Taken (Season 1 Final)

As the soft glow of moonlight filters through the curtains, casting a gentle illumination on the room, I find myself nestled in the Alpha's arms, relishing in the tranquil stillness of the palace. The air is laced with contentment, and a sense of fulfillment fills the space around us.

We had just shared an intimate moment, our bodies entwined with passion and desire. The echoes of our connection linger in the air, mingling with the sweet scent of lingering passion. A peaceful calm settles over us, like a comforting blanket, as we bask in the afterglow.

But as the Alpha rises from the bed, slipping on his pants, a pang of disappointment tugs at my heart. The warmth that had enveloped me is suddenly replaced by the chill of the empty bed. I watch him silently, unsure of what to say.

"Are you leaving?" I manage to ask, my voice carrying a tinge of vulnerability. The Alpha pauses, his gaze meeting mine. There's a flicker of concern in his eyes as he takes in the change in my tone.

"Yes, I need to sleep," he responds, his voice gentle yet firm. The words hang in the air, leaving a hint of emptiness in their wake. I can't help but feel a pang of longing, a desire for his presence to linger a little longer.

"Oh..." I murmur, my frown betraying my disappointment. The Alpha's attention narrows on me, his eyes searching mine, as if trying to decipher the emotions hidden beneath the surface.

"You want me to stay the night?" he asks, his voice softer now, carrying a note of tenderness. My heart skips a beat at his words, and a smile tugs at the corners of my lips. I nod, my eyes shining with a mix of gratitude and longing.

"Yes," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. The Alpha's eyes soften, a small smile gracing his lips in response to my plea. He approaches the bed once again, sliding back under the covers and pulling me into his embrace.

The bed, once cold and vacant, is now infused with warmth and comfort as we settle in, our bodies intertwined once more. I rest my head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. In his arms, I find solace and a sense of belonging.

The palace falls into a hushed lull, a sanctuary of peace and quiet. The Alpha's presence beside me is a reassurance, a reminder that I am no longer alone. With each breath, the weight of the world seems to lift, replaced by a tranquil sense of security.

As I drift off to sleep, I hold onto the moment, cherishing the feeling of his arms wrapped around me. In this embrace, I find not just physical comfort, but a connection that transcends the boundaries of the palace walls.

~

I am abruptly pulled from its comforting embrace. My groggy mind struggles to comprehend what is happening as I feel strong arms lifting me from the bed. Panic shoots through me as I recognize the Alpha's face, his eyes filled with urgency.

"Rhys, what's happening?" I manage to croak, my voice still heavy with sleep. The dim glow of the moon casts an eerie light on the scene, revealing the tension etched on his face.

"We have to go now," he replies, his voice laced with a sense of urgency that jolts me awake. Confusion clouds my thoughts as I try to process the gravity of the situation. The Alpha's grip tightens around me, guiding me through the darkened halls of the palace.

The normally tranquil corridors are now filled with chaos and commotion. The sounds of hurried footsteps and panicked voices echo through the air, shattering the stillness of the night. My heart races as fear grips me tightly, my eyes darting around, searching for answers.

"Alpha Rhys, get to safety!" Oscar's voice booms through the chaos. I strain to hear his words over the cacophony, realizing that danger lurks just beyond our reach. A wave of realization crashes over me, and I understand that we are in the midst of a threat that demands immediate action.

"No," Rhys defiantly yells back, his voice filled with determination. "I must fight with you all!" The words hang in the air, carrying the weight of his commitment to protect and defend. I grasp onto his arm, my heart torn between the desire to stay by his side and the instinct to seek safety.

But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one thing remains clear - the unwavering strength and loyalty that Rhys possesses. He is willing to put himself in harm's way to ensure the safety of his people, and now, me.

As we continue to navigate through the labyrinthine halls, my senses are overwhelmed by the urgency that surrounds us. Shadows flicker, cast by the dim light of torches, as we race through the corridors. Fear and adrenaline surge through my veins, heightening my senses and sharpening my focus.

In this moment of chaos and uncertainty, I cling tightly to the Alpha's side, placing my trust in him and the bond we share. The path ahead is uncertain, but together, we face whatever challenges await us.

As we venture deeper into the heart of the palace, I brace myself for what lies ahead. The threat may be relentless, but the strength and determination that burn within us are equally fierce. We stand united, ready to face the storm that rages around us, knowing that our love and resilience will guide us through the darkest of times.

As chaos unfolds around us, Alpha Rhys sets me down gently, his grip tight but reassuring. The air is thick with tension, and I can sense the urgency in his voice as he explains the situation.

"We are under attack," he says, his voice firm yet laced with concern. "The Kraes have breached the palace walls." My heart skips a beat at his words, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

Frantically, I survey the darkened space around us, lit only by the sporadic flicker of torchlight. Panic rises within me as I realize the imminent danger we face. The cries and screams of people echo through the corridors, adding to the atmosphere of fear and desperation.

"Alpha Rhys, the Krae pack is approaching this way!" Devin's urgent voice pierces through the chaos, sending a jolt of adrenaline through me. Rhys's gaze narrows, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of the impending threat.

