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Whispers of Suspicion and Unlikely Alliances

However, despite the promising news, Cedric felt skeptical, a cloud of distrust hovering over his hopes. He knew that, while the queen harbored a deep hatred for the king, this unlikely alliance could very well be an elaborate trap.

"I can't just blindly trust," Cedric retorted, his voice laden with reservations. "Although the queen has reasons to hate Roderick, this could very well be an elaborate ambush to weaken us."

Eveline felt a chill run down her spine, despite the disguise she wore to conceal her true identity. The tension in the air was palpable, each moment laden with uncertainty. She knew that, despite her abilities to deceive the senses, Lucia, the queen, could unmask her true essence at any moment.

"You need to trust us," Lucia responded, her voice a whisper laden with urgency. "To demonstrate our loyalty and solidify this alliance, the queen will indirectly assist us tonight, facilitating the release of the rebels imprisoned in the dungeons."

The prospect of joint action, of previously opposing sides coming together in pursuit of justice, left Eveline and Cedric in a blend of conflicting emotions. They knew they were about to dive into a dangerous game, where every move could redefine the kingdom's fate. It was a risky gamble, but the promise of freedom and change was worth every risk they were about to face.

Cedric's expression hardened, and he nodded solemnly. "I understand," he said. "We've been trying to find a way to infiltrate the dungeons for weeks, but so far, no luck. It's heavily guarded, and the locks are intricate. But if anyone can find a way."

Eveline felt a surge of gratitude and determination. She knew this would be the toughest task yet, but she was ready for the challenge. She thanked Lucia and vowed to do everything in her power to free all the remaining rebels.

Upon returning to her quarters, Eveline felt a deep sense of purpose and clarity she hadn't experienced in a long time. She quickly prepared herself and stealthily advanced toward the dungeons. There, she found three of the rebels who hadn't been captured, and among them was Lucas. As Eveline's eyes met Lucas's, her heart began to beat faster. Lucas was a young werewolf, one of the most skilled and courageous rebels. With each exchange of their gazes, a powerful attraction seemed to envelop them. Eveline knew she couldn't allow herself to be distracted by her personal feelings, but it was hard to resist the pull she felt toward him.

Meanwhile, the prince was aware of Eveline's involvement with the rebels and was determined to use her for his own ends.

"Gideon, you need to check if today's plan is working. I don't trust the queen," the prince said, his voice laden with suspicion.

"My prince, drawing attention with a larger number of us could be risky," Gideon replied, concerned.

"But how will I know if everything went as planned? I don't trust Luna Aldre. I feel she has hidden motives," Cedric muttered as he paced back and forth, restless.

Gideon's voice carried a tone of concern as he was trying to calm the prince. "My prince, we can't expose ourselves. You were nearly discovered, and revealing your secrets now would be dangerous."

Cedric took a deep breath, attempting to control his impatience. "I'll be more cautious. I know it's not yet time to show everyone that I'm flawless and capable of leading."

"We must have patience. Sooner or later, we will uncover," Gideon concluded, trying to bring a glimmer of hope to the prince.

As uncertainties hung in the air, Eveline and Lucas exchanged a determined glance. They knew exactly what they were about to face, and as they patiently waited for the right moment to act, an indomitable courage pulsed within their hearts.

Eveline took a deep breath, capturing the putrid odor emanating from the dungeons. It was a repugnant smell that impregnated the air, provoking a sensation of repulsion. Her keen eyes scanned the surroundings and noted the fallen guards, leaning against the walls as if in a deep sleep. Eveline nodded, silently conveying the message to the other three rebels accompanying her. Cautiously, she tiptoed forward, taking advantage of the agility provided by her lupine form, sharpening all her senses.

As soon as they entered the dungeons, one of the guards emitted a growl, causing everyone to freeze, fearful that their presence had been discovered. Eveline realized the guard was in a trance-like state, as if daydreaming. Carefully, she approached one of the guards, silently retrieving the keyring from his clothes. Then, she transformed into her human form, wrapping herself in a dark cloak. Moving her finger in front of her lips, she gestured for silence to the rebels, indicating that they should proceed cautiously. Then, she began to liberate one by one the rebels who still resisted the clutches of oppression, skillfully releasing them from the cells.

Lucas led each of them to the exit, handing them over to the other two rebels who waited attentively at the entrance of the dungeons. None of them could stand on their own, their wounds were deep, and the lack of food and water kept them in a state of extreme weakness. Eveline headed toward one of the cells, where Rudolf was suspended by his wrists over his head. His head hung over his chest, his face torn by the king's ruthless claws, making him almost unrecognizable. All his wounds were open, gushing blood. Eveline felt her eyes fill with tears, reaching her hand to Rudolf's face with tenderness.

"Rudolf," she whispered, her voice laden with anguish. "What have they done to you?" Her eyes brimmed with sadness and indignation.

Carefully, Eveline unlocked the shackles that held him. Around his neck, Rudolf wore a cruel iron collar with spikes pointing towards his throat, preventing him from shifting into his wolf form. If he tried, it would be fatal, with the spikes piercing his defenseless neck. The sight of that cruel restraint filled Eveline with even greater determination to free her ally from the clutches of suffering.

As soon as she released Rudolf's body, he collapsed to the ground with a dull thud, almost lifeless. Eveline, driven by a surge of urgency, promptly caught him, wrapping her arms around his neck to support him. With determination, she dragged him out of the dungeons, where she encountered Lucas and the other companions.

"We need to take them to the secret chamber right away. It's the closest place we have," Eveline expressed with a concerned and urgent tone in her voice.

"We don't know where the entrance is from this point within the castle. We only know the outer passage," Lucas replied.

Eveline hesitated for a moment, grappling with indecision. Her room was the closest option, one that could expedite the rescue and minimize imminent dangers.

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