Chapter 51: A Bloody Game
Adrian’s heart thundered in his chest as he sprinted across the academy grounds, the world blurring around him. His breath came in ragged bursts, but he didn’t slow. Not when his lungs burned. Not when fear clawed at his spine. His mind played the same name over and over like a scream he couldn’t silence, Lorraine.
The looming structure of the Lycans’ dormitory rose ahead, dark and formidable, its black stone exterior casting a shadow long enough to chill the heart. Two massive guards in red-collared uniforms stood at the front entrance, their gazes sharp, postures rigid with predatory power.
Adrian didn’t hesitate.
He charged straight toward them.
"I need to see the Lycan Prince, Kieran Valerius Hunter!" he shouted, breathless.
The guards stiffened. Then laughed.
"What the hell is a noble doing at a Lycan’s door?" one of them sneered, stepping forward. "Lost your way, pup?"
Adrian clenched his fists. "I don’t care about protocol. He took Lorraine. I need to see her. I need to know she’s alive."
He barely saw the punch coming.
A brutal fist slammed into his jaw with a sickening crack, splitting his lip and jerking his head sideways. Blood sprayed across the stone steps. Adrian staggered but didn’t fall. He lifted his head slowly, blood dripping down his chin, pain burning hot across his face.
"I must see Kieran," he said again, voice strained but steady.
"How dare a lowly noble like you speak his name that way," the other Lycan hissed, stepping forward. His boot caught Adrian in the gut, sending him crashing to the ground.