Fated to the Alpha–And His Triplet Brothers

Chapter 98: Lost and found

*~ Cayden’s POV~*

We had searched every damn nook and cranny of New Orleans. Every alley, tunnel, ruin, and ridge. But still no sign of Hazel. No trace of my wife. No whisper of my babies.

The wolves stationed at the border swore they hadn’t seen Cyrius cross. And I believed them..if only because I had given the command myself: Lock the borders the moment we realized they were missing.

So where the hell were they?

It’s not that easy to vanish. Not with three people and two newborns. And not that fast. Even if Cyrius was reckless enough to attempt it.

I sat high on a jagged rock, overlooking the edge of the camp as my men rested and caught their breath. The air smelled like sweat, smoke, and silent worry. Everyone was tired, including me.

But I couldn’t stop. My mate was out there my children and every wasted second felt like a betrayal.

Then Aurora approached. Her steps were slow, deliberate, eyes scanning the horizon before settling on me.

"We’ve searched everywhere," she said softly, brushing twigs off her sleeve. "But I think... there’s one place left. One we’ve ignored."

I raised an eyebrow. "Where?"

"The forest near the border," she said, voice low. "Think about it. You reached the border. Your wolves are stationed there. No one saw them cross, right?"

I nodded. Slowly. "So what if they didn’t cross?" she continued. "What if they’re waiting just inside the woods? Close enough to monitor the patrols, far enough not to be noticed."

I stared at her. The idea was infuriatingly simple. And smart. Damn it why didn’t I think of that?

"But that forest..." I muttered. "It’s dangerous. Wild magic still runs through it. And there’s no way Cyrius would risk hiding there. Not with the twins."

Aurora’s gaze didn’t waver. "If he’s desperate enough, he would. That forest has plenty of dark corners. And the magic... it might actually help him stay hidden. You know that."

I hesitated. But still...

"I’ll give it ten minutes," I said finally, rising to my feet. "Prep everyone. We search there next."

in her stride as she turned

Auror..—" I called out, making her pause. "Do you know exactly

Dahlia’s coven, we used that part of the forest for rituals. It’s rarely used now not

I said. "That’s where

already bled into the sky, dark and hushed, but I didn’t care. In fact, this was better. Cyrius would let his guard down. He’d

it would be the

edge of the forest in silence. Tall trees stretched above us. The air was damp and heavy with old secrets. It smelled like

a sound unless you have to. If he’s here, he’ll hear us before we smell

then... a half tree, split unnaturally

was the place. Where we

to her

is where Cyrius and the witches performed the ritual. Right here. Which is exactly why he wouldn’t

of a failed, dark ritual especially not with a newborn and a

searched everywhere else," she said. "We can’t give

but not blind. "Fine. Lead the

The trees grew denser, older. The light thinned, and the

under my foot. I stumbled

It was an earring.

down slowly and picked it up, turning it over between my fingers. Recognition hit me

was familiar. Too

the exact moment: Iso descending the staircase on our wedding day, bouquet in her trembling hands, her hair swept up, and these earrings catching the light. She was nervous. I was scowling. At the time, all I could think

now... witches

by her coven long ago. What were the odds that Hazel was herr?

it hit me..A scent.... Familiar.... And

alert. Ragnar stirred within me, claws twitching under my

was her. It

I could see it

whispered. "Aurora. Hazel

nodded slowly. "Cayden... there’s blood. I can smell