The Witch and Her Four Dangerous Alphas

Chapter 88: Chapter 88: The Rescue

Selene’s POV ~

Every step felt like dragging chains through my own chest. My legs trembled, heavy as stone, and each breath clawed out of me as if the air itself wanted me to stop.

No... I can’t fall here. Not now. Not when someone else could come and drag me from here. Not when I’ve already been cornered too much tonight.

Her mate’s howl still echoed inside her ribs, raw and desperate. It clung to her like smoke, and the bond tore at her from within, demanding she turn back. But she refused. Because she couldn’t afford to look back, she didn’t trust much herself.

Her steps were clumsy, her body swaying, and behind her Luca’s massive wolf form lay crumpled into the earth, unconscious. The sight should have filled her with triumph. Instead, it hollowed her out. She felt like she had left half of herself in the dirt with him.

Her vision blurred. The forest spun. Am I even walking? Or am I just... falling forward?

That was when she heard it—the deep, low roaring of an engine. At first far away, then louder, rolling straight toward her. Her heart slammed against her ribs. No... not again. I can’t fight anyone else. Please, not them. Not tonight.

Her mind screamed to run, but her body betrayed her. The enchantment she had used and the bond straining at her soul, everything had drained her more than she ever thought possible. Her muscles were taut. Her chest burned with every inhale.

It shouldn’t hurt this much... resisting him feels like stabbing myself. Like tearing my own skin apart just to move one more step.

The sudden glare of headlights burned against her half-lidded eyes. She flinched, raising a trembling hand before her face. Her knees buckled, and she swayed. Is this it? Am I destined to be caught again?

Selene, we finally found

tore through her haze like sunlight through a storm. Three figures rushed out of the vehicle,

had been locked tight with dread, suddenly softened. And she realised the voice was familiar, it was warm and safe, and she let herself believe. Finally... they came. I don’t have to

into the faintest smile. Maybe today isn’t so cruel after all. Maybe I can

gave way, darkness pulling her under like waves dragging her

okay?

collapsed, his hands holding her against him before she could

that brushed her fading mind

I’m getting out of here. Finally, I’m free from

then she surrendered to the dark, her body limp but her face at

***

Author’s POV ~

three figures rushed forward, their feet stumbling over roots and

broke the silence as she reached her friend. Her hands trembled as she cupped Selene’s face, brushing strands of hair from her damp skin. Her chest tightened at the sight, Selene was so

up. Rael’s arms still supported Selene’s weight, but even his strength felt small

late... gods, look at

is our fault. We should have been here sooner. We wasted hours searching in the wrong place while she was..." His words broke, unable to finish. He could not bring himself to name what might

shook her head, tears slipping down her cheeks as she pressed Selene’s limp hand to her chest. "She trusted us... and we weren’t there. We should have never let her go alone. Look