Chapter 2

**Chapter 2**

Nathan’s POV

The Bentley glided to a halt before the imposing gates of the prison, its engine a soft purr that felt almost out of place in the tense atmosphere surrounding me. I remained motionless in the back seat, my eyes shut tight, tuning into the steady rhythm of my heartbeat—a metronome that echoed the anxiety swirling in my mind.

When I finally dared to open my eyes, my gaze fell upon the weather-beaten sign looming ahead: The Nightshade Institution for Women. It was a place that held memories I wished I could forget.

Glancing at my watch, I noted how each second seemed to stretch into eternity. “Why isn’t she out yet?” I muttered under my breath, my voice a low, clipped whisper that barely disturbed the quiet of the car.

“The release paperwork might be taking longer than expected, Alpha,” Collins, my beta, replied quickly, his focus unwavering on the road ahead. I could sense the tension in his posture, the way he gripped the steering wheel tightly. After a brief, nervous pause, he added, “But don’t worry, sir. Today is Luna Aria’s release day. She’ll be… ecstatic to see that you came to pick her up yourself.”

A humorless chuckle escaped my lips, bitter and devoid of warmth. “Is that so?”