** Authors note **
This is an intense chapter and needs more work! this is very much a first draft, so despite the errors, I hope you enjoy it. I will edit later and add more finesse = )

My glowing orange and red infused whip curls from my hand, traveling in all its blazing glory to coil around my feet like a sleeping cobra. After melting mine and my brother's restraints, I stand filled with the rage of my family's fallen.

"It's time to get out of here, brother" I hold my left hand out to him and help lift him from the hard charcoal stone.

"They have had this coming for a long time," Brad replies.

"Should we get Amelia first, or how do you want to play this?" His answering smile is sad.

"She will hinder your escape, as will I, but I can't leave her behind. Either you leave us both, or we all break free together" Brad keeps his expression neutral, knowing I owe my brother nothing. If anything, I have more rights to walk away and leave him here, but I won't.

"I can get us all out if you can follow my orders?" Nervousness eats at my gut. Can I really get all three of us to safety?

Bitch, please! We are more than capable. Regan gave us a goddamn map of his land; we can get out. Amber scoffs.

I know, but my brother and mate are weak. Can we pull that off?

We can do anything, Stella! The real question is can you leave them behind for Regan to use against you? Of course, this will be easier without them, but can we live without leaving them behind?

No! Regan has done enough damage to my family; he's already taken too much blood. I won't let him have more!

Well then, we can do this.

Agreed!

"Stella, sister, if you are willing to take my Amelia and me out of this hell. We will stand loyal beside you and Brodie.' His eyes are full of hope and pride. The way he says 'my Amelia' reminds me of when Brodie calls me his little mate. My heart aches for Brodie's embrace, and I know Amelia will be feeling similar emotions towards Brad; they long to be free and no longer hiding from anyone.

My now thickened throat from unexpected emotions stops me from replying. Instead, I launch my sleeping fire snake at the handle on the door, devouring it and the surrounding metal in a vice-like grip. I pulse power through the braided burning rope, and It glows in glorious shades of infused orange, reds, and yellows, illuminating the space around us.

I have control. My power feels so natural now I've released it from its cage, almost like it's another limb attached to my body. The door groans in protest as parts of it buckle under the intensity of the heat. In mere seconds I've burnt through the thick metal entirely, and the lock mechanism now drips down the swinging open door.

"Impressive," Brad comments, mimicking my own thoughts. I wonder what his power must look like when he's at full strength crosses my mind. Does he create a blue water-filled whip-like my own fire burning one? Or does he manifest something else entirely?

A question for another time, now let's move and find our mate.

"After you" Brad gestures a hand encouraging me out of the cell first. Makes sense considering I'm the one holding a powerful fire whip. A chuckle escapes me when I realize we don't even have any guards posted on our cell door, guess Regan didn't think we would be getting out. A look at the first window confirms it's the middle of the night.

"Can you tone down the whip? No offense, but we are glowing rather obviously," Brad whispers.

He makes a good point, Stella, but we can't put it out, or we won't have a weapon anymore.

Yeah, I don't see any sources of fire around here.

Half of the large hallway is now brightly lit by my furry appendage. Reluctantly I reign it in until only my hand burns with soft dancing flames. I can't manifest the fire without pulling them from some sort of fire source.

"I think that's as low as I can go. Do you still have the lighter?" I ask him, hopeful it still has lighter fluid in it. He pulls the small plastic-covered tube from his pocket. It's half-melted, but with a quick test, it lights up a flame. Relief fills both of our features, and I take the small gas-filled device from him, placing it safely in the pocket of my oversized shirt.

"Good, I'll have to put this out when we get to the woods. For now, we need it." My brother nods his agreement, and he starts to move. Knowing his way around this castle, first, he has to get us to Amelia, then to the east side of the woods. From there, I will take over...

After a few flights of stairs and walking empty halls, we relax into a quickened stride. Regans had left the hallways unguarded again, too, unlike before when he caught me mid escape this time. I hope we will make it deep into the woods before he knows we are gone.

