Chapter 92: The King Has Arrived
The Commander’s shadowy form pulsed with amusement, the oppressive mana in the clearing shifting like a living thing. "Surrender," the cold voice echoed again. "Your King is newly chosen. His domain is weak. Under my King’s wing, you might yet survive."
Scarlet’s grip on her daggers tightened, her knuckles white. Every instinct screamed at her to run. This thing? It wasn’t just strong—it was on another level entirely. The werewolves had been tough, but this? This was like standing in front of a hurricane and pretending you could weather it.
Arachne, though? She didn’t budge. Her knees shook, her breath came fast, but she stood her ground. "Let me counter your offer," she said, voice steady despite the fear tightening her throat. "Leave immediately. Maybe my Lord will spare you."
The Commander’s laughter wasn’t a sound—it was a vibration, something that rattled bones. "Oh? Where is he now?" The shadows twisted, mocking. "Hiding in his castle like a coward while the girls do the heavy lifting? Sounds less like a King and more like a child playing pretend."
Arachne moved. Fast. Faster than she had against the werewolves, a blur of motion aimed straight at the Commander.
It didn’t matter.
The shadowy arm lifted, almost lazily, and flicked outward.
She hit the tree with a crunch that made Scarlet wince. The impact splintered bark, sent leaves raining down. She slumped, coughing, blood flecking her lips. Her vision swam, her ribs screamed—broken, probably.
’Why am I doing this?’ The thought flickered through her dazed mind. She barely knew Fin. He wasn’t her King, not really. Not like the Queen had been.
But with the Queen, everything had been cold. Calculated. A spider’s web of control, every thread pulling tighter until you couldn’t breathe.
Fin? His mana hummed inside her, warm, alive. Not a leash. A choice.