Chapter 26
TITUS
I wanted to follow Sage to convince her she was safe in the palace, despite her belief that she was in danger. I was determined to tell her the truth and bring peace to her troubled mind. But somehow, I was afraid it would ange everything between us. I didn't mean for this charade to blow up the way it did. I was just keeping my identity hidden from her to make sure she wasn't part of Gordon's plan against me. I couldn't help but be suspicious of her since we met in such an unconventional way. The way she approached me at the bar that night implied that she knew Who I was. But as time went
T
by, I slowly realized she was nothing but a pawn in Gordon's game.
I've been suspicious of Gordon for quite some time now. I had a hunch he was connected to the ongoing rogue attacks happening in different parts of my territory. My kingdom was protected by a powerful spell cast by the most powerful witch in our history. The spell prevented outsiders and castaways from entering our territory. Guests and visitors could only enter through an invitation from high-ranking officials or from the respective alpha of a certain pack.
Though I haven't gotten solid proof connecting Gordon to these attacks, I can't do anything but continue my investigation.
After talking to Sage, I received a message from Scott that there had been another attack in the north. We've been trying to keep this from spreading to prevent panic among the people. The attacks were becoming more frequent and more coordinated, suggesting there was a mastermind behind them. "Scott, what's the
it's the situation?" I asked as I met him in the council room.
"There's been an on-going attack in the northern part of the kingdom. The northern border was breached again," Scott reported, his face grim. "This time, they were more aggressive. We lost a few men, and several villagers were injured. It seems they were looking for something or someone."
I clenched my fists, anger boiling within me. We need to strengthen our defenses. Double the patrols and make sure the villagers are safe. Any sign of rogue activity, report it immediately."
Scott nodded. "I've already instructed the captains to increase the patrols. We're also reinforcing the magical barriers around the villages."
"Good," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "Ready the car. I want to
see the situation there myself."
12 57 Wed, Sep Chaperi i 26.
Scott's
"I'm
eyes widened slightly. "Are you sure, Your Majesty? It could be dangerous."
sure," I replied firmly. "ed to see the extent of the damage and reassure the villagers. We need to show them that we're doing everything we can to protect them." again, more resolutely this time. I'll have the car ready immediately"
Scott nod As Scott hurried off to make the arrangements, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. Visiting the northern border was risky, but it was necessary. Seeing the devastation firsthand would give me a better understanding of what we were up against and how to strengthen our defenses. Moreover, it would demonstrate to the people that their safety. was my top priority.
Within minutes, Scott returned, informing me that the car was ready. I made my way to the palace entrance, where a sleek black car awaited, its engine already running. Scott and a few trusted guards were waiting beside it, their expressions tense but determined. I slid into the back seat, with Scott taking the front passenger seat. The car started moving, and I stared out the window, my mind racing. The road to the northern border was long and winding, passing through dense forests and rolling hills. The journey gave me time to think about my next steps. We drove in silence for a while, the only sound being the hum of the engine and the occasional chirping of birds. As we neared the northern border, the atmosphere grew more tense. Signs of the recent attack became evident-scorched earth, broken fences, and the occasional abandoned cart. When we finally arrived at the village, the extent of the damage was clear. Several houses had been burned down, and the air was thick with the smell of smoke. Villagers were busy trying to salvage what they could from the wreckage, their faces etched with worry and "We're here, Your Majesty, Scott said as soon as he parked his car in front of the
fear.
gate.
I stepped out of the car, feeling the weight of their gazes on me. As I walked through the village, people started to gather around, whispering among themselves. I could see the fear in their eyes, the uncertainty. They needed reassurance, and it was my duty to provide it. They all bowed as I began to walk down the path of wreckage. They were afraid of the attackers, but they were more afraid of my presence. Who wouldn't be? I had this reputation of being ruthless and merciless. The stories of my conquests and the punishments 1 dealt to those who crossed me had spread far and wide, casting a long shadow over my name.
21
27
П
As I moved through the crowd, I could hear their hushed conversations. Mothers pulled their children closer, and men stood with wary eyes, their hands ready to defend their families. It pained me to see them like this, yet I understood their fear. In times of crisis, authority figures often become symbols of both hope and terror.
