FIVE: The King's Wrath

               The Shadow Beast charged. Its roar ripped through the still night, making the forest tremble and causing flocks of birds to erupt into the trees. Trees moaned and swayed, buckling under the sheer force of its speed as it thundered through the thick undergrowth, its red eyes fixed directly on me. I longed to flee, but sheer terror had pinned my feet to the ground.

"Run! " Kael yelled, putting himself directly in the beast's way when it was mere feet from me. His golden eyes flared with a sudden, chilling intensity, and a deep rumble vibrated in his chest. Then, in a horrific flash of movement, he changed. Bones cracked and popped as his muscles ballooned, and coarse, dark silver fur exploded over his skin. In mere moments, a colossal wolf stood where Kael had been—except he was more than just a wolf. He was a Lycan, nearly double the size of any Alpha, broadcasting an immense, crushing power.

Showing off impossibly sharp fangs, he sprang, and the two monstrosities slammed together with a ground-shaking impact. The force of it tossed me backward into the dirt.  

            Choking for air, I watched as Kael's claws sliced across the beast's chest, gouging deep gashes that oozed thick black smoke instead of blood. The creature howled in rage, lashing out as they tore through the trees like a living tempest. Each impact jolted the ground beneath me. I had never imagined that anyone could wield such brutal strength. Kael wasn't merely battling the thing, he was overpowering it. Still, the Shadow Beast refused to yield. It rallied again and again, its ghastly injuries sealing themselves almost instantly.

"What is that thing? " I whispered, shoving myself back. Suddenly, the creature spun away from Kael. Its luminous eyes fixed on me again, completely disregarding its opponent as it charged my way. I scrambled to escape, but my foot snagged on a twisted root and I hit the ground hard. Peering up, I watched the monstrosity lift a huge, shadow-shrouded claw. Time seemed to stretch out endlessly. I squeezed my eyes shut, tensing for the hit, as a thunderous bellow ripped through the clearing. When I managed to pry my eyes open, Kael stood over me, blood pouring from a ragged gash on his shoulder. He had taken the hit that was supposed to be mine. 

"Kael!"

               He stayed quiet, the creature consuming his complete attention. The Lycan King Looked beyond furious, he seemed totally enraged. The very air around him became dense, his aura bursting through the jungle like a physical tidal wave that made breathing challenging. The Shadow Beast stopped, clearly backing off for the first time. 

"You touched what is under my protection," Kael said, his voice cold enough to freeze the air.

               The monster snarled, but Kael vanished. One second he was behind the beast, his claws cutting right across its back, then he was in front of me. The Shadow Beast yelled. Kael struck once more, moving at a speed the monster could never match. In seconds the beast was drenched in deep, smoky gashes. Kael jumped into the air and drove both claws deep into the creature's chest with a strong, final roar.

                 From the hit came a searing silver light, and the Shadow Beast let out one last, terrible scream before its body disintegrated totally into dark ash.

               Again silence descended across the woodland. Though the incision on his shoulder kept bleeding freely, Kael changed back to his human shape while panting heavily. Still reeling from surprise, I raced to his side.

"You're hurt," I remarked, reaching out.

"It's nothing." He murdered, even though he flinched a little.

"It doesn't look like nothing." Ignoring his protests, I tore a long piece of fabric from the hem of my gown and gently wrapped it around the deep wound. 

                 Kael observed me in stillness, his golden eyes following my motions. 

"You shouldn't be helping me."

                 I scowled and tightened the knot. "You saved my life."

 "I would do it again," he answered. The words came out so easily that he looked surprised he had even said them out loud.

                 Our eyes met and a weird, unexpected warmth grew far inside my chest. Kael stiffened, and I too could see the feeling on him.

"You feel it too," he murmured.

"What is it?"

                  Rather than responding, he reached over and grabbed my wrist. The minute his fingertips touched my skin, a bright silver mark sparked under his touch. Both of us gaped in amazement as ancient symbols circled my wrist and faded gently into my flesh.

                 Kael's face changed to something like disbelief. 

"This cannot be..."

"What?" I asked, my heart racing.

"The Moon Goddess... she's recognizing our bond," he muttered.

                 I moved back, withdrawing my hand.

"Our bond? You and I ought not to share a bond."

"But we do," he replied.

                A dozen howling cries across the far-off mountains came before I could push him for answers. Kael became alert, his eyes probing the darkness.

"They've found us," he murmured sadly.

"Who?"

"My enemies. They won't stop until they have you."

                 He scooped me up into his arms without saying another word.

"What are you doing?" I protested. "I can walk!" 

                Being this close to him caused my heart rate to soar way too quickly.

"Not fast enough," he quickly answered.

              He moved through the thick forest with incredible speed, until the trees around us blurred. Torches and bright lights cut through the darkness ahead after a few anxious minutes. A large castle arose from the mountainside, its silver towers glittering brightly under the full moon. It was more spectacular than anything I had ever seen.

"Where are we?" I gasped.

                Kael glanced down at me. 

"My Kingdom."

                The massive iron gates gently creaked open to expose hundreds of Lycan warriors who, as we passed, fell to one knee.

"Welcome home, Your Majesty," they chimed in unison

                Their eyes moved toward me as the they raised their heads. A wave of shock rippled through the crowd, followed by a burst of frantic whispers. 

"Who is she?"

" Is that...?"

"It cannot be."

"This is Aria." Kael's strong voice silenced them right away, and he grabbed me. "From now on she is under my protection."

                 Though the shocked looks on every face told me all I needed to know, no one dared to ask him questions. And deep down I knew this declaration had changed everything.