BOUND TO THE VAMPIRE KING

CHAPTER 9: THE GUARDIAN'S CHOICE

The Guardian Beast's thunderous footsteps shook the Blood Forest.

Each step cracked the earth beneath its enormous feet.

Seraphina couldn't move.

Its golden eyes were fixed entirely on her.

Commander Kael stepped in front of her, raising his flaming sword.

"Stay behind me!"

The Guardian let out a deafening roar.

A violent gust of wind swept through the forest, nearly knocking them off their feet.

Kael charged.

"For the King!"

His sword blazed brighter than ever as he leaped into the air.

"Crimson Flame s***h!"

A brilliant arc of blue fire crashed into the Guardian's chest.

Boom!

Smoke filled the air.

Kael landed gracefully and smiled.

"It's over."

The smoke slowly cleared.

The Guardian stood exactly where it had been.

Not a single scratch marked its scales.

Kael's smile disappeared.

"Impossible..."

The beast lowered its head and swung one massive claw.

Kael barely raised his sword in time.

Crash!

The impact sent him flying across the clearing.

He slammed into a giant tree before collapsing to one knee.

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

"Commander!"

Seraphina cried.

Kael struggled to stand.

"I'm... fine..."

But his trembling legs betrayed him.

The Guardian ignored him.

Instead, it continued walking toward Seraphina.

Step.

Step.

Step.

Her heart pounded wildly.

"No..."

"Please..."

She backed away until her shoulders hit an ancient stone altar hidden beneath tangled vines.

There was nowhere left to run.

The Guardian stopped directly before her.

Its enormous face lowered until its glowing golden eyes met hers.

The forest fell silent.

Even the wind stopped blowing.

For several long seconds...

Neither of them moved.

Then something unexpected happened.

The Guardian sniffed the air around Seraphina.

Its fierce expression slowly softened.

It looked at the crimson mark glowing on her wrist.

Then at the silver pendant around her neck.

A deep rumble escaped its throat.

Not a growl...

Almost like recognition.

Kael stared in disbelief.

"It... knows her?"

The Guardian slowly bent one knee.

Then the other.

The mighty beast lowered its head before Seraphina.

It was...

Bowing.

"What?"

Seraphina whispered.

"I don't understand."

The Guardian gently nudged the ancient altar with its horn.

A section of the stone slid aside with a grinding sound.

Hidden beneath it was a narrow staircase leading underground.

A crimson light glowed from the darkness below.

Kael slowly approached.

"The Blood Moon Lily..."

"It must be beneath the forest."

Before Seraphina could move, a chilling laugh echoed through the trees.

"How touching."

Everyone turned.

A hooded figure stepped out from the shadows.

His face was hidden beneath a black mask, but twin emerald eyes gleamed with murderous intent.

Lady Evelynn's assassin.

He slowly drew two curved silver daggers.

"The Queen dies today."

Without warning—

He hurled both blades straight at Seraphina.