Episode 25
842 Words
A Queen's Courage
The horses raced through the western forest, their hooves pounding against the damp earth.
Kael rode at the front with Ronan and Eryx close behind. Lyria refused to remain in the village. No matter how much Kael was worried about her safety, he knew better than to ask her to stay behind.
The scout's directions led them deep into Iron Fang territory.
The forest soon fell unnaturally quiet.
Broken branches littered the ground, and fresh wolf tracks disappeared between the trees.
Ronan dismounted first.
"They came through here."
Eryx knelt beside a torn piece of blue fabric caught on a thorn bush.
"This belongs to Garrick's daughter."
A faint cry echoed through the woods.
Lyria's heart tightened.
"She's close."
Without waiting for the others, she followed the sound.
Kael caught up to her within seconds.
"Stay behind me."
She looked at him and gave a small nod, but they both knew she would not stand by if someone needed help.
They emerged into a clearing surrounded by jagged rocks.
Nearly twenty rogue wolves circled a frightened young woman whose wrists were tied behind her back.
Her face was streaked with dirt, but the resemblance to Garrick was unmistakable.
One of the rogues laughed as he held a blade beneath her chin.
"So the mighty Iron Fang Pack couldn't even protect its Alpha's daughter."
Another rogue looked toward the trees.
"We're not alone."
Before he could react, Kael lunged from the shadows.
His sword flashed through the air, dropping the first rogue before the others could draw their weapons.
The clearing erupted into chaos.
Ronan and Eryx charged from opposite sides, forcing the rogues into confusion.
The young woman struggled against her ropes as the battle surrounded her.
One rogue slipped past Kael and rushed toward her with a raised axe.
Lyria saw him first.
"No!"
She ran forward.
The rogue swung his weapon.
Lyria grabbed a fallen spear and blocked the attack with both hands.
The impact threw her backward, but she refused to let go.
The rogue smiled cruelly.
"You should have stayed hidden, Queen."
He shoved her to the ground and raised the axe again.
Before he could strike, silver light burst from the crescent mark on Lyria's wrist.
The force knocked the rogue several feet across the clearing.
Everyone froze.
The light surrounded Lyria like a gentle moonlit flame.
She wasn't attacking.
She was protecting.
The frightened young woman stared at her with wide eyes.
Lyria hurried to her side and cut through the ropes with the fallen spear's sharp edge.
"Can you stand?"
The girl nodded weakly.
Behind them, another rogue rushed forward with a dagger.
Lyria turned just in time.
She pulled the girl behind her as the blade came down.
A shield of silver light formed between them.
The dagger shattered on impact.
Kael finished the last of the rogues and ran to Lyria's side.
"Are you hurt?"
She shook her head, though her breathing was uneven.
"I'm fine."
The rescued girl looked between them, still trembling.
"You... you saved me."
Lyria smiled gently.
"Anyone would have done the same."
The girl lowered her head.
"No."
"They wouldn't."
"They would have left after what my father said to you."
Those words hung heavily in the air.
Moments later, the sound of galloping horses echoed through the forest.
Alpha Garrick arrived with dozens of Iron Fang warriors.
He jumped from his horse before it had fully stopped.
"Selene!"
His daughter ran into his arms.
He held her tightly, relief washing over his scarred face.
When she finally stepped back, she pointed toward Lyria.
"Father..."
"She saved my life."
"If she hadn't come, I would be dead."
Garrick slowly turned toward Lyria.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
His eyes fell to the broken weapons scattered around the clearing, then to the bodies of the rogues.
Finally, he looked at the woman he had insulted only hours earlier.
Lyria expected more accusations.
Instead, Garrick walked forward and lowered himself onto one knee.
Every Iron Fang warrior stared in stunned silence.
"I judged you without knowing your heart."
"My pride blinded me."
He lowered his head.
"Queen Lyria..."
"Accept my apology."
Lyria stepped toward him.
"There is nothing to forgive."
"We have a greater enemy waiting for us."
Garrick rose to his feet.
His voice carried across the clearing.
"From this day forward, the Iron Fang Pack stands beside the Moon Kingdom."
His warriors struck their fists against their chests in agreement.
For the first time since the Shadow Army had returned, Kael allowed himself a small smile.
One ally has been won.
But far beyond the forest, hidden within the darkness of the Shadow Kingdom, another pair of eyes watched everything through a pool of black water.
The Shadow King closed his hand, and the image disappeared.
"So..."
"The Queen has become even more troublesome."
A shadow stepped from behind the throne and bowed.
"My King."
He smiled beneath the darkness covering his face.
"Send the Night Serpent."
"This time..."
"I want her alive."
- Writer
- chap_listContents
- likeADD