Chapter 180
Elara’s POV
I could feel the heat rising in my chest. My heart was racing, but I refused to back down. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.
“You used him!” The words slipped from my
like venom, sharp and bitter.
The courtyard felt too quiet, too still. Until my voice broke the tension, echoing through the night. The rogue soldiers froze, startled by the intensity of my anger. All eyes were on me, confused, waiting.
Thorne didn’t flinch. He just stood there, hands shoved deep in his pockets, his eyes as cold as ever.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he replied, voice cool, calm–a lie in disguise.
“Stop pretending.” My voice cut through the space between us, raw and demanding.
I stormed forward, my steps echoing in the silence. Grabbing his collar, I yanked him down to my level, anger flaring in my chest.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” I hissed, practically spitting the words at him. “You used Jory. You were never going to kill Lance yourself. You pushed him toward Jory, manipulating him into becoming the new Rogue King. And why? So you could bleed him dry!”
His jaw tightened, his eyes darkening with a storm of emotions that he was trying to keep in check.
“I did him a favour,” Thorne bit out. “If it weren’t for me, he would never have had this opportunity. To have that kind of power.”
“Power?” I scoffed, bitterness lacing my words. “Not everyone is hungry for power like you. You didn’t even ask him if he wanted this.”
Thorne’s gaze hardened. “Why do you care?” He snapped, a sudden edge in his voice. “You’re not him. You’re not his mate. Why does it matter so much to you?”
It should’ve been obvious by now. I should’ve figured it out sooner. Thorne’s manipulation–it was all about Jory. He was the perfect pawn
for Thorne’s twisted game.
It all made sense. Jory was strong, experienced–he’d spent years in a society ruled by Alphas. He’d be an easy target for Thorne, his fear of Alpha power likely making him a willing participant.
I couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen it sooner. Thorne had played me, played all of us, and I’d allowed it.
A confused voice broke through my thoughts.
“Wait. What’s going on?” Jory’s voice came from behind, sounding completely lost. “Blood? What plan?”
Kimberly joined in, equally baffled. “What’s all this about? What blood? What plan?”
I turned sharply, frustration bubbling up. “Jory, you listen to me. No matter what Thorne says, don’t let him take your blood. Understand?”
He blinked at me, clearly more confused than ever. “My blood?” He stuttered. “Why would he need my blood? Is he hurt? Does he need a transfusion?”
Kimberly shot me a pointed look. “I don’t think they’re the same blood type, Elara.”
I could feel my patience fraying. “No, it’s not that!” I cried, shaking my head. “I’ll explain later, okay?”
Thorne was beyond pissed now. The vein in his forehead was throbbing as he glared at me.
15.21 Thu 14 Aug 16
Chapter 180
“You said you wouldn’t help me. Fine. But why do you have to sabotage everything?” He growled, voice laced with venom
I threw my arms out, frustrated, meeting his glare with just as much fire. “Because you don’t get to use my friends as tools, Thornel They re not your puppets to control!”
We were so wrapped up in our argument, we didn’t even notice the figures standing
sharply.
at the edge of the courtyard until Kimberly gasped
The Lycans.
Their presence was like a suffocating weight in the air. Standing in the front was
King Dorian, his expression unreadable as he stepped
forward into the moonlight.
The tension in the courtyard was palpable. Everyone’s hands instinctively tightened around their weapons.
Thorne broke the silence, his voice cold, but with a hint of smugness. “Lance is already dead. We took care of him. The chaos you feared is over. Now leave.”
Alden, standing next to Dorian, chuckled darkly. “We offered our help, but it looks like you’re showing us the door without a word of thanks. That’s not very polite.”
Kimberly’s eyes flashed with annoyance. “We didn’t ask for your help. You just showed up!”
“Your King invited us,” Alden replied smoothly, unfazed.
“The old King is dead,” Kimberly retorted sharply. “We have a new King now.”
Jory stepped forward, his sword drawn and ready, eyes fixed on the newcomers. “What’s this about blood?” Dorian’s sharp gaze turned toward Thorne and me, sensing the tension. “You’ve been talking about blood. What’s going on here?”
I bit my lip, unsure of what to say. I had to keep things under control, but the situation was spiraling fast. Thorne had warned me about the Lycans–their hatred of a Werewolf King. If we didn’t handle this carefully, it could destroy everything.
The silence stretched until Dorian spoke again, his voice steady, almost taunting. “Lance told you, didn’t he?” he asked, his eyes narrowing. “He told you how to become the Werewolf King.”
Thorne let out a low, bitter laugh. “What’s wrong, Dorian? Are you scared?”
Alden’s growl came from behind Dorian. “Lycans are not afraid of werewolves.”
“Then you should be,” Thorne shot back, his voice dripping with disdain. “Especially with a Werewolf King in the picture.”
Without warning, Dorian lunged forward, attacking Thorne with a speed and power that left the courtyard frozen in shock.
Thorne barely managed to sidestep in time, but Dorian’s punch still landed with brutal force. Thorne flew backward, hitting the ground with a sickening thud.
My eyes widened in disbelief. I had never seen anyone take Thorne down like that. He was the strongest werewolf I knew, but Dorian had knocked him down with a single blow.
A low, stunned silence spread among the group, the tension hanging thick in the air.
“What the hell are you doing?” Kimberly snarled, her voice shaking with anger.
Jory, sword still raised, snapped, “Back off, Lycan!”
Chapter 180
But Dorian didn’t listen. He marched toward Thorne, his footsteps slow and measured. “You shouldn’t challenge us. Give it up, Thorne Ti
spare your life.”
Thorne slowly got to his feet, a cold smirk on his face as he met Dorian’s gaze. “You wish,” he spát.
Dorian raised his hand, his expression turning grim. “Then this is the end for you.”
Before Dorian could move, I stepped in front of him, blocking his path.
“I won’t let you kill him,” I said, my voice steady, though my heart was pounding.
Dorian’s gaze softened for a moment, frustration flashing in his eyes. “You hate him, Elara. I heard you two arguing just before. You should be on my side.”
I held my ground, feeling the weight of the decision hanging over me. “I hate him for what he’s done. But this isn’t about that.”
“I’m a werewolf,” I said, my voice rising. “I won’t stand aside and let you come onto our land and start killing people.”
Dorian’s jaw tightened, and he raised his voice. “But you’re my mate, Elara. That makes you a Lycan too. Have you ever thought about that?”
Thorne snorted from behind me. “She hasn’t even accepted your mate bond. You’re nothing to her.”
Dorian’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “I’m still better off than you, Thorne. You rejected her. You’re ancient history.”
“Enough!” I yelled, unable to take any more of their petty back–and–forth.
I turned back to Dorian, meeting his eyes. “No more bloodshed tonight. I don’t care what you want, but if you still want to kill anyone, it’ll have to be over my dead body.”
The three of us stood in a standoff, tension thick in the air.
Dorian let out a long sigh, finally breaking the silence. “Fine,” he said, shrugging nonchalantly. His smile softened as he looked at me. “I’ll agree to a truce. I’ll call off my men. I’ll leave Thorne to his game of power. But on one condition.”
I felt the air shift, unsure of what was coming. “What condition?” I asked warily.
Dorian’s gaze softened, his voice quiet but intense. “Come to Lycan land with me. And never, ever, see Thorne again.”
The words hung between us, the weight of his offer sinking in.
AD
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