Chapter 0166

Alexander

“You said—”

“I know, Alexander. I know exactly what I said.” Zachary’s voice cuts through the air, sharp and impatient. His face is a mask of tension, deep lines of frustration carved into his brow. “He never wanted to shift back. I didn’t even think it was possible. Do you have any idea how difficult it was for me?”

“What are you talking about?” Isabella demands, her voice tight.

“I told you it wasn’t easy. The process took time. I would wake up in Lycan form in the middle of a cornfield, having shifted in my sleep. It’s not something you can just undo. Not when you’ve started to see yourself as a monster.”

“Just full of secrets, aren’t you!” Julian mutters, shoving Zachary aside.

He drops to his knees, gathering Sophia’s lifeless body into his arms. The devastation on his face is unmistakable. This is the deepest loss he’s felt since our parents. Nothing else has ever cut this deep.

‘We need to watch him closely.’ Titan’s voice rumbles in my mind.

‘Agreed,’ I reply silently.

‘Maybe this is what he needs,’ Titan adds.

‘What are you talking about?’

‘He’s spent his whole life only caring about himself.’

‘That’s harsh. How would you feel if Athena—’ Shit. Athena.

I quickly mindlink several guards, ordering them to secure the perimeter of the house.

“Let’s assume he’s escaped.” Though walking out shouldn’t have been possible. “How did he shift?” I ask Zachary.

“I don’t know. He hasn’t been human in over a year. And like I said, he never wanted to change back. Trust me, I tried to help him. Brianna did too. He never wanted it. The only explanation is that he’s been shifting for a while now. He must have kept it hidden.”

‘Alexander.’ Theodore’s voice echoes in my head. ‘He’s gone.’

‘What?’

‘He isn’t here. According to Ethan, he did shift back to human form.’

‘How the hell did he get out?’ I snap.

The Rogue had been chained to a wall.

If he shifted, he could have slipped the chains. That much I understand.

But the cell was still locked.

The only way out was if someone physically let him out.

Not to mention, he wouldn’t have been able to just walk away. I saw what Athena did to his leg.

If we believe Ethan, he’s also claiming that Sophia was the one who helped Gabriel escape.

I glance at Julian, sitting silently on the floor. He’s gently stroking Sophia’s red hair.

Why would she help Gabriel? It makes no sense. She loved Athena. She stood against the woman who changed her, all to protect Athena.

“I’m right, aren’t I?” Zachary asks. “I can see it on your face. And I know what I scent. I am right.”

“Is he?” Isabella presses. “Has Gabriel escaped? Has he shifted? Is he out there, moving through the pack like he belongs here?”

“Yes.”

“No.” Zachary cuts me off. “He wouldn’t be that stupid. He’ll hunker down somewhere. Somewhere he can hide in plain sight. Watching. Waiting. He’ll work carefully, spreading his scent throughout the entire pack.”

“This is your fault!” Julian snarls from the floor. “You! He came here because of you. You’d better sleep with one eye open, Lycan.”

Zachary doesn’t respond. He’s quiet, deep in thought, completely unbothered by my brother’s threat.

‘You’re hiding something.’ Isabella’s voice whispers through our mindlink.

I look over at her. Her arms are crossed tightly over her chest as she stares at me. ‘I know you, Alexander. There’s something you’re not saying.’

‘According to Ethan, Sophia let him out.’

“WHAT?!” she shouts aloud, forgetting to keep the conversation private.

Everyone turns to look at her. She quickly drops her gaze.

“What’s going on?” Zachary asks, stepping closer to my sister.

“Sorry,” Isabella mumbles.

“Look, I don’t know if it’s true. All we have is Ethan’s word, and he’s not exactly known for his honesty.”

“He saw him shift?” Zachary frowns.

“And he saw who let him out. Which I’m taking with a grain of salt!”

“Let me guess. She did.” He points at Sophia. “I can’t scent anyone else on her.”