The northern plains froze beneath the shadow of the Devourer.
Thousands of warriors—Lycan soldiers and rebel wolves alike—looked up as the enormous form of Dravoryx spread across the darkened sky. His wings stretched like storm clouds over the battlefield, blotting out the fading sunlight.
For a moment, even the sounds of war faded.
Fear filled the air.
Then Dravoryx laughed.
The deep, echoing sound rolled across the plains like thunder.
“Such a magnificent sight,” he rumbled, his golden eyes scanning the armies below.
“So many warriors fighting bravely… yet so many about to die.”
Kael tightened his grip on his sword, the weight of the Devourer above pressing on him like a living storm.
Across from him, Magnus stood calmly, his dark cloak fluttering in the wind.
Dravoryx lowered his massive head toward the battlefield.
“Let us begin.”
A deep glow formed inside the creature’s jaws—dark, swirling fire.
“Everyone move!” Kael shouted, but it was too late.
The black flames rained down like falling meteors, exploding across the plains.
The impact tore through the battlefield. Flames consumed warriors instantly. Smoke and ash filled the air. Screams echoed in every direction. Soldiers and rebels alike were thrown off their feet, struggling to rise amidst the devastation.
When the smoke began to clear, the damage was clear. Craters burned across the plains, and survivors staggered to their feet.
Dravoryx hovered above it all, clearly pleased.
“Yes…” he murmured, inhaling deeply. “Now this feels like war.”
Magnus stepped forward slightly, cloak flowing. “Magnificent work.”
“I’m just getting started,” Dravoryx replied, his golden eyes scanning the shattered battlefield.
Kael pushed himself to his feet, armor scorched and battered, eyes burning with determination. Though his army had suffered terrible losses, many still stood, still fighting.
He raised his sword high. “Regroup!” His voice cut through the chaos. Slowly, the remaining Lycan soldiers gathered around their commander, renewed courage in their eyes.
Magnus observed with mild amusement. “He’s stubborn.”
“Yes,” Dravoryx agreed, lowering himself toward the battlefield. “Let’s see how long that courage lasts.”
The Devourer’s massive claws struck the ground, cracking the earth beneath him. Kael stepped forward, meeting his gaze.
A single warrior… facing a monster older than kingdoms.
“So you’re the one leading this army,” Dravoryx said, tilting his head.
“I’m the one stopping you,” Kael replied, voice steady.
The Devourer chuckled. “Ambitious.”
Without warning, he swung a colossal claw toward Kael. The Lycan prince rolled beneath the strike, the claw missing by inches before smashing the ground behind him. Dirt and rock exploded into the air.
Kael sprang back to his feet and slashed at Dravoryx’s leg. The blade barely left a mark.
“That tickles,” the Devourer said, amusement in his golden eyes.
His tail lashed across the battlefield. Kael barely raised his sword in time, the strike sending him skidding across the dirt for several meters.
Magnus watched from above. “Is that the Lycan kingdom’s greatest warrior?”
Dravoryx slowly advanced. “I expected more.”
Pain shot through Kael’s body, but he forced himself upright, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.
“I’m not done yet.”
“I admire your determination,” Dravoryx said, jaws glowing once more. “But determination doesn’t save lives.”
The Devourer unleashed another wave of dark fire. Kael froze. At this distance, there was no way to dodge it. Around him, the remaining soldiers held their breath.
Then—a brilliant silver light exploded across the battlefield.
The flames vanished instantly. Dravoryx froze midair, eyes widening.
Across the shattered plains, a figure stood glowing with radiant lunar energy.
Alina.
The Moon-Bound had arrived.
Silver light radiated from her like a shield of pure power. Behind her, two massive figures emerged through the smoke: Lunaris and Thalor.
The guardians had come to war.
A roar from Lunaris echoed across the plains, restoring courage to the remaining soldiers.
Dravoryx’s grin returned. “Perfect. I was hoping you’d make it.”
Alina stepped forward, silver eyes blazing. “This ends now.”
Dravoryx laughed, deep and ominous. “Oh no. This is only the beginning.”
Lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the battlefield as ancient powers prepared to clash.
And this time…
The entire Lycan kingdom would witness it.