Luna’s response was visceral, her blood-red eyes flashing with a mix of pain and defiance. With a swift motion, she swatted away his hand, her voice a cold blade, “Don’t you ever mention killing my sister again.” Lupus, faced with her unwavering stance, let out a sigh of disappointment, the weight of unmet expectations heavy in his voice, “It seems you are not yet ready. Take some time and think. I will be ready whenever you are. But…if you continue to be stubborn, you will end up losing everything you cherish,” he warned.

Just a couple moments ago, as the tumultuous clash between Ceti and Lupus unfolded beneath the storm, Asher, Rowena, and Isola bore witness to a scene that gripped their hearts with dread. They watched in stunned silence as Ceti who had defied the odds and stood tall against the Moon Guardian, finally succumbed, her knees buckling under the weight of her injuries and the relentless battle.

Without hesitation, Asher’s resolve crystallized into action, “Stay here and prepare Flaralis to fly. I’m going to grab Ceti and leave,” he urged.

Rowena and Isola, though fraught with concern, understood the gravity of the moment. Before they could respond, Asher was already moving, his figure a blur against the backdrop of the storm.

Isola, turning her attention to the wounded Flaralis, began to channel her mana, a dark blue essence that flowed from her hands to Flaralis, making it let out a low growl of relief as its wounds began to slowly heal.

Asher, propelled by a mixture of determination and fear, closed the distance to the heart of the storm. But his brows raised upon the surprising turn of events unfolding before him.

Lupus, in a final exchange with Ceti, spoke words that only they could hear, and he saw Ceti swatting away Lupus’ hand in a fit of anger.

But after exchanging some words, Lupus dissolved into a crimson streak, departing the battlefield, leaving behind a palpable void where his presence had once dominated.

Luna, her strength ebbing, allowed darkness to claim her as she collapsed to the ground, her transformation complete as her white hair bled back to red.

The sight of Lupus’s departure left Asher momentarily baffled. Why was he leaving without trying to get back the key? What was he planning?

But the urgency of the situation allowed no time for contemplation. He rushed to Ceti’s side, witnessing her transformation back into the Ceti he knew while her white hair bled back to red, though seeing her fall unconscious on the ground made him push himself to get to her faster.

Upon reaching, he gently lifted her into his arms and tried to sense her body’s condition after seeing all the injuries and bruises.

However, Asher felt a wave of relief wash over him as he confirmed her pulse was stable, her injuries serious but not beyond the aid of skilled hands. “We are going home, Ceti,” he murmured, his brows furrowed with concern and determination as he carried her away from the remnants of the battlefield.

—

The Bloodburn Kingdom, usually a bastion of strength and resolve, found itself shrouded in a cloak of uncertainty and fear. News had spread like wildfire through the streets and alleys: their queen had embarked on a perilous mission to rescue their king from the clutches of the draconians, accompanied by only a small contingent hastily assembled for the task. It was an unprecedented move that left the kingdom teetering on the edge of panic. Never before had they seen their queen depart so suddenly, leaving behind even her Bloodborn Guards, those fearsome warriors who were her shadow and shield.

However, unbeknownst to them, the queen’s decision to leave her guards behind was not one of oversight but of necessity. They were the steadfast protectors upon whom she relied to keep the throne safe in her absence, especially from scheming snakes who might try to make a move in her absence. Yet, as hours turned to days with no word of her fate, the weight of silence pressed heavily upon the kingdom’s heart.

Whispers filled the air, speculation rampant among the populace. Rumors, those harbingers of despair, wove their way through the streets, each more disheartening than the last. Tales of a fierce battle between their queen and the draconians, fought in a land far removed from their own, did little to ease the growing dread. “Hey, I just heard from someone that the draconian army fighting our queen is around 10,000 strong!”

“Are you serious??! How can she fight so many on her own with only a 1,000 strong contingent to support her?”

“Bull**! Don’t spread absurd rumors without knowing it for sure. There is no way the draconians can gather so many men in such a short time.”

“It isn’t that absurd. They have millions of soldiers, and you think it’s hard to prepare 10,000 men?”

The draconian threat loomed large in their minds, a seemingly insurmountable foe known for their vast numbers and ruthless efficiency.

And amidst the whispering winds, the most chilling rumor of all took root: that their king had fallen after falling sick and unable to defend himself from the draconians.

