The inevitable battle unfolded as Storm and the warriors transformed into their wolf forms and launched their attack.
Vione instinctively stepped back after catching a glimpse of the golden wolf. Somehow, she felt the golden wolf urging her to move aside. She obeyed, retreating as the golden wolf lunged forward.
On the other hand, Mireya could not shift her focus from the golden wolf. Her hands clenched tightly and she unconsciously began to bite her lower lip. Gradually, her restlessness turned into real concern. The eyes, the way it stared, and the shape of the golden wolf were unmistakable. But how could that be?
In his majestic wolf form, Storm let out a commanding howl. Four warriors leapt forward with their front paws raised, sharp claws gleaming in the moonlight, ready to tear at the golden wolf.
The golden wolf dodged with grace, effortlessly avoiding each warrior’s attack. Storm, in his wolf form, growled in frustration. The warriors looked foolish, unable to land a single blow on the golden wolf. All of their attacks were easily parried or dodged.
Storm growled louder, unable to remain passive. He howled and sprang forward.
The golden wolf dodged skillfully, and Storm landed on the ground again, his attack missing its target. He growled and glared at the golden wolf.
The warriors looked helpless, unable to touch the golden wolf. All their attempts were in vain; the golden wolf effortlessly deflected or dodged each blow.
Storm was angry. He could not stand still. Howling again, he lunged forward.
Once more the golden wolf dodged at the right moment. Storm landed on the ground, missing his target. He growled; his eyes fixed intently on the golden wolf.
The golden wolf returned Storm’s gaze. They began to circle each other with heightened anticipation, and Storm’s growl slowly echoed.
Suddenly, Storm froze. The golden wolf’s gaze sent shivers through his body. His heart raced with an uncomfortable beat. He tried to concentrate, but it was not fear. He had never been afraid of anything. He was the most respected warrior in the Frostholm pack. So why did he feel a sense of fear?
The essence of Storm’s wolf spirit was restless. An illogical whisper urged him not to attack the golden wolf. The reason was something absurd. He is the Alpha Usher, but it couldn’t be; the golden wolf couldn’t be Alpha Usher.
Storm growled, strengthening his resolve and his heart. He leaped again; his claws ready to strike at the golden wolf.
But the golden wolf dodged once more. Before Storm could reach, the golden wolf moved to collide with him, sending Storm reeling.
Storm regained his footing quickly. He prepared for the expected counterattack from the golden wolf. Strangely, the golden wolf did not retaliate against Storm. Instead, it returned to Vione.
The golden wolf circled Vione; its sharp gaze fixed on each warrior. For some inexplicable reason, they all remained motionless. None of them moved, making Mireya visibly angry.
“You useless wolves!”
In the midst of the chaos, Mireya jumped, transforming into a wolf as she landed. She decided to test her luck against the golden wolf, both to witness its power and to make sure that no one could help Vione escape.
Mireya howled and ran towards the golden wolf. Her front paws raised, she prepared to strike with her claws.
But Mireya’s attack missed its target. The golden wolf quickly retaliated, knocking Mireya to the ground several times.
Undeterred, Mireya rose to her feet, snarling as her claws left marks on the ground. She leapt again, attempting another attack on the golden wolf.
The golden wolf maneuvered gracefully and dodged Mireya’s attack. It responded with a swift counterattack, knocking Mireya to the ground in a pitiful state.
As she struggled to get up, Mireya’s anger flared, and she vowed to kill the golden wolf no matter what.
But the golden wolf had other plans. When Mireya was thrown into the air, it immediately approached Vione and signaled her to climb onto its back.
Vione understood, mounted the golden wolf, and together they left the scene.
*
Echoes of slapping echoed through the palace hall. Mireya, venting her anger, struck Storm repeatedly.
Storm remained stoic, his large and imposing frame undisturbed. Even as Mireya’s slaps continued, he did not flinch, his expression unchanged despite his reddened cheek.
The last slap landed on Storm’s cheek just as Garth entered the hall. Having heard the news of Vione’s escape and the rumors of Storm’s failure against the mysterious Golden Wolf, Garth had rushed to The Palace.
Garth stopped in his tracks, stunned by the scene before him.
“You are utterly useless, Storm! You’re a disgrace! How could you be so helpless against that cursed golden wolf?”
Storm remained silent, refusing to utter a word. He continued to stare at Mireya with unwavering eyes, while his hands remained clenched.
“Why? Is there nothing you want to say?” Mireya growled and approached Storm with a sharp look.
Still, Storm remained silent, his hands clenched tightly into fists.
“I’ll be sure to tell Usher about your outstanding performance when he wakes up. He’ll be disappointed to have such a useless leader like you, Storm!”
Storm remained silent. Mireya became even more frustrated, especially when she noticed Garth’s presence.
“None of you are of any use!”
After expressing her dissatisfaction, Mireya stormed off with heavy steps towards the elevator. Within moments, only Storm and Garth were left in the lobby.
Garth approached Storm. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” Storm nodded with a flat tone. “You don’t have to worry.”
At least Garth had some good news. He breathed a sigh of relief and led Storm to the special room in the palace for Betas. Storm took a seat on the sofa and Garth immediately retrieved the medicine chest. He placed it on the table and sat across from Storm.
Storm opened the medicine chest and took out a bottle of alcohol and some cotton. He cleaned a few scratches on the back of his hand. “Vione escaped.”
Garth nodded. “I know. What happened next?”
*