Chapter 37: Shadow Over the Battlefield
857 Words
The northern plains had become a land of chaos.
Smoke drifted across the battlefield as the clash between the Lycan army and Magnus’ rebels raged on. What had begun as an organized fight had devolved into a brutal struggle for survival.
The corrupted beasts Magnus had unleashed tore through the Lycan ranks like living nightmares.
One monstrous wolf leapt into a group of soldiers, its claws slicing through armor as if it were paper. Warriors were thrown across the field, their weapons scattering into the dirt.
Another beast roared, slamming its massive body into a defensive shield line, breaking the formation apart.
Panic rippled through the army.
“These things won’t die!” one soldier shouted.
But Kael refused to let fear take control. Standing at the center of the battlefield, his armor scratched and streaked with dust, Kael raised his sword high.
“Hold your ground!” he roared. His voice cut through the chaos like thunder.
The soldiers rallied around him.
A corrupted beast lunged directly at Kael, its glowing red eyes burning with rage.
Kael moved with perfect precision. As the creature jumped, he stepped forward instead of back. His blade flashed upward, striking the beast’s throat. It collapsed with a heavy thud.
Kael turned to the surrounding soldiers.
“They can be killed!” he shouted. “Strike for the throat or the heart!”
The warriors nodded, rushing back into the fight with renewed determination.
But the battle was far from over.
Across the field, Magnus stood calmly on a raised ridge, watching the destruction below. His dark cloak whipped in the wind as he studied Kael’s movements carefully.
One lieutenant approached.
“The corrupted wolves are breaking their lines.”
Magnus nodded slowly.
“Good. But the Lycan prince fights well.”
The lieutenant hesitated. “Should we send more beasts?”
Magnus shook his head. “No. Let them struggle.” His gaze moved toward the distant mountains. “They are waiting for the Moon-Bound to return.”
The lieutenant frowned. “And if she does?”
Magnus’ smile turned cold. “Then she will arrive just in time to watch her kingdom fall.”
Back on the battlefield…
The fighting had grown even more intense. Kael moved through the chaos like a storm, his sword flashing again and again as he cut down both rebels and corrupted beasts.
A massive beast roared and charged toward a group of young Lycan soldiers. They barely raised their shields before the creature crashed into them. Kael saw the attack and sprinted across the battlefield. Just as the beast raised its claws—Kael leaped forward. His sword plunged straight through the creature’s heart. The beast roared one final time before collapsing.
The young soldiers stared at Kael in awe.
“My lord…”
“Stay focused,” Kael said, pulling his blade free. He turned back toward the battlefield. More corrupted beasts pressed forward. The tide of battle was beginning to shift, and Kael knew it.
A horn sounded from the rebel side. Kael looked up. Magnus had finally moved forward with his personal guard. The rebel Alpha stepped onto the battlefield, and his presence alone seemed to energize the rebels. Wolves howled loudly as they surged forward again.
Kael narrowed his eyes. “So he finally joins the fight.”
The two leaders began walking toward each other across the battlefield. The chaos of war surrounded them, but neither seemed distracted.
Magnus stopped a few steps away. “You’ve grown stronger since the last time I saw you.”
Kael held his sword firmly. “You’ve grown more reckless.”
Magnus chuckled. “Reckless?” He gestured to the battlefield behind him. “My army is breaking yours.”
Kael’s voice remained calm. “For now.”
Magnus’ eyes gleamed. “You’re waiting for the Moon-Bound.”
Kael said nothing.
Magnus laughed. “She won’t make it in time.”
Before Kael could respond—a thunderous roar echoed across the sky. Both leaders looked up.
A massive shadow moved through the clouds above the battlefield.
Dravoryx.
The Devourer of Kingdoms descended slowly from the storm clouds, his enormous wings spread wide as he hovered above the battlefield. Lightning flashed behind his monstrous form.
Magnus smiled. “Perfect timing.”
Kael tightened his grip on his sword. The Devourer had arrived. Dravoryx’s golden eyes scanned the battlefield below: thousands of warriors, blood, chaos, war. The creature grinned with satisfaction.
“Yes…” His deep voice rolled across the plains. “This is exactly what I hoped to see.” He lowered his head toward the battlefield, dark flames gathering in his jaws.
“…Let us make this war unforgettable.”
Far away, racing across the mountain road, Alina felt a surge of dark energy through the Moon-Bound connection. Her heart skipped.
“He’s there.”
Rylan looked at her. “Dravoryx?”
Alina nodded. Her silver eyes glowed faintly. “And Kael is in danger.”
Without another word, she urged her horse forward, racing faster than ever. The battle for the Lycan kingdom had just entered its most dangerous moment.
- Writer
