Chapter 312

The air in the holding cell was thick, like damp stone and tension pressing on my chest. She sat restrained but poised, her confidence unshaken by the chains. Her piercing gaze was locked on me, and I couldn't ignore how she carried herself, even in defeat. A smirk played on her lips, and I couldn't deny her beauty. Her curves, her confidence—all of it exuded a power I didn't want to acknowledge. For a brief second, jealousy tugged at my heart—a ridiculous, unwelcome emotion.

“You think you’ve won?” she sneered, cocking her head. “I hold more power than you realize.”

I straightened my shoulders, keeping my face neutral.

“And what would that power be? Your tricks didn’t save you, Kaida. What makes you think they’ll work now?”

She laughed, the sound low and mocking. “Oh, Luna, you underestimate me. It’s almost sweet.”

I took another step forward, the flickering torchlight highlighting her features. “If you’ve got something to say, say it. Otherwise, spare me the stories.”

Dane held my arm. “Leave, Aurora. I will settle this.”

I furrowed my brow. “No, Dane… you leave. I will handle the scheming woman who wants my husband.”

Dane exhaled sharply, gritting his teeth, and without a word, he stormed away. I knew he would be mad, but I didn't want to see him near Kaida… It ignited something inside me.

Kaida leaned back, chains clinking softly. “All right, here’s the deal: I’ll tell you everything you want to know about Orion, his plans, his weaknesses, everything. But—”

I crossed my arms, my patience running thin. “But what?”

Her smirk widened. “I want my freedom. Release me, and the information is yours.”

I studied her, searching for deceit. “Why should I trust anything you say? For all I know, this is another one of your games.”

Kaida’s eyes flashed with humor and irritation. “You don’t have to trust me. But consider it: what have you got to lose? Your mate is just recovering, your pack is divided, and Orion may attack again. Desperation doesn’t suit you, Luna.”

Her words cut deeper than I cared to admit. “What is stopping me from forcing the truth out of you?”

She giggled low in her throat. “Because you’re too smart for that. Torture won’t get you anywhere, and you know it. I’m your best hope of staying ahead of Orion. You can’t afford to waste that.”

I clenched my fists as the weight of her proposition pressed down on me. “Even assuming I was inclined, why would you betray Orion?”

Her expression shifted, something flickering beneath the surface. “Let’s just say my loyalty to him isn’t as strong as he thinks it is. Besides, I have my own interests to protect.”

Her casual manipulation made my anger flare, but I kept my cool. “You’ve given me a lot to think about, Kaida. But don’t think for even one second that I’ll release you without proof of your sincerity.”

She shrugged. “Take your time, Luna. But remember, the clock is ticking.”

As I turned to leave, her low, venomous voice stopped me. “Tick tock, Luna,” she drawled, her tone mocking yet chilling. “The more time you waste, the more lives you gamble with. And when you fail, as you inevitably will, they’ll turn on you. Even Dane.”

My body went rigid, and I turned slowly, my eyes fixed on her. “Dane?” I said, my tone neutral, my chest tightening at the insinuation.

Kaida inclined her head, chains rattling. “Ah, yes. Your determined, stubborn mate. Will he stand by you when he discovers the depth of your sacrifices? Or has he already started to doubt?”

I crossed my arms, disguising the sting of her words with a calmness I didn’t feel. “Your attempts to sow doubt in me won’t work.”

She smirked, tilting her head. “I don’t need to sow, Luna. The seeds are already there. I’m just watering them. Tell me, when was the last time Dane actually looked at you as his equal and not someone holding him back?”

“Enough.” My voice was sharper than intended, and I saw satisfaction flicker in her eyes. “You don’t know anything about him or us.”

Kaida’s laughter was soft, almost pitiful. “You’re right, I don’t know him like you do. But I’ve seen his type. Proud. Reckless. And desperate. Desperate wolves do dangerous things, Luna. You might want to think about that.”

My fists clenched, and I took a deliberate step closer. “You’re good with words, Kaida. I’ll give you that. But words won’t save you from your position.”

She raised a brow, her confidence unwavering. “Perhaps not. But they’ve made you pause, haven’t they?”

I hated the truth in her observation, forcing myself to back off.

“Enjoy your cell while it lasts,” I said icily.

She delivered one final blow. “Tick tock, Luna. It isn’t just Dane that the clock’s ticking for.”

I felt those words haunt me as I walked out of the cell. Trajan waited outside, his face tense with concern.

“What happened there?” he asked, worry lacing his tone.

“She’s trying to play mind games,” I said, pushing past him. “But she doesn’t know me.”

“Are you so sure?” he asked again.

I looked at him. “I have no room for doubt, Trajan. We don’t have time.”

Yet, as I turned and walked away, Kaida’s words had taken root, stirring within me. Tick tock.