Chapter 41: Trial by Blood

Claire’s POV 

Lila’s claws raked throughout my side, sharp and cruel. I barely twisted away in time to keep away from a deeper wound, but the sting of torn flesh made my vision blur for a 2nd.  

She become speedy—faster than before.  

Her wolf form turned lean and threatening, her coat a dark reddish brown that seemed like dried blood under the moonlight. Her golden eyes gleamed with malice as she circled me, her lips curling again in a vicious snarl.  

“You don’t belong here, Claire,” she sneered, voice 1/2-growl. “You assume combating for Redwater makes you one in every one of them?” She lunged again, however this time, I changed into ready.  

I rolled below her swipe, moving back to human mid-motion and riding my dagger into her shoulder. Lila set free a shriek of ache, stumbling again as I yanked the blade unfastened.  

“I don’t care what you observed,” I panted, gripping my weapon tighter. “Redwater gave me a risk when Midnight Moon never did. I’ll fight for them, no matter what it takes.”  

Lila’s snarl deepened. “Then die with them.”  

She leapt once more, but before she could reach me, a black wolf crashed into her aspect with sufficient force to send her sprawling.  

Derek.  

His wolf turned into large, dark fur bristling with fury, golden eyes locked on Lila as she changed into prey. He stood between us, his growl deep and menacing, bold her to make every other flow.  

She hesitated.  

She knew she couldn’t take us each.  

But she wasn’t the actual trouble.  

A deep, commanding voice cut through the chaos.  

“Enough.”  

I became sharp—just in time to see Jared stepping via the battlefield, his piercing gaze locked onto Derek.  

The Redwater warriors fell back, their movements hesitant as Jared’s forces did the same. It was as if the entire war had paused at his arrival, both sides waiting for what came next.

Derek returned to his human form, his phrase is cold and unmatched. "You don't win this match, Jared."

Jared smiled, his self-confidence "You're not either."

He pointed to the battlefield, and my stomach drowned.

The warriors Redwater struggled to catch their country. The match had taken its toll - the packages with their arms trash can on the ground, some barely able to get up.

Jeed army, although there was damage and covered with blood, was still the number.

I grabbed the fist.

Derek may be strong, but even if the fight was dragged, he could not protect everyone.

Jared must have felt hesitation when his smile was expanded. "You are the corner, Derek. You can fight and lose everything, or -" his eyes are flickering for me. "You can give us Claire back and I will consider saving your package."

A low, burning whining in Derek's neck.

My heart jumped.

This was what Jeed wanted - to make me negotiate a chip.

And the worst part? Some warriors of Redwater said hesitantly.

I looked it in their eyes.

Doubt.

Even after everything, after fighting them, there were still those who were not sure I was worth the risk.

Derek did not hesitate.

"She doesn't come anywhere."

Jared's smile disappeared. "Then you have sealed your fate."

He lifted one hand.

A signal.

The chaos broke out.

Jred's armies continued, renewed with vicious energy. The match began, this time with even more speed.

I had time to react in front of an enemy wolf. I dumped my dagger out of the way before I ran in the ribs. Blood was spread on my arm, but I didn't stop.

I couldn't stop.

Derek fought against the fight next to me, his attack was deadly, and his attention was unwavering.

But for each enemy, we cut, two and took its place.

And da-

I heard it.

Crying hurt.

I was here and there, my breath held.

One of the warriors in Redwater was a big man with hair-soaked hair, holding his stomach, where a deep wound gave blood.

No one had enough pass to help him.

I only hesitated one second before cutting an enemy on my way and darting against him.

"Join me," I urged and knelt next to him and pushed my hands against her wound to slow down the bleeding.

His eyes were open. "Claire?" His voice was weak, hardly sound.

"Remember. You're going to get you."

A shadow looked at me.

I saw an enemy in time to see my sword raising my sword.

Very fast.

I can't go on time-

Steel shone.

A body fell.

Not my

Derek stood on top of me, blood dripping from the leaf, and the enemy's body was on their feet. His golden eyes were burned by a feeling, I couldn't do much space.

"Stay behind me," he grew up.

I wanted to argue - to tell him that I was nothing helpless - but it wasn't time.

Jeeds army was tireless.

Leela had disappeared in anarchy, there is no doubt.

And Jared-

Jared was still watching.

Waiting.

Derek and I fought together, cut through the wave after a wave of enemies, but fatigue crept inside. My wounds caused pain, my vision was blurred on the edges.

I wasn't sure how long we could catch.

Then-

It seemed like horny.

A deep, echo Hawl chased.

For a moment everything was still there.

And then, out of trees, they came.

Reinforcement.

Not just any reinforcement-

Other packages.

Wolves from neighbouring areas, which were neutral so far. He accused of the battlefield, tore through Jared's armies with brutal precision.

Jared's expression was dark.

He did not expect this.

Neither come.

"Who-?" I started, but Derek already knew.

"My brother," he said.

His brother?

I barely had time to process it before a grey wolf on a large scale - when Derek crashed into Jared, and sent it out.

The tide was changed.

Jared's army used to falter.

Leela was not seen anywhere.

And the first time after the match started-

I saw fear in Jared's eyes.

Derek did not destroy the opportunity.

He was wrapped.

I followed.

This match wasn't over.

Not yet.

And I was going to make sure Redwater survived.