CHAPTER 41

The Chase Begins (Alden Escapes, But The Hunt is On)

Alden's breath came ragged as he raced through the darkened corridors of Eryx's stronghold. His feet barely made a sound against the stone, his mind singularly focused—

Find Lyra. Get her out.

He could still hear Eryx's words echoing in his skull.

"She will make her choice."

The thought burned in his chest. He refused to believe Lyra would choose Eryx.

She wouldn't.

She couldn't.

A distant shout snapped Alden back into reality.

"ESCAPE! PRINCE ALDEN HAS ESCAPED!"

Torches flared to life.

Shadows moved.

The hunt had begun.

Alden darted left, slipping into a passage before the guards reached him. His heart thundered.

He was outnumbered. He had no weapon.

But none of that mattered.

Because ahead of him, at the end of the hallway—was Lyra's chamber.

And she was standing there.

Waiting.

 (Alden Confronts Lyra—But She's Not Alone)

Alden froze.

Lyra's eyes met his, a storm brewing within them.

But she wasn't alone.

Standing beside her—was Eryx.

Alden's fury ignited. His body coiled, ready to attack, but then—

Lyra stepped in front of Eryx.

Alden's heart plummeted.

"Lyra…" His voice was low, raw with pain. "Move."

She didn't.

"Alden," she whispered, her hands trembling. "Please, stop."

His breath caught. "You're coming with me."

Eryx chuckled. "Ah, love. So dramatic."

Alden's jaw clenched. "Shut up."

Eryx simply smirked, his fingers brushing against Lyra's arm. "She's made her choice, Alden."

Lyra flinched at his touch, but she didn't move away.

And that—that hurt more than any wound Alden had ever suffered.

 (Is It Real? Or A Test?)

Alden's world tilted.

"No," he growled, stepping forward. "This isn't real. Lyra, he's twisted your mind."

Lyra's lips parted, but no words came.

Something flashed in her eyes. Doubt? Pain? Guilt?

For a brief moment, Alden thought he had her.

But then—she stepped closer to Eryx.

Alden's chest caved in.

Lyra's voice was barely above a whisper.

"I'm sorry, Alden."

And then—guards rushed forward.

Alden wasn't ready. His mind was too shattered by what he had just heard.

A sword slammed into his side.

Pain exploded through his ribs.

Blood splattered.

His vision blurred as he collapsed onto one knee.

He barely saw Lyra turn away.

Was this real?

Had she truly betrayed him?

(Alden's Last Chance—And a Revelation)

Pain radiated through Alden's body as guards closed in.

His vision blurred, but his will remained unbroken.

Not like this.

Not when Lyra was still here.

A guard lunged, but Alden ducked, wrenching the sword from the attacker's grip.

He spun, slashing.

One down. Then another.

Blood soaked his hands, but he didn't stop.

Then—a flicker of movement.

Lyra.

She was watching him.

And for a moment—her eyes betrayed her.

There was pain.

There was hesitation.

But then—Eryx grabbed her wrist and pulled her back.

And Alden saw it.

The smallest, briefest moment—Lyra tried to resist.

It was all the proof he needed.

She wasn't lost.

Not yet.

 (Alden Unleashes His True Strength)

A new fire erupted in Alden's chest.

He wasn't leaving without her.

With a roar, Alden surged forward, fighting like a beast unleashed.

Swords clashed. Bones shattered. Blood painted the walls.

Guards fell.

But so did Alden.

A blade tore through his shoulder. Another slammed into his ribs.

Still, he kept moving.

He had to reach her.

He had to.

Lyra's Breaking Point (Lyra Breaks at Last)

A deafening silence followed Lyra's defiance.

Alden could barely breathe.

Eryx's grip tightened around Lyra's wrist, his knuckles turning white. His expression twisted in rage, but his voice remained chillingly smooth.

"You're confused, my dear," he whispered, leaning closer. "I saved you. I gave you power. Do you truly believe he—" he gestured to Alden, bloody and battered, "—can offer you more?"

Lyra's chest heaved. Her nails dug into her palms.

Alden couldn't move. He was caught between exhaustion and hope, watching her struggle—her entire world collapsing in this one moment.

Her eyes flickered to Alden. His breathing was ragged, wounds covering his body. And yet—his eyes never left hers.

He wasn't asking her to run.He wasn't forcing her to choose.

He was just there.

And suddenly—Lyra knew.

This wasn't about power. This wasn't about destiny.

This was about her.

And she was done being controlled.

A shaky breath escaped her lips as she turned to Eryx, her voice softer than a whisper, yet stronger than it had ever been.

"I was never yours to begin with."

Eryx's eyes darkened. "What did you just say?"

Lyra's jaw tightened. Her fingers trembled—then, with a surge of desperation, she yanked her arm free from his grasp.

"I said," she spat, stepping back, "I'M NOT YOURS."

Alden's heart leapt.

And for the first time—Eryx lost his composure.

His face contorted in fury, shadows flickering wildly around him. The air grew cold, the torches in the room snuffed out, plunging them into near darkness.

A sinister, dangerous growl rumbled from his throat.

"You ungrateful little—"

His hand shot forward, a surge of dark energy hurtling toward Lyra—

Alden moved.

He didn't think. He didn't hesitate.

He threw himself in front of her.

The blast hit him full force.

A sickening crack echoed through the room.

Alden's body slammed into the wall. Blood spilled from his mouth.

Lyra screamed.

Eryx stepped forward, smiling cruelly.

"You never deserved her," he said to Alden's limp form.

Lyra's entire body shook.

Her mind was spinning. Her heart pounded.

And then—something inside her snapped.

She whirled on Eryx, her eyes burning with rage and desperation.

"You think you own me?" she spat. "You think you can break me?"

Eryx's smirk faltered.

Lyra's power surged.

And for the first time—Eryx took a step back.

 Alden vs. Eryx (The Ultimate Showdown)

Eryx recovered quickly, his lips curling into a sneer.

"You dare challenge me?" he said, voice laced with amusement.

Lyra held her ground. But before she could react—

A voice interrupted.

"She doesn't have to."

The moment Eryx turned; a blur of motion cut through the air—

Alden.

Battered. Bleeding. But still standing.

Sword in hand.

His eyes locked onto Eryx with something new—something deadly.

"You're done," Alden growled.

Eryx's amusement vanished.

The room erupted.

Alden launched himself forward.

Blades clashed.

Magic crackled.

The very walls trembled under the force of the battle.

Eryx was faster. Stronger. His magic was overwhelming.

But Alden—Alden was relentless.

He fought like a man with nothing left to lose.

Eryx unleashed a wave of dark energy.

Alden dodged—barely. His sword slashed upward, grazing Eryx's arm.

Eryx snarled, pain flashing across his face.

Lyra watched, terror gripping her heart.

Alden was losing blood. His body was failing.

And yet—he kept fighting.

One strike. Another.

Eryx's attacks grew more erratic.

He was losing control.

Alden saw it.

And he took his chance.

He dodged left, twisted—and drove his sword straight through Eryx's chest.

The room went silent.

Eryx's eyes widened.

For the first time—true fear flickered across his face.

Alden twisted the blade, his voice low and seething.

"This is for everything you took from us."

Eryx staggered. Blood dripped from his lips. His strength faded.

And then—he collapsed.

Dead.

Alden barely had time to breathe before—

A hand caught his.

He turned, and there was Lyra.

Tears streamed down her face.

Alden's body gave out. He collapsed—into her arms.

Lyra held him, trembling.

He had done it.

He had won.

But at what cost?