Page 22 of Rebel's Fated Mate

I whispered the words, “Where are you? I need your help.”

I looked around, searching for anything we could use as weapons. But before I could move, a shadow passed over us, covering the sun in the sky above.

The air thrummed with power, and then he landed with a resounding thud. The Guardian. The dire bear from my dreams was now standing before us in all his majestic power.

His massive form radiated strength and reassurance, his deep brown eyes locking onto mine with a knowing gaze.

Gasps of surprise rippled through the subjects, but for me, there was only instant recognition and acceptance. "It's you," I breathed, stepping forward. "The Guardian."

The bear nodded, a low rumble of acknowledgment emanating from his chest. He moved to walk beside us, his presence a tangible shield against the encroaching darkness. The subjects, initially startled, soon found comfort in his shadow, their fear melting away under his protective aura.

We continued our journey, the Guardian walking alongside us, his massive form a silent sentinel. His shadow covered us like a blanket of peace, and the sense of being watched over grew stronger, bolstering our courage. The magical map's glow guided us, the path to Aeloria clear and unwavering.

Suddenly, Imperial guards appeared from nowhere, their eyes gleaming with cruel intent. They had found us, their weapons drawn, ready to strike. That must be the evil I’d sensed earlier. Covus’s magic.

Panic surged through the subjects, but before chaos could take hold, the Guardian roared. The sound was a thunderous declaration, shaking the very ground beneath our feet.

He charged at the guards, his claws and teeth tearing through their ranks with ruthless efficiency. I watched in awe, my heart pounding with gratitude.

The Guardian was unstoppable, a force of nature driven by a primal need to protect. The last of the guards fell, and the Guardian turned back to us, his eyes softening as he looked at me.

He stepped forward, nuzzling my hand gently before turning away. [MN45]"Thank you," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. The subjects echoed my sentiment, their eyes filled with gratitude and respect.

With a final, reassuring glance, the Guardian disappeared into the forest, leaving us to continue our journey. His presence lingered, a comforting reminder that we were not alone. We pressed on, the path to Aeloria clearer than ever, our hearts steeled by the Guardian's unwavering protection.

Chapter 10 The Bear's Purpose

(Kael)

Overwhelmed by a surge of raw emotion at the woman’s cry for help, I felt the frustration ringing deeply in her voice.

Then my body began to shift. My bones cracked and reshaped, muscles expanding, as I transformed into the dire bear. The process was both painful and exhilarating, my senses sharpening with a supernatural clarity. With a powerful leap, I took to the skies as massive wings, normally hidden within the folds of my back, burst forth with a rustle of feathers. They beat with a strength that lifted me effortlessly above the treetops, allowing me to soar towards the forest below.

The night air rushed past me as I flew, my enhanced senses guiding me. I could smell the faint scent of the Weaver's tribe, a blend of sweat, fear, and determination. My heart pounded with urgency as I zeroed in on their location.

I descended into the forest, landing silently among the trees. There, through the dense foliage, I saw them–a group of weary subjects, their faces etched with exhaustion and fear. And there she was, the woman from my dreams, leading them with a fierce resolve. She was even more striking in reality, her emerald eyes glowing with the same determination I had seen in my visions.

I stepped forward, my massive form breaking through the underbrush. Gasps of fear and awe rippled through the group as they saw me. She turned, her eyes widening with recognition. Without thinking, I moved closer, lowering my head to nuzzle her gently. She reached out to touch my fur, her fingers trembling.

"It's you," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder. "The Guardian."

I walked beside the tribe, my massive form casting a protective shadow over them. Every step I took was deliberate, my senses on high alert for any sign of danger.

The subjects watched me, their fear dissipating in the presence of the dire bear. I could see their shoulders relax, their pace quickening as they drew strength from my silent promise of protection.

Suddenly, a rustling in the underbrush snapped my attention to the right. The scent of sweat and iron filled my nostrils–imperial guards. My muscles tensed, a low growl rumbling from deep within my chest. The subjects froze, their eyes widening in terror as the guards emerged, swords drawn and eyes gleaming with malice.

A primal rage surged through me, and I charged. The ground shook under my weight, my claws slicing through the air. The first guard barely had time to scream before my paw sent him flying, his armor crumpling like paper. I roared, the sound echoing through the trees, and lunged at the next guard, my teeth sinking into his shoulder with a satisfying crunch.

Chaos erupted around us, the guards’ shouts mingling with the panicked cries of the subjects. I fought with a ferocity I hadn't known I possessed; my every move driven by an instinctual need to protect.

One by one, the guards fell, their blood staining the forest floor. Their weapons were no match for my fury, their armor offering little protection against my relentless assault.

The last guard tried to flee, but I was on him in an instant, my claws raking across his back. He collapsed with a gurgled cry. I stood over him, my breath coming in heavy pants, and growled a final warning to any who might think of harming those under my protection.

Silence fell, broken only by the ragged breathing of the subjects. I turned back to them, their eyes wide with gratitude and newfound hope. The Weaver stepped forward, her emerald eyes meeting mine. She reached out, her hand trembling, and gently touched my fur. A silent understanding passed between us–she was safe, for now.

Reluctantly, I knew I had to leave. I couldn't stay, not yet. I had an obligation to the rebels as well, and leaving them behind would not be honorable.

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