Devin's perspective
The night was consistently a cover for Devin , a sanctuary for avoiding uncomfortable realities. He liked the shadows more - unnoticed, undisturbed. However, this evening, the darkness did not work in his favor. It acted as a cage, confining him unexpectedly.
From afar, he observed the rogues overtake the temple, their loud cries echoing like a battle call. His heart pounded, not with fear, but with the grim understanding that everything was spinning out of hand. Angela was inside with the Alpha King. The woman who could have been his foe, but wasn't. No longer the case.
Angela had turned into a different kind of presence for him, something that he couldn't define. Since their paths crossed once more, she had rekindled emotions in him that he had long buried. Feelings of remorse or responsibility. Feeling sorry for something. And something almost like love. However, there was no space for that at the moment. With the chaos happening in front of him.
A decision had to be made by him. Remain concealed, or take action.
The rogues were displaying a level of ferocity that he hadn't witnessed in years. They were unstoppable, brutal, yet lacked coordination. They acted as a forceful tool, relentlessly attacking the temple walls out of anger and despair. And they were on the verge of getting killed.
Devin was aware that the Alpha King would not be lenient. He had never done so, and he never will. The King thrived by causing bloodshed and destroying his enemies. The outlaws had no hope of success. What concerned Devin even more was Angela . She was undeniably strong, but she found herself trapped in a conflict she couldn't comprehend.
And he was unsure if she could make it through.
He felt a knot in his stomach when he spotted her in the midst of the disorder through the damaged entrance of the temple. Though her expression was determined and serious, there was a hint of fragility that she attempted to conceal. She was managing well, defending herself against the rogues using the same strength and grace that had always attracted him to her. However, this battle stood out from the rest. This was not solely about staying alive. This was regarding decisions—decisions that would alter everything.
Devin breathed deeply, his hands balled into tight fists. He had made a promise to himself not to become engaged. This was not a fight he needed to be involved in. However, a part of him couldn't abandon her to deal with it by herself. Not following all that they had experienced. After he had left her multiple times, it was over.
He found himself moving before he could halt. His feet led him to the temple, weaving through the crowd of criminals and predators fighting each other. The aroma of blood and fear filled the air, yet Devin persevered, never taking his eyes off Angela .
Upon his arrival, he observed her swiftly take down a rogue with a brutal kick, her blade shining in the torchlight as she moved with deadly accuracy. However, she was starting to move at a slower pace. She was getting exhausted, and the rogues were not giving her a break.
Devin felt his chest constrict. He was too busy to contemplate. He needed to take action.
He snarled as he hurled himself towards the closest rogue, taking down the creature before it could attack Angela from the back. Devin didn't allow the rogue to retaliate as it snarled and twisted beneath him. He plunged his claws into the creature's throat, immediately quieting it.
Angela turned quickly when she heard the sound, her eyes growing wide as she caught sight of him. "Devin , are you there?"
He chose not to reply. Instead of fleeing, he pivoted and confronted the oncoming group of rogues, his muscles tight and prepared for the impending assault.
"Why are you here?" she yelled, her voice rising above the chaos.
Devin clenched his teeth, drawing his knife out of its holder when another rogue charged towards him. He avoided the hit and cut the rogue's chest, causing it to fall to the ground. "Seemingly rescuing your buttocks."
Frustration flickered in Angela 's eyes, but she was interrupted by a loud roar reverberating through the temple.
The King of Alpha.
The noise echoed in Devin 's bones, serving as a grim indication of the strength they were facing. The bandits appeared to pause briefly, as if detecting the change in the atmosphere. Next, similar to a tsunami, the wolves of the King arrived - his close protection squad swiftly and efficiently eliminating the remaining rogues.
It was finished before it had even started.
The rogues were never able to succeed.
Devin gasped for breath as he witnessed the situation unfold. Dead bodies were scattered across the floor of the temple, with the strong smell of death filling the air. However, he was looking at the Alpha King, who was positioned in the middle of the disorder, with a mysterious expression on his face.
Afterward, an event occurred. Something that Devin did not anticipate.
The Alpha King briefly shifted his gaze and locked onto Angela . There was a certain quality in his eyes that caused Devin to feel chills. Not rage, not aversion, but curiosity. As if she was a mystery he was determined to unravel. He desired to obtain a weapon.
Angela felt tense as she faced that stare, and Devin noticed a hint of doubt in her eyes. Despite her strength, she was unable to face the Alpha King by herself.
Devin moved forward instinctively, positioning himself as a barrier between Angela and the King. He was unsure of the reason behind his actions, perhaps it was instinct, but he was determined to prevent the Alpha King from taking her. This is not acceptable.
The King's eyes squinted slightly, a hint of amusement appearing on his face. "Fascinating," he whispered, his voice resonating across the battlefield. "I didn't anticipate that you would defend her, Devin ."
Devin 's muscles became taut, yet he remained still. "Keep your distance from her."
The Alpha King laughed, the tone sinister and taunting. "Do you believe you have the power to prevent me? I could defeat both of you easily without using any effort.
Devin felt his heart racing in his chest, yet he stood his ground. He had encountered death previously. He had traversed through the fires of hell and emerged on the opposite end. However, this sensation was unlike anything experienced before. This seemed like being at the brink of a cliff, with no choice but to leap.
"Why did he choose her?" Devin inquired, speaking softly yet with a firm tone. "What makes you so curious about Angela ?"
The Alpha King's smile disappeared as his eyes grew darker. "Because she holds more worth than you give her credit for." Devin , she's more than just a wolf. She's different. Something strong.
Devin took a quick look at Angela , who observed the interaction cautiously. She was also unsure. She hadn't yet uncovered whatever clue the Alpha King was suggesting.
"What do you mean?" Angela insisted, her tone cutting.
The Alpha King remained silent. Instead, he moved closer, his eyes fixed on hers. "You will discover the truth in due time. And when you do so, you will regret not accepting my proposal.
Devin felt his heart quicken as he absorbed the Alpha King's words. What is being offered? What is the offer about? He was not aware of any offer. However, it was inconsequential. Devin was not going to allow the Alpha King to win whatever game he was playing.
"Get out," Devin snarled, his voice conveying caution.
The Alpha King grinned once more, only this time with a colder expression. "This is far from finished."
After that, he turned around and left, with his wolves trailing closely behind. Devin and Angela were left alone in the temple after the battle, as the sound of their leaving reverberated.
Confusion and anger swirled in Angela 's gaze as her eyes shifted to Devin . "What in the world just occurred?"
Devin was unable to provide a response. All he was aware of was that tonight something had changed. The Alpha King had exposed a dark and dangerous secret, which focused on Angela .
However, one thing was evident.
Time was running out for them.