Chapter 24

In the commotion, Tata suddenly appeared. Earlier, she’d said she did not want to see Kane executed and would rather only attend the wedding. But now, she was standing at a far corner behind everyone present and her presence was enough to still tongues.

However, her eyes were trained on Ophelia and Kane. A distinct knowledge framed her round orbs and the silence trailed on as everyone waited for the Seer to speak. Even though Tata refused to live in the palace, all the villagers loved and revered her, some even going all the way to her cottage in the forest for her visions if need be.

“Wolfhunter,” her crackled voice carried. “It is time for you to choose a side.”

Kane stiffened next to Ophelia, his breath hitching. He did not speak, however, as it was obvious Tata was not finished.

“We want to know whose side you’ll fight for today,” Tata continued. “Will you fight for the wolves or will you go back to your hunter family?”

Kane’s gaze was unwavering. “Contrary to what I said earlier, I did not fall in love with Ophelia,” he said, causing several breaths to hitch at the admission. Even Ophelia had to blink to be sure she hadn’t misheard. But Kane was not done. “I walked into love with her, with my eyes wide open.”

He turned to stare into her eyes and every doubt she had evaporated at the look of love on his face. “You’re where I want to be. I don’t want a me without you and if that means leaving everything I used to be for the man you make me, then so be it.”

Ophelia’s eyes swelled with tears. Not only was he confessing his love for her, he was doing it in front of the entire kingdom. “I love you,” she whispered, leaning forward to plant a quick kiss on his bruised lips. And she did. It wasn’t supposed to happen; she wasn’t supposed to love him like this. When they first met, he’d tried to kill her. She never imagined that he would be the one she ached for, the one whose name left her with this nostalgic pain, the one for whom she would go to the ends of the earth to protect.

Together, they looked to Tata. She nodded at them, an indication that she approved. Even her father did not wear the look of caution Ophelia thought was permanently plastered on his face. He looked… pleased.

Remembering the impending attack, the air became thick with tension anew. The wolves wasted no time. Determination fueled their actions as they began to mobilize, the bonds of trust and survival overpowering the wounds of betrayal.

“Viktor, arm everyone who can handle a weapon, men and women alike,” Kane said. “Leave the children out of it. We need to find a place for them to hide. Whoever wants to fight in their wolf form is welcome, but I would advise against it. The wolf hunters are trained in combat using wolf forms.”

Dalia stepped forward angrily. “Who died and left you in charge?”

“I’m tired of putting up with your shit, Dalia,” Ophelia said sharply. “If you don’t want to be here, then get the fuck out. Kane’s the only one here, save for Fiona, with the experience of fighting wolves. If you think you can do better, then let’s hear you.”

Dalia’s gaze narrowed into slits but her silence was all the answer Ophelia had been looking for.

“I didn’t think so,” she smirked humorlessly at Dalia. It was not a matter of feeling betrayed anymore and Dalia had to understand that. The wolf hunters were coming and they were at risk of losing everything they held precious; their homes, their lives, and their children. If she could not get over her grudge to see what was in front of her, then she did not have to be present.

“We have to create a barricade at the entrance into the palace. It’ll be easier for us to share common ground. It’s narrow, which means we can pick them off one by one without having to worry about taking them down in large numbers.”

Under Kane's guidance, the wolves gathered weapons, the clinking of metal and the sharpening of blades echoing through the entire palace, a symphony of defiance woven with anticipation. These were people who’d never had to fight wolf hunters before, Kane thought. He was a bit bothered that they would be overpowered by the hunters’ experience. He did not know any hunter on the team who wasn’t a heartless son of a bitch when it came to wielding silver weapons.

Viktor got to work, instructing some wolves to find a safe place for the children to stay while giving out more weapons to whoever needed them. Some of the villagers barricaded the entrance with several blocks of stone.

As the wolves readied themselves, Kane turned to Ophelia, their eyes locking in a moment of unspoken understanding. “Ophelia, I’m done running from who I am. It's our duty to protect our people, to ensure their continuous survival.”

Ophelia's gaze held a fire that matched his own, her voice unwavering. She knew he was referring to his father and how it had shaped him. “We will face this together. I'll stand with you, whatever comes our way.”

Their hands briefly intertwined, a shared promise of unity and courage, before they moved apart to continue their preparations.

In the distance, a low rumble marked the approach of the hunters. A sea of shadows emerged from the trees, their figures shrouded in darkness, led by the ominous presence of Eric who was at the forefront. Silver glinted in the morning sun, the unmistakable reminded of their intentions. To kill.

The hunter’s approach was now imminent. They all readied themselves, armed with weapons, even Fiona. Kane had told Ophelia to give Fiona a chance since every one of them was seeking redemption today. She reluctantly agreed.

Ophelia’s heart thumped loudly in her chest. She’d never fought anyone before. Nevertheless, she had to do this for her people. The palace seemed to hold its breath as the two forces drew closer, a tension that vibrated through every leaf and blade of grass.

“Stay!” Kane called when some of the wolves made to attack. If they attacked now, it would mean moving forward which would result in defeating the point of the barricade. They had to wait for Eric and the hunters to draw nearer.

Kane watched as Eric took out his arrow, then grabbed a bow from his stash. Still running, he pulled back the bowstring, his gaze leveling as one eye closed shut. The arrow, nestled against the bow, quivered with anticipation and Kane watched with his breath hitched. They were too far. There was no way Eric would make the shot.

As the bowstring reached its zenith, Eric’s fingers released their hold. The arrow, propelled by the stored energy, leaped from its resting place. It arced through the air, a swift and elegant trajectory that defied the forces of nature. Just like lightning, it flew past Kane’s shoulder and shot into the palace.

The arrow had not been for him and Kane knew this because Eric was an excellent shot. If Eric had been aiming for him, he’d be dead. So, who had it been for?

A deep cry rose in the air and Kane turned to see who it was. He blinked, watching as Ophelia ran to her father, who was now laying on the ground with a silver arrow lodged into his chest. Blood spilled out like an unloose tap.

Eric had been aiming for the king. Shit.

“Father,” Ophelia cried. “Keep your eyes open. Don’t let them close. Please.”

Everyone watched them in silence, the hunters briefly forgotten. They were still a distance.

The king struggled for air, blood filling his mouth. He would not make it. The knowledge hung in the air. He was going to die. Ophelia clutched his hand in hers, her cries filling the silence. Kane was angry. Eric and the hunters had taken too much from her. They would pay. Kane would make sure of that.

“Hunter,” the king croaked. “Come here.”

Shocked at the summon, Kane’s feet propelled him forward until he was kneeling at the king’s side with Ophelia.

“I… have seen the way you look at my daughter…” he struggled to get out. “I have no doubt you love her as much as you say you do. Now, by the power vested in me as King of the Blue Hounds, I name you my heir, that once I’m gone, you’ll rule this kingdom together with my daughter.”

Whispers rose in the air. That was unexpected. Kane could barely blink. Him? King of the Blue Hounds? That would make him the first hunter-king of the wolves.

Still uncertain, he spoke, “I'll honor your legacy, and protect our people.” There was no way he’d argue with a dying man.

“And you, Ophelia.” King Leonard turned to his daughter. “Hold his heart as fiercely as you hold your magic.”

“I will,” she cried. “I will, father.”

She was still crying when his hand went limp in hers.