The Alpha's Regret: Return Of The Betrayed Luna

Chapter 452: Chapter 452 Meeting Chase For The First Time

”Alright, let’s head down to the dungeon,” Addison said, stepping past Levi and moving toward the door. Just then, the warrior she had sent to fetch Levi arrived, panting heavily. He had made the round trip to the lakeside and back, so it was no wonder he was exhausted.

”You’re back. Come with us, and make sure to call for more guards to stand by the dungeon. Have some come down with us, too, and position them a little farther from the cell. My mate and I need to interrogate the prisoner,” Addison instructed, her tone calm but commanding.

”Y-Yes, Princess...” the warrior gasped, still trying to catch his breath. ”I’ve already called the other warriors to rearrange their positions along the territory’s border, so some could return here to guard around the dungeon...”

Hearing this, Addison raised an eyebrow, silently appreciating the warrior’s proactive and quick-witted approach. Unlike others who needed to be guided step by step, he acted on his own initiative, which was a tremendous help.

Since he had already called for the warriors to return while making his way back, the reinforcements from the territory’s border were likely already stationed at the dungeon entrance by the time he reached the packhouse.

”Alright, let’s head down now,” Addison said, nodding in approval. She signaled for the warrior to lead the way. After all, this wasn’t her territory, and she didn’t know the layout well; only he and those familiar with the place could navigate to the dungeon.

Addison and Levi followed the warrior as he led them to the back of the packhouse. They walked through the forest for about five hundred meters before reaching a small hill, where the entrance to a cave was guarded by two vigilant warriors. Since it was already night, torches flared on either side of the entrance, casting flickering light across the scene.

The moment the guards heard the rustle of grass nearby, they tensed up, ready for any threat. But as the familiar scent of their pack member reached them, they relaxed slightly, though their composure returned to alertness as three shadows approached. Soon, the warrior came into view, followed closely by Addison and Levi, their expressions sharp and serious.

As they drew nearer, the two guards respectfully curtsied, then stepped aside to open the heavy metal door of the cave’s entrance.

Addison watched as the two guards pushed open the cave’s heavy metal door, the loud creak echoing through the night. The moment it swung open, a gust of wind hit her face, carrying with it a pungent mixture of human waste, blood, and urine.

The stench was so overpowering that her head spun, and she nearly lost her footing as she fought to suppress the bile creeping up her throat.

Seeing her stagger, Levi quickly steadied her by the arm, giving her a moment to acclimate to the foul odor. When it became clear she was still struggling, he retrieved a handkerchief from his magic bag and sprinkled a medicinal powder on it. He held it to her nose, the scent cutting through the overwhelming stench and giving her a chance to regain composure.

As Addison inhaled the medicinal fragrance, the foul smell of the dungeon gradually receded in her senses. Slowly, she regained her composure, standing straighter with Levi supporting her other arm. Once steady, she gave the warrior a firm command.

”Lead the way.”

The warrior nodded and reached to the side of the cave entrance, retrieving a torch which he quickly lit. Its flickering light revealed the narrow stone stairs, and he began to descend slowly, with Addison and Levi following closely behind. The staircase stretched for about ten meters, so the descent was relatively quick.

At the bottom, they entered a dark, maze-like corridor completely devoid of light. It seemed the dungeon had been designed this way deliberately, to prevent any prisoner from escaping easily. Even if someone managed to leave their cell, navigating the labyrinth would be nearly impossible without guidance, giving the guards ample time to intercept them.

Only those familiar with the dungeon’s blueprint could discern the correct path, as several crossroads and side passages were scattered throughout. For anyone entering for the first time, getting lost was inevitable. It took them a full twenty minutes of careful walking and turning to finally reach the heart of the dungeon.

At last, light appeared at the end of the long corridor, accompanied by muffled groans and indistinct murmurs. A few guards were scattered throughout the room, with two stationed at the entrance. As soon as they spotted the torch approaching, the guards immediately recognized Addison, Levi, and the warrior who had called them earlier.

Although Addison hadn’t seen anyone guarding around the entrance before, she had sensed their presence in the air, hidden, yet nearby. Now, with the summoned warriors clearly in view, she felt a renewed sense of security. She noticed Levi’s grip on her arm tighten briefly, then relax, and it reassured her further.

The group stepped into the large chamber, where dozens of cells lined the dimly lit space. With only the torchlight and their instincts to guide them, they moved carefully. The warrior led them to the far end, where Chase was held, and Addison felt a sudden flutter of unease.

Why was her chest tightening like this? Was it nervousness, nervousness at finally confronting the werewolf who had caused them so much trouble, only to have him surrender?

Then, a brief stirring ran through her, fleeting and inexplicable, but there was no time to dwell on it. She stopped in front of a cell and froze.

Two gleaming golden orbs met her gaze, and the instant their light touched her, she felt like she had been electrocuted. She went rigid and sucked in a deep, steadying breath.

A surge of scent hit her next: fresh grass and cedarwood, sharp and intoxicating, striking her like a punch to the gut. For a moment, she could even picture a wide, open plain stretching endlessly, a vision of freedom and joy that she couldn’t explain. And then, a low, rumbling growl broke through her thoughts, grounding her in the present.

”MATE!”

Addison, Levi, and the warrior all inhaled sharply, as if the sound had struck them like a physical blow. For a heartbeat, Addison wasn’t sure if her ears were deceiving her, or if fate itself was toying with her. She froze in place, unable to process what she’d just heard.

Then Levi’s low, menacing growl cut through the tension, a sharp warning that snapped her back to reality.

And just like that, the words echoed again through the dungeon, reverberating off the walls like a slap to her senses.

”MATE!”

Addison’s heart trembled at the sound, and from the shadows within the cell, a figure slowly emerged toward the bars separating them. A strikingly handsome man came into view, his hair a dirty gold, his tanned skin marred with scars of all sizes.

Addison’s brow furrowed instinctively, as if she could feel every lash, every strike that had carved those wounds. Without needing to ask, she sensed the cruel origin of those scars, silver weapons, whips tipped with silver, and a strange kinship stirred within her.

They had endured similar tortures, and in that recognition, she felt an even stronger pull toward him.