Page 77 of Doyle

Deeper into the mine, I heard voices. I moved cautiously, staying in the shadows as I approached.

Ahead, the tunnel opened into a larger chamber, dimly lit by torches.

I could see a group of witches and warlocks gathered around a circle, chanting.

In the center of the circle, bound and struggling, was Michael.

Anger surged through me at the sight of him in chains, and I felt my dragon's rage boiling to the surface.

But I couldn't afford to lose control. I had to be strategic.

MICHAEL

“What are you planning to do to me?” I demanded, struggling against the chains.

They were silver-lined and spelled—resisting was futile.

Liliana appeared in my line of sight, and I cringed when she ran her fingers through my hair.

"You won't remember this anyway, so I'll tell you. I'll have to adjust the memory spell I put on you, tighten my control, so when I send you out again, you'll perform your duties and not miss this time," she said.

I swallowed hard.

"How long have I been secretly under your control?" I whispered.

"Haven't you figured it out? Since you became my familiar," she replied, pulling her fingers away.

Relief washed over me as she stopped touching me.

"The only way you can break free of me is to kill me, but that won't be happening anytime soon," she added with a laugh.

"Your plan is pathetic," I blurted out, a mix of foolishness and bravery surging through me. "You and your coven can’t even face Doyle and his pack head-on."

Doyle’s coming for me, I thought desperately. But did I really want that? What if I hurt him again?

“Liliana, Mariana and Lucas are dead,” reported Morgan, stepping into the chamber.

“Well, well. It seems Doyle is finally here,” Liliana said, her tone strangely calm. "I was hoping we'd finish this spell before he arrived, but I guess our schedule has moved up."

Suddenly, Liliana spun on her heel and pointed a finger into the darkness.

“He’s here,” Liliana said with narrowed eyes.

“I’m here, Liliana. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Doyle’s voice echoed, and he stepped out of the shadows.

My heart pounded painfully in my chest.

"Doyle, you shouldn’t have come," I whispered.

“I’ll never abandon you, Michael. You’re my mate,” he said firmly.

Tears filled my eyes at his words. Doyle stepped forward, but a circle flared under his feet—a trap. He didn’t panic.

“I know this trick. It won’t work again. Dragon fire will break the spell,” Doyle said.

As Doyle summoned his dragon fire, I saw my chance.

Morgan was watching Doyle too intently; he’d forgotten he should be watching me.

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