Fate betrayal

CHAPTER 1 3

Chapter 13: The Battle Begins

Darius POV

The initial thunderclap wasn't coming from above. The ground under us was quivering, indicating Veyron's approach. Standing in formation, a sea of sharp claws and bristling fur, were the wolves of the Moonshine and Golden Claw Packs. A dark fog drifted into the clearing, engulfing the battlefield's boundaries like a live, breathing creature, and my pulse raced.

"Remain near me," Killian said in a strong, quiet voice. His storm-cloud-colored eyes were fixed on the approaching darkness.

Even though my voice faltered, I said, "I don't need a bodyguard."

A nasty smirk curled Killian's lips. "You don't. However, I'm not taking any risks.

Before I could respond, the trees shook and all sounds were muffled by an evil scream that tore through the night. Veyron's army emerged from the darkness, rogues with strange, chaotic motions who had been corrupted by wicked sorcery.

---

A state of mayhem broke out on the battlefield.

Mid-step, Killian transformed into his wolf and sprang into the battle with lethal accuracy. With horrifying precision, his claws cut through flesh and fur as his enormous black bulk ripped through the first wave of assailants.

I let my wolf lead the way and followed. As I rushed for the closest rogue, my senses were more acutely aware of the taste of adrenaline, the sound of snarls, and the smell of blood. It slumped under me, dead, as my fangs dug into its neck.

However, there was no time to enjoy the triumph. Another outlaw rushed at me, its eyes blazing with rage. I felt its claws brush against my flank as I narrowly avoided its onslaught. I spun to retaliate, pushing through the flash of pain.

Darius caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. With unrelenting resolve, his wolf tore through the outlaws, and he moved like a force of nature. In the midst of the turmoil, his golden fur shone brightly against the darkness.

"Aria!" he yelled, his voice being heard above the din.

A rogue was jumping at me when I turned in time. Darius arrived before I could respond. Before viciously twisting it to shatter its neck, he crashed into the rogue, sending it crashing to the ground.

"Remain upright," he murmured, quickly looking into my eyes. His eyes had a raw quality, maybe fear, perhaps worry.

I swallowed the knot in my throat and nodded. "I am capable of managing myself."

He said, "I know," and then returned his attention to the battle.

---

The conflict continued, but something didn't seem right. In addition to fighting, the rogues were herding us and bringing us nearer to the clearing's center. In the air, I felt the evil power becoming stronger and encircling us like an unseen noose.

Killian, his wolf bloodied but uncompromising, battled his way toward me. When he got to me, his chest heaved and he changed back to human shape.

"This isn't your typical attack," he said in a somber tone. "Veyron is working on a project."

The earth shook underneath us before I could react. Out of the gloom came a terrible figure, shrouded in shadows that twisted and writhed around him. Veyron.

His presence seemed oppressive, like a burden pressing on my chest. His eyes searched the battlefield before focusing on me, blazing with a dark glow.

"Ah, Aria," he replied in a mockingly soft voice. "We get together once again. Or ought I to say...finally?

Killian moved ahead of me, his body stiff. "Remain back."

Veyron's chuckle was hollow and icy. How heartwarming. The Alpha is acting like a hero. But Killian, you can't keep her safe. Not me.

Killian snarled, his claws outstretched, ready to strike. However, Veyron held out a palm, and a surge of sinister energy erupted, colliding with Killian and propelling him backward.

---

"Killian!" I yelled, advancing on him, but a rogue stopped me.

Unexpectedly, Darius showed there, his claws cutting into the outlaw with such violence that it was clear what he intended to accomplish. His eyes blazed as he turned to face me.

Proceed to Killian. I'll keep them away.

I was caught between the two of them and hesitated. Darius, however, didn't wait for my response. His wolf was a swirl of money and rage as he plunged into the battlefield.

Killian was already having trouble getting to his feet as I raced to him. I attempted to assist him, but he pushed me away as blood dripped from the corner of his lips.

His voice was gruff as he responded, "I'm fine." "But we must put a stop to this now."

Veyron's hands crackled with evil power as he smirked as he observed us. Touching, really. However, your narrative stops here.

The earth exploded as he lifted his hand once again, sending shadowy tendrils tearing out toward the soldiers around us.

My ankle was encircled by one of the tendrils, which pulled me off my feet. The darkness curled about me, drawing me closer Veyron as I struck the ground hard and felt the breath knock out of my lungs.

"Aria!"

Darius and Killian both yelled my name, their voices mingling in desperation.

I fought the tendrils, cutting at them with my claws, but they would not budge. The chilly, smothering spell poured into my flesh.

Veyron's grin grew as he took a step closer. "Little wolf, you should have stayed dead."

A dazzling flash of light burst from the middle of the battlefield before he could take any more action. As the darkness was pushed back by the growing light, the tendrils retreated and let go of me.

When I turned, I saw Killian standing in the middle of it, his whole body radiating a golden aura. For a brief time, I saw something old and strong in his eyes as they met mine.

"Who are you?" Veyron hid his eyes from the light and snarled.

Killian remained silent. He took a step closer and held out his palm, the light becoming brighter.

"Get her out of here," he stated in a firm, authoritative voice.

Darius came up behind me, his hand on my arm. "Leave now."

However, I was immobile. Because of the strength emanating from Killian, I was unable to take my eyes off of him.

"Killian—"

"Go!" he yelled, his voice resonating with power.

I didn't have to dispute with Darius. He dragged me away from the battlefield, yanking me to my feet and ran.

The roar of magic and rage filled the air as the light and darkness battled behind us.

My heart twisted as the space between us increased, and I muttered, "Killian."

The light then went out.