Klaus's POV:
The forest is dark.
The air is thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, every breath filling my lungs with the wild essence of the night. The woods bend to my will as my wolf races through it, my paws barely making a sound on the soft, mossy ground.
The thrill of the midnight attack still courses through my veins, making my heart pound like a war drum. It was perfect timing to carry out the raid, as I just finished a mission Rebel Throne gave me, I wouldn't be summoned for a while, meaning I had time to play my game.
When arriving at a creek, I tell Magnus, my wolf, to stop and wash off the blood stains. He does so without me explaining further. He is experienced now.
The pack we invaded tonight is one of Storm Rider Pack's allies.
The sudden attack caught them off guard. I can still see the terror in their eyes, hear the chaos as we descended upon them like a storm. It was swift, brutal, and absolute. The scent of fear and blood had mingled, creating a heady perfume that now clings to my fur.
Finished cleaning, I continue my way back to my dwelling.
As we're about to step into Storm Rider's territory, I shift into my human form, slipping on my clothes which I placed on a tree, and let Magnus rest.
Storm Rider is equipped with top-level security, along with cameras monitoring all areas, making it easy to expose my identity if I'm not careful. Thanks to my family lineage, my wolf is much larger than other wolves, more than double the size of some Alpha wolves.
That's the reason why I rarely shift in Storm Rider.
I'm not an official member of them, so I don't need to attend their weekly run. When I have to shift, I'll take a special drug made by my aunt Amanda who is a witch, that will reduce my wolf to a normal size. The drug's effect lasts for more than 10 hours, during which my wolf will suffer from extreme pains in its muscles and bones. Magnus doesn't like it very much, so I try to avoid shifting in front of other people. Even during training, I can fight other wolves in human form.
Wolves from Swamp Heart Pack are larger than others because we belong to canis lupus occidentalis pedigree, which is also known for its formidable combat abilities and exceptional intelligence, but huger size is a distinct visible feature for our kind.
We were once the most thriving and powerful pack, having the bravest warriors, but all of this was ruined by Rebel Throne.
In fear of our prosperity and growth, she used dirty tricks to defeat my father and sl*ughtered the whole pack, occupying our land and stuff. With our territory lost and our numbers decimated, I barely escaped with my life.
Now, speaking of these memories, there is no longer any turmoil in my heart.
Over the years I've learned how to navigate my emotions, and how to pretend obedience in front of my enemy.
Since I gained my wolf at 18, I started to gather rogues who held great grudges against Rebel Throne.
And then three years after, I defeated the former Rogue King, winning the throne. The old f*ck was indeed a tough one. He refused to submit to me until my teeth tore apart his throat.
It had been an uphill struggle to achieve this place. The road was covered with my own blood and pain.
I hate to admit that Storm Rider Pack is the strongest force today. My rogue army isn't strong enough to crush them yet. So, I start from collapsing their allies. This kind of surprise attack has lasted for two years now, launched aperiodically. When I fight, I make sure to win. There will be more ones, more victories.
I'm springing up the towering slope, bounding towards where I sleep.
In this pack, wolves can choose to live with others or live alone. As long as you are within the pack's border, you can build your house anywhere. Not so many wolves are in favor of living away from their pack members; they prefer having their homes close to one another.
My house, a cottage to be precise, is located at the tip of a mountain, tucked away from the pack's main residential area, which makes it convenient for me to go out at night.
I don't go to my rogues very often though, except when there are important gatherings and raid tasks. It's like walking on the line to pull off all these tricks right under Rebel Throne's nose. I have to be extremely careful.
Dashing on my enemy's land, I let a dark cloud of memories settle over my chest.
The ground beneath my feet is hostile, yet it fuels my resolve. Every step I take, every day I spend, serves as a reminder of my purpose. The landscape before me is both a battlefield and a canvas, where I will paint the final strokes of avenge and reclaim my family's honor!
The Almond family will rise again.
I will make Rebel Throne repay blood with blood. That's ensured.
I'll take over everything she owns - her land, her warriors, her wealth, her daughter...
F*ck! Did I just say I will keep Aurora Throne for my own?
She is my enemy's daughter!
What am I thinking about?
The flash of this idea startles me. What's wrong with me? It must be my wolf messing with my mind.
'I'm about to fall asleep, dude. I don't do thinking before bed.' Magnus protests drowsily.
I ignore him, continuing on my way.
Not far off, I spot my house with lights on. I become alert.
Although living in packs, wolves are territorial to outsiders. For me, Storm Rider is the outsider. I don't allow anyone to enter my room without permission. I race all the way, burning with the desire to tear the intruder to shreds.
Then, the scent hits my nose.
It's the fragrance of blooming lavender and honeysuckle, mingled with the fresh sweetness of wild strawberries and a whisper of citrus. My wolf suddenly wakes up from his drowsiness, getting agitated.
Everyone in this pack knows my rule and accord with me, except one person. I should have thought of her earlier. My fury leaves me immediately.
"Mate! Mate!" Magnus purrs chirpily in my mind, smitten like a cheap lovesick puppy.