CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO - THE SOUND OF A DYING NAME

Lucas burst through the door, his massive black wolf form radiating power. His golden eyes scanned the room, locking onto Aria's sleek silver-white form. "Aria!" he called out through their bond. "Are you okay?" Before she could respond, slow clapping echoed through the chamber. Viktor Cross stepped out of the shadows, flanked by a group of heavily armed guards. "Well, well," Viktor sneered. "The young prince arrives to save his princess. How quaint." Lucas growled, his hackles rising. "Where's Aria's mother?" Viktor's cold violet eyes glinted with malice. "Oh, she's safe... for now. The real question is, how long will you remain that way?" With a flick of his wrist, Viktor signaled his guards. They moved with inhuman speed, surrounding Lucas and Aria. "Last chance, mutt," Viktor spat. "Leave now, or die alongside your little mate." Lucas's response was a deafening roar that shook the very foundations of the compound. He launched himself at the nearest guard, massive jaws clamp