Kovu's POVThe wolves circled me like vultures with savage expressions, and Darius stood in front of me, towering in size over the two smaller wolves. His mana surged, causing the air to crackle. His voice echoed in my head as he taunted me through the mind link.*You've sealed your fate, Kovu. I'll make sure your death is slow and oh so painful. Then, I'll deliver your corpse back to your old man. What do you think his reaction would be when he sees his precious son, his only heir, mangled by the wolves of Eldrath?*I gritted my teeth and ignored his taunts while focusing on the movements of the two wolves closing in from the other side. Their mana leaked out of their beastly forms, and their claws glowed with an eerie green light as they prepared to attack. Kyrax was furious and pushed against my control, wanting to take over, but I held him back. Being reckless wasn't going to get us anywhere in this fight.*Tongue-tied, eh? Let's see how long you last in this fight, pup!* Darius s
Kovu's POVThe first step to activating Bloodlust Ascendancy was to become one with Kyrax. It was a merging of our minds and bodies until we were a single unified entity. I had always crossed this stage before, but recently, I couldn’t even get through this stage without a painful backlash wreaking havoc throughout my body. Now, though, as I prepared to activate the first phase, something felt different. The connection between us merged seamlessly into something deeper and stronger. Something different.It snapped into place with a fluidity I hadn’t felt before. My muscles coiled with newfound strength as our energies began to merge, slowly at first, but then with increasing intensity. Kyrax’s instincts melded with mine, sharpening my senses, enhancing my strength, and perfecting my control over mana.The mana around me thickened, taking on a crimson hue, and flared to life like an inferno.*Kyrax* I called for him, my voice merging with his deep growl. This is unlike anything I had
Kovu's POV*That little power boost still won’t save you,* Darius's voice rang through the mind link. *I’ve crushed Lycans stronger than you, Kovu. You should’ve stayed back at your pack like a good little pup and waited for your downfall.**Shut up!* I growled in fury. Without wasting any more time, I lunged forward with blinding speed, flooding my limbs with mana, activating Flash Step in the process. The ground cracked beneath me from the force of my launch, and I aimed my claws directly at Darius’s throat, my claws simmering with blood-red mana, sharp enough to slice through bone.Darius reacted just in time, bringing his front paw up to block my strike. His mana hardened around his paw into an impenetrable shield. My claws collided with his front paw, and sparks flew as our energies clashed, the force sending a shockwave rippling through the battlefield. I snarled, pushing harder, but Darius held firm, his muscles straining but unyielding.*Too weak,* he barked as mana flooded in
Kovu’s POVHis claws hovered above me, gleaming with deadly intent. I could barely breathe, struggling to keep myself conscious as I braced for the end. This bastard was going to finish me off, and there was nothing I could do to stop him.I gritted my teeth, my mind flashing with the image of Kaliyah. I was about to be killed, but at least I had stalled Darius long enough for her to escape. I stared at the claws, shining under the moonlight as dark mana swirled around them, and I closed my eyes, waiting for death.*We had a good run,* I reached out for Kyrax, bidding farewell to my Lycan. He responded with a reluctant, tired growl, accepting the fate that was about to befall us.Just as his claws descended, a sharp howl pierced the air.I opened my eyes in shock, and Darius paused, his claws freezing mid-air as his head whipped toward the direction of the howl. Another howl followed, then another, and suddenly the entire forest was alive with grotesque, bone-chilling howls—deep and r
Kovu’s POVHis claws hovered above me, gleaming with deadly intent. I could barely breathe, struggling to keep myself conscious as I braced for the end. This bastard was going to finish me off, and there was nothing I could do to stop him.I gritted my teeth, my mind flashing with the image of Kaliyah. I was about to be killed, but at least I had stalled Darius long enough for her to escape. I stared at the claws, shining under the moonlight as dark mana swirled around them, and I closed my eyes, waiting for death.*We had a good run,* I reached out for Kyrax, bidding farewell to my Lycan. He responded with a reluctant, tired growl, accepting the fate that was about to befall us.Just as his claws descended, a sharp howl pierced the air.I opened my eyes in shock, and Darius paused, his claws freezing mid-air as his head whipped toward the direction of the howl. Another howl followed, then another, and suddenly the entire forest was alive with grotesque, bone-chilling howls—deep and r
