between us .

I turned away , my hands trembling as I pressed them against the barrier .

The darkness pulsed beneath my fingers , alive and unyielding .

Im so tired of fighting , I whispered .

Dane was behind me in an instant , his presence a steady warmth Chapter 178 against my back .

So am I , he said , his voice low and rough .

I closed my eyes , and his warmth , the heat from his body , made me feel steady like I hadnt in years .

Looking at him , I was calmed by the expression in his eyes .

It wasnt anger or guilt or even sadness .

It was something different , something strong and true .

Before I could think , before I could speak , his hands were on my arms , pulling me closer .

The world around us melted away as his lips met mine , the kiss deep and different , a clash of all the feelings we had been keeping inside .

I gasped against his mouth , my hands holding onto his shirt as the heat between us grew .

He held me tighter , his fingers digging into my skin like he was scared to let go , he caressed me and God have I missed his touch .

My boobs came in contact with his chest as I caressed his abs and now it felt like the world was silent as all that mattered was him in my front .

We both breathed heavily , our foreheads touching .

Then boom we heard a scary noise and I quickly grabbed his arm .

Chapter 178 7/7 Ill protect you come what may , Dane whispered , his voice full of feelings .