Chapter 33 Initial Collisions
Amara’s POV
The night was filled with screams. Fire illuminated the skies, and the ground trembled as claws struck stone. With my strength bursting from my palms in broad, blue waves, I dashed across the middle of the pack grounds.
"Remain behind me! I yelled while extending my arms.
Behind me, civilians congregated, including seniors, injured wolves, and moms clutching their pups. Despite flickering, my shield kept firm. Arrows reflected off the illuminated wall.
Kian was standing next to me in his wolf shape, growling and spitting rage from his teeth. In an attempt to break through, he lunged at a cursed wolf. The thing was bigger than usual, its eyes flashing sickly green. It had no sense of pain. There was no bleeding.
Still, Kian ripped through it.
"There will be more! One of our fighters yelled.
Waves of cursed wolves poured in from the east like a black flood, and I could see them. I held the shield for too long, and my arms hurt. My inner strength remained constant, yet it was ebbing away.
"Kian," I exclaimed. "I'm at my breaking point! "
"Then let's push forward," he said, shifting back next to me.
"However, the citizens—"
"I'll keep them safe. You take the lead.
I paused. "You have that much faith in me? "
For one heartbeat, his eyes softened. “Always.”
I nodded after taking a deep breath. I dropped the shield after that.
"Run! I shouted to the bystanders. "Go! Right now! "
Kian transformed back into a wolf and yelled an order as he turned to lead them. He was followed by warriors to protect the retreat. I raced ahead, directly into the conflict.
The bodies collided with one another. Wolves clashed in the air. Steel clanged. Fangs jerked. The smell of ash and blood filled the air.
Blue light flared across my skin as I allowed the power to rise within me. I threw my hands up and blasted forward. Three cursed wolves struck a blazing tree as they flew back.
Abruptly, Rowan was at my side, sword in hand, his cheek already splattered with blood. "You are careless," he snarled.
I retorted, "You're late."
A wolf lunged at my side, and he cut it down. "You're welcome."
I turned too slowly, and another one approached from behind me. Clans lifted, fangs opened—
Rowan, however, slashed his blade into its throat and tackled it in midair.
Panting, I turned to face him. "I could have dealt with it."
He furrowed his brow. "You're welcome once more."
Together, we pushed forward. Rowan battled with the speed, silence, and lethality of a man possessed. He was always there when I stumbled. He always made room as I surged with magic.
We moved as if we had been meant to be together.
"Gotta! I yelled.
He whirled and stabbed another damned beast in the chest.
A stronger cry that didn't belong to any typical wolf suddenly resounded. With a collective roar, the damned wolves took a time to retreat.
"What the devil—? Rowan whispered.
I looked at the ridge above.
She was standing there.
Lilith.
Tall and pale, with crimson fire burning in their eyes. Like a banner of death, her white hair thrashed in the wind. She wore a black robe glistening with runes, but no armour.
A chilly smile twisted her lips.
My heart stopped. I locked my legs.
Rowan took a step forward. Is she there? "
I was unable to talk. I simply nodded.
Slowly, Lilith lifted her hand, and the damned wolves froze. Similar to puppets awaiting the pulling of their strings.
“She’s controlling them,” Rowan said quietly.
Lilith cocked her head—then gestured right at me.
All the damned wolves turned.
And rushed.