Without hesitation, he turns his attention back to me, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and concern. "Stay in this room until I come back," he commands, his voice unwavering. "Do not come out, no matter what happens."

"Rhys—" I begin, my voice laced with worry, but he swiftly cuts me off. In one swift motion, he pushes me into the room, effectively sealing me off from the outside world. My heart pounds in my chest as I try to open the door, but it remains stubbornly locked.

Tears well up in my eyes as the reality of the situation sinks in. The fear of being separated from Rhys, left alone in the midst of the chaos, threatens to overwhelm me. I press my ear against the door, straining to hear any semblance of his voice or the sound of the ongoing battle, but all I hear is the haunting silence that engulfs the room.

Fear and uncertainty grip me tightly as I take in my surroundings. Shadows dance ominously on the walls, their ethereal movements a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding just beyond the confines of the room. I know I must obey Rhys's command and wait for his return, but every fiber of my being longs to be by his side, to fight alongside him.

Time feels like an eternity as I anxiously wait, my mind filled with a whirlwind of thoughts and fears. The sounds of distant clashes and distant shouts seep through the cracks in the door, amplifying my unease. The room feels suffocating, as if the walls themselves hold me captive.

In the midst of the uncertainty, I cling to the hope that Rhys will return, that he will emerge victorious against the Krae pack and keep his promise to protect me. With every passing moment, I find solace in the bond we share, drawing strength from the love and connection that binds us together.

As I wait in that dimly lit room, my heart beats with a mixture of fear and anticipation. I can only hope that Rhys will come back to me, unscathed, and that together we will overcome this perilous ordeal. In the face of uncertainty, I hold on to the flickering flame of hope, praying for our reunion and for the safety of everyone caught in the midst of this raging storm.

As I hear the jingle of the door knob, my heart leaps with hope. "Rhys?" I call out, my voice filled with anticipation. The jingling stops, and for a brief moment, there is silence. I hold my breath, waiting for his response.

But instead of the familiar voice of my beloved Alpha, I am met with a chilling silence. Fear creeps up my spine, and my instincts tell me that something is terribly wrong. Suddenly, the door is ripped off its hinges, and I gasp in shock.

I quickly rise to my feet, my eyes searching desperately for Rhys. My heart sinks as I realize that the intruder standing before me is not my Alpha, but a man I recognize all too well—Edward. Memories of our shared past flood my mind, and I take a step back, instinctively putting distance between us.

"Edward?" I blink, my voice laced with confusion and apprehension. Edward remains silent, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. The bloodstains on his clothes and the disheveled state of his hair only add to the unsettling atmosphere that surrounds him.

My heart pounds in my chest as I gather the courage to speak again. "Where is Rhys?" I ask, my voice trembling slightly. I desperately hope for an answer, praying that Rhys is safe and out of harm's way.

Edward takes a step closer, his movements deliberate and calculated. "Somewhere," he finally replies, his voice filled with an eerie calmness. I feel a surge of panic rising within me, knowing that Rhys's whereabouts are unknown. "He said I should protect you," Edward continues, his words sending a chill down my spine. Conflicting emotions swirl within me—fear of the unknown, confusion about Edward's sudden presence, and an underlying sense of distrust stemming from our shared history.

I take another step back, my instincts urging me to keep a safe distance from him. "Why should I trust you?" I manage to say, my voice filled with both vulnerability and defiance.

Edward's expression remains unreadable, his eyes searching mine. "Because deep down, you know I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe," he replies, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

Conflicting emotions tug at my heart. Memories of our past together, both good and bad, flood my mind. While trust may be a fragile thread between us, the instinct to survive and protect one another lingers deep within my being.

"I'm not following you."

"Why the change of heart?"

"Because you are no good."

"But I can take you to your family."

"The Alpha already took me to see my family."

Edward slumps his hands. As Edward and I stand in that room, surrounded by uncertainty and danger, I steel myself for the challenges that lie ahead. With Rhys's whereabouts unknown and Edward now claiming the responsibility of protecting me, I find myself caught in a precarious web of trust, survival, and the desperate hope that our paths will eventually lead us back to safety and the embrace of the one I love.

"Well, it seems like I have no choice but to take you."

Before I could think, Edward carried me on his shoulder, I struggled and slammed my hand against his back, desperately pleading for him to let go. "Let go of me!" I cry out, my voice filled with fear and frustration. But my protests fall on deaf ears, and he continues to carry me away.

"Don't you see I am trying to save you?" Edward's voice resonates in my ears, his words echoing through the chaotic night. Conflicting emotions surge within me as I try to make sense of the situation. I shiver as the cold outside air bites at my exposed skin, the chilling reminder of the danger that surrounds us.

In the distance, I hear the sound of bells and a voice yelling, "No!"

My heart skips a beat as I turn my gaze back towards the palace. The weight of the Alpha's sadness and guilt washes over me, intertwining with my own feelings of confusion and uncertainty.

The distance between us and the palace grows with each passing moment, the chaos of the night becoming a blur. All I can do now is hope the Alpha finds me.