Brad stops backing up to the wall at a corner. A quick peek confirms a set of doors that are being guarded by two burly-looking guards. Guess Regan doesn't leave his sister's room unguarded like the rest of his castle. Brad's face drops, he's too injured to fight them, and I saw his winces of pain just climbing the sets of stairs.

I sigh, pulling my brother back from the corner we are hiding behind. We need to take these guards out with silent precision, and with that, I draw my flame-covered hand behind me, concealing it as much as possible while attempting not to singe my clothes. Giving my brother a stay here hand gesture, Then I ignore his returning frantic protests, slipping past the corner using all of my stealth and trained skill. My body blocks most of the flames flickering light in the dimly lit hallway. Using various pieces of furniture, I get within feet of the guards.

I strike, unfurling my power out of my left hand and back into a burning whip. I simultaneously launch myself at both the guards. Their stunned expressions confirm I've surprised them. Good! My right fist lands on its marker, slamming into the guard's jaw. At the same time, I blindly lash my whip out at the second guard. A resounding thump and sizzle confirms I hit something.

The first guard drops, the impact on his mandible rendering him unconscious. I spin, ready to launch myself at the hopefully injured or temporarily maimed guard.

He's standing with a burnt line through his torso. His odd expression causes me to falter my step, and instead of lunging at him with my whip again, I almost trip. Blood pours out of the blackened line, and I watch, horrified as the man's upper half slides off of the lower half.

"That's so cool you split him in half!" I hear Brad's remark coming up behind me. Bile rises in my throat as two halves of what was a man sit dead in a puddle of crimson. Brad pulls me away, noticing my repulsion at what I've just done.

"It's ok, sis, you had to do it" with that, he bends to the other unconscious body lying on the floor. Before I can say don't or intervene, he snaps his neck hard to the left, a sickening crunch confirming the man's death.

"We can't have their mind linking anyone when they wake up Stella. It's the only way from here out, I'm sorry" I nod, looking anywhere but at the now two dead bodies before us. Brad rushes to the door, but It's no use. It's locked, of course.

"Stella, search the guards for the key!" My brother calls me hurriedly.

No fucking way.

"Move," I command, and recognition flitters across my brother's features before he steps back. I lash the handles of the doors right off, melting them with a surge of power through my whip.

We're getting quicker at that, Amber comments. She's trying to distract me from the murder I just committed, and I welcome it. I need to keep myself together.

The floors of the room are littered with blood stains and streaks of red. Brad runs around, calling for Amelia while I reign my whip back into a delicate flame that trails each finger of my left hand.

Looks like I'm getting better at that too. I send at Amber, who's pacing nervously inside my head.

With some time and training, I think we will be surprised at what we can do. Amber replies.

Perhaps we can stop the fire from burning our clothes off.

That would be a bonus, Amber chuckles.

Brad comes out from the bathroom with a much better off looking Amelia behind him. She's healed faster than my brother, likely from the food she was able to consume at dinner. Amelia points me towards her wardrobe, and I shake my head.

"No time to change. We need to move now," Amelia nods, pulling a drawer open and handing a hidden half-eaten granola bar to my brother. He rips it from its package, shoving it into his mouth, then taking his mate's frail hand, he asks.

"Where to Stella?"

"East side of the castle, there's a trench in the forest that will lead us right past Regan's patrols."

"You sure?" My brother frowns, clearly calculating this scenario to be unlikely.

You're taking a gamble. Regan didn't take your advice on the patrol map? Amber blurts through my mind.

He didn't even need my advice, their allies. It was all lies. I'd wager he didn't even listen to a word I said.

He clearly listened to Kelci's warnings about us, and that information is only valid if that was an actual map! Amber counters sounding worried about my idea.

I know, but I have nothing else. Regan's arrogance is all I have to go on. I'm betting that he wouldn't have taken my advice anyway if what he showed me was real.

Let's hope you're right, and Regan was stupid enough to show us the real deal and his territory's weaknesses.

Either way, it's our only chance at a lucky escape.

Well, we will find out how seriously he took me soon.

