Chapter 7

Madison POV

I ran with all the strength I could mutter, not daring to stop or take a breather. My lungs burned, and I could feel the sting on my bare feet as my legs propelled me forward.

My escape had been reckless, but there would be no better opportunity, not when I knew I might be executed the very next day.

My heart slammed against my ribs, and I could feel the loud pounding even in the dead of the night.

I had torn myself free- from the afflictions, belittlement, and accusations. That Pack had been my prison for far too long, I knew I could not stay another night.

However, even though I was supposed to be relieved, I felt distressed. Aurelia had risked everything to get me out of that place, even her mate sympathized with me.

But what if Alpha Bronson were to find out their trickery? What would be their fate then?

Moreover, were Seth to realize that his daughter was bound to a mere guard, would he not see it as an insult to his name? Seth was a man of ambition, and he had always wanted to see his daughter mated to a man of the name of influence, one from which he would reap countless benefits.

In his wrath, would he not see to Edwards's death personally?

A few minutes ago, I had barely escaped the sight of some warriors by hiding in an inconspicuous cave. Yet, more would definitely come in search of me.

If only I could make it to the river, perhaps I could throw them off my trail, and find a better hiding spot to ensure my safety.

I had no destination, I just wanted to flee.

Wiping the sweat mixed with tears on my face, I ignored the aching of my muscles and continued forward with a slight limp to my steps.

My body screamed for rest, but I didn't dare to stop. I could no longer hear footsteps behind me, but who knew? It might be a plan to make me lose my self-awareness.

My torn dress tangled around my legs, already heavy with mud and clinging onto my legs like chains, slowing me down.

A loud rustle from behind attracted my attention. My heart skipped a bit and I turned around to see the situation when my foot caught on something.

I couldn't tell what it was when I lost my footing and slipped. The ground tilted beneath me and a sharp gasp escaped my lips before I could stop it.

My arms flailed, reaching for something to hold on to for dear life, but I only met empty space.

I hit the ground hard. My knees and elbows scraping the harsh earth and undergrowth. Pain flared in my ankle, leaving me breathless and pale-faced.

With a choked sob, I tried to stand, to push myself up, but my leg protested sharply, leaving a searing pain in its wake. Left with no choice, I glanced around and finally saw a large oak tree, suitable for hiding.

I decided to rest for just a few minutes. By then, the pain in my ankle should have lessened.

That was what I thought until my head slumped against the rough bark of the tree, my body betrayed me. I never even realized when my eyelids grew heavy or when darkness pulled at my consciousness.

"Search for her! She shouldn't have gotten far."

"It's just her, she's already weak due to the injuries."

"She left some trails around here, trace them."

"Alpha Bronson only gave us one day, we won't be able to get anything if we fail this mission."

I jolted awake to the sounds of several raised voices, my breath catching in my throat. Panic clawed at my chest as I realized the severity of the situation.

How had I allowed myself to sleep? In a situation like this, how could exhaustion have stolen over me so easily?

But now, It was too late to regret, I had been careless, too careless. I could hear the approaching footsteps getting louder and closer.

The men had to be sent by Alpha Bronson, no doubt. And if they were, then no amount of pleading would save me from their mercy. Slowly and carefully, I adjusted, trying to make my existence less obvious as I hid.

I didn't dare to breathe out loud, knowing how sensitive their nostrils could be.

"Search for her. Fuck! We've been searching the entire night, how has she been able to keep escaping?"

"Say, could it be that someone is still helping her?"

"Don't be stupid, how's that possible?"

I peeped carefully, and through the small openings of the lesser trees, I was able to spot one of my pursuers.

He was a muscular man, with a face etched with several strange markings, like some ancient runes. He had deep, calculating eyes, like the eyes of a predator as he scanned the shadows.

Had Bronson employed the help of other warriors to capture me?

Unlike the guards of the Pack, he wore coarse, weathered garments, the fabric rough and without the slightest of adornments. The attire is more suited for a warrior of the wild, rather than a guard with a rank.

More like a lawless and unrestrained rogue.

Rogues??

The thought sent shivers down my spine, Bronson sent rogues after me? Or, could I have been mistaken?

It couldn't be, right? If it were so, then I needed to escape, and that too, fast.

Rogues are rapacious, who knew what they would do to me if I were to be captured?

I shrank deeper into my hiding place.

With bated breaths, I waited and swept my gaze around the opening, looking for a clear path to escape. Soon, I found one behind me, yet I remained still.

Waiting.

I waited, listening to the fading sounds of their boots.

Ignoring the pain in my legs, I pushed myself forward, careful not to make a sound.

"Check that path."

A voice rang out behind me and my pupils shrank. Nervous and anxious, I increased my pace.

But, Fate seemed to love playing pranks on me. The moment I took another step forward, I stumbled and staggered.

"Did you hear that noise? It's coming from that direction."

"Let's see."

"Yes! Fucking bitch! I can see her silhouette, she must have been hiding, waiting for us to leave."

"Catch the slut!"

No…no…

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself forward. I could not let them catch me, I would rather crawl in grim and mud than let them take me back into that hellhole.

After coming this far, I couldn't let Aurelia's sacrifices and risks be in vain.

I only have to run a few more miles, If I could make it to…

Unfortunately, there was no 'ifs.'

A thick hand clamped over my mouth, and another coiled around my waist like iron.

"Got you." One of them murmured, right against my ear.

I thrashed and tried screaming, but my muffled cries died under the strength of the thick palm.

"She gave us quite a chase." Another sneered, voice rough and mocking.

The first man finally pulled his hand away from my mouth, but before I could scream, he landed a heavy jab on my stomach.

"That's what you get for making us chase like headless dogs."

"Carry her, we are taking her to Alpha Bronson this instant. We will surely get bountiful rewards this time."

"Hahaha! The chase was worth it. Who knew this feisty bitch could attract that much of a bounty?"

I doubled over in pain, my body folding in on itself like a rag doll. My knees buckled, but before I could fall, one of them gripped my arms harshly before hoisting me up to his shoulders.

"Let's go." He gestured to the others, and they nodded in acknowledgment before walking down a path I couldn't be any more familiar with.

Back to the Pack.

Tears welled in my eyes as the ground swayed with each jostling step.

Was there nothing I could do to escape this fate?

Why?

Just at that moment, an arrow sliced through the air, sharp and fast, yet so silent that they barely had time to react.

The shaft buried itself in the bark of a tree, mere inches away from one of the men's eyes.

Deliberate - A warning.

Then, another arrow. And, another. A deadly rain of arrows whistled across the trees, sounds breaking the silence of the once still forest.

None of the men dared to move. The one holding me had his grip tightened around my legs, his fingers digging into my flesh and I flinched slightly in pain.

Shadows shifted between the trees with figures moving in silence and practiced ease.

"Aren't these the Knython Brothers?" A deep voice mused.

The air grew thick, and the forest seemed to close in with each second.

"Let the woman go, and I might consider sparing you."