Chapter 0468

Her grey eyes widened as he pulled her upright, releasing his grip. "Now?" she whispered breathlessly.

"Yes." Athena confirmed.

We kept Evelyn wedged securely between Zachary and myself as we ascended the steps into the night air. She offered no resistance, no challenge. But the moment her feet touched the grass, she inhaled deeply as if tasting freedom for the first time.

Zachary observed Evelyn intently while Athena explained what would happen next.

"What should I tell him?" Evelyn asked nervously.

"That's your decision." Athena replied.

"I don't understand."

"You sought help, even through misguided methods. Now prove your worth."

"You want me to kill him?"

"No." Zachary stated firmly. "Just make him believe we're unaware of your presence. That Theodore freed you."

"He always knows when I'm lying."

"Then find a way to conceal the truth." Athena instructed.

"Okay...okay. I can do this." Evelyn muttered to herself. Her grey eyes locked with mine. "You're the one he thinks is his mate."

"Yes."

"One more thing." Athena added. "Don't mention Liam."

"We'll accompany you to the gate." Zachary told me. "But you must proceed alone. If anything changes, link me immediately."

"You can mind-link with Wolves?" Evelyn whispered in astonishment.

"I can."

She tilted her head thoughtfully but remained silent.

Sebastian stood guard at the gate. He asked no questions, likely already informed through Zachary's link since gate duty wasn't his usual assignment.

Evelyn emitted a small gasp as we passed through the gates. After her prolonged confinement in our dungeons, she probably never expected to experience any form of freedom—though her current situation hardly qualified as free.

"How far?" she whispered once we separated from Athena and Zachary.

"He's hiding at Seraphina's house."

"Still there?"

"I suppose we'll find out."

She asked no further questions, which surprised me. Thrown into a plan with minimal details, she adapted remarkably well.

The house eventually came into view. "I ruined things with Seraphina, didn't I?" she whispered regretfully. "She was a good friend, but I couldn't reveal everything."

"It happens sometimes." I murmured, watching the house. A single light glowed as usual. After nightfall, we always remained in the main room—firstly so he could block the entrance, secondly to keep close surveillance. Was he watching us now?

The front door swung open, revealing a boot before his full form emerged. He moved deliberately slowly. "I know you're there." he called out. "I can smell you."

I stepped from the shadows, keeping Evelyn's hands secured behind her back. Zachary's suggested approach felt impossible when anger still burned through me. This bastard had stabbed me.

He took another step toward us, sniffing the air. Athena had been right—he wanted to confirm we were alone.

"I didn't think you'd return to me."

"They had me in—" Evelyn began.

"I wasn't speaking to you, Evelyn. We'll discuss your situation shortly." I felt her tense. He'd made promises he never intended to keep.

"I brought your sister." I stated flatly.

"Then bring her inside." He grinned at me.

I pushed Evelyn forward. She released a growl that I hoped was meant solely for him. "Is it really you or are you projecting?"

"It's me."

I forced a smile.

"I thought I'd upset you. But now I realize you were probably confused and disoriented. I shouldn't have drugged you, and I've been looking for ways to make amends." He told me.

"What about me?" Evelyn asked.

His tone shifted instantly, eyes narrowing. "I said I'd get to you."

"No Levi! You promised me! You said you'd come for me! I've been rotting in that disgusting dungeon and you never even tried to help me!"

I felt almost impressed, considering she'd told Athena she couldn't lie.

"Evelyn. You were never in danger."

"Threat of execution isn't danger?" She snapped back.

Levi slapped her hard across the face, knocking her to the ground. "I said we'll discuss it later."

Her grey eyes burned with fury as his handprint bloomed on her cheek, but she remained on the ground, possibly struggling to control her Lycan. I remembered how difficult those early days had been for Athena.

"You don't need to hit her." I said calmly. "She's been imprisoned. Given limited food. Had her head shaved."

He looked at me dismissively. "She was supposed to be strong, bloodthirsty. Now look at her—she's become completely useless."