Chapter 22: Madly Deeply (Ariana’s POV)
I woke in a cold, damp factory, the metallic scent of rust heavy in the air. My head throbbed, and my vision blurred as I tried to focus. The coarse ropes around my wrists and ankles cut into my skin, securing me to the wooden bench beneath me. Panic churned in my chest, but I forced myself to take a steadying breath.
Whoever had done this wanted me alive-
for now.
I tried to remember how did I got here. I was on my way to Scott, but he was in a battle with neighboring pack. So I waited at his room. When the door opened, I jist saw a woman’s shadow who hit my head and I lost my consciousness.
I know well that fakiliar shadow who did
this to me…
Winona emerged from the shadows, her polished figure out of place in the grim
50% 15.24
1/6
Chapter 22: Madly Deeply (Ariana’s POV)
surroundings. Her expensive dress shimmered even in the dim light, and her high heels struck the concrete like a judge‘ s gavel.
“Long time no see, Ariana,” she said, her voice sickly sweet, the kind of tone that made my skin crawl.
I glared at her, refusing to show fear.
“What are you up to, Winona?” My voice was steadier than I felt.
Her smile widened, a twisted mockery of warmth. “What am I up to? Oh, Ariana, that’s a delightful question. Maybe I’m tying up loose ends.”
I struggled against the ropes, but they held fast. Two rogues loomed behind me, their eyes cold and predatory.
My wolf stirred faintly in the back of my mind, but she remained silent, a hollow absence that left me feeling exposed.
“This doesn’t have to involve me,” I said cautiously, scanning the room for a way
50% 15:24
2/6
Chapter 22: Madly Deeply (Ariana’s POV)
out. “I have no relationship with Scott
anymore.”
“Of course! I’ve made sure his bond will be severed from yours! He is mine!”
“That doesn’t make any sense… how could you!” I said, shaking my head.
“You‘ re right,” she snapped, her mask of calm slipping. “It doesn’t make sense. But it’s happening. I’m going to make sure his ties will end this time.”
I swallowed hard, my mind racing. “Scott made his choice. He picked you. He even used my mother’s memory to please you. Don’t drag me into your mess.
Winona‘ s face twisted with fury. She lunged forward, gripping my chin with. cold, iron fingers.
“Do you think I wanted to drag you into this?” she hissed. “Do you know how humiliating it is to watch him pine for you while I stand in the shadow of your
absence?”
50% 15:24
3/6
Chapter 22: Madly Deeply (Ariana’s POV)
I held her gaze, refusing to look away. “I did nothing to make Scott feel this way. Your insecurities are your own problem, Winona.”
Her grip tightened, and for a moment, I thought she might strike me. But instead, she released me with a frustrated growl, stepping back.
“Bring me the knife,” she commanded, her voice cold and clipped.
One of the rogues stepped forward, presenting her with a gleaming silver dagger. My stomach dropped. The blade glinted menacingly in the dim light, and I could feel its power, even from a distance.
“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice trembling despite my efforts to stay calm.
Winona tilted her head, studying me like a predator sizing up its prey. “I’m curious,” she said softly, almost to herself.
“If Scott loves you this much now, what would he do if you weren’t so… perfect?”
4/6
Chapter 22: Madly Deeply (Ariana’s POV)
The implication sent a shiver down my spine. “Don t be ridiculous,” I said, forcing steel into my voice. “He doesn’t love me.
His fate was just tied to mine…
Her laugh was sharp, humorless. “You really believe that?” She stepped closer, the dagger glinting in her hand. “Let‘ s test your theory, shall we?”
I tried to pull back, but the ropes held me firm. “Winona, don‘ t do this,” I said, my voice rising with panic.
The blade hovered inches from my face, and my wolf stirred weakly, her voice faint
but insistent.
But I had no room to fight. No strength to shift. All I could do was glare at Winona, daring her to make her move.
She traced the blade along my cheek, her touch light but threatening. “What will he think when he sees you like this?” she murmured. “Will he still choose you?”
50% 15:24
5/6
Chapter 22: Madly Deeply (Ariana’s POV)
A surge of defiance swelled within me. “If you do this,” I said, my voice low and steady, “you’ll prove that you‘ ve
already lost. Scott will never love you–not for this.”
Her expression faltered, and for a moment, I thought I saw doubt flicker in her eyes. But then she steeled herself, her grip tightening on the dagger.
“I don‘ t need his love,” she said, her voice trembling with determination. “I just need him to forget you.”
I might have human blood in my veins from my father, but a silver dagger would still do the damage as it does to any pureblood werewolf.
>50% 15/24