"Are all the rogues dead?" I asked Scott, my voice firm.
He nodded and quickly walked over to one of the guards assigned to the area. The guard was a sight to behold; blood splattered all over his body. It seemed like he had been in the thick of the battle, fighting tooth and nail to protect the village. Scott guided him over to me so he cou could I give a a report. The guard, still
I catching his breath, stood tall despite his injuries. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice **se from shouting commands during the fight. "We managed to eliminate most of the rogues, but a few escaped. We believe they were scouts, testing our defenses." I frowned, my mind racing with the implications. "Scouts? That means they might. come back with reinforcements."
"Yes, Your Majesty, the guard confirmed. "We fortified our defenses as best as we could, but we need more men and resources to ensure the village is secure."
I nodded, appreciating his candor and bravery. "You've done well. Your efforts have saved many lives today."
The guard bowed his head, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Turning to Scott, I issued new orders. "Double the patrols and increase the guards in this area. I want every village within our borders to be prepared for another attack. can't afford to let our guard down."
Scott nodded, already making m**al notes of the necessary arrangements.
"Understood, Your Majesty. We'll reinforce the magical barriers and ensure that every able-bodied warrior is ready for combat."
"Good," I
"I said, my mind already moving to the next step. "We need to send a message to all the alphas in our alliance. They need to be aware of this new threat and ready to act if necessary."
Scott acknowledged my directive with a sharp nod. "I'll take care of it immediately." As Scott and the guard moved to carry out my orders, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease settling over me. The rogues were becoming bolder, and their attacks were more coordinated. This was no longer a series of isolated incidents; it was the beginning of a Chipers 20 larger, more dangerous game.
After ensuring the village was as secure as possible and giving the necessary orders to Scott and the guards, we decided it was time to return to the palace. The night had been long and exhausting, and eded to regroup and plan our next steps. As we approached our car, the quiet of the night was shattered by a sudden, chilling howl. My sentes went on high alert, and I could feel the presence of danger lurking in the shadows.
Without warning, more rogue wolves burst out from the surrounding forest, their eyes. glowing with a feral intensity. They moved with terrifying speed and coordination, clearly aiming to catch us off guard.
"Protect His Majesty Scott shouted, his voice ringing out with authority as he drew his sword. The guards sprang into action without hesitation, forming a tight protective circle around us. Their eyes were steely, and their movements were precise-a testament to their rigorous training. felt a surge of
of adrenaline course through my veins, my senses sharpening as the imminent danger pressed in. With a deep breath, I tapped into the primal power within me and shifted into my lycan form. Muscles bulged and rippled under my skin, bones lengthened, and my senses heightened even further. My vision sharpened, turning the night into a mosaic of colors and movements. Standing t taller and more formidable, I let out a growl that echoed through the trees, my eyes glowing with a b***dy red light. My claws extended, glistening in the moonlight, ready to tear through anything that dared threaten us.
The rogue werewolves hesitated for a moment, taken aback by my transformation, but their bloodlust quickly overcame their surprise. They surged forward with renewed ferocity, snarling and snapping their jaws.
The first werewolf lunged at me, its jaws snapping dangerously close to my face. But I was ready. With a swift, powerful swipe of my claw, I sent it sprawling to the ground, its body skidding across the dirt. Before I could catch my breath, another came at me from the side, its eyes glowing with bloodlust. I met it head-on, sinking my teeth into its neck and shaking it violently before tossing it aside like a ragdoll. Its lifeless body hit the ground with a thud.
Beside me, Scott had already shifted into his lycan form, a towering figure of raw power and ferocity. His fur bristled, and his eyes burned with fierce determination. We fought side by side, our movements a seamless choreography of violence and survival. Scott's claws slashed through the air, cutting down any werewolf that dared approach. His growls and roars echoed through the night, a terrifying symphony that matched my Chapers $26
The world around us turned into a blur of fur, claws, and blood. We all turned feral. embracing our primal instincts as we tore through the oncoming wave of enemies. The was thick with the scent of blood and the sound of snarls and yelps. Each werewolf that fell was quickly replaced by another, their reler "ess attacks showing no sign of abating. "Spare no one!" I roared, my voice guttural and raw
t nodded, his eyes locking onto mine for a brief moment, a silent agreement passing between us. We fought with everything we had, our bodies moving with a brutal efficiency born from years of training and countless battles.
