The Alpha’s Eternal Mate

Morning came too soon. The sun barely pierced through the heavy clouds that hung over Midnight Crest Tower, casting the city in a muted gray haze that mirrored the heaviness in Lyra's chest. Today, they would set their plan in motion—one that could either break the Blood Pact's hold over her life or destroy everything she held dear.

Standing in the training hall, Lyra tightened the straps of her tactical vest, her fingers working methodically even as her mind swirled with doubt. Ethan stood beside her, his presence grounding yet overwhelming in its intensity.

"You don't have to do this," Ethan said quietly, his voice low but firm.

Lyra turned to him, her eyes steady despite the turmoil within. "Yes, I do."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "I don't like this plan, Lyra."

She offered him a small, tired smile. "I know. But it's the only way."

Logan entered the room, his expression unreadable. "Team's ready. Amelia has eyes on the target."

Ethan gave a curt nod and turned to Lyra. "Once we're in, you stick close to me. No heroics."

Lyra rolled her eyes. "You keep saying that like I actually listen."

Ethan sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That's what worries me."

Amelia's voice crackled through the comms. "We have movement. They're expecting us."

Lyra inhaled sharply, her heart pounding against her ribs. "Then let's not keep them waiting."

The Blood Pact's Fortress – Perimeter

The fortress loomed in the distance, dark and foreboding against the backdrop of the forest. Hidden behind thick foliage, Lyra and Ethan crouched alongside their team, eyes locked on the distant figures patrolling the compound's walls.

Amelia's voice whispered in their earpieces. "Guards are rotating every fifteen minutes. I've mapped an entry point on the west side, minimal coverage."

Ethan glanced at Lyra, his dark eyes searching hers. "Are you sure about this?"

Lyra nodded, forcing the fear down. "I have to be."

With a final nod, Ethan signaled the team to move. They slipped through the dense underbrush, silent as shadows, their movements synchronized from years of training and trust.

Logan took the lead, disabling the first guard with swift efficiency before waving them forward. They moved with purpose, the weight of their mission pressing down on them.

As they reached the fortress wall, Lyra felt the familiar chill of dark magic curling in the air. The Blood Pact's influence was palpable, thick and oppressive.

Ethan reached for her hand, squeezing it briefly before gesturing for them to scale the wall. Lyra climbed with ease, muscles coiled with tension as she reached the top and peered down into the courtyard below.

The place was crawling with enemies.

Lyra's stomach churned. This won't be easy.

Ethan landed beside her, his voice a low whisper. "Stick to the plan."

Lyra nodded, but deep down, she knew plans rarely survived first contact.

Inside the Fortress

They moved swiftly through the dimly lit hallways, avoiding guards and cameras with expert precision. The deeper they went, the stronger the pull became—an invisible tether drawing Lyra toward something, someone.

Her mother.

Ethan must have sensed her urgency because he placed a firm hand on her back. "Stay focused."

Lyra swallowed hard and nodded. They reached the lower levels, where the air grew colder, the scent of damp stone and blood thickening with every step.

A flicker of movement caught Lyra's eye, and she barely had time to react before a figure emerged from the shadows.

Damien.

He stood blocking their path, his usual smirk absent. "You're persistent. I'll give you that."

Ethan stepped forward, his body coiled like a predator ready to strike. "Move."

Damien's gaze flickered to Lyra. "You don't understand what you're walking into, Lyra. This isn't just about you anymore."

Lyra narrowed her eyes. "Then enlighten me."

Damien sighed, taking a slow step closer. "They don't just want your power. They want to control what you and Ethan share."

Ethan stiffened beside her. "And what exactly is that?"

Damien's eyes darkened. "A bond stronger than life and death. Something the Blood Pact intends to use to reshape everything."

Lyra's breath caught. "You're lying."

Damien tilted his head. "Am I?"

Ethan didn't waste another second. He lunged, and Damien barely dodged in time, his expression darkening. "I'm trying to help you, Lyra."

Lyra's voice was steady, but her heart pounded. "You had your chance."

Damien exhaled sharply. "Then you leave me no choice."

With a swift motion, he disappeared into the darkness, his parting words echoing behind him. "You'll see the truth soon enough."

Ethan grabbed Lyra's hand. "Come on. We're running out of time."

The Ritual Chamber

Lyra's heart seized as they entered the chamber. The air was thick with dark magic, swirling in ominous patterns above the large stone altar in the center of the room.

And there, bound and motionless, was her mother.

Lyra bolted forward, ignoring Ethan's warning shout. "Mom!"

The older woman's eyes fluttered open weakly. "Lyra…"

Before Lyra could reach her, the room erupted with movement. Blood Pact guards emerged from the shadows, encircling them with wicked smiles.

Ethan was at her side in an instant, claws unsheathing, his voice calm but lethal. "Looks like they were expecting us."

Lyra drew her dagger, eyes blazing. "Let's not disappoint them."

The battle erupted in a blur of movement. Ethan tore through enemies with ruthless efficiency, while Lyra weaved between them, striking with deadly precision. But the Blood Pact was relentless, their numbers overwhelming.

Lyra reached her mother's side, cutting through the silver chains binding her wrists. "We're getting you out of here."

Her mother grasped her arm, her voice urgent. "Lyra, listen to me—"

Before she could finish, a cold voice echoed through the chamber.

"Going somewhere?"

Vivian stepped forward, her presence radiating darkness, a triumphant smile curving her lips.

Lyra's heart sank. "Vivian."

The Blood Pact leader smirked. "You've walked right into my hands, dear."

Ethan growled, stepping in front of Lyra protectively. "You won't touch her."

Vivian's eyes gleamed with cruel amusement. "Oh, Ethan. You still think you can protect her from me?"

Lyra stood tall, fire burning in her veins. "I don't need protecting."

Vivian's smile widened. "Good. Then you'll fight for your freedom."

As the guards closed in once more, Lyra realized that this was only the beginning.

And this time, she wasn't sure they would all make it out alive.