Chapter 176 1/6 AURORA The air still smelled like smoke and blood from the battle as I wandered past the treeline near Broken Ridge .

I ran as fast as I could upon hearing Danes instruction despite others telling me to stay and be strong , I told Trajan I needed to clear my head , but in truth , I couldnt shake the memory of the way the darkness around Dane had surged during the fight .

It was different , alive in a way I hadnt seen before .

And it wasnt just the Namelesss power .

The pearl pendant at my throat hummed faintly , a comforting pulse against my skin .

It was as if the goddess herself were urging me forward .

My feet carried me through the forest almost without thought , the quiet stillness broken only by the crunch of leaves underfoot .

The pack was regrouping and I knew Trajan or Evander would be furious if they realized Id slipped away again .

But I had to know .

The darkness had retreated after the battle but something about it lingered in the air , like a whisper just out of earshot .

I paused in a clearing , my eyes scanning the trees .

The crescent moon cast long shadows , and the faint scent of something … wrong … drifted 2/6 Chapter 176 toward me .

Dane , I whispered under my breath .

Was he still fighting ? Or had the Nameless punished him for whatever hesitation Id seen in his eyes ? My chest tightened .

I couldnt let myself believe he was gone , not when Id felt his presence so strongly during the fight .

The pearl at my neck grew warmer .

I reached up and wrapped my fingers around it , feeling its steady pulse .

It was almost like a heartbeat .

And then I felt it .

It wasnt just the pendant .

It was something else , a faint tug at the back of my mind .

The bond between Dane and me was still there , even if it was fragile .

For a moment , I froze , unsure if I was imagining it .

But no , it was real .

His emotions filtered through , faint but undeniable .

Restlessness .

Frustration .

And … fear ? My breath caught .

Dane didnt fear easily .

If he was afraid , something was happening .

I stepped forward instinctively , my hand tightening around the pendant .

Dane , whats happening ? I whispered though I knew he couldnt hear me .

The bond pulsed faintly in response , like a thread being tugged on .

My feet moved on their own , carrying me deeper into the forest .

I wasnt sure where I was going , but the pull was undeniable .

And then , the atmosphere shifted .

Chapter 176 3/6 It was gentle at first like the air had grown heavier .noveldrama

My skin itches and a shiver ran down my spine .

The trees seemed darker , their shadows stretching unnaturally long .

I hesitated , my instincts screaming at me to turn back .

But there is something I sense .

How can I sense Danes presence so close when he was on the battlefield , did he follow me ? Then , this atmosphere seemed strange all of a sudden , I should have changed to get away from here , but I couldnt .

Not when Danes presence felt so close .

Luna , a voice whispered .

It was soft , almost melodic , but it carried an edge that made my blood run cold .

I spun around , my heart hammering in my chest .

Whos there ? The shadows seemed to ripple , and a figure stepped forward .

It cant be Dane .

It was taller , its form shifting and insubstantial , like a smoke given shape .

My stomach dropped .

Ah , Aurora , the figure said , its voice dripping with mockery .

So brave , so foolish .

The Nameless .

My breath caught , and I took a step back , my hand flying to the pendant at my neck .

Its warmth surged , but it didnt feel like enough .

What do you want ? I demanded , my voice sharper than I felt .

The Nameless chuckled , a low , guttural sound that sent chills 4/6 Chapter 176 down my spine .

Want ? My dear , youve walked straight into my hands .

Theres no need for want .

Only inevitability .

I turned to run , but the shadows moved faster .

They surged around me , thick and suffocating , cutting off my escape .

Panic clawed at my chest as I struggled against them , but they were like smoke , intangible yet unyielding .

Let me go ! I snarled , my wolf instincts kicking in despite the fact I had no wolf to shift into .

The Namelesss form loomed closer , his glowing eyes narrowing as he watched my struggles with amusement .

Youre predictable , Aurora .

Always led by your emotions .

Its what makes you so delightfully easy to manipulate .

I thrashed harder , but the shadows only tightened around me .

My breath came in short gasps as the air seemed to grow thinner .

Far away , I felt the bond with Dane pulse again , stronger this time .

It wasnt just restlessness now it was anger , a deep , primal rage that seemed to echo through the connection .

The Nameless tilted his head as if sensing it too .

Ah , your dear Dane .

Do you think hell save you ? He laughed , the sound reverberating through the clearing .

Hes as much mine as you are now .

I froze , my chest heaving as I glared at him .

Hell never be yours .

The Namelesss smile widened , cruel and knowing .

Well see .

Chapter 176 5/6 The shadows surged again , and I felt myself being lifted off the ground .

My heart raced as I struggled , but it was useless .

The Namelesss magic was too strong .

And then , just as quickly as it started , everything stopped .

The darkness held me suspended in the air , and the Nameless leaned closer , his voice a venomous whisper .

Welcome to your trap , Aurora .

My stomach twisted as realization washed over me .

This had all been a setup .

The Dane who asked me to run , and the one I just felt his presence , it was all fake , The suspicious movement , the lingering darkness , it was bait , and Id walked right into it .

The Nameless chuckled as he saw the understanding dawn in my eyes .

Oh , dont look so surprised .

Did you really think I wouldnt anticipale your every move ? Youre predictable , my dear .

So painfully predictable .

Dane is your weakness .

The weight of my mistake crashed down on me , and for the first time in years , I felt truly powerless.

Far away , through the faint bond , I felt Danes anger flare like wildfire .

But he was too far .

No one could help me now .

The Nameless raised a hand , and the shadows began to close in around me .

I gasped , my vision blurring as the air grew impossibly thin .

And then everything went still .

Not dark , not silent , just still , as if the world itself had paused .

At that moment , one thought echoed in my mind , clear and sharp as a blade :