Mate
Sebastian POV
I knew it was a reckless decision, and I told Joseph, my only son that, not that he listened. Chasing a cure for his mate was noble, but he didn’t think about the cost. His actions didn’t just endanger himself–they jeopardized the safety of our entire flight, our royal family, and everything we’ve worked to protect.
He left with too few guards, ignoring the very advice I would have given him if I’d known. Had he confided in me, I would have accompanied him, ensuring his safety and tempering his impulsiveness. But he didn’t. And now, I‘ had to leave the safety of our stronghold to find him, venturing into the hostile werewolf kingdom and worse rogue pack’s territory.
The buildings here are crude, utilitarian structures made of weathered stone and wood, their sharp edges and darkened facades speaking of a place where survival is valued over comfort. The stench of dark magic clings to the air, heavy and suffocating, as if the very land is cursed. The guards at my side remain tense, their movements cautious as we weave through the shadows.
It’s late now, and I hope that means fewer betas will be guarding the cells. Fewer eyes mean a better chance of getting in, extracting Joseph, and leaving undetected.
swe
I focus on our bond as we approach the pack house, seeking any trace of Joseph’s presence. But there’s nothing The connection is muted, as if he’s disappeared entirely. My senses are drawn instead to something stronger, something that feels ancient and powerful, pulling at me with an undeniable force.
Pushing the sensation aside, I focus on the task at hand. We reach a metal door set into the side of the building, rust streaking its edges, the heavy structure designed to intimidate. I motion to the guards, and we press forward, forcing it open with a low creak.
The stairwell beyond is narrow and steep, the stone walls slick with damp. The air grows colder as we descend, each step bringing the overwhelming scent of magic and despair closer. My dragon, Helios, stirs uneasily. agitated by the oppressive energy that saturates this place.
As we reach the bottom, the cells come into view–small, cramped spaces separated by thick iron bars. The fa light from torches along the walls flickers, casting jagged shadows that make the space feel even more oppressive.
I scan the cells until I see him.
“Dad?”
Joseph’s voice is hoarse but steady. Relief floods through me at the sight of him, though my instincts scream at me to investigate the cell beside his, where the pull I felt earlier is strongest. The scent there is unlike anything I’ve encountered, a mix of magic, pain, and something deeply familiar.
I force myself to focus on Joseph, stepping closer and gripping his shoulder.
“This was foolish and deadly!” I hiss, anger lacing my tone, “You’ve put all of us in danger. For what? A slim chance at something that may not even exist?”
He grasps my face, his expression filled with determination. “This is the place,” he insists. “I’m sure of it. They have the answers here–the cure.”
His hope is palpable, but it doesn’t quell my frustration. I low he loves his mate, and I understand his desperation, but this was reckless.
“You can’t know that for certain,” I reply sharply as one of the guards begins unlocking his cell. “We need to leave before they realize we’re here.” My gaze shifts to the cell beside his, the pull from within it nearly unbearable.” Who is in that cell?”
+25 BONUS.
Joseph glances at it, a knowing smile tugging at his lips “She’s a slave,” he says simply.
“Then why do your hands smell of her?” I ask, my tone lot and accusing
*1 caught het before she fell into the bars,” he answers evenly. “Is that a problem?”
study him for a moment before shaking my head, though my attention is drawn again to the other cell.
She’s small,” he adds, his voice softening “Based on what I’ve overheard, she’s their cook, cleaner….and their sex slave.”
His words make my blood boil. My body goes rigid, and Helios roars within me, eager to act.
“Your Majesty, we should leave, one of the guards urges, stepping closer.
“Where is she?” I demand, ignoring the soldier.
Joseph besitates before answering. “The beta told her to go wash up. Alpha Lucas wants her tonight.”
My jaw tightens “We find her.”
Joseph’s eyes meet mine, his expression knowing. “She’s the answer,” he says.
I frown. “What are you talking about?”
“The magic I smelled on her–it’s the same magic in their weapons. It’s what they used to block our dragons.”
“That’s impossible,” I snap. “We’re royal dragons. No weapon could-
“Yet here we are,” Joseph interrupts. “You think I was captured by chance? This is no coincidence, Father. She’s connected to it.”
My mind reels at his words, but there’s no time to dwell on it “Where does she bathe?”
“The lake,” one of the prisoners answers quietly.
I scowl. “A lake? You’re serious?”
“Slaves aren’t allowed to use the pack’s facilities,” the man explains.
Nodding, I turn to the guards. “Let’s move. We’ll regroup after we find her.”
The lake is tucked behind the pack house, its surface reflecting the faint light of the moon. The area is quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. My guards and I move quickly but carefully, scanning for any signs of activity.
As we round the edge of the water, I see her. She’s kneeling at the edge of the lake, her reflection rippling in the water. She isn’t bathing anymore–just staring, lost in thought.
Joseph steps forward, his voice soft. “Hey.”
Her head snaps up, her eyes wide with fear. She screams and scrambles back, falling into the water. I rush forward as she drags herself out, her body recoiling from us.
“Please don’t hurt me,” she cries, crawling backward. “I didn’t mean to refuse you or ignore your order.”
Joseph leans closer to me, whispering, “I asked her to come to me in the cell. I was trying to figure out the magic.
I nod, my gaze never leaving her. Kneeling down, I extend hand. Helios stirs again, his presence roaring within me, but I force him back.
+25 BONUS
“I won’t hurt you,” I say gently, though she flinches away.
“Just do it,” she whispers. “Don’t lie about it.”
Her words make my chest ache. The fear in her eyes, the way she curls in on herself–it’s clear she expects nothing but pain.
“I am King Sebastian Amarok,” I tell her, my voice steady. “I give you my word, little one, that I will not harm you. Nor will I let anyone else hurt you.”
Η
She glances at Joseph, her distrust evident.
“That is my son, Prince Joseph Amarok,” I continue. “He won’t hurt you either. I swear it.
Her eyes dart around nervously, but I see a flicker of something–hope, perhaps?
“No one from this place will find you,” I promise. “Let me take you somewhere safe. After that, we’ll deal with those who hurt you.
Π
Her hesitation lingers, but finally, she nods.
Approaching slowly, I lift her into my arms. She stiffens but doesn’t resist. “Shh,” I whisper. “You’re safe now.”
I vow silently to myself that whoever did this to her will pay. But first, she
