Chapter 819

Jackson looks around Ella's closet...kind of in wonder. His wolf growls in his soul, telling him to pay attention to the mission but...god, it's hard. This closet is...gigantic, and packed with stuff. More than just clothes and jewelry. Is that - is that a mini bar in that corner? And a coffee alcove in the back? "Okay," Ella sighs, coming through a door to... god, Jackson has no idea where. It does not lead to the Royal Bedroom, or to the bathroom so...it must go somewhere else. Another...wing of the closet? Where she keeps more stuff? In her hand Ella carries a heavy backpack that she hoists up with both hands. "I think you should be all set."

Jackson takes the backpack from her and easily swings it over one shoulder. "Thank you, Ella," he says, looking her quite seriously in the eyes. "I think this is right. It's the only thing I can think to do."

"I think so too," Ella says with a satisfied sigh, looking over the dark fatigues she stole from Dominic's military wardrobe, uniform which she was not surprised at all to find fit Jackson to near perfection. "The bag has all the supplies you need and...some stuff for Ari. Once you get her back."

Jackson nods once, eager to go.

"When you find her," Ella says, looking up at him with eyes that again shine with tears, "will you -"

A loud shout comes from the bedroom, or perhaps the living room beyond, making them both snap their heads towards the door.

"Come on," Ella says, all authority now as she strides for the bedroom door. "Leave the bag."

Jackson does as he's told, dropping the backpack and working hard to not outstrip Ella as he strides for the door. But she hurries and soon they're both across the bedroom and bursting into the living room, where the family gathers and everyone is suddenly exclaiming as they look at their phones. "What!?" Ella cries, dashing immediately to Dominic's side. "What is it?"

Jackson follows close behind her, desperate to know.

"It's...fucking Atalaxian press," Dominic murmurs as he tucks an arm around Ella, pulling her close and showing her the phone. Jackson's wolf whines in his chest as he looks around, desperate for a phone for the first time in his life, dying to know what on earth is going on. Cora and Roger are here with the rest of their children, and Rafe, and Mark - all distracted -noveldrama

But Rafe soon glances up and realizes that Jackson is out of the loop, striding to his side. "It's fine," Rafe says, nodding as he presses the phone into Jackson's hands. "It's proof that she's alive and...well. Ridiculously dressed but...well."

Jackson's gaze snaps to the phone as he scans the article, his fingers scrolling fast to the pictures. His heart wrenches when he sees the pictures of Ariel - his darling girl - his mate -

Dressed in an insane blue dress, wearing an elaborate crown. A growl rises in his throat as Jackson sees that man by her side - the one he saw on the battlefield, the one the Sinclair's identified as the Atalaxian prince. But Jackson barely spares a glance for him, his eyes immediately moving back to her.

Ariel, kneeling before the Atalaxian King. Ariel, kissing his hand like she's so grateful to have the chance to do it. Ariel rising on the Prince's hand, beaming at him.

"How did..." Jackson murmurs, frowning at the phone and lifting it closer to his face like it will help him see better. "How did they make her waist so small..."

"Is that seriously what's bothering you?" Rafe snaps, grabbing the phone back.

"I mean it has to hurt," Jackson murmurs, frowning at his friend, "she's not shaped like that. They must have used...duct tape."

"Jacks," Rafe growls, rolling his eyes a little, "she's swearing allegiance to Atalaxia! She's taking a role as a Princess of their court!"

"Yeah, but they probably made her

say all of that Jackson says, frowning at Rafe and crossing his arms, not really seeing why Ariel's actions in the images are a big deal. Like Dominic said, the photographs show she's alive and healthy. And that's the only think Jackson cares about.

"I agree," Dominic says, making everyone in the room turn towards him. "Ariel is staying alive, playing whateverole they ask of her, avoiding torture and imprisonment. I'm proud of her- it's clever, hard work, and I'm not sure I'd be capable of it."

"Are -" Rafe sputters, looking around the room. "Am I the only one who read the article!? They're claiming

her as a Princess of Atalaxia! They're saying she's going to have a ceremony with this Prince Gabriel character, that -"

"Rafe," Ella says, her voice low in warning, her eyes shifting to Jackson.

"That he's her mate!" Rafe finishes, throwing his arms wide, outraged.

Jackson goes cold at this. Because...what? Her...her mate?