Chapter 35 Was He Too Late?
"I’m Elric, a mage..." the elder introduced himself, though his voice carried hesitation. He glanced around, confusion flickering in his eyes—he, too, seemed unsure of why he was there. There was only one explanation forming in his mind, and his gaze shifted back to Addison, though he couldn’t yet confirm it.
Suddenly, another blood-curdling roar echoed from deep within the forest—closer this time. It was followed by several agonized screams, and the wind carried with it the stench of fresh blood.
The two men standing in front of Elric wrinkled their noses in disgust. Even the man holding Addison frowned as he turned to look behind them.
They all knew they couldn’t linger much longer. Alpha Zion was drawing near, and with each passing second, the pressure and bloodlust radiating from him grew heavier and more suffocating.
Then the elder spoke, his voice firm yet urgent. "Here! This way, quickly!"
When the two turned to look, a portal had opened beside him—its bluish hue glowing softly, casting a pale light that shimmered across the surrounding trees. Though it illuminated the area, the glow was discreet, subtle enough not to alert anything lurking in the forest to its presence. A silent escape, a way to vanish from where they stood and reappear elsewhere.
But as they stared at the swirling gateway, one pressing question lingered between them:Could they really trust this elder?
For all they knew, the portal could lead to an even more dangerous place. Escaping the frying pan only to leap into the fire was a risk they couldn’t afford—especially with Addison, who looked like she was hanging on by a thread. The two men hesitated, their instincts urging caution. But the elder seemed to sense their doubt.
"I am the Royal Mage, Elric Zimmerman," he said calmly, his eyes steady. "I’m here by the order of the Alpha King—but it appears what I’ve come for is already in your hands." He gestured toward Addison.