Chapter 0419

"Theodore."

I fall back onto the mattress.

Nyx curses under her breath.

"Where is he?" I demand.

"I'll tell you, but you must promise not to act. Do you understand me?"

"It's Theodore," I argue. "We can't just—"

"We have to."

"You're not doing anything!" I can't comprehend his lack of urgency. Theodore was our friend. He helped with my Lycan history. Tutored me. Supported us at the hospital. Stepped in as Beta when Sebastian was failing. Saved Brianna. The list goes on, but listing his deeds won't change Alexander's mind.

"Trust me, Athena. I am handling it. This isn't something we can rush. We won't be storming in to rescue him."

"Why not? I've watched you eliminate countless threats."

"Those were Wolves and Lycans. Witches operate differently."

"I don't follow."

"Their abilities vary. We don't know what the Bennetts are capable of. He used a drug to suppress powers, but we have no idea if he can brew potions. He might have other skills."

"Like what?"

"There's an old story from my childhood. About a Witch who annihilated an entire Wolf pack without ever setting foot inside their territory."

I frown as Nyx wonders how that's even possible.

"The tale says she could project herself into the pack. Gather intelligence without physically being there."

"They couldn't detect her?" I ask, confused.

"No."

"Then how do you know it's true?"

"I don't. The story has been passed down through generations of Wolves. I remember asking my father about it once. It made him uneasy. My mother told me to never mention it again."

"If I've learned anything, it's not to believe something until I see it with my own eyes." I sit up and swing my legs off the bed.

"That story still haunts the older generations of Wolves."

"Is that why they avoid Witches?"

"Exactly."

"You worked with one," I whisper.

"Madame Zora was different. Though I suspect she would have done anything for the right price."

I stay silent, processing his words. "You don't want me to know where Theodore is, do you?" I ask quietly.

He sits beside me on the bed. "I'm worried you'll go after him alone. And before you argue, I know you're capable of killing Levi. That's not the issue. Theodore said he's waiting. That means he's prepared for our arrival. I won't take any risks."

"But—"

"Theodore assured us he's safe. Levi hasn't harmed him."

"He stripped his abilities," I frown.

"Temporarily. We will get Theodore back. We just need to time it right and let events unfold. We'll make our move when we're ready."

I nod as he wraps an arm around me. But leaving Theodore out there twists my stomach into knots. It feels wrong. Like we're abandoning him.

Alexander kicks off his boots and crawls up the bed, lying down with a groan. He holds out a hand to me. "Come here. You're exhausted."

"I'm fine."

"We have a few hours before Caleb returns. Zoe is keeping the twins until noon."

His hand remains extended, but his crimson eyes narrow. He's ensuring I don't go anywhere.

I roll my eyes and lie back down. He immediately pulls me against his chest, his arms locking around me.

I should be angry that he's restraining me. But his scent, his warmth, his touch—it soothes my restless mind. I have to trust his process. I have to believe in what he's doing.