Chapter 0393

"You have to stay focused, Seraphina. We won't make it out of here unless you help me."

I give a slow nod. "I'll check later. I haven't slept."

"Fine!" she huffs in frustration. She drops heavily to the floor as I curl into the corner, turning my back to her. It might be a risky move, but she wasn't getting through to me.

I don't know how long I slept before Alexander yanks me off the cold floor. He binds my wrists tightly with rough rope, staying silent while Evelyn watches.

He pushes me toward the stairs. That familiar knot tightens in my stomach. Alexander glares, and I keep my mouth shut. Evelyn begs him to tell her where I'm being taken.

He gives no answer. The lights click off as we leave the dungeon, plunging her into darkness. But she'll still see. She is a Lycan, after all.

I stay quiet as he leads me toward the packhouse. Maybe that means I'm not dying today.

Inside the office, we're alone. He unties the ropes and points to a chair. "Sit."

I obey. He takes the seat behind the desk.

"Did you learn anything?"

"She believes she can escape."

He scoffs. "And?"

"She called it an achievement for Levi if he could strip Athena of her abilities." I shake my head. "I've met all kinds of people, but calling that an achievement is..." Words fail me.

"Like she wants it to happen."

I bite my lower lip and nod.

"Did you ask anything else?"

"You want intel. I can't get that if she suspects me." I drop my gaze. His crimson eyes are unsettling. "She also asked about the numbers in your pack. She already knows we're near the forest."

"Anything more?"

I shake my head and hold out my wrists, expecting to be tied again. But he walks past me to the door. Someone hands him something. The door closes.

"That's a start," he mutters, circling me. "Now eat."

He sets a plate on the desk—a sandwich and water. It looks like the best meal I've ever seen. My stomach rumbles loudly. But is this a trick?

"Is this a reward?" I ask, eyes locked on the food.

"Yes. If you're weak or starve, you're useless. Consider it a contract. You fulfill your end, you get rewarded."

"And what do you do?"

"For now, I let you live."

A power move. He knows he's in control. "I'm not signing anything."

"I don't expect you to." He sits. When I bite my lip again, he tells me to stop. "Verbal agreement works. Your choice."

"Fine." I take a bite. The flavors explode. So much for Evelyn saying I'd have to adjust to new food.

Alexander stays silent as I savor each bite. Who knows when I'll eat again? I finish the water. "She'll be suspicious."

"We're handling it."

"What does that mean?"

"Not your concern. Finished?"

I nod. He reties my wrists. I keep my head down as we return to the dungeons.

He shoves me into the cell and removes the ropes. It's all for show, but I'll take that over a slit throat.