Chapter 9: Shadows in the Court

The queen's presence lingered like a stormcloud, and though she had left Zach to his thoughts, her words weighed on him. His mother had always been a figure of wisdom and grace, yet today her concern for Aurora unsettled him in ways he couldn't quite explain.

In another wing of the palace, Kayla moved through the halls like a shadow, her heels clicking softly on the stone floor. The talk of the human hunter was spreading, and she despised the disruption it brought. The hunter was a complication—one Kayla was determined to resolve.

The days stretched endlessly in the dark, damp cell. Aurora paced back and forth, her boots scuffing against the stone floor. She hated feeling powerless, caged like an animal. Every muscle in her body itched to fight, to run.

This can't be it. There has to be a way out.

Her sharp eyes roved over the iron bars, the guard stationed just outside, and the faint glimmer of keys on his belt. She clenched her fists, the beginnings of a plan forming in her mind.

The guard outside leaned casually against the wall, his fanged smirk making her blood boil. "If it weren't for the prince's orders, you wouldn't be breathing," he said, his voice tinged with mockery.

Aurora tilted her head, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "How lucky I am to have a royal babysitter."

The guard narrowed his eyes, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword. "Careful, human. Luck runs out."

She ignored his taunts, focusing instead on the faint shuffle of another guard's footsteps as he approached. The change in pace gave her an opening—if she was quick enough.

The second guard entered the cell to leave her food—a simple metal tray slid unceremoniously onto the floor. Aurora crouched to retrieve it, using the motion to mask her real intent.

In one swift movement, she feigned a stumble, sending the tray clattering noisily. As the second guard bent to grab it, she lunged, grabbing the key ring from his belt.

"What the—" he began, but Aurora was already moving.

She shoved him back and jammed the keys into the lock, twisting with all her strength. The door creaked open just as the first guard lunged for her. Aurora ducked, his swing narrowly missing her.

Using her momentum, she darted past him, sprinting into the dimly lit corridor. Her heart pounded as she took corner after corner, her hunter instincts keeping her alert to every sound.

But her freedom was short-lived. A group of guards blocked her path, their weapons drawn. Aurora raised her hands in mock surrender, her sharp gaze scanning for weaknesses.

"You won't get far," one of them said, smirking.

Aurora's jaw tightened. "We'll see about that."

Back in his study, Zach stood by the fireplace, his crimson eyes reflecting the flickering flames. Kayla's voice cut through the quiet.

"You need to deal with this, Zach," she said, her tone sharp.

"I am dealing with it," he replied without turning.

Kayla scoffed, crossing her arms. "The guards are talking. Your brothers are watching. Keeping her here is a mistake, and you know it."

Zach finally turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "You seem very interested in matters that don't concern you."

"They concern all of us!" Kayla snapped. "Elian will use this against you. Do you really think the court will accept a human—a hunter, no less—under your protection?"

Zach stepped closer, his towering presence forcing Kayla to step back. "The hunter stays. That is not up for debate."

Kayla swallowed her frustration, bowing her head. "As you wish, my prince," she said, though her tone betrayed her bitterness.

---

Deep in the forest, Leo and his team pressed forward, their weapons drawn and their senses sharp.

"We're close," Pearl said, glancing at him. "The trail's fresh."

Leo nodded, his jaw clenched. He hadn't spoken much since they left, his focus entirely on finding Aurora.

"If she's alive, we'll bring her back," he said, his voice low but firm.

Pearl hesitated, then asked, "And if she's not?"

Leo didn't answer. He couldn't. The thought of losing Aurora wasn't one he was willing to entertain.

Aurora was dragged back to her cell, her wrists bound tightly with thick rope. The guards shoved her inside, slamming the door behind her.

"You're lucky the prince wants you alive," one of them sneered. "Anyone else would've made a meal out of you by now."

Aurora glared at them, her breath ragged but her spirit unbroken. "Better luck next time," she muttered, collapsing against the cold wall.

As the guards left, Aurora closed her eyes, letting her frustration simmer. She'd been so close, but she wasn't done fighting. Not yet.

I'll find another way. I always do.