Crossing the Border (Rania) novel Chapter 241

**He Asked Me to Leave My Dreams, So I Decided to Make Him One of Them by Mira Lorian**

**Chapter 241**

The tension in the air was palpable as Ronan strode into the clearing, cradling his mate, Rania, in his arms. Flanking him were two Barlukan warriors, remnants of a failed escape, who had returned at the sight of their leader and the queen.

Rania lay unconscious, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm that was the only thing keeping Maximus anchored to reality. The thought of losing her was unbearable; without her, he would have nothing left to fight for.

Maximus’s gaze hardened as he fixed his eyes on Ronan. “So, you’ve chosen to side with them,” he stated, his voice low and steady, a storm brewing beneath the surface.

Ronan felt the weight of Maximus’s authority pressing down on him. It was no simple task to defy a king, especially one as formidable as Maximus. Yet, despite the fear coursing through him, he stood his ground.

“Stay away from him, King Maximus,” Ronan declared, his voice trembling slightly but resolute. He halted in his tracks, glancing at Eric, who was sprawled on the ground in a pitiful state. A flicker of triumph danced in Eric’s eyes as their gazes met, a moment of satisfaction amidst the chaos. The royal gamma coughed, a harsh sound that morphed into a mocking laugh.

“Look at you now, begging for mercy,” he taunted, his voice dripping with derision. As he attempted to crawl away, Maximus’s hand shot out, forcefully pressing Eric’s head into the dirt.

“Enough! I warned you to stay away from him, or I swear I will end her life!” Ronan’s heart raced as he spoke, the threat hanging in the air like a heavy fog. He gently lowered Rania to the ground, his claws extending menacingly, ready to inflict harm if Maximus did not relent.

Maximus could sense the bluff behind Ronan’s words. He knew the beta would hesitate before causing Rania any real harm. Still, he couldn’t risk her safety.

Standing tall, Maximus loomed over Ronan, his presence commanding and fierce.

“Does Letto know he has such a coward as a beta?” Maximus questioned, his eyes narrowing as they flicked to Rania. He noticed the bruises forming around her neck, a stark reminder of her vulnerability. Without her wolf spirit, her healing abilities were limited, and those marks would take time to fade.

Feeling a surge of rage, Maximus clenched his jaw, the air around them thick with his murderous intent.

“He’s unworthy of the title,” Ronan spat defiantly.

Once, Ronan had served as the beta to Letto’s father, but the untimely death of the previous alpha had left a bitter taste in his mouth. Letto’s ascendance had not sat well with him, and it was clear that resentment festered beneath the surface.

“What is it that you want?” Maximus cut to the chase, his patience wearing thin. “If anything happens to her, I will make you wish for a quick death.”

Ronan scoffed, though the flicker of fear in his eyes betrayed him. He understood that Rania was his only bargaining chip. As long as she was in his grasp, Maximus would be forced to tread carefully.

Just then, the rustle of leaves announced the arrival of reinforcements. Emerging from the shadows were Elder Gallant and two other elders, accompanied by a cadre of ten warriors.

“My king,” Elder Gallant greeted with an exaggerated bow, a mockery disguised as respect in the tense atmosphere.

“You hear him! Kneel!” Ronan shouted, pressing his claws against Rania’s neck. The pressure stirred her from unconsciousness.

Rania blinked awake, her eyes widening in shock as she recognized Maximus. Instinctively, she moved toward him, but Ronan’s grip tightened, holding her back with an iron fist.

“Stay where you are, love,” Maximus said soothingly, his voice calm despite the turmoil surrounding them.

Rania glanced around, her heart racing as the gravity of her predicament sank in. “They are traitors,” she mouthed, horror dawning in her eyes.

“I know,” Maximus replied, his expression unwavering. “You’ll be alright.”

Uncertainty gnawed at Rania. Was he speaking to reassure her, or did he truly believe she would be safe? She scanned the area, searching for hidden allies. Surely, Maximus wouldn’t have come alone.

“Kneel!” Elder Gallant bellowed, his voice booming through the clearing. “Or I swear, I will take her life!” He stepped closer to Ronan, drawing a dagger from his side and pointing it threateningly at Rania.

Ronan’s claws remained poised around her neck, a dangerous standoff that hung in the balance.

“Kneel, or I will kill her, I swear!”