Page 70 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
The wolf shifter tried to flee, but the ice spread, catching him mid-stride. Frost raced up his legs and torso. He stared at Kitsuki with hatred and fear as it reached his neck.
“My master will avenge me,” he managed before the frost claimed his face.
“He will not waste a single thought on your passing,” Kitsuki said, approaching the frozen statue. With a precise strike, he broke the wolf into countless glittering shards that fell like diamond rain.
The dome collapsed outward in a flurry of harmless snowflakes. Warriors on both sides paused at the display of elemental power before the chaos of battle reclaimed them.
Through it all, he remained aware of Maseo, a constant pull on his senses. The ring pulsed, signaling attacks that never reached their target.
“Your Majesty!” Jaega’s voice cut through the clamor as he fought his way to Kitsuki’s side. “The left flank is being overwhelmed. They have terramancers tunneling beneath our lines.”
Kitsuki nodded, forcing his attention away from Maseo. “Signal the reserve Enchanters to reinforce the barriers there.”
As Jaega relayed the orders, Kitsuki watched Nasume’s army falter. The diversity of Valzerna’s warriors proved its strength, with each shifter type complementing the others.
Without warning, a howl of despair rose from Nasume’s forces. News of Rethus’s fall must have reached them. What had been an organized assault became a chaotic retreat as wolf shifters broke ranks, fleeing toward their own territory.
As his forces followed the retreating wolves, Kitsuki’s gaze found Maseo again. The half-wolf stood amidst a circle of fallen enemies, his sword bloodied but his body unmarked. Their gazes met across the battlefield, and Maseo offered a respectful nod, which Kitsuki returned.
He fought well, his dragon said.It is proof he is worthy of our attention.
Before Kitsuki could chide his unruly other half, Jaega approached, his armor dented and bloodied but his stance still strong. “Victory is ours, Your Majesty. Nasume’s forces retreat in disarray.”
“For now,” Kitsuki replied, watching the last of the wolf shifters disappear over the ridge. “But Nasume will not accept defeat. He will gather his forces and strike again, perhaps with even more enhanced wolves.”
“And we will be ready,” Jaega assured him.
Healers moved among the wounded, their magic glowing white against the red-stained ground. Enchanters contained fires andrepaired the landscape. Warriors gathered the dead with solemn respect.
“Our casualties?” Kitsuki asked, bracing for the answer.
“Fewer than expected,” Jaega reported. “The Enchanters’ barriers proved effective. Their enhanced abilities, while formidable, lacked discipline. Many wolves expended their power before they could do significant damage.”
“And Nasume’s forces?”
“Devastated. We estimate they lost almost half their number, including most of their command.”
Kitsuki’s expression remained grave. “Have scouts monitor their retreat. I want to know the moment they regroup.”
“Already done, Your Majesty.”
“Thank you. We must speak when we camp. There has been a troubling development.”
Jaega nodded. “I will attend once our warriors are secure.”
Kitsuki sheathed his sword, the blade still cold. Around him, the sounds of battle faded. They had won the first skirmish, but the war had only begun. Nasume’s hatred, fueled by the defeat, meant the next clash would be even more dangerous, especially if necromancy was now in play.
The sun began its descent. In its fading light, the cost of victory became clear. Hundreds of Valzerna’s finest lay dead or wounded, but they had prevailed against an enemy that sought to destroy all they stood for.
Kitsuki looked to the east at Nasume’s castle, where the coward hid. The war was only the beginning.
But Valzerna would be ready.
And so would its dragon king.
Chapter 26
Jaega
