323- The Taste of War
POV Viktor Averwyn:
The humans were a distraction. Or just an appetizer. The main attack came from the forest, when half-transformed and fully transformed wolves lunged at us.
I attacked, flying at one of them, my claws sinking so deep into his neck I nearly ripped his head off. Blood sprayed on me, he fell like a doll, while I was already shoving my hand into the chest of another, destroying bones, tearing flesh. I pierced through him, while my alphas and omegas tangled with those arriving.
I counted about twenty hybrids there, to seven of us. I immediately recognized one of the villagers from Cyndrael, but there was no sign of Konrad among his. Coward motherfucker!
Rage made me roar and go on a rampage, destroying anyone who got in my way. Three came at once, one of them scratching deep near my ribs, causing pain and fury. I bit the jugular of another, tearing out a chunk of flesh and vein, ruptured arteries spouting blood in my face.
I licked the bitter, metallic liquid, tossing the convulsing body aside and turning to the one trying to claw me again. When he saw my expression, he made to retreat, but attacked along with the second. Cezar appeared, flying into one of them.
“You think that scratch is going to stop me?” I grunted, thick with rage, furious about the blood seeping from my ribs that had already begun to dry.
I pounced on the bastard, slamming him to the ground. He struggled, snarled while I drove my pointed claws into his face and shredded him. Eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, everything becoming a bloody pulp. More claws detonating his neck. In seconds, the head was violently ripped off, bones exposed, rolling to the side.
I rose, ready for more. None of mine had died, only injured, healing. Not as fast as me, but they’d be fine. On the wet ground, pieces of bodies, viscous liquid oozing.
I stretched my spine, my eyes sweeping the woods, disappointed that no more came from there. Was that all Konrad had?
I swept my gaze around, irritated to see another of my expensive clothes destroyed. I adjusted my torn coat, blood dripping from it. My wound completely closed. I wiped my face, which was also sticky with gore.
“They were from Alpha Cyndrael. This is a declaration of war.” Cezar kicked a head away, disgusted. “Why? Are they defending the Romani?”
I didn’t answer. It was much more than that. The humans and the wolves had been used, perhaps as a message.
“Are you going to inform the other alphas and the Elders, Viktor?”
“No. Something tells me they already know. Or will know soon.” I turned to my guards, ferocious, unbeatable. “Good work. You didn’t need to waste bullets on these mangy curs.”
“Alpha Viktor!” they hailed, proud. They would be well rewarded.
“Maintain vigilance. Inform me of any change.” They nodded, and I returned to the village, accompanied by Boris and Cezar.
Both were pensive, worried.
“Are you alright, Alpha Viktor?” Lana ran towards me.
Several villagers were on edge from the noises, nervous.
I nodded. The duchesses tried to approach, others asking questions. The two alphas stayed to placate them, but I called Cezar and headed straight for my castle. Still enraged.
Before arriving, far from the others, I ordered:
“Send trusted men down the cliff elevator to take the large boat. They must go to the capital by the river and buy enough supplies for at least a month. Everything on the emergency list. Now.”
“But we have a full storehouse, and the subsistence production from the fields is plentiful.”
“Do as I said.” I stopped, staring at him. He sighed.
“Are you expecting the worst?”
“It’s best we’re prepared. Also, send orders to close the gates, check that everyone is inside. I don’t want anyone leaving until further notice.”
“Yes, sir.”
Cezar nodded and moved away to carry out my orders. I resumed walking.
I could imagine the gears turning in Konrad’s brain. A fake like him wouldn’t confront me head-on. He’d use traps, as he promised. Who would they believe? The violent Viktor or the kind-hearted pastor?
“Motherfucker…” I growled, as the guard opened the gate.
No sooner had I entered the castle than they came towards me. Daciana startled at the sight of me, Adelina holding Seraphine back when she tried to approach, frantic. She stopped, shocked. Surely seeing all the blood on me, my torn clothes.
“My God…” She recoiled, pale, her wide eyes filling with tears and terror. Her hand went to her mouth, stifling the retching that seized her. “You… killed them…”
“Father… were they wolves?” My daughter steadied her, confused.
“It’s over.”
I headed for the stairs, too furious, expecting the worst. I wanted to get rid of those disgusting pieces stuck to me.
“Monster… you monster…” Seraphine murmured, in pain, shattered.
I ignored her and climbed.
Like her, others would cast me as the villain.
Far worse than the reality.
The enemies would unite. I needed to prepare.