"I have a hunch, and that's all we have to go with right now," I reply to my waiting brother.

"A hunch," he frowns, and I see Amelia squeeze his hand in warning when my flames grow fueled with annoyance.

"Up to you, brother. You either listen to me, or you don't, but If you could at least point me in the right direction, that would be appreciated," I snap.

"Hey, hey, sorry. I trust you, let's go," Brad moves, and I calm the blaze consuming my hand.

When we reach the trench, I almost yell hallelujah!

"How are you guys doing?" I turn to find Brad leaning heavily on Amelia, looks like the granola bar remains didn't go far into helping him heal.

"Stella take Amelia and get her out of here" Brad's voice is strained with pain.

"No way," Amelia immediately heaves him up, stopping his attempts to get to the ground. I admire her, knowing I would never leave Brodie behind either. I go to the other side of my brother, taking his arm over my shoulder and helping Amelia support his weight.

"Can you shift?" It's worth asking, even if I think he looks badly injured.

"No, he can't, and neither can I," Amelia answers for them both.

"We can carry on like this. No need to make big decisions like that yet" If we were being chased, that would be a different story as we would all surely be doomed without leaving Brad behind.

We climb the steep forest terrain carrying Brad as quietly as possible, it's slow, careful progress, but It's progress.

Only the quiet huffs and sharp inhales from pain fill the surrounding woods around us.

So far no Regan, and no patrols.

Don't jinx us. Last time Regan enjoyed us getting away to a point and then ripping us back into reality.

Hmm, don't remind me.

My efforts to survey our surroundings triple; the valley is vast in size, steep hills on either side make it easy to ambush whoever lies within it. However, the cover provided by large foliage makes it impossible to pinpoint the exact location of intruders from above. If it was my pack's lands, I would have had them strip this area back, making it impossible to hide enemies within its bushy green walls.

Maybe he always needed an out just in case Amber voices my exact fear. Ice travels up my spine at the thought. If Regan kept this as his potential escape route, for if his plans failed. Then we could definitely be walking into a trap.

I can't think about that right now. We've come too far to turn back, and Brad's too weak to climb the steep banks. I just need to get close enough to Brodie to mind link him for help. I've been sending out test links to Brodie since leaving the castle, with no return. I have no idea if he's out there waiting for me or not, but we need help as soon as we can get it.

"How long is this valley?" Amelia asks panting, Brad has become even limper, barely taking his own steps, not too long, and we will be dragging him entirely.

"It comes to an end eventually, then we will have to hide you both, and I will need to go alone to find help" There's no way Amelia will leave Brad, and once the cover of the valley runs out, we can't continue to move so obviously and at this slow of a pace.

Amelia nods. Brad groans. What sounds like a no or go? I can't tell. We carry on for another ten minutes and make good ground. Suddenly we break into a clearing, and I immediately step us back into the covers of foliage, unhooking Brad's arm from my shoulder. Amelia followed my lead, settling him against a large moss-covered tree trunk.

Carefully we move out into the clearing. No noticeable movement or signs of a patrol are seen by either of us. With a nod, Amelia realizes this is the part where I leave them to find help. For the first time since gaining some sort of control, I allow the flames around my fingers to extinguish completely.

I burst from the bush line in human form, Amber would be faster, but she leaves a scent trail and harder to hide from patrols. I move to get away from where Amelia and my brother are hidden, not wanting anyone to find them If I am caught. Once I'm far enough out, I can shift and Legg it until I can mind link Brodie or find some sort of help.

Progress is much easier without them. I'm making good ground using trees and large bushes as my cover. A quick look above me confirms the sun is rising. A huge smile takes over my face at the thought of Regan coming to summon me, demanding my final decision, only to find I'm gone from his cell.

My smile is wiped clean from my face when I break into a clearing filled with wolves in their human forms. Immediately I recognize Regan's back, and my stomach threatens to empty once again.

Why is nobody looking at us?

I have no idea. It's like the army of rogues is waiting for someone else?

