CHAPTER 21
The fortress smelled of blood and rain.
Daniel strode through the shattered northern gate, claws still slick from the last kill.
Warriors dragged the remaining rogues into the torchlight, their black-marked pelts streaked with mud.
Among the captives lay the rogue beta which is massive, scarred, but still defiant even beneath the silver chain biting into his flesh.
Mia stands on the balcony with the healers, her scent cutting through smoke and iron. The twins inside her stirred as if they could feel the tension humming in the air.
The beast's eyes; yellow and cold, locked on Mia first.
"So, it's true," he rasped. "The Dual Moon walks."
Daniel stepped forward, every movement a promise of violence.
"Enlighten me," he demanded, voice like a blade drawn slow.
A cruel smile split the rogue's face. "The prophecy isn't just a story. Your heirs are the key. Two lines of Alpha blood. Lycan and Crescent Howl will born under the twin moons. Their breath will wake the Ancient Blood and end the Lycan reign."
Michael stiffened, sword hand tightening. "Ancient Blood," he muttered, the name tasting of old fear. "They were wiped out centuries ago."
"Or so we believed," Daniel said, golden eyes narrowing.
Michael's grip whitened on the hilt. "Who sent you?"
The rogue spat dark blood onto the stones. "No one. We are only the first wave."
A chill slid down Mia's spine. Ancient Blood is a cult whispered of in half-forgotten histories, a group devoted to ending Lycan rule.
Daniel's claws extended with a slow, deliberate scrape. "Then carry my answer to your masters."
The rogue lunged, breaking his bonds with a burst of unnatural speed. Steel flashed. Daniel met him head-on, the courtyard erupting in a storm of claws and teeth.
The rouge beta fought like a creature possessed which is faster than any Alpha, Daniel had faced, his strikes fueled by something beyond ordinary strength. Sparks flew where claw met steel. Warriors shouted, but none dared step between the two titans.
Mia clutched the balcony rail above, the mate bond transmitting every savage blow like a pulse beneath her skin. Her wolf howled to join him, but the twins kicked hard, a visceral reminder of the life she carried.
Daniel feinted left, then drove a crushing knee into the rogue's ribs. Bone cracked. The beast roared and lunged again, fangs seeking Daniel's throat.
Daniel's golden eyes burned like twin suns.
"Your prophecy ends tonight."
With a final surge, he tore through the rogue's defense, claws slicing deep across his chest. The beast collapsed, blood pooling black against the stone.
Still breathing.
Daniel leaned close, voice a low growl that carried across the silent courtyard.
"Tell your master this.....fate may whisper, but I do not bow."
The rogue coughed a wet laugh. "Fate... bows to no one. But it always collects its price."
Then his body went still.
Silence stretched, broken only by the distant roll of thunder.
Daniel wiped the blood from his claws and looked up to the balcony.
Mia's eyes met his; steady, fierce, and unafraid.
The threat was not gone.
And as a lone howl rose from the dark beyond the walls. It was low, mournful, and full of promises.......
Both knew the war was far from over.