The kingdom teetered on the brink of desolation, its people caught in the grip of fear and sorrow. “Hey! I just heard that the Moon Guardian is alive and has arrived at the place where our queen and everyone is!”

“Devils! That can’t be true!”

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The very air seemed heavy with the weight of impending doom, a shadow cast over hearts once filled with hope, especially with the rumors of the Moon Guardian spreading around.

The old ones knew very well what the return of the Moon Guardian meant and that rumor was more despairing than any rumor related to the draconians.

But in the darkest hour, a strong gust pierced the gloom.

A silhouette, recognized by all who lifted their eyes to the sky, cut across the horizon. It was the queen’s dragon, a sight that instilled hope back into their hearts.

A collective breath held in suspense was released in a roar of joy and relief as the citizens beheld their queen, the king, and his consort, safe upon the dragon’s back. Even though she was a werewolf, it was evident that she had once again put herself in harm’s way for the sake of their kingdom. This wasn’t the first time they had witnessed her unwavering loyalty, her readiness to protect them at the cost of her own well-being.

Yet, as their eyes took in the sight of the Battlemaster, unconscious and bearing the scars of battle, a wave of somber realization washed over them.

Even though she was a werewolf, it was evident that she had once again put herself in harm’s way for the sake of their kingdom. This wasn’t the first time they had witnessed her unwavering loyalty, her readiness to protect them at the cost of her own well-being.

Even those old and orthodox blood burn citizens who hated her because of her bloodline felt a prickle behind their eyes upon seeing her state.

But just as the feeling of joy and relief began to settle down, their hearts once again became anxious as they wondered if the draconians were going to come after them right now?

They already knew the draconians had declared war, and there was no telling when they were going to attack.

But what they were sure of was that the moment the draconians came here and attacked them with all their strength…their kingdom would definitely be doomed for destruction.

As Flaralis descended onto the castle grounds with a grace born of desperation, its strength waned, and its knees gave way. The mighty creature collapsed, succumbing to unconsciousness under the burden of its injuries and fatigue.

Rowena, her heart tightening at the sight, let her hands gently tracing the familiar scales, “Rest well, Flaralis. You have fought enough for today,” she whispered, her voice a soothing balm against the backdrop of turmoil.

The urgency of the moment drew the castle’s physicians, led by Igrid, the esteemed royal physician. His shock at the sight of the battered party was palpable, his professional demeanor barely concealing his concern.

Asher, with a gravity that belied his exhaustion, approached Ingrid; Ceti cradled gently in his arms, “I want you to personally nurse her back to health, Igrid,” he instructed a command that brooked no refusal.

Igrid, ever the stalwart in times of crisis, nodded, his gaze firm with resolve, “Don’t worry, Your Majesty. She will be healthy enough to talk to you in a couple of hours,” he assured before bowing respectfully and directing his attention to the task at hand.

Isola, her voice tinged with concern, inquired from behind, “What about you? I know you have become stronger, but after your fight with the Moon Guardian…”

Asher softly smiled as he turned around to look at her, “I am fine,” His expression then became serious as he added, “But we can’t rest yet,” he stated.

“The key…”The mention of the key by Rowena shifted the focus, her voice making the two turn towards her.

Rowena added as she approached them, “If we are going to use it now, then it would take a lot of Deviars. I shall go and gather all the Houses who have at least one and prepare as many as I can,” she declared, her determination unwavering as she set off to marshal the kingdom’s resources, leaving the physicians in her wake who sighed upon seeing their queen refuse treatment for her injuries.

But just as she left, a woman dressed in an elegant red gown approached Asher, making his eyes light up briefly.

Naida’s arrival, marked by a quiet strength, was a balm to Asher’s weary spirit.

“Thank the devils for letting you return safely. I was afraid and regretted leaving you behind. But seeing you like this, I am glad I did as I was able to return with the key as you wanted,” she said as her lips formed a soft smile.

Isola exchanged glances between the two and wondered why it seemed as if the two seemed quite close when previously she had never had such a feeling from these two.

Asher nodded with a weary smile as he said, “Well, this time, I have to admit…We got lucky. But we have to activate the key as fast as possible before the draconians attack us,” he said, his mind already racing towards what might be awaiting them.

Naida’s lips formed a focused smile as she nodded, “I think I know the perfect place to place the key and ensure the best protection for our kingdom.”