The Lycan King's Outcast Omega (by Cara Anderson) novel Chapter 246

**TITLE: Never Love 246**

Lyra

As we venture deeper into the heart of the mountain stronghold, the secret passage constricts around us, the ancient stone walls looming ominously. Each step we take sends a pulse of urgency through the amulet resting against my throat, a tangible reminder of Alexander’s peril. I can feel him through our bond—his pain reverberates within me, a stark echo of his essence being violently wrenched away by Vega’s sinister ritual.

“We’re running out of time,” I murmur to Selene, who is guiding our group through the serpentine tunnel with a determined focus.

Her expression is grave as she replies, “The ritual chamber is just ahead. Remember, once we breach that threshold, everything will unfold in a heartbeat. Vega won’t let go of her prize without a fight.”

Behind us, Dominic, Elara, Kieran, and three skilled healers from my community move with a quiet intensity, each carrying weapons or supplies tailored to their expertise. The confrontation that awaits us demands both strength and healing, a delicate balance we must maintain.

Finally, we arrive at a small stone door, its surface intricately carved with the now-familiar spiral pattern. Selene reaches into her bag, retrieving the Silverspiral Key from its protective box. As she inserts it into the barely visible keyhole, my amulet flares with a brilliant silver light, and the mark on my shoulder blade ignites with a warm, sympathetic energy.

“Ready?” Selene’s voice is steady, her hand resting on the door.

I take a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage within me. Through our bond, I send a silent plea to Alexander: We’re here. Hold on for just a little longer.

With a creak that echoes ominously in the chamber, the door swings open, revealing a narrow antechamber that leads directly into the main ritual space. Guards whirl around, their expressions shifting from surprise to alarm as we emerge from what they believed to be a sealed entrance. In an instant, Dominic springs into action, his sword clashing against the first guard’s weapon with a resounding ring of steel. Kieran and the healers follow suit, engaging the remaining defenders, while Selene, Elara, and I push forward toward the inner sanctum.

As I peer through the archway, my heart sinks at the horrifying sight before me—Alexander is trapped within a silver circle, his essence partially extracted, hovering above his physical form in a swirling cloud of reddish-gold energy. Vega stands at the edge of the circle, her focus razor-sharp as she orchestrates the extraction, moonlight streaming through openings in the ceiling to illuminate the central point with an eerie glow.

“Stop!” Selene’s voice cuts through the tension as we burst into the chamber. “This ritual perverts our true purpose!”

Vega’s head snaps up, her fury transforming her features into a mask of rage. “Traitor!” she hisses at Selene, her hands never faltering in their ritualistic movements. “You betray generations of preparation for what? Sentiment? Weakness?”

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