Chapter 54
The Werewolf Realm.
The Battlefield.
Roosevelt soared above the battlefield on his dragon like a king surveying his domain. The dragon's wings sliced through the crimson sky, its screech echoing across the lands. Below, the various races clashed, swords clanging, arrows whistling through the air, and magical blasts igniting the earth. To Roosevelt's piercing gaze, it was all inconsequential—a petty brawl unworthy of his attention.
"How dare you…" Roosevelt's voice rolled across the battlefield, ancient and foreboding. "You tried to kill Daksha?"
Levi froze for a heartbeat, then nudged Micha, whispering, "This is… him. The one we've been reading about." His eyes betrayed a mix of awe and disbelief. "I know it's strange, but… he's… handsome."
Micha blinked, trying to process the scene. "I was expecting a monster, centuries-old and terrifying. But him? He looks… lethal, yes—but strikingly human. It's unnerving."
Levi shivered involuntarily. "Am I the only one getting chills? Look at those red eyes…"
"Oh, you're not alone," Micha replied, his voice trembling. "I'm terrified, too."
A shadow passed over Micha's face as he whispered, "Levi… why is he coming this way?"
Levi's throat tightened. "I… I have no idea. Run!"
The two bolted toward the elves desperately trying to conjure a portal. Spells clashed in sparks and smoke as the elves struggled to open a gateway to safety.
From above, Roosevelt scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Burn, weaklings!"
His dragon unleashed a torrent of fire, engulfing half the elves before they could complete their spells. Screams of agony filled the air. The battlefield seemed to darken under the weight of death and despair.
Levi's mind raced. If nothing changed, everyone here—every last soldier, elf, vampire, and werewolf—could die.
He stepped forward, determination hardening his features. King Johnson's gaze locked on him, silent but heavy with question: What are you trying to do?
Micha grabbed Levi's arm, alarmed. "Whatever it is, don't do it! It's too dangerous!"
Levi shook off the warning. Around him, the remaining elves worked frantically on the portal. They needed a distraction, something—anything—to pull Roosevelt's attention away, even for a minute.
Raising his head toward the dragon above, Levi spoke, his voice carrying through the chaos. "I know you didn't kill Raphael. I know your anger toward us stems from Beth's death…"
Roosevelt's red eyes narrowed, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
Levi continued, his tone steady but raw with emotion. "I know about your queen, too. And I know… you're not the villain history made you out to be. On behalf of the werewolf race, I… I am sorry."
For a moment, a sound that was almost laughter echoed from Roosevelt. "Wasn't history erased? How do you know so much, little wolf?" His tone was icy, yet tinged with curiosity.
Levi swallowed, pressing forward. "My apology… it's too late. I know it can't bring Beth back. Apologies don't undo death."
Roosevelt's laughter rolled over the battlefield, dark and hollow. "Do you think words matter? Can they resurrect the dead? No. They can't."
Levi glanced back at the elves. The portal was almost complete. Time was running out. He shouted over the roar of dragon wings and fire, "I also know you never touched Princess Eloise. You had no idea she came to the Vampire Realm. I'm not telling you this for forgiveness—I'm telling you because… I want to survive!"
With a surge of speed, Levi darted toward the portal. "Everyone, get inside! Now!"
The elves tumbled through the shimmering gateway, one by one. Micha stayed behind just long enough to ensure Levi was safe before diving in himself.
Roosevelt's gaze finally registered the deception. His voice thundered across the battlefield. "You dare take me for a fool?"
A dark, pulsating orb erupted from Roosevelt's hand and hurtled toward Levi. It slammed into him just as he crossed the portal threshold. Pain surged, and Levi's vision blurred—but he made it through.
The portals snapped shut, sealing the battlefield in eerie silence. Roosevelt's roar echoed into the distance as he mounted his dragon. The demons scattered, disappearing with him.
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~ Red Moon Pack ~
The survivors of the battle stumbled into the Red Moon Pack's stronghold, their bodies battered and weary. The toll was devastating. Alphas and betas lay among the dead, alongside countless vampires, werewolves, and elves. The once-mighty army had been reduced to half its number.
A somber announcement spread among the ranks: "We have returned."
Those who could walk staggered toward the barracks, collapsing wherever they could. Some were too weak even to lift a hand.
The Alpha of Silver Crest, his expression grave, rose and called for the pack doctors, who were now busier than ever. Erin emerged, surveying the crowd. The losses were heavy, the injuries severe.
King Johnson approached her, voice firm but concerned. "Check on Alpha Levi. I have a feeling Roosevelt targeted him."
Erin pushed through the chaos, scanning the wounded. She found him quickly: Levi, groaning softly, black blood staining his clothes. Demonic energy had fused deep into his bones—an insidious mark of Roosevelt's attack.
She inhaled sharply and focused, drawing out the energy. Sweat beaded on her forehead as she extracted a fraction of it. Exhaustion hit her like a brick, but she didn't stop. Levi's life depended on it.
Micha rushed to Levi's side, lifting him carefully. "Hang on, Levi. You'll make it."
Erin followed, her hands still glowing faintly from the energy she had extracted. The injured were taken in by pack doctors, each treated with careful precision. The healthy, those who could still stand, collapsed into beds or against walls, too drained to even speak.
King Johnson's voice rang out, low and commanding. "There will be a meeting tomorrow at noon. Let's pray Roosevelt doesn't strike before then." He paused, surveying the weary soldiers. "And… stay here. There's no need to return to your respective packs. Being divided does us no good. The Red Moon Pack is large enough to accommodate everyone now, given our losses."
He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the survivors. "Rest well, everyone. And remember… if not for Levi's last-minute plan, Roosevelt would have slaughtered us all. Consider yourselves lucky. Today was a harsh reminder of how thin the line is between survival and annihilation."
The soldiers nodded silently, their minds heavy with grief and relief. Outside, the Red Moon hung in the sky, blood-red and ominous, a silent witness to the chaos that had been wrought. For now, the battlefield was quiet—but all knew this was only a reprieve.