Chapter 13: Reckless Decisions

The forest was eerily silent as Leo sat apart from the rest of his group. His thoughts were a storm of guilt, frustration, and determination. The loss of two hunters weighed heavily on him, but Aurora's absence was a heavier burden.

Kellan's earlier words echoed in his mind: "We've already lost too much."

Leo looked at the faces of his remaining team members as they shared a meager meal. The doubt and exhaustion were clear in their expressions. He couldn't lead them into further danger—not without a clear plan.

"I'll scout ahead," he announced suddenly, rising to his feet.

Maren frowned. "Alone? That's reckless, Prince Leo."

"I won't risk more lives unnecessarily," he said, his tone brooking no argument.

Kellan crossed his arms. "And what if you get captured—or worse? What good will that do Aurora?"

Leo clenched his fists. "She saved me once. Now it's my turn."

He didn't wait for further objections. Grabbing his weapons, he disappeared into the shadows, his resolve unshakable.

---

Aurora's Calculations

Aurora sat cross-legged on the cold floor of her cell, her mind working furiously. She had tried brute force, stealth, and even a little deception, but nothing had worked so far.

As the heavy door creaked open, she straightened, her eyes narrowing. Zach entered, his expression unreadable.

"I see you've been enjoying our hospitality," he said, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Aurora smirked, leaning back against the wall. "Oh, yes. Five stars for the view, but the service could use some work."

Zach's lips twitched, but he didn't smile. He stepped closer, his presence commanding. "If you think humor will get you out of here, you're more foolish than I thought."

Aurora's eyes glinted with mischief. "I thought I'd try charm. You seem like the type who likes compliments."

He tilted his head, studying her. "Sweet-talking won't work on me."

Her smirk faded, replaced by a glare. "Fine. Then let me go, and I promise you'll never see me again."

Zach's gaze hardened. "Do you take me for a fool? You're a hunter—a murderer of my kind. Why should I trust anything you say?"

Aurora's temper flared. "Because I didn't choose this life! Your kind killed my family, turned my world upside down. What choice did I have?"

Zach stepped closer, his voice dangerously low. "You think you're the victim? Your people slaughter mine, develop weapons to wipe us out, and call it justice."

Her anger boiled over. "And what do you call it when you drain humans dry and leave them like discarded trash? Mercy?"

The tension crackled like a live wire. For a moment, Zach's expression faltered, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. Then it was gone, replaced by cold fury.

"You're nothing but a weakness I can't afford," he hissed. "I

Zach's words hung in the air, venomous and cutting. His crimson eyes burned into hers, and Aurora's heart pounded with defiance, not fear.

"Good," she spat back. "Because I don't need you or anyone else. I'll find my way out of here, one way or another."

Zach stepped forward, his towering figure casting a shadow over her. He unlocked the cell door, the metallic clang echoing ominously. Aurora straightened, her muscles coiled like a spring.

He entered, closing the door behind him. His presence was suffocating, his fury palpable. "Tell me," he growled, his voice sharp as a blade, "what weapons does your group use? What poisons, traps, and tools have you devised to kill my kind?"

Aurora's jaw clenched. "Why? So you can wipe us out faster? Go ahead, prince. Keep proving how monstrous you really are."

Zach grabbed her arm, pulling her to her feet. "You don't know the first thing about monsters." His grip tightened, though not enough to harm her. "And you clearly don't know what you're dealing with."

Aurora leaned closer, her voice a defiant whisper. "Neither do you."

For a moment, they stared at each other, the air between them electric. Zach's fangs glinted as his lips parted in frustration. But instead of reacting, he released her, stepping back abruptly as if burned by her defiance.

"You're lucky I have control," he muttered, more to himself than to her. "But you're running out of chances, hunter."

Aurora's chin lifted, her voice cold. "Do your worst."

Zach turned on his heel and stormed out of the cell, slamming the door behind him. He stalked down the hall, his mind a tumult of anger and confusion. How could a human—a hunter, no less—be his mate? He hated her defiance, her sharp tongue, her very existence.

But somewhere, buried deep, he admired her courage.

---

Elian's Defiance

The crack of a whip echoed through the dungeon corridors as Elian stood over Aurora's weakened form. Her arms were bound, her breaths shallow, but her eyes—defiant and unyielding—never left his.

"You think you can threaten my brother and escape unscathed?" Elian snarled, his voice laced with venom.

"Go ahead," Aurora rasped, her voice hoarse but unwavering. "Prove how much weaker you are than him."

Cassius stood nearby, his arms crossed, unease etched on his face. "Elian, this isn't wise. Zach will—"

"Zach has lost sight of what matters," Elian interrupted, his gaze never leaving Aurora. "If he's too soft to do what's necessary, I'll handle it."

Aurora's vision blurred, her strength waning, but she forced herself to grin. "Do you ever stop hiding behind your brother's shadow, or is that where you feel safest?"

Elian's face darkened with rage, his hand raising for another blow, but Cassius grabbed his arm. "Enough! She's barely conscious. Do you want Zach to tear you apart?"

Elian yanked his arm away, scowling. "This isn't over."

Aurora slumped as Elian stormed out. Cassius sighed, kneeling beside her. "You have a death wish, don't you?"

"Just a knack for pissing off vampires," she muttered weakly.

Cassius smirked, his sharp features softening briefly. "You're lucky Zach values you for... whatever reason. Rest while you can."

---

Zach's Rescue

The news of Aurora's condition reached Zach moments later. His mother had barely left his chambers when Ryker appeared, his expression grim.

"Elian crossed a line," Ryker said simply.

Zach's fists clenched as he rushed to the dungeons. The sight of Aurora—pale, bruised, and unconscious—ignited a fire of rage in him. He lifted her gently, cradling her limp body as his eyes glowed with fury.

"She's my responsibility," he growled, his voice dangerously low. "If Elian defies me again, he'll answer for it."

Carrying her to his chambers, Zach barked orders for the healers. As they worked, his gaze lingered on her face.

Her features were soft despite the bruises—a delicate contrast to her fierce spirit. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his mind warring between frustration and a strange, unwanted sense of protectiveness.

"She's nothing but trouble," he muttered, his voice betraying his uncertainty.

But as the moonlight illuminated her fragile form, he knew one thing: he couldn't let her die.