Kaliyah's POVMy breath hitched as I clung tightly to Calum's fur while he raced like a madman through the dense undergrowth of the Virethorn Glade. His body moved with a frenzy, darting and weaving past the grotesque creatures that lurched out of the shadows and away from the ones pursuing us from behind.He's hurt, our mate! He's hurt! Akira's voice echoed in my mind, moaning in pain as she called out to Kovu.My grip on Kovu's unconscious and still body tightened as I stared at him. Blood soaked his clothes, and his wounds were too deep and numerous. To make matters worse, his regeneration was slow to kick in. I had to place my hand on his pulse numerous times to ensure he wasn’t dead, as my mind swirled with one question:Why would Kovu, of all people, sacrifice himself to save me?It wasn’t logical—it didn’t even make any sense. We were sworn rivals, enemies even. He had always regarded me with such potent hatred that I doubted whether the mate bond had any hold on him. But now…
Kovu’s POVI swung my mana-infused claw toward Darius, but he was always faster and one step ahead. The clash still rang in my mind as every attack he landed sent shockwaves through my body. I gritted my teeth, pushing through the pain, refusing to give up.But then… everything stopped.My world became nothing but a blur of agony. My body started to convulse, writhing in pain. Darkness. Heat. Cold. My pulse pounded in my ears, and I couldn't even tell if I was still alive.Then, suddenly, I gasped, and my eyes snapped open. It took me a moment to adjust as I shifted on the rocky ground I lay on. The searing pain in my body didn't relent, but I forced myself to breathe through it.When my blurry vision finally cleared, the first thing I noticed was the sky. The sun was setting, painting the sky in glowing red rays that spread across the horizon, far from the dim gloom of the Virethorn Glade.I shivered a bit as a cold wind blew, but I realized I wasn't freezing.I looked down, seeing a
Kovu’s POVKaliyah stopped in front of me with an unreadable expression. “Are you alright?” she asked sharply.I opened my mouth to retort, but no words came out. Her coldness surprised me, which shouldn’t have even been possible. I was supposed to be used to it by now, but why did I feel a searing pain in my chest just because of something that should have been the norm?Before I could gather my thoughts, Kaliyah knelt beside me, her hands moving to arrange the Irlai leaves around my wounds. They had come loose, barely clinging to my torn skin. I gritted my teeth and moved back slightly.“I don’t need your help,” I muttered.She ignored me entirely, securing the leaves with calm efficiency.“Just let her do her thing,” Calum sighed, rolling his eyes. “You’re in no shape to be stubborn.”“Shut up, Calum,” I retorted, clenching my jaw as I glared at her. She avoided my gaze, still silent as she reached for a small leather pouch on her belt. From it, she pulled more fresh Irlai leaves.
Asterion's POVI waited, reclining with ease in the hot tub until the guards dragged Darius into my chambers. He was barely recognizable, his once hulking form now broken and battered, covered in blood and grime. He was slashed open in so many places it was a wonder he hadn’t bled out before reaching me. His wounds were healing, but his mana reserves were low, meaning it might take weeks before he could return to his optimal state.“My lord.” Darius managed a hobbled bow.I lifted a hand, dismissing the girls. They left without a word, and I watched as Darius hobbled unsteadily, barely managing to stay on his feet. The fool looked dreadful.“Explain yourself,” I said coldly.Darius sucked in a deep breath, and then the words started spilling out in a panicked, desperate rush. “I almost had them, my lord! I had Kovu on his knees, and Kaliyah—she was within reach, weakened. But then they used the beasts from Virethorn Glade. They overwhelmed me, tore my men to shreds. It was... ”“Enoug
Asterion’s POVThe hot water enveloped my body as I reclined in the vast hot tub. Steam rose in lazy tendrils, and my muscles unwound as I sipped from a glass of red wine. Its taste was as rich and bitter as the realm I sought to rule with an iron fist.All around me were women who wore next to nothing or revealing clothes, catering to my every need. One held a cluster of grapes, feeding them to me slowly, another held a bottle of wine, ready to refill my cup when it was empty.I grasped the woman closest to me, pulling her into my arms. She gasped as I let my hand trail down her chest, kneading her breasts and pinching her nipples. She gasped again, continuing to feed me the grapes as I indulged myself.The doors of the chamber creaked open, and General Vorn entered. I had mind-linked him an hour ago, after he’d arrived with my army from another conquest, instructing him to come and give his report. His armor was covered in the dust of battle, and in his hands, he held a thick scroll
Kovu’s POVKaliyah stopped in front of me with an unreadable expression. “Are you alright?” she asked sharply.I opened my mouth to retort, but no words came out. Her coldness surprised me, which shouldn’t have even been possible. I was supposed to be used to it by now, but why did I feel a searing pain in my chest just because of something that should have been the norm?Before I could gather my thoughts, Kaliyah knelt beside me, her hands moving to arrange the Irlai leaves around my wounds. They had come loose, barely clinging to my torn skin. I gritted my teeth and moved back slightly.“I don’t need your help,” I muttered.She ignored me entirely, securing the leaves with calm efficiency.“Just let her do her thing,” Calum sighed, rolling his eyes. “You’re in no shape to be stubborn.”“Shut up, Calum,” I retorted, clenching my jaw as I glared at her. She avoided my gaze, still silent as she reached for a small leather pouch on her belt. From it, she pulled more fresh Irlai leaves.