One werewolf managed to break through our line, lunging at one of our guards. With a snarl. I leaped towards it, tackling it to the ground and ripping out its throat with my fangs. The guard gave me a quick nod of thanks before rejoining the fray, his sword flashing as he cut down another enem)
The chaos was overwhelming, but we held our ground. Our determination was unyielding, our resolve was like steel. For every werewolf that fell, it felt as if two more took their place, but we did not falter. The guards fought with a grim determination, their loyalty and courage shining through in every strike and parry
"Scott, on your left!" I shouted, spotting a werewolf trying to flank him. He reacted instantly, spinning around and delivering a powerful kick that sent the creature flying He then followed up with a devastating slash ending its life before it could recover Despite the overwhelming odds, we continued to push forward, our movements a blur of lethal precision. The werewolves were relentless, but so were we. The car, now acting as our makeshift fortress, provided a small but crucial advantager, giving us a point to regroup and defend I from The battle raged on, each second feeling like an eternity. But slowly, surely, the tide began to turn. The werewolves attacks becarte le** coordinated, with their numbe thinning. Our relentless defense was starting to break their Finally, after what felt like hours, the remaining werewolves began to retreat, their howls of frustration and pain echoing through the night. We watched them disappear into the shadows, our breaths coming in ragged gasps.
I shifted back to my human form, feeling every ache and bruise from the intense battle but my spirit remained unbroken. The adrenaline coursing through my veins kept me focused. As I scanned the aftermath of the fight, I spotted the last remaining werewolf, injured but still alive, attempting to crawl away 3258 Wed Sep 1ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
Chas
"Keep that one alive, I ordered Scott, who was poised to deliver the final blow My voice was firm and commanding, leaving no room for hesitation. "We need him to get all the information we need. Torture him until you ye squeezed out every bit of useful intelligence." Scott, still in his lycan form, turned to me, his eyes reflecting the ferocity of the recent battle. He nodded resolutely. "Yes, Your Majesty, he gr led, his voice deep and guttural
He ordered the others to lock up the rogue werewolf and prepare him for interrogation.
"Your Majesty, we need to send to your immediately." Scott said
Wou
"There's no need. I'll be going to the royal intemary right after this."
1
+
But Scout fell deaf. He's more worried about my wounds than I am. "Are there any doctors here?" Soort uborand
"Lam here, my kond" One of the villagers raised his armu
That's when I only noticed thie ideep scratchegärt oss my arm from the attack.
beband
"Your Majesty, let me check your fore starting to punch ugs my wounde
bury:
While the doctor wan h**ry faing moy monandaji moraand thus fcom work talking noi someone over the pilote. Die aroma surprised and worried, so I por curious what it was allabout. He put bas phasmar hack in his peakokater he ended the call
I was waiting for has to say what the call woont, but her exstained silent even after
he went back.
"What was that?" I asked him.
He hesitated for a mur Indyrysting his reluctancy But after a few minutes of hesitations, he finally an
"Your Majesty, there's been a pesibles in the grand palace"
S**cati
As s**
as 1 beard the word 'pestilem in the gravel palace.' no beat cenchant with a bepur ad forebeating Instinctively, I knew it had something to so withs hage
"I commanded, my voice clipped an urgen
"Her Majesty ordered Lady Sage's arrest."
12.58 Wed, Sep 11 TO 0
Chapter 20.
I didn't wait to hear the rest. Without another word, I turned on my heel and headed straight for the car.
"Your Majesty, your wound-" Scott's voice trailed after me, but I paid it no mind.
In my haste, I left him little choice but to follow, his footsteps echoing mine as we hurried toward the waiting vehicle. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on my mind, driving me forward with a single purpose: to reach Sage and ensure her safety at any cost.
0