EPISODE 13 : THE KING’s ULTIMATUM
895 Words
The warning horn echoed through the estate, its deep sound rolling across the mountains like distant thunder.
Servants abandoned their duties and hurried toward the underground shelters. Guards rushed to the walls, weapons in hand, while scouts disappeared into the forest to report the enemy's movements.
Inside the council chamber, every conversation came to an abrupt end.
Lucas walked to the nearest window and looked toward the eastern ridge. From there, he could see dark figures moving between the trees. They advanced in perfect formation, neither rushing nor hesitating.
"They're closer than I expected," he said quietly.
Cedric joined him.
"Do you recognize the banner?"
Lucas nodded once.
"The Black Wolf Clan."
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Asher noticed the change in everyone's expressions. Until now, the council had argued among themselves, but the mention of the Black Wolf Clan united them in concern.
"They're that dangerous?" Asher asked.
Cedric turned toward him.
"They were once the strongest military force in the kingdom."
"And after the kingdom fell?"
"They pledged their loyalty to the man who claimed your family's throne."
Asher's chest tightened.
"So they're my enemies."
"They are."
Lucas looked at him.
"But never underestimate them. They don't fight for glory. They fight to finish every mission they begin."
Before Asher could ask another question, the chamber doors opened again.
Vivian hurried inside, slightly out of breath.
"The shelters are full, and everyone has been moved to safety."
She looked directly at Lucas.
"The healers are ready."
Lucas gave a grateful nod.
"Good."
Vivian's eyes shifted to Asher.
"And what about him?"
"I'm staying," Asher answered before Lucas could speak.
Lucas frowned.
"No."
"I'm not hiding while everyone else risks their lives for me."
"This isn't about pride."
"It's about survival."
"And if people die because I'm hiding?"
Lucas met his gaze.
"My duty is to make sure that doesn't happen."
Asher took a step closer.
"And what if I don't want other people carrying my burden anymore?"
The room fell silent.
Cedric watched the exchange carefully but said nothing.
Lucas sighed.
"You don't even know how to control your power."
"I know."
"Then why insist on standing in the middle of a battlefield?"
Asher looked down at the silver mark on his wrist.
"Because those people came looking for me."
He slowly closed his hand into a fist.
"If I keep running, they'll never stop."
Lucas could see the determination in his eyes.
It reminded him of someone.
Someone he had known many years ago.
"You sound exactly like your father," Cedric said softly.
Asher looked at the old man in surprise.
Cedric smiled sadly.
"He always believed a king should stand beside his people."
Lucas remained quiet for a long moment before making his decision.
"Very well."
Everyone turned toward him.
"Asher stays with me."
Lady Seraphine frowned.
"That's too dangerous."
Lucas's voice was calm but firm.
"If they break through our defenses, nowhere inside this estate will be safe."
No one argued.
They all knew he was right.
Another horn echoed outside.
This time, it was followed by the unmistakable sound of steel striking steel.
The battle had begun.
Lucas drew his sword.
Its silver blade shimmered beneath the candlelight.
He looked at Asher.
"You stay behind me."
Asher nodded.
Together, they left the council chamber and climbed the stone staircase leading to the eastern wall.
The cold mountain wind struck Asher's face the moment they stepped outside.
Below them, hundreds of warriors dressed in black armor surrounded the estate.
Their banners fluttered in the wind.
At the front of the army stood a rider mounted on a massive black wolf.
The creature's golden eyes glowed unnaturally as it pawed the ground.
The rider removed his helmet.
His face was calm, almost handsome, but there was something cold about his smile.
"So..."
His voice carried easily across the battlefield.
"The Alpha King finally comes out to greet his guests."
Lucas rested one hand on the stone wall.
"You've come a long way for a battle you can't win."
The man laughed.
"I didn't come to fight you."
His eyes slowly shifted toward Asher.
"I came for the prince."
Every soldier behind him lowered their weapons in perfect unison.
The rider raised one hand.
"Listen well, Asher Knight."
His voice echoed across the valley.
"You can come willingly..."
He paused, allowing the silence to linger.
"...or watch everyone inside those walls die because of you."
The words hit Asher harder than he expected.
Around him, the estate guards tightened their grip on their weapons.
No one spoke.
Lucas stepped forward until he stood at the very edge of the wall.
His silver eyes never left the enemy commander.
"You've made one mistake."
The rider tilted his head.
"And what's that?"
Lucas's voice became as cold as winter itself.
"You assumed I would let you choose."
Without another word, Lucas leaped from the top of the wall.
He landed in the middle of the battlefield with impossible grace, his sword already drawn.
The ground cracked beneath his feet.
A powerful wave of energy swept across the valley, forcing the front ranks of the enemy army to take several steps backward.
The rider's confident smile slowly disappeared.
For the first time since arriving...
He realized the Alpha King had no intention of defending the estate.
He intended to end the battle himself.
- Writer
- chap_listContents
- likeADD