BOUND TO THE VAMPIRE KING

CHAPTER 8:THE BLOOD WOLVES' AMBUSH

The Blood Wolves lunged forward.

Their thunderous growls shook the forest as razor-sharp claws tore through the ground.

"Stay behind me!"

Commander Kael roared.

His flaming sword slashed through the air.

Whoosh!

A crescent of blue fire flew toward the charging wolves.

Boom!

Three Blood Wolves were thrown backward, crashing into ancient trees.

But dozens more charged without fear.

"They're not stopping!"

Seraphina cried.

"They never do," Kael answered grimly.

"They hunt until their prey is dead."

Two wolves leaped at him from opposite sides.

Kael spun gracefully.

His sword flashed like lightning.

Slash!

Slash!

Both wolves fell to the ground.

Before he could catch his breath—

Another wolf sprang toward Seraphina.

Its glowing red eyes locked onto her.

Its jaws opened wide.

"Look out!"

Kael shouted.

Seraphina stumbled backward, but her foot caught on a twisted root.

She fell hard.

The wolf was only inches away.

Its hot breath brushed against her face.

She closed her eyes.

'This is the end...'

Suddenly—

The silver pendant around her neck blazed with crimson light.

A powerful shockwave exploded from the gemstone.

BOOM!

The wolf was hurled through the air and slammed into a tree.

The remaining wolves immediately retreated several steps.

They whimpered uneasily.

Kael stared in astonishment.

"The Queen's Pendant..."

"So the legend was true."

Seraphina slowly touched the glowing gemstone.

"What just happened?"

Before Kael could answer—

The earth began to tremble.

Thud...

Thud...

Thud...

Heavy footsteps echoed deeper within the forest.

The Blood Wolves lowered their heads.

Not toward Kael.

Not toward Seraphina.

Toward something behind them.

The wolves slowly backed away.

Fear filled their crimson eyes.

Kael's face turned pale.

"No..."

"It can't be..."

A massive shadow emerged from the thick crimson mist.

It stood nearly fifteen feet tall.

Its body was covered in black scales.

Two curved horns rose from its head.

Golden eyes glowed beneath the darkness.

Its enormous claws dragged across the ground, leaving deep trenches behind.

Seraphina's heart nearly stopped.

"What... is that?"

Kael tightened his grip on his sword.

His voice became barely a whisper.

"The Guardian Beast."

"The creature that protects the Blood Moon Lily."

The monster opened its mouth.

A deafening roar echoed throughout the Blood Forest.

Every tree shook violently.

Birds burst into the sky.

Even the Blood Wolves fled in terror.

The Guardian's golden eyes fixed on Seraphina.

Then...

To Kael's horror...

It began walking straight toward her.