Nicklaus’s POV
I’m well aware of how concerned my mate is about my safety, but I’m certain of one thing I’m strong and capable of protecting my family. No harm will come to us; I won’t allow it.
“I’m a powerful alpha, and I won’t give up without a fight. You need to have faith in me,” I assured her. Despite my confidence, she insisted we find an alternative solution. Eventually, I conceded, also revealing that if no other suitable option arose, I’d consider the one she had in mind.
As we were discussing, one of the witches approached us, notifying us that Margaret requested our presence beneath the large tree. I was ready to go, and Gabby took a moment to check on our daughter before we left, stepping out of the room looking a bit weary. I offered her a piggyback ride, playfully commenting on her weight.
“You’re quite heavy,” I teased.
“If I’m too heavy, you can put me down,” she responded, to which I assured her I was just joking. “No need to worry; even if you were heavy, as the alpha, I could still carry you,” I said with a smile.
We reached the big tree, and I gently lowered her to the ground. She greeted her mother and, as she turned to face us again, I noticed that Margaret’s eyes were red. Something must have happened.
“Let’s hope you have some good news for us. Is there a way to save Estella?” I got straight to the point, sensing the gravity of the situation. Unfortunately, Margaret’s response was negative.
“I’m afraid we haven’t come up with a solution,” she admitted.
Observing my mate’s current state, I knew the news had hit her hard. Despite this setback, I remained certain that there had to be a way out for Estella.
“Gabby, are you alright?”
“Oh no, Gabby, you are-” Margaret began to say something but stopped, seemingly affected by my mate’s condition. She asked if there was truly no plan in place to save Estella.
“Don’t worry about me. What do you mean there’s no solution for Estella?” Gabby retorted, standing up determinedly.
“Margaret, you’re a powerful witch. There must be a way to save my daughter. She’s like your own daughter too. We can’t let Dedusa control her life. She deserves better, and as her guardians, we must find a way to save her. There has to be a solution,” I insisted passionately. Margaret responded, “The group is divided. Some are suggesting that your daughter should be killed as it seems to be the only available option right now. But there are others like me who oppose it. We can’t harm an innocent child.”
“Why are they so heartless? I won’t allow anyone to bring harm to my daughter, not under any circumstance,” I affirmed resolutely.
“I’ll go to any lengths to protect my beloved daughter. Margaret, Gabby trusts you deeply. Don’t let her down now. She needs you, and we need you to help save our daughter. Let’s find a solution,” I added earnestly.
A scream echoed through the air, and a strange light flickered. Confusion swept over us, and we were informed that someone was attempting to harm my daughter. My anger surged, and I grabbed the messenger. A whirlwind of rage enveloped me, but Margaret’s words calmed me, “Don’t hurt the innocent. If someone is trying to harm Estella, let’s channel that anger and direct it towards them. I warned them at the meeting that if anything happens to Estella, I’m willing to break the peace and fight with every ounce of my strength.”
“She’s right, Nick. Let’s confront the person who’s trying to harm our precious daughter,” you agreed. We marched toward Estella’s room, but a force pushed us to the ground, an indication that Dedusa’s power was growing.
“Dedusa is becoming more powerful,” a witch declared, causing concern.
“She’s erected a barrier to protect Estella’s body. It’s both good and bad news,” she explained.
Growing impatient, I interrupted, “Can we discuss this later? Right now, we need to find a way to reach our daughter and save her from whoever is threatening her.” The witches performed their spells, granting us access to Estella’s room, where a tense showdown was underway.
The witch inside my daughter was attempting to manipulate her into killing an elder man. I feared that if this wasn’t stopped, Estella might be plagued by nightmares.
“Estella, don’t let the darkness consume you. We can’t afford for you to be driven by bloodlust,” you cried out. Dedusa responded with a chilling, multiple-voiced threat, “Silence, or you’ll be next.”
She’s my daughter, and I couldn’t stand by. I rushed forward to intervene, trying to hold her back and reason with her. Yet, she unleashed a scream that sent me crashing to the ground, wracked with pain.
The scene was chaotic, and Lethal cautioned me, “Handle this carefully. We need to be cautious. She’s immensely powerful, and we’re not evenly matched.”
“I understand, but I can’t give up without a fight,” I replied, resolute.
“You’re incredibly stubborn, but still, let’s exercise caution,” Lethal advised.