BLOOD & SIGILS

Chapter 69: The Alpha's Wrath

Kael's sword trembled against the Alpha's claws, sparks of mana flaring from