The Crimson Binding
The world outside was a blur of chaos and violence. The familiar courtyard of the Blackwater Pack's manor was engulfed in pandemonium, shadows and fire dancing together in a lethal waltz. The scent of blood and smoke hung thick in the air, and the sound of clashing metal rang through the night. Elena's heart hammered in her chest as she stepped into the open, every nerve alight with both fear and adrenaline.
Alexander was a force of nature beside her, his movements precise and deadly. His gaze remained sharp, every strike of his blade met with a howl of agony from their assailants—rogue wolves that moved with unnerving coordination. But even as the battle unfolded around them, his attention never strayed too far from Elena. She could feel it, his presence like a protective shield, one she was both grateful for and infuriated by.
"I thought you said I needed to fend for myself," she bit out, narrowly dodging a clawed hand that swiped at her face. Her own blade—one she had retrieved from the armory minutes before—felt heavy in her grip, but she forced herself to wield it. She wasn't helpless, not anymore.
Alexander shot her a quick, heated look, his fangs bared as he sliced through another wolf. "That doesn't mean I'll stand by and watch you get torn apart."
"Then stop holding back!" she yelled, the anger boiling over. She needed him to understand—needed him to let her prove herself. The surge of power within her stirred restlessly, sensing the conflict, and she struggled to keep it in check. The memory of her transformation still haunted her, the way the energy had taken control, twisting her body and mind into something she barely recognized.
But she couldn't be afraid of it, not now. Not when lives were at stake.
A flash of movement caught her eye, and Elena spun just in time to see a massive wolf lunging toward her, its eyes glowing red with unbridled rage. She swung her blade up, the steel catching the creature's side, but the impact nearly sent her sprawling. The wolf let out a furious snarl, its jaws snapping dangerously close to her throat.
"Elena!" Alexander's voice was a sharp command, but she ignored it, gritting her teeth as she fought to hold her ground. The wolf was strong—far stronger than anything she'd faced before. Its claws raked across her arm, and pain exploded along her nerves, but she refused to back down.
Focus. You can do this. She forced herself to concentrate, to feel the power simmering beneath her skin. The beast within her stirred, its presence both familiar and terrifying, and she grasped for it, letting the energy course through her veins. A low growl escaped her lips, and for a moment, the wolf hesitated, its gaze flickering with confusion.
"Get away from her!" Alexander's roar reverberated through the courtyard, and before she could react, he was there, his body a blur of motion as he tore into the wolf with a savage ferocity. Blood sprayed, and the creature let out a choked whimper before crumpling to the ground.
"Dammit, Alexander!" she shouted, her chest heaving. The adrenaline made her vision swim, the lingering pain from the wound on her arm throbbing in time with her heartbeat. "I had it under control!"
He turned to her, his eyes blazing with an emotion she couldn't quite name. "Control? You were about to get yourself killed!"
"Maybe I need to learn the hard way!" she shot back, the words tumbling out before she could stop them. "You can't just protect me forever, Alexander. I need—"
"You need to survive," he interrupted, his voice low and dangerous. "And right now, that means listening to me."
Elena opened her mouth to argue, but the look in his eyes silenced her. It wasn't just anger or frustration—it was fear. Raw, unfiltered fear that made her heart twist painfully in her chest. He was scared for her. And it wasn't just about the battle. It was about something deeper, something that went beyond the bloodshed and chaos.
"I—" she started, but a sudden crash interrupted her. They both turned as a figure emerged from the smoke, towering and cloaked in shadows. The scent of dark magic filled the air, thick and cloying, and Elena felt a shiver of dread race down her spine.
"Ah, the little lamb and her guardian," the figure crooned, its voice dripping with malice. "How sweet."
Alexander tensed beside her, his grip tightening on his blade. "Who the hell are you?" he snarled, his entire body coiled with readiness.
The figure stepped closer, the shadows peeling away to reveal a tall, lean man with pale skin and eyes like molten gold. His lips curved into a mocking smile, and a low chuckle rumbled in his chest. "Who I am is of little consequence. What matters is what I want."
"And what's that?" Elena demanded, forcing herself to stand tall. She wouldn't let him see her fear.
The man's gaze shifted to her, and she felt it like a physical touch—a cold, invasive presence that sent chills down her spine. "You, my dear," he murmured, his smile widening. "Or rather, the power you carry within you. The blood of the ancients runs strong in your veins, and I intend to take it."
Alexander moved before Elena could even process the words, placing himself squarely between her and the stranger. "Over my dead body."
The man's eyes gleamed with amusement. "That can be arranged." With a flick of his wrist, a surge of dark energy shot toward them, faster than Elena could react. Alexander leapt forward, his own power flaring to life, but the impact sent him crashing back, skidding across the ground.
"Alexander!" Panic clawed at her throat as she ran to his side, but he was already pushing himself up, his expression twisted with pain.
"Stay back, Elena," he growled, struggling to his feet. Blood trickled from a cut on his forehead, but his gaze remained fierce. "He's too strong. You need to run."
"Like hell I will!" she snapped, fury and fear warring within her. The power inside her surged in response, filling her veins with a wild, burning heat. She wouldn't run. Not this time. Not when he was the one in danger.
The man's laughter echoed through the courtyard, cold and mocking. "Such spirit," he mused, his gaze locked onto Elena. "But spirit alone won't save you."
He raised his hand again, the air around him crackling with dark magic. But before he could strike, a blinding light exploded from Elena's chest, a pulse of pure energy that sent the man staggering back.
"What—?" He stared at her, his eyes wide with shock.
Elena's breath came in ragged gasps, her entire body trembling from the force of the power coursing through her. But she didn't falter. She stepped forward, her gaze never leaving the stranger's.
"You want my power?" she whispered, her voice low and dangerous. "Then come and get it."
And with a roar that shook the very foundations of the manor, she unleashed the full force of her magic.