Kovu’s POVI swung my mana-infused claw toward Darius, but he was always faster and one step ahead. The clash still rang in my mind as every attack he landed sent shockwaves through my body. I gritted my teeth, pushing through the pain, refusing to give up.But then… everything stopped.My world became nothing but a blur of agony. My body started to convulse, writhing in pain. Darkness. Heat. Cold. My pulse pounded in my ears, and I couldn't even tell if I was still alive.Then, suddenly, I gasped, and my eyes snapped open. It took me a moment to adjust as I shifted on the rocky ground I lay on. The searing pain in my body didn't relent, but I forced myself to breathe through it.When my blurry vision finally cleared, the first thing I noticed was the sky. The sun was setting, painting the sky in glowing red rays that spread across the horizon, far from the dim gloom of the Virethorn Glade.I shivered a bit as a cold wind blew, but I realized I wasn't freezing.I looked down, seeing a
Kaliyah's POVMy breath hitched as I clung tightly to Calum's fur while he raced like a madman through the dense undergrowth of the Virethorn Glade. His body moved with a frenzy, darting and weaving past the grotesque creatures that lurched out of the shadows and away from the ones pursuing us from behind.He's hurt, our mate! He's hurt! Akira's voice echoed in my mind, moaning in pain as she called out to Kovu.My grip on Kovu's unconscious and still body tightened as I stared at him. Blood soaked his clothes, and his wounds were too deep and numerous. To make matters worse, his regeneration was slow to kick in. I had to place my hand on his pulse numerous times to ensure he wasn’t dead, as my mind swirled with one question:Why would Kovu, of all people, sacrifice himself to save me?It wasn’t logical—it didn’t even make any sense. We were sworn rivals, enemies even. He had always regarded me with such potent hatred that I doubted whether the mate bond had any hold on him. But now…
Kovu’s POVHis claws hovered above me, gleaming with deadly intent. I could barely breathe, struggling to keep myself conscious as I braced for the end. This bastard was going to finish me off, and there was nothing I could do to stop him.I gritted my teeth, my mind flashing with the image of Kaliyah. I was about to be killed, but at least I had stalled Darius long enough for her to escape. I stared at the claws, shining under the moonlight as dark mana swirled around them, and I closed my eyes, waiting for death.*We had a good run,* I reached out for Kyrax, bidding farewell to my Lycan. He responded with a reluctant, tired growl, accepting the fate that was about to befall us.Just as his claws descended, a sharp howl pierced the air.I opened my eyes in shock, and Darius paused, his claws freezing mid-air as his head whipped toward the direction of the howl. Another howl followed, then another, and suddenly the entire forest was alive with grotesque, bone-chilling howls—deep and r
Kovu’s POVHis claws hovered above me, gleaming with deadly intent. I could barely breathe, struggling to keep myself conscious as I braced for the end. This bastard was going to finish me off, and there was nothing I could do to stop him.I gritted my teeth, my mind flashing with the image of Kaliyah. I was about to be killed, but at least I had stalled Darius long enough for her to escape. I stared at the claws, shining under the moonlight as dark mana swirled around them, and I closed my eyes, waiting for death.*We had a good run,* I reached out for Kyrax, bidding farewell to my Lycan. He responded with a reluctant, tired growl, accepting the fate that was about to befall us.Just as his claws descended, a sharp howl pierced the air.I opened my eyes in shock, and Darius paused, his claws freezing mid-air as his head whipped toward the direction of the howl. Another howl followed, then another, and suddenly the entire forest was alive with grotesque, bone-chilling howls—deep and r
Kovu's POV*That little power boost still won’t save you,* Darius's voice rang through the mind link. *I’ve crushed Lycans stronger than you, Kovu. You should’ve stayed back at your pack like a good little pup and waited for your downfall.**Shut up!* I growled in fury. Without wasting any more time, I lunged forward with blinding speed, flooding my limbs with mana, activating Flash Step in the process. The ground cracked beneath me from the force of my launch, and I aimed my claws directly at Darius’s throat, my claws simmering with blood-red mana, sharp enough to slice through bone.Darius reacted just in time, bringing his front paw up to block my strike. His mana hardened around his paw into an impenetrable shield. My claws collided with his front paw, and sparks flew as our energies clashed, the force sending a shockwave rippling through the battlefield. I snarled, pushing harder, but Darius held firm, his muscles straining but unyielding.*Too weak,* he barked as mana flooded in
Kovu's POVThe first step to activating Bloodlust Ascendancy was to become one with Kyrax. It was a merging of our minds and bodies until we were a single unified entity. I had always crossed this stage before, but recently, I couldn’t even get through this stage without a painful backlash wreaking havoc throughout my body. Now, though, as I prepared to activate the first phase, something felt different. The connection between us merged seamlessly into something deeper and stronger. Something different.It snapped into place with a fluidity I hadn’t felt before. My muscles coiled with newfound strength as our energies began to merge, slowly at first, but then with increasing intensity. Kyrax’s instincts melded with mine, sharpening my senses, enhancing my strength, and perfecting my control over mana.The mana around me thickened, taking on a crimson hue, and flared to life like an inferno.*Kyrax* I called for him, my voice merging with his deep growl. This is unlike anything I had