I watch as one of the men notices me and taps Regan on the shoulder. He turns, and an evil grin takes his face as he spots me. Another man I don't recognize bursts into the clearing, and towards Regan, he tells him something straight into his ear, and no matter how hard I try, I can't make out the words. It's no use running. I'm outnumbered, tired, and the only way to run is back from where I've come.

We need a miracle, Amber grumbles.

Agreed. Brodie!! Are you there, please!! Nothing, well shit. Screams from the forest in which the man just came from drew my attention. Three men break free, one holding Amelia by her hair, the other dragging my unconscious brother. Our efforts were for nothing. Another scream rips from Amelia as she's thrown to the ground, and Brads pulled away from her.

"Bring them here," Regan booms, silencing the commotion unfolding. Within seconds Amelia and Brad's limp form are dumped at my feet.

"I have to hand it to you, little one; you're courageous and capable."

"Thanks," I growl furiously with the circumstances before me.

"I didn't expect you to ever get this far. You are indeed a worthy mate."

"What do you mean? Aren't you here because we escaped?" I blurt, confused. Amelia scoops her and Brad behind me, using me as a shield for her and my brother. I can hear her trying to wake him.

It's no use. Brad can't fight even if my brother wakes. I guess this is the closest they have come to freedom, and Amelia is grasping at straws. Regan laughs, and I have to look away from him, reveling in all his triumphant smugness.

"No, my dear, in fact, if you'd taken a different route, you might have got free. Imagine that boys, the feisty, daring little Stella breaks free only to find her mate died in battle trying to get to her"

"What the fuck are you talking about" I spit fury, causing my power to practical sparks across my skin.

"Brodie and his army are going to be here any minute. It's touching. You'll be here to see all of their demises. I'll keep him for you if you like, just to make sure you do as you're told!" I go numb as the images of Brodie chained to a wall, lash after lash slashing his skin to pieces. Unless I do something that Is going to be a reality. Brodie is coming here to fight this army of Rogues that lay silently waiting for them.

How many could we take down with fire before he arrives?

As many as possible Amber growls. I rip the lighter from my pocket, igniting the flames as Regan lunges for me. My power surges, and my hand is consumed in a glorious blaze almost instantaneously.

Regan freezes mid lunge staring at my engulfed hand. I feed power until my blazing fire whip coils before him, flames hissing and licking their way towards him, itching to swallow and devour him whole.

"I see you've got more control than before," Regan states, nervousness creeping in his voice as he backs away from me. I hear Amelia's sharp inhale of breath as she looks up from my brother's limp body. Then the most glorious voice enters my brain.

Stella, I'm here. It's ok, we're coming.

No, Brodie, don't! He just wants to use you against me!

You are here, thank god! Don't fret, little mate. He has to catch me first! Obviously, Brodie's been sending out messages the same as I have. I search the tree line and see the wolves break free. I see Leo leading them. His jet black fur a stark contrast to the green and bright beams of daybreak breaking across the clearing. A little laugh escapes me, and it's all the distraction Regan needs. He runs, using his men to shield him from my first whip attack. I split two men in half but missed Regan. He shifts into his large wolf form, sprinting off to the now begging battle and my mate, his key to my control.

Rage consumes me, and it takes great effort to keep my power coiled within my whip, I need to focus, or I'll turn into a burning ball of uncontrolled fire again.

I launch myself at the battle, slicing with my right hands whip the left, sending out fireballs as half men, half shifting wolves lunge at me with full force. I guess containing me means use whatever means necessary. I can feel the fireballs draining my energy quicker than the whip does. I make a decision to send power into my left hand forming a second deadly fire whip.

I stand my ground protecting Amelia and my brother, slicing anyone who dares to get within reach of my whips. After countless bodies start piling up, I see the wolves and remaining men retreat from me, heading for the battle raging beyond. I turned to find a shaking Amelia.

"Hide!" I don't even recognize my own voice, almost consumed by my own rage. Amelia moves, grabbing Brad under both arms and dragging him back into the cover of the forest. I stalk after the retreating wolves, both whips fully uncoiled and burning anything they touch...