Chapter 122
Ivan's POV
A few hours ago, when Chloe rose to leave, I was already awake.
I could feel the resolute emotion coming through our mate bond—that mixture of fear, desperation, and a certain burn-your-bridges determination, like a cold blade driving straight into my heart.
I knew what she was going to do—she was going to risk everything for me.
And I had made my own decision.
I was going to seek Lightning's power.
"You sure about this?" Zeus growled in my mind, his voice carrying a rare gravity. "Bearing elemental power—no werewolf has ever succeeded. Those who tried to harness thunder all ended up as charred remains."
"I'm not an ordinary werewolf," I said through gritted teeth, slowly sitting up in bed as the cursed pain spread from my left leg throughout my body. "I'm immune to elemental damage. If anyone can succeed, it's me."
Zeus fell silent for a moment, then let out a sigh-like rumble. "Then go. But remember, elemental spirits don't easily grant their power to anyone. You'll have to prove you're worthy of it."
I didn't answer. I just fumbled for the paper and pen by the bed and wrote a brief letter with trembling hands. On the envelope I wrote Frank's name. The contents were just one line:
Take care of Chloe.
Deep in the night, I dragged my crippled leg and limped out of the fighting gym. The rogue wolves sheltered here were all asleep, with only scattered candle flames flickering in the darkness.
I didn't disturb anyone, vanishing silently into the night.
Looking up into the distance toward Thunder Canyon, the storm clouds were more violent than usual, purple lightning churning madly through the clouds as if calling to me.
I reached the canyon entrance and threw away my supporting crutch.
If I died here, at least it would be for her. If I survived, I would use this power to protect her, so she would never have to cry for me again, never have to submit under her father's threats again.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
"Zeus, take over."
Intense pain swept through my entire body. Bones reorganized with cracking sounds, muscles tore and regenerated. My body rapidly expanded, black fur covering me entirely, sharp claws piercing the ground.
When I opened my eyes again, the world had become a wolf's perspective—sharper, clearer.
Zeus roared as he took control of the body, transforming into that pitch-black massive wolf.
Even in wolf form, the left hind leg remained impaired by the curse. Every step came with piercing pain, but Zeus pushed forward through gritted teeth, step by step toward the canyon depths.
As I passed through the outer thunder cloud barrier, lightning struck Zeus's body. I felt that violent energy coursing through me, but it caused no harm—instead, it felt like some kind of "welcome."
Thunder Canyon, I'm coming.
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Third Person POV
Ivan's figure disappeared into the churning thunder clouds.
In the dense forest at the canyon's perimeter, pairs of eyes watched the direction he entered.
Alpha Tyler stood at the front of the group, flanked by Beta Ethan and Gamma Leon. His face showed no expression, only his eyes glinting with cold light in the moonlight.
"Everyone see that?" Tyler commanded in a low voice. "That rogue wolf is going after the elemental spirit, just as expected."
Beta Ethan frowned, his tone puzzled. "Alpha, why are we following him? Shouldn't we—"
"He's immune to elemental damage," Tyler interrupted, a cold smile curling his lips. "He's the perfect 'bait.' Once he lures out the elemental spirit..."
Gamma Leon finished with a sinister grin: "Our beast tamers can capture it in one fell swoop with their magic traps!"
Among the group, over a dozen beast tamers in hooded robes fingered their magical implements, their eyes gleaming with greed.
The iron chains, runic stones, and binding arrays in their hands were all specially prepared for capturing elemental spirits.
"Are you ready?" Tyler asked coldly.
"Ready to move at any moment, Alpha," the lead beast tamer answered respectfully, his voice tinged with excitement. "Once the elemental spirit appears, we guarantee it won't escape."
Tyler nodded, his gaze returning to the storm-churning canyon depths.
"Then we wait," he said in a low voice. "Once that cripple lures out the elemental spirit, we strike. As for him..."
He paused, his smile growing even colder. "Dying in the canyon would count as his contribution to the Thunder Wolf Pack."
In the dense forest, everyone held their breath in anticipation.
Thunder roared across the sky, as if heralding the coming storm.