Chapter 130
Ivan's POV
Xavier cast one final glance at me before turning away, his army disappearing into the far end of the canyon. That serpentine procession of flame gradually receded, torchlight flickering through the darkness until it was swallowed entirely by the night.
I stood there as the silver-blue currents coursing through my body began retreating inward, the Thunder God form gradually fading. Deep within my muscles came waves of soreness—aftereffects from the fierce battle with Xavier moments ago.
My breathing hadn't fully steadied, but I couldn't spare a thought for my own condition—I had to find Chloe.
She lay collapsed in a pile of rubble not far away. I rushed over and dropped to my knees beside her, hands trembling as I lifted her up. Her complexion was pale to the point of transparency, veins visible beneath her skin as though every ounce of life had been drained from her. I could feel her faint breath, each inhalation seeming to require every last bit of her strength to maintain.
My heart clenched violently, an unprecedented panic surging up to nearly drown me.
"Chloe." I called to her softly, my voice so hoarse I barely recognized it myself. Her eyelids fluttered slightly but failed to open. I gathered her gently into my arms, feeling the weight of her body—too light, frighteningly light.
The price of burning one's life force was far more devastating than I had imagined.
Though the power of the lightning element was formidable, it couldn't reverse the passage of life. I gazed at her pallid face, fingertips brushing lightly over the fine beads of sweat on her forehead, a profound sense of helplessness welling up inside me.
I had gained the power to protect her, yet I'd watched helplessly as she burned herself out for my sake.
Footsteps approached from behind—Alpha Tyler with his remaining guards and Connor slowly closing in. I didn't turn around, merely cast them a cold glance. The residual lightning element in the air sensed my emotions and instantly crackled with warning.
It was the force field of an absolute power, a declaration of inviolable territory.
Tyler stopped in his tracks. The guards beside him exchanged uncertain looks, Connor's face still bearing traces of the terror from being crushed by Xavier earlier. These once-arrogant Alphas and Betas now lowered their proud heads before a rogue wolf.
I heard Connor swallow audibly, saw the mixture of fear and jealousy in his eyes—that complex expression was almost comical. But at this moment I only found it laughable—these people's emotions were utterly worthless compared to Chloe's safety.
"Ivan." Tyler spoke up, his voice stripped of its former arrogance, now tinged with tentative caution. I finally turned my head to look at him, my gaze icy cold.
He froze for a moment, then his face broke into an expression of admiration bordering on flattery, the transformation so rapid it was nauseating.
"You've passed the trial of the highest difficulty," he said, his voice carrying deliberate enthusiasm. "A warrior like you is worthy of being Chloe's mate, and the pride of the Lightning Wolf Pack."
Chloe stirred slightly in my arms, her eyes opening a crack to glance weakly at Tyler before turning to me. In that instant our gazes met, I read the same contempt in her eyes.
Just moments ago he'd wanted me dead, and now he sought to bind this thunderous power with his "recognition."
I'd seen this kind of hypocrisy far too many times.
Tyler seemed oblivious to our silent exchange and continued, "Return to the main manor. I'll provide you with the highest level of hospitality and treatment. Chloe needs rest too, and we have the finest healers—"
"That won't be necessary." I cut him off, my voice calm yet brooking no argument.
Tyler's smile froze on his face. I rose slowly to my feet, cradling Chloe carefully in my arms, feeling her shake her head weakly against my chest. She was too weak to speak, but I understood her meaning—she didn't want to return to that place, the place that had treated her as a pawn and a tool.
"My home isn't here." I dropped those words coldly and strode straight through the stunned wolf pack nobility, Chloe in my arms. They parted to make way, none daring to obstruct me. Connor stepped forward as if to say something, but a weak arc of silver-blue electricity shot from my body. He immediately froze in place, face deathly pale, before his legs gave out and he collapsed to his knees.
I walked away without looking back.
Behind me came whispered discussions and frightened gasps, but those sounds were quickly left far behind. I focused only on Chloe in my arms. I brought her back to the detention zone's Fight Gym. Pushing open that familiar wooden door, Frank's surprised voice rang out: "Ivan? Chloe?!" He hurried over, and seeing Chloe's condition, his expression immediately turned grave.
"She burned her soul and life force," I said briefly, my voice hoarse. Frank drew in a sharp breath but quickly composed himself, directing me to lay her on that old bed.
I gently set Chloe down, using the lightning element to carefully warm her meridians. Silver-blue currents flowed from my fingertips into her body, transforming into gentle warmth, attempting to repair that depleted life force. Her complexion gained a bit more color, but she remained heartbreakingly weak.
Frank stood to the side watching us, his expression complex. He was relieved that I'd finally gained power, yet worried about Chloe's condition. He said nothing, simply handed me a blanket in silence for me to cover her with.
I held Chloe's hand, feeling her icy fingertips.
Her eyes opened, gazing at me weakly, her lips moving slightly. I leaned in close and heard her whisper softly, "Ivan... you succeeded."
"Yes," I answered, my voice thick with restrained emotion. "But you nearly..."
"Worth it." She interrupted me, the corners of her mouth lifting in a faint smile. "As long as you're still here, it was worth it."
My throat tightened until I could barely speak. She raised her hand weakly to touch my face. "Don't cry, you fool. I'm still alive."
Only then did I realize tears had blurred my vision. I gripped her hand tightly, pressing her palm against my cheek. "Chloe, I swear I'll never let you get hurt again."
"I know," she said softly, her eyes full of trust. "And I swear, even if my lifespan is affected, I'll stay with you until the very last moment."
I leaned down to kiss her forehead, feeling her faint yet resolute life force. Frank turned his head away, pretending to organize the medicine box, but I caught the glimmer of tears at the corners of his eyes.
Though the Fight Gym was shabby, it was filled with genuine human warmth. Here there were no power struggles, no false flattery—only people who truly cared for one another.
This was our home.
Chloe's breathing gradually steadied as she closed her eyes, falling into deep sleep in my embrace.
We had walked out of that cage of power and toward a future that belonged to us. Even if the road ahead remained full of unknowns, even if Chloe's life force had been damaged, as long as we were together, there was nothing we couldn't face.
I looked down at her and silently vowed in my heart: no matter the cost, I would protect her and stay by her side until the very end.