Chapter 80

“Your Highness, I’ve just laid eyes on the castle. The guards have secured the gates and are settling in for the night. This is our moment to strike while they’re caught off guard,” growled my second-in-command, a towering figure covered in tattoos, his voice dripping with urgency, as he marched towards me.

“Thank you, Phoenix,” I whispered, my voice smooth and deliberate as it flowed through the mindlink. “Send the signal. It’s time to make our move!”

I took a step back with Davina, my heart racing as Phoenix unleashed a haunting howl that cut through the stillness of the night, signalling his transformation into a radiant silver wolf. Without a moment's pause, he dashed towards the shadows of the forest, hundreds of fierce wolves surging behind him, their eyes gleaming with hunger and excitement. 'You won’t find a single human in my army,' I thought, a smirk playing on my lips. 'Unless they’re here to serve as a tasty snack!'

As the pack thundered off, my gaze followed Mateo, who sprinted by me, casting a fleeting glance that sent a spark through my chest. The anticipation of having my true mate in my arms surged within me. Soon, I would join him in this wild pursuit. I turned to Davina, impatience bubbling over. "What are you still doing here?" I thought fiercely through our mindlink. "Go!" Time was slipping away, and I was ready to dive into the fray. The thrill of the chase beckoned, and I could feel it in my bones.

I let out a low, menacing growl and observed as Davina scurried away, darting around the edges of the forest and making her way towards the castle grounds. Honestly, that girl was infuriatingly clueless, and as a wolf, she was even more of a disappointment. If she wanted to prove herself, she had better step up—because I wasn't about to rely on someone who couldn't keep up!

Silently, I snaked my way through the long grass, the blades swaying gently around me like a sea of green whispers. The moon hung low in the sky, casting eerie shadows that danced on the ground as I carefully followed the faint trail my army had left behind. It was a path of disruption, where the underbrush had been trampled and the earth disturbed, revealing the telltale signs of our approach. Each cautious step was deliberate; I could hear the comforting rustle of nature enveloping me, punctuated only by the distant calls of birds and the soft buzz of insects. The smell of earth and wildflowers filled the air, mingling with the anticipation that thrummed in my veins. As I moved forward, my eyes scanned the surroundings, keenly aware of every rustling leaf and shifting shadow. I could almost feel the energy of my comrades ahead, their resolve intertwining with my own. Our mission was clear, but the silence of the world around me felt charged, as if it held its breath, waiting for what was to come.

Suddenly, a piercing wail sliced through the stillness of the night, echoing ominously against the ancient stone walls of the castle. It was as if the very fortress had sensed our presence, unleashing its alarm in a frantic warning. My heart raced. Soon, my brother's army would converge on us, and the clash of muscle, fur and fangs would fill the air as true ferocious battle loomed on the horizon. I could almost taste the thrill of conflict, the adrenaline coursing through my veins—each heartbeat a reminder that I was one step closer to claiming my crown. The weight of destiny hung heavy upon me, and I was ready to seize it.

I followed the trail, my heart pounding with each step, until I reached the very edge of the trees. Taking a deep breath, I turned right, resolute in my decision not to venture into the depths of the forest. I couldn't risk leaving any trace of my scent behind; one slip-up and my cover would be shattered. Instead, I moved stealthily along the perimeter, blending seamlessly into the shadows, every muscle in my body poised and alert. The air was thick with tension, and I could almost hear my heartbeat echoing in the stillness as I carefully navigated the darkness, determined to remain undetected. In an instant, a dazzling sparkle caught my eye, drawing me to the majestic castle looming above. As I looked closer, the silhouettes of countless wolves emerged, strikingly reminiscent of my own formidable army. They moved with a swift grace, descending toward the forest with purpose. Trailing closely behind them were hundreds of feeble humans, their silver armour glinting in the fading light, a pitiful sight indeed. I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself; they stood no chance. Not against my Vaewolfe. A smug smile spread across my face as I anticipated the chaos and fear that would soon follow.

I pressed myself against the rough, gnarled bark of a towering oak, its ancient trunk cool against my fur, my heart thundering in my chest with the dread that one of Kieran's relentless soldiers might have caught a fleeting glimpse of me and shattered my fragile cover. Suddenly, a thunderous crash reverberated through the dense underbrush as colossal, muscular figures clashed with one another, their powerful bodies colliding like mountains in an earthquake. The violent cacophony of snarls, guttural growls, and frantic yelps twisted together to create a symphony of impending danger that resonated in the marrow of my bones. The air buzzed with palpable tension, thick with the scent of damp earth and the iron tang of adrenaline, saturated with the primal energy of chaos that unfolded around me. Every instinct screamed for me to move, to flee deeper into the shadows, but I remained frozen, acutely aware that the fate of my survival hinged on remaining hidden amidst the trees.

The thrill of the unknown filled the air, and with each breath, I felt the weight of destiny nudging me forward. This was it—our moment had arrived! The battle of our lives was about to unfold!