With the new placement of the army camp, the cage holding the alpha had been moved several meters from its original position by the outpost. At its new location, three guards constantly watched over her, waiting for the carriage to convey her to the Capital.
One of them leaned close, eyes calculating as the furious-looking girl struggled against her restraints. The clanging of the shackles echoed faintly through the cold air.
"I don't know, man," He said.
"Come on," A second guard replied, stepping up with a leering wink at the alpha, who barked at him. "You're telling me you wouldn't mind hitting that?"
"She's been living with animals for years, man. I don't know where that ass has been," The first guard said, disgust twisting his face.
Stoking the fireplace some feet away, a third guard glanced at them with a judging stare. "Aren't both of you married?" He asked, but the two men ignored him as they debated more on the subject.
Shaking his head, he walked away to find a bush to relieve his bladder—only to suddenly be trapped in a headlock. A surge of electricity ripped through the tight hold, his muscles convulsing under its current before he collapsed.
The heavy thud was loud enough to cut through the bickering of the other two guards.
With a glance, the two approached cautiously, one examining the tent while the other searched outside, calling out for their missing comrade— then stopped abruptly when he found that same guard twitching helplessly on the floor.
Before he could react, a hand shot out from the shadow, grabbing his face and releasing another surge of electricity that knocked him out instantly.
Meanwhile, the alpha's nostrils flared, her dimmed pupils dilating as she sensed a familiar presence.
Dom quietly emerged from the tent, dragging the last unconscious guard towards the cage.
She barked loudly at the sight of him, chains clattering as she struggled to break free, but Dom raised his hands in peace.
"Chill. Chill. I'm here to help." He said calmly.
She stopped, chest heaving heavily as she assessed his gentle gaze. A look completely different from the one she remembered.
Once she finally settled, he approached slowly, careful to avoid threatening her.
Then a sudden spark of static and a gust of wind drew her attention to Dae, who now stood behind Dom.
"Where did you go?" Dom asked, crushing the cage's padlock in his hand with a sharp snap.
Dae raised his hand, drawing Dom's attention to the swords now strapped to his back. "We're going against the Council. Better to be prepared for the worst. I also got this." He tossed some bandages and disinfectant to Dom, who caught them with a nod of thanks.
As Dae moved to stand watch, Dom stepped into the cage, once again triggering her aggression.
She barked, teeth clashing loudly as she snapped at him, jaws closing just inches from his skin.
Dom froze, his eyes softening at the sight of her battered state.
"I know," Dom said quietly, regret lacing his voice. "I'm your least favorite person right now. I fucked up big time, and now your family is in danger. I'm trying to help." He slowly pulled up his shirt, revealing his own bandaged injuries. "They didn't treat yours. Let me help at least. Please."
The alpha's aggression began to waver.
Her glare lingered, but the low growls softened into a rumble in her chest. Her dim silver eyes searched Dom for any sign of deceit. Yet, all she found was his sincerity.
Slowly, she settled, silent but still wary.
Dom smiled and knelt in front of her. "Okay," He said, moving carefully to assess her wounds.
Her eyes followed every movement as he pushed aside part of her torn clothing. He frowned at the cuts and bruises, guilt tightening his chest—he knew they were responsible.
With a grunt, he tore off a part of his shirt, soaking it in disinfectant, and held the damp cloth up. She sniffed it, recoiling slightly at the offensive scent.
"I'm going to clean it. Make sure it doesn't get infected." Dom said softly, voice gentle but firm. "But it's going to sting like hell."
She stared at him, unblinking.
"Do…you even understand me?" He asked quietly.
She doesn't react at first, then gives a single, small nod.
Dom took it as permission and carefully applied the cloth to her torso.
The moment it touched her skin, she stiffened, a sharp hiss escaping as pain flared. She suddenly bit down on Dom's right shoulder in retaliation.
Dae's hand moved instinctively toward his sword, but Dom gave him a smirk, silently signaling he was fine.
"It's okay," Dom reassured, voice trembling slightly from the pain. "It doesn't hurt." He kept working, ignoring the bite sinking deeper into his flesh.
Dae narrowed his eyes at Dom's trembling lip, noting the subtle sign he always gave when lying about his condition. He could tell Dom was in pain, especially with blood seeping into the bandages pierced by the alpha's teeth.
Before Dae could say anything, he sensed an approaching mana signature. "Hurry up," He said sharply, taking a defensive stance, hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Already done," Dom said with a smirk, finishing the last of the bandages around her torso and right leg.
The alpha moved away, eyes fixed on the bandages on her body.
The pain lingered, but it was manageable now.
Dom then reached for her chains and ripped them apart like threads. When his hands touched her cuffs, though, a dark energy pulsed, draining his mana like water from a sponge.
He frowned at the strange sensation and pulled out the keys he had swiped from the fallen guard, trying one after another, until, with a satisfying click, the first cuff fell.
He grinned, victorious, just as a soldier appeared, rushing toward them once he quickly analyzed the scene. "Hey! What are you—"
Dae dashed forward, evading the guard's quick draw and smashing the handle of his weapon into the soldier's temple, knocking him out cold.
