Chapter 192 FIRST MEETING
Chapter 192 FIRST MEETING
RAGNAR'S POV
Draven’s body locks in one place as he splutters and tries to fight it once more.
“The Forbidden Forest!” he chokes out instantly. “He’s near the old altar grounds.”
The bond pulses sharply in confirmation to what he said so I ease up on my hold for a bit.
Sebastian is there and he's still alive.
I release Draven immediately as he collapses hard onto the floor, gasping for breath.
I don’t spare him another glance but I make sure to turn and rip out one ear of his before throwing it at a Rogue.
The Rogue jumps and eats instantly.
Someone’ll probably kill it later so I turn and rush towards the forest.
That way, he'll be left with one ear, a mark for traitors in the realm.
I almost stumble because the bond suddenly flares up hot and sharp inside of me.
Sebastian is awake and now conscious.
Relief floods through my veins but then fear follows immediately.
Something is wrong, terribly wrong.
I run.
Using my quickest speed, the forest becomes a blur around me as I run blindly into the forbidden forest not caring about the branches slashing across my arms.
The bond pulls even harder on me the deeper I go, guiding me like it's also urging me to get there quickly.
Faster.
Faster.
The Forbidden Forest grows colder and darker with every step as the twisted trunks and black trees look like something out of a horror story.
It is almost pitch black inside the forbidden forest, as if the environment itself has sucked out any form or traces of light.
And then without any warning, the lights come back or rather are illuminating a certain distance in front of me.
Silver or white light bursts through the trees far ahead so I head straight towards it.
I break through the final line of forest and enter a clearing as everything stops me in my blood and skin from moving any further but I ignore it and continue moving.
It's then I see it clearly.
An altar that's made out of a shiny black stone with a silver light pouring from the sky and on… something.
Or rather, someone.
Is that the actual Moon goddess?!
Dax is there too, looking tense and lifeless as the blood has drained from his face as he's now staring at Sebastian –
No not Sebastian.
That's… Alisander for sure.
He's standing near the altar with his eyes glowing a sharp red and for a moment, I wonder what I've missed so far.
That's because even the air itself feels unstable like reality is tearing itself into pieces.
I don’t hesitate one more second as I rush forward instinctively–
Then everything happens all at once right in front of my eyes too.
The white being, or rather the Moon goddess moves as I see a swift flash of silver streak out as I identify what she's holding and a sober blade appearing in her hand like liquid moonlight.
And before anyone can react or think–
She drives it straight through Dax’s stomach without hesitation.
“DAX NO WATCH OUT!!”
But it's too late.
My voice tears through the clearing as I feel the time stop itself and I see Dax stumble back violently as blood spills out of his mouth instantly.
It's unnatural, even more so than Lance's hair color as it's a stark contrast against Dax's pale skin.
For one horrible second, I can’t physically process what the hell I’m seeing.
No.
No.
Not him!
Not Dax!
NOT MY SWORN BROTHER!!!
“DAX!!”
We fought all the time and bled together throughout our growing and training years so even after everything–
Even after the resentment and misunderstandings leading to hatred between the both of us–
He is still my brother.
I burst through the clearing and reach him just as he collapses to one knee.
I catch him with my arms right before he hits the ground.
Blood immediately coats my hands as the cursed color reminds me of when his dead mate’s blood was also on my hands two decades ago.
He's bleeding profusely, it's too much blood.
Dax coughs weakly against my body as more blood spills down his chin.
His breathing sounds wet and all wrong.
“I’m sorry brother,” he chokes out.
“Don’t speak!”
“I never… meant…” Another cough wrecks through him but he continues. “Never wanted this to…”
“Dax!” My voice sharpens harshly. “You’re strong, you're going to be okay. Just stay awake!”
But even as I say it to myself –
I can see it all unfolding
The wound on his stomach already has black veins streaking upwards from its entry point.
Poison.
Something strong enough to take down an Alpha of his size and power right with the first blow.
Dax notices my pale expression and he squeezes my arm as a reply.
And then–
She laughs softly behind us, sounding smug with herself.
“For wolves, even raw strength has its limitations,” she says lightly.
So I look up slowly at the main culprit of all of this as her silver eyes meet mine with glee.
Beautiful is not a proper word I'd use to describe her.
Terrifying is more of what I'd say if I was to describe her
“The blade is poisoned,” she continued without a care. “He’ll die regardless of what you tell him.”
Rage explodes through me instantly as for the first time in my life, I consider how feasible it'll be to commit a sin.
The sin of murder on one's own goddess.
The clearing shakes under the bare force of my Alpha aura as the ground shakes and the trees wail in reply.
This only causes her to smile even wider at me.
Like my anger and misery delights her fully as her gaze moves from Alisander and settles fully on me with interest.
“That's interesting, there's also a prophecy on you too huh?”
“Well,” she says softly as she gives a little bow in my direction.
“Hello, Ragnar.” Her smile deepens slightly. “It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”