Hidden Secrets (editing and improving the story)

Chapter 43 - Rescue Mission

Alexander's pov:

"No, no, no. I've told you before—I can't risk your safety," I insisted firmly.

She crossed her arms, meeting my gaze without flinching. "I'm not asking for your permission. I'm coming, whether you like it or not."

"No, you're not," I said, my voice hardening, trying to assert my authority.

Her eyes blazed with determination. "Look, it's Elektra's life on the line. I won't stand by and wait helplessly. You may be the Alpha, but that doesn't mean I'll just sit here quietly. I'm coming with you, and there's nothing you can do to stop me."

I raised my hands in surrender, defeated. "Alright, alright..." I muttered, then headed toward the parking lot where the team was already assembled around the SUVs.

We took the dirt road leading deep into the forest. Hours passed until the path narrowed sharply—too tight for conventional vehicles. We parked in a clearing and moved on foot. Twenty well-trained warriors flanked us, four scouts moved ahead, scanning the area, and my four personal guards stayed close. Roxanne and I led the way, with the others trailing behind.

According to Roxanne's estimate, we were halfway along the route when a sudden rustling erupted from some nearby bushes. Everyone instantly tensed, ready to strike at whatever threat lurked there.

Then, out stepped Esmeree.

I stared at her in disbelief, then sharply ordered the others to stand down.

"Esmeree, what are you doing here?" I asked, surprised.

"I'm heading to the elder's village. One of the elders was murdered five days ago."

"Murdered? How? Do you know who did it?"

"He was beheaded. We suspect Bartholomew. He must be searching for the holy sword. Nothing else makes sense," Esmeree said grimly.

"The holy sword?" I whispered, catching her sharp glance that told me to keep quiet. Only a few knew—the responsibility had passed to me after my father's death.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"To a cabin in the mountains. Roxanne believes it might be Bartholomew's hideout."

"It is," Esmeree confirmed.

"How do you know that?" I asked, wide-eyed.

"You know better than I that some questions are unnecessary," she said with a knowing look. "Be careful up there. Your enemy will strike when you least expect it."

"What do you mean?"

"Promise me you won't forget this warning when the time comes." With that, she turned and disappeared down the road to the elder's village.

We started climbing the mountain. A mix of restlessness, anxiety, and a gnawing premonition of danger settled over me. I hoped for the best—but prepared for the worst.

Following Roxanne's directions, we took a narrow path winding through dense forest. Tall trees loomed, blocking the sun in patches, and the trail grew rough and steep in places.

After two hours, we reached a clearing. The scouts were far ahead. We set up camp to rest.

Half an hour later, the scouts reported a cabin about a kilometer away. Two men stood outside, but no sign of a woman. Damn it—Elektra wasn't there.

I ordered constant surveillance of the cabin until we arrived. After closing the mind link, I told the soldiers we'd rest fifteen minutes before moving out.

Roxanne immediately asked about Elektra. When I told her the scouts hadn't found her, she insisted on searching better. I understood her frustration—I felt the same. But we had to face facts: Elektra wasn't there. Still, it was likely Bartholomew's place, and I wasn't about to let that bastard slip away.

After the break, we advanced toward the cabin. Our scouts spread out, covering the perimeter.

"Stay here," I told Roxanne firmly. "It's too dangerous."

She shot me a scornful look. "No. I'm coming."

"No. You came to guide us, not fight," I insisted. She frowned but didn't argue further, crossing her arms and pouting.

Ignoring her, I signaled the attack. We surrounded the cabin and quickly captured the two men. Neither was Bartholomew or Jordan. Where were they?

Roxanne insisted this was Bartholomew's cabin, so why weren't they here? We searched every inch—no one else.

Inside, the bedroom had ropes on the bed—someone had been tied up. But who? And why?

With no answers and night falling, we left. Our prisoners gave nothing new.

Back at Roxanne's spot, I planned to pick her up—only to find she had vanished.

"By the Goddess, this woman is driving me mad!" I thought, searching everywhere. None of the warriors had seen her leave. Where had she gone? What part of 'stay here' didn't she understand?

Roxanne's POV:

As Alexander and the warriors left, I stayed put, watching their search. Then I heard voices in the distance.

I followed them carefully—and my heart nearly stopped. Bartholomew was dragging Elektra by a rope, her hands bound and mouth gagged. She looked terrified.

He cursed and threatened her fiercely. I feared he might kill her.

I remembered the cell phone in my pocket, pulled it out, and quickly texted Alexander our location. Then I slipped it back and kept following.

"I will save my little girl no matter what," I vowed silently.