But it was too late.
The guard's shout and the gunfire had alerted the camp.
Moments later, the thudding of heavy footsteps filled the air.
Dae clicked his tongue and turned to the cage, watching as Dom unlocked the second cuff.
Once free, the alpha bolted towards the exit, but after only a few steps, she stumbled, her body too weak to carry her own weight.
"You can't run yet," Dom said quickly, tossing the cuffs away and holding out his hand. "It'll take about 15 minutes to get back to normal. I'll carry you."
She growled at him, trying to push herself up, but collapsed again.
Dom stepped closer, palm open and patient. "Trust me."
Her hostile eyes softened at his gaze. She didn't fully understand his words, but she recognized his determination.
After a long moment, she cautiously reached out and took his hand.
"Dom?" Dae called, taking out another guard as more footsteps closed in.
Dom's focus never wavered; he nodded at Dae and returned his attention to the alpha.
A moment later, five soldiers arrived at the cage to find a dozen unconscious guards and an empty cell.
One swore violently, then barked at the others, "Call HQ and the extermination team, now!"
The soldiers saluted and moved into action while he glared at the cage.
"What the hell happened here?" He grumbled, noticing the discarded cuffs and keys on the floor.
Meanwhile…
Dom, carrying the alpha in his arms, and Dae were sprinting toward the forest, their legs a blur as they rapidly covered distance.
Dom then winced at the sharp pain in his bleeding shoulder but smirked once he noticed Dae's glance. "I'm fine." He muttered.
Dae narrowed his eyes, clearly skeptical, but stayed silent.
Suddenly, a distant explosion shook the air. They looked up and watched as black smoke rose into the dark sky while flames consumed some of the forest ahead.
"They've started," Dom muttered.
"Or they've already wiped out the pack," Dae said coldly.
The alpha squeezed Dom's shirt, eyes wide with concern as she watched her home burn.
Dom frowned at her, then shot Dae a glare. "You need to stop being so negative, dude." He snapped.
Dae rolled his eyes while Dom focused on the girl in his arms, flashing her a forced smile. "Anyways, I know we got off on the wrong foot..."
Her glare returned, full of hatred.
Dom cleared his throat, awkwardly ignoring her glare. "My name's Dominic. You can call me Dom. And this is Dae."
Dae shook his head, watching Dom struggle to lighten her mood.
"So what's your name?" Dom asked gently. "You… have a name, right?"
The alpha remained silent, eyes full of lethal intent despite still clinging to him as they finally entered the forest, dodging and jumping over the uneven terrain.
Dom sighed, smile fading. "Sometimes I wonder if you actually understand me." He muttered.
Dae glanced at her, eyes narrowed in thought. "Considering she's lived with wolves for possibly years, she probably only understands the basics of human speech. Can't say the same for her replies."
Dom frowned. "I wonder why she's living with wolves in the first place…" He commented.
Dae shrugged. "Maybe she was abandoned as a baby and was raised by them."
Despite the tension around them, Dom smirked. "Badass."
As they moved through the dark woods, Dom and Dae relied on their mana-infused eyes, barely making out the shapes of trees and the shifting shadows around them, their vision flickering in the gloom.
Then, finally, the alpha spoke, her voice low and uncertain:
"Why… Pack… Human… Why…"
Her words didn't make any linguistic sense, but their meaning was clear. She stared at Dom with a mix of hatred and confusion.
Dom grinned widely as he responded, "Because we're heroes."
"I don't remember agreeing to that title." Dae scoffed, running beside him.
Dom raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with being a hero?"
The alpha watched silently as they bickered again, observing these two humans. Over the years, she'd encountered many humans-- those coming to steal their prey or attack her family--but they were different.
"Hi…ro…" She whispered, just as a loud wolf howl pierced the air.
Her eyes flashed bright silver, and she twisted out of Dom's grip, launching into the woods on all fours with revitalized speed.
Dom and Dae stopped, watching her vanish into the trees.
"Guess she's fine now," Dom said, smirking, just as more explosions erupted, flames climbing higher on the horizon.
Dom turned to Dae, about to give a command—but Dae's blades were already drawn.
No words were needed.
With a shared nod, they split apart: Dae headed toward the explosions while Dom chased after the alpha.
Two minutes later…
Dom traced her presence through the thick forest until the sound of gunshots and growls reached him in the distance.
With a sudden leap, he scaled over the trees and quickly spotted the source: a clearing dozens of meters ahead, where dozens of soldiers wielded muskets and swords against a vicious pack of silver wolves.
Amidst them, a familiar figure moved with terrifying speed, slashing through soldiers like they were paper.
Dom clicked his tongue, then descended back to the forest floor and dashed at full speed toward the heart of the battle.
In the midst of the chaos…
A frustrated soldier opened fire, taking down a wolf, only to fall as two more lunged at him, ripping him apart in seconds.
"Damn it," Another muttered, aiming at a wolf's jaw—but a swipe slashed through his wrists, severing his hands. Then blood spewed as a clawed hand grabbed his face, long nails digging into his skull and left eye.
