CHAPTER 60: BATTLE COMMENCES

(Amaia)

I tightly grip my weapon as my eyes waver towards Alnitak. Reaching back he pulls off his shirt and says with determination, "Let’s show them how it’s done."

His eyes flash bluish-purple bloating out the gold. His body jerks, and the long black hair tears out of every pore in his skin.

Mesmerised, I watch my mate transform as his jaw unhinges and elongates into a pitch-black muzzle. His teeth sharpen into fangs, hands into claws as they softly land on the ground.

The black fur completely covers his body, glistening under the moonlight like tiny pearls have been embedded into it.

Standing at about seven feet high, Zevran is huge, the largest werewolf I have ever seen and I have seen many Alphas.

His magnificent head turns towards the moon and he lets out a shrill howl. Dumbstruck, I just watch him while his head finally turns in my direction. Electric violet shaded large eyes take me in. A vulnerability tinged with passion they hold.

No fear, just admiration and adoration crawl into my heart seeing the embodiment of untamed wildness.

He brings his head closer and nudges at my hand, wishing to greet me.

A thrill runs through me like a live current at his touch and my fingers feel his soft pelt. It’s smoother than I had imagined and feels like I am weaving my fingers through cotton.

A smile spreads on my lips. "It’s good to finally meet you, Zevran." He shakes his big head, and we hear the gong go off, announcing the commencement of our battle.

My head turns, and I see two werewolves standing in the circular battleground. The grey one is larger than the soft brown, showing he is Ramian. But in comparison to Alnitak, he is smaller in size.

Their eyes glisten under the moonlight and I can see the bloodlust in them. Zevran slowly pads forward, covering me with his massive body. My fingers tighten against my weapon and I remember everything I have discussed with Alnilam when he had called me into his office earlier.

"Go, guys!" Kacir calls out from behind us. Zevran jumps ahead and so does Ramian’s wolf. They clash mid-air with fierce growls escaping them. Their claws strike, the air trembles from their howls and for a second time stands still as I watch my mate battle it out.

A low growl resonates and my attention turns.

Filana’s wolf eyes me, the glint of pride is reflected in them. She slowly prances towards me, her shoulders hunched trying to circle and intimidate me.

"Believe in yourself, Amaia. You can do it," Alnilam’s encouraging words come from behind me. I know he is standing at the edge, watching. The scent of him is around me like a motivator.

I glare back at the brown wolf, ready for its attack, unblinking and focused.

She viciously snarls, revealing her dagger-like fangs to me, taking another step closer. But I mirror her movements, never breaking eye contact.

Behind her, Zevran and Ramian’s wolves are clashing, clawing and biting into each other’s fur. Visceral snarls resonate in the air.

I had hoped for a sneak attack but Filana’s first attack was predictable. She charges at me head-on, thinking I won’t be able to dodge that speed, but I effortlessly step aside at the last second, at the same time swinging my sword and nipping the top of her sleek body. A patch of hair-covered skin goes flying, and her guttural scream rings in the air.

I slide back, my right leg arches, and the left one anchors me on the ground. I turn to face her in case she tries a sneaky attack, and my ponytail whips around.

"Whoa!" Kacir cheers for me, and I think I hear something from Mintaka, too, but it’s low.

Frustrated and angered, Filana’s wolf howls and charges at me again.

I am ready.

This time, she feigns a jump, but at the very last minute pulls out and tries to attack my knees. I have been keenly observing her and knew the next would be a sneak attack.

Instead of swinging my sword above my head, I slide forward with it keeping it low, aimed for the side of her belly.

She realises it a bit too late, and my sword grazes past the side of its underbelly as I let out the stored power inside and give her a shock.

Alnilam had helped me store a part of my power within my sword so I could unlock it during the battle. In this way, no one will question or know that I possess powers and will appear like I carry a charmed weapon, which is pretty common for humans.

Her body spasms and bleeds from the bruise and the heavy dose of current I have given her.

The shocks and screams of Guild Pegasus are heavy in the air, seeing Filana’s wolf finally collapse on the ground and close her eyes.

"Amaia, you are awesome," Kacir shouts from the stands, cupping his mouth and a victorious smile graces my lips.

My eyes waver to Mintaka and he sends me a thumbs up but doesn’t speak. I will take that, my heart swells just with his tiny actions and then my eyes waver to Alnilam. He has one hand holding his chin with his pointer finger and thumb while the other arm is crossed over his sculpted torso. Standing tall like a tree. He offers me an appreciative nod and I wholeheartedly smile.

Ramian’s wolf woefully howls seeing his wounded mate. Jamina’s voice rings out.

"What a performance by Amaia. Bringing down a werewolf with just her sword."

Two sentinels rush to the ground and carry Filana’s wolf away while I face Zevran and Ramian’s wolf.

The darkened, bloodthirsty eyes of Ramian’s wolf pin me, and then he splits, mirroring himself.

Once

Twice

Thrice

Four times

Five times

And they all gather around me, their hackles raised, viciously snarling, ready to tear me to pieces.

That’s his power, the one Alnitak had warned me about. A terror trickles down my spine seeing so many wolves surrounding me.

They lunge together, aiming for my throat. I raise my sword, ready to cut as many of them down as possible, when Zevran jumps and lands in front of me, blocking three of them with his body.

And then something shoots out of him...