Chapter 51: The arrival of the Zodiacs
A tile whistled, grazing his shoulder. But Kaiser, on the ground, growled, barely paying attention in the euphoria of the moment: "I’m gonna die, and you’re just watching?"
Ben, snapping back to reality, slashed a Beta, his vampiric claws tearing into its torso. Ben’s speed was supernatural, a deadly shadow, but a Beta slammed into him, pinning him against a tree. "You’re fast, vampire," the wolf snarled, "but not fast enough." Ben retaliated, his claws sinking into the Beta’s arm, which let out a howl.
Hugo, on his knees, gasped for breath, blood dripping onto the ground. Jay stepped forward, towering over him, his mane blazing under the moonlight. "You’re pathetic," he sneered, the word dripping with contempt. "You’re afraid of what you are. Weak."
Hugo felt a burning heat rise within him. His bones vibrated, a beast roaring in his gut.
*Not like them,* he thought, suppressing the urge. He stumbled to his feet and charged Jay. His fist slammed into the Löwen’s jaw, a crack echoing. Jay stumbled back, surprised, but retaliated, his claws slicing into Hugo’s torso. Another gash opened, blood spraying. Hugo staggered, pain like fire in his veins.
"Hugo, do something, damn it!" Yuki shouted, dodging a claw. He sliced a Beta, but another slammed him into a rock. Yuki growled, his corrosive blood dripping.
Kaiser, exhausted, kicked a Beta away. "Great night, Hugo, you got us into this mess!" he snapped sarcastically, before taking a blow to the ribs. He collapsed, winded, a claw rising above him.
Ben, freed, charged the Beta, tearing into it before it could strike Kaiser. "Get your ass moving, man!" Ben growled, his voice raspy. He turned, seeing Hugo grappling with Jay. "Hugo, we’re gonna die if you don’t move!"
Hugo, cornered, felt the beast within him roar. The Betas tightened their circle, their growls filling the clearing. Jay, motionless, watched, a cruel smile on his lips. "Last chance," he said. "Submit, or you’re dead."