With a growl, the alpha yanked him by the face, smashing him into another soldier.
The impact threw off the soldier's aim, and the stray bullet killed a nearby comrade.
After killing another soldier, she dropped to her knees, now struggling to catch her breath. Some of her wounds had reopened, and her body felt heavier from the lingering effect of the mana-suppressing cuffs.
A soldier saw his chance and fired, but she weaved, the bullet grazing her arm as she lunged and bit into his neck.
With a grunt, she ripped out a chunk of flesh in a spray of blood. He collapsed, eyes rolling back, and she spat the bloodied clump aside.
Dodging more gunfire, she struck down two soldiers, but stumbled toward a third.
In that moment, a blade slashed across her thigh. She screamed in pain and then swung blindly, only to have the soldier evade her sluggish attacks.
Then, before she could react, that same soldier pressed a palm to her chest.
"Repel," She commanded, releasing a burst of mana that sent the alpha rolling across the ground.
As she curled up, gasping to replace the air forced out of her lungs, the soldier approached with a confident smirk. "Not so tough, huh?" She taunted, her large frame oozing with refined mana.
"That's a Captain for you," A soldier said.
"Yeah. Kill her, Cap," Another cheered.
The Captain stepped forward, drawing her sword, glowing blue mana tracing her arm. She aimed at the alpha, who tried to rise—just as a few wolf cubs scrambled forward, forming a protective circle around their leader.
Their tiny growls barely intimidated her or her soldiers, prompting a mocking laugh.
"Sorry, puppies. I'm a cat person." The Captain said, waving a hand dismissively. "Gun'em down, boys."
On cue, dozens of musket barrels were raised.
The alpha barked at the cubs, urging them to run, but they refused, their determination contrasting with their helpless bodies.
The soldiers fired, sending bullets flying into the air… but at the last second, a figure slid between them, taking a volley of bullets head-on.
The soldiers froze, lowering their weapons in shock while their Captain narrowed her eyes.
Meanwhile, the alpha stared in disbelief as Dom looked over his shoulder with a signature grin. "You okay?" He asked casually.
"No way." A soldier gawked once he realized it--despite holes riddling Dom's uniform, his skin remained untouched while the crushed bullets lay harmlessly at his feet.
"Cool, right? It's one of my greatest strengths…" Dom said, plucking a dented bullet from his unscathed neck, and casually flicked it aside. "… Bullets don't work on me."
One soldier stepped back, sweat running down his face. "Impossible…"
"No, it isn't," The Captain said, stepping forward. "It takes a lot of effort, but if you enhance your body with enough mana, you can withstand all manner of physical attacks—including bullets."
Dom scoffed while she studied him critically.
"You're wearing our uniform, but I've never seen you before. Identify yourself."
Dom folded his arms, grinning confidently. "I'm Dominic the Hero and future Monarch. Nice to meet you." He declared boldly, his chest puffed out.
The Captain's eyes narrowed, unamused by his jest. "You're just a brat. Move, or I'll have you arrested."
Dom's eyes glowed brightly. "Make me."
Her eyes sharpened, predator-like, as she gripped her sword tightly. "The hard way, then." She muttered, then, with a burst of speed, she dashed forward, blade drawn.
Dom instantly braced himself, his feet balancing as he drew his right fist back.
Don't kill her. Don't kill her. Don't kill her. The thought repeated in his mind like a broken record as she closed the distance.
With a grunt, she swung her mana-infused blade, aiming directly for his neck. Her eyes widened in disbelief once the sword shattered against his impossibly hard skin.
She then noticed Dom's rapidly approaching fist, the air whistling around his mana-enforced knuckles, and she raised a glowing palm, aiming to repel him with her magic—but Dom's fist was faster.
She groaned as his blow struck her in the face, breaking her nose while the shock made her vision go white.
With a resulting shockwave, she rocketed through the air and crashed into a tree several meters away in an instant.
The spectating soldiers gaped, utterly dumbfounded as their Captain remained lodged in the bark, mouth agape as blood trickled down her nose.
"Shit," Dom muttered, staring at his fist with a frown. "I thought I held back."
"He… took down the Captain…" One soldier whispered.
"…With one punch," Another added, stepping away from Dom like a child who had just seen a monster.
The wolf cubs then barked defensively around their leader at him, looking more like adorable pets than terrifying threats.
The alpha laughed, eyes briefly flicking toward Dom with a subtle recognition of what he had just done.
Dom's eyes widened at the sight of her smiling—a rare expression he hadn't seen since their first encounter.
"Hey! Kid!" A soldier shouted, drawing their attention. "I remember you now! You're one of those knights the Capital sent to capture that woman, right?! So what the hell are you doing?"
Dom gave them a cold stare, mana flaring around his fists again. "Correcting my fuck-up." He answered.
The soldier gritted his teeth as he reloaded, then aimed again. "Stand down, or we will kill you."
The alpha growled at them, her bloodied claws raised eagerly, but Dom stepped between them, cracking his knuckles with an unfazed grin, even as a dozen barrels aimed at him.