Chapter 8

They moved through the city in night. The weight of the mission pressed against Madeline's chest, tightening her breath. Ivan was out there, alone, surrounded by people who saw him as an abomination. The thought sent a surge of fury through her veins.

They had a lead now—an old fortress deep in the mountains, where a faction of extremists held not only Ivan but other hybrid children.

 That knowledge only fueled her determination. She refused to let fear paralyze her.

Beside her, Hugo checked his firearm, his movements was calmed Catherine was on her phone, whispering instructions to one of her contacts. 

And Domenico… he was silent, his eyes fixed ahead, always thinking ten steps ahead.

Then there was Luca, their reluctant informant. He had once been part of the faction that had taken Ivan, and though Madeline wanted to hate him for that, she also knew he was their best chance at getting inside.

The car ride was in silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of clothing as someone shifted.

Finally, Domenico spoke. "We don't rush in. We do this smart."

Madeline clenched her fists. "Every second we wait, they could be hurting him."

Domenico's face didn't waver. "And every second we rush in blind, we risk losing him for good."

She hated that he was right.

Luca leaned forward from the backseat. "The fortress isn't just guarded. It's a stronghold. If we're spotted too early, there won't be an escape route."

Catherine frowned. "So, what's your plan?"

Luca hesitated, then pulled up his sleeve again, exposing the brand burned into his skin. "I still have my way in. They don't know I betrayed them yet."

Madeline narrowed her eyes. "And you think they'll just let you walk in?"

Luca nodded. "If I bring you as prisoners, yes."

Silence filled the car.

 "That's your plan? Hand us over and hope they don't kill us on sight?"

Luca met his eyes. "I know how they operate. If I walk in alone, they'll be suspicious. But if I bring 'captives' as an offering, I'll have access. From there, I can get us closer to the children."

Madeline exchanged a glance with Domenico. He was watching Luca closely, weighing his words, measuring the risk.

Finally, he nodded. "It's dangerous. But it might be our best option."

 "Then let's do it."

---

The mountains loomed in the distance, jagged and unforgiving. The fortress itself was a monolith of stone and iron, built into the cliffs like something out of an ancient war.

Domenico, Madeline, and Hugo were bound with ropes, their hands secured behind their backs. Luca walked ahead, his posture rigid but composed.

 Catherine had stayed behind, acting as their failsafe. If things went wrong, she would alert the reinforcements.

The air was cold, biting against Madeline's skin as they approached the fortress gates. Torches burned along the outer walls. Two guards flanked the entrance, their eyes glowing in the dark.

Luca kept his voice steady. "I have prisoners."

The taller of the two guards stepped forward, sniffing the air. His eyes landed on Madeline, and something dark flickered in his eyes.

"She's a hybrid sympathizer," Luca continued. "And this one—" he jerked his chin toward Domenico "—is an Alpha. A powerful one."

The guard's lip curled. "And you thought bringing them here was a good idea?"

Luca didn't waver. "I thought our leader would want to see them personally."

There was a long silence.

Then, the guard nodded. "Take them inside."

---

The stone walls were damp, the corridors lit by flickering lanterns. The scent of old blood clung to the air.

Madeline kept her breathing steady, her wrists straining against the rope. She knew the knots weren't as tight as they seemed—Luca had made sure of that. They just had to wait for the right moment.

Domenico walked beside her. Hugo, on the other hand, was tense, his body coiled like a spring.

As they were led deeper into the fortress, voices echoed from the far end of the corridor.

Then, the doors before them opened.

Inside was a grand hall, filled with figures clad in dark clothing, their eyes glowing with a light. At the center stood a man with silver hair and golden eyes.

Luca inhaled sharply. "Victor."

The man—Victor—smiled. "Luca. I never expected to see you again."

Luca forced a smirk. "I never expected to return."

Victor's face swept over their group. "And yet, you bring me gifts."

Madeline tensed as Victor approached her, his fingers trailing along her jawline before she jerked her head away.

His smirk widened. "Fiery."

He turned to Luca. "Why should I believe this isn't a trick?"

Luca lifted his chin. "Because I know what you're trying to do. And I want in."

Victor studied him for a long moment, then turned to the guards. "Take them to the holding cells. We'll see how loyal you truly are, Luca."

---

The cell was small, its walls damp with moisture. A single torch flickered outside.

The moment the guards left, Madeline turned to Luca.

 "Now what?" She asked.

Luca moved quickly, pulling a hidden blade from his boot and cutting through their bindings.

Domenico rubbed his wrists. "We need to find Ivan. Fast."

Luca nodded. "The children are kept in the lower levels. But security will be tight."

Madeline's heart pounded. "Then we move quickly."

They slipped into the corridor, sticking to the shadows. The fortress was a maze of stone and iron, but Luca moved with ease.

Then they heard it—a soft whimper.

Madeline's pulse raced. She followed the sound, heart hammering.

And then she saw them.

Behind the iron bars of a locked chamber, a group of children huddled together, their faces pale with fear.

And in the center, clutching a torn blanket, was Ivan.

Madeline's breath caught. "Ivan!"

His eyes widened. "Mom?"

Relief flooded her veins, but there was no time to celebrate.

Footsteps echoed from down the corridor.

Domenico swore. "They know."

Luca yanked out a lockpick, working frantically on the door. "We don't have much time."

Madeline turned, her body coiled to fight.

Victor's voice rang out behind them.

"You really thought it would be that easy?"

Madeline snarled. "I'll kill you."

Victor smirked. "Try."

With a feral growl, she lunged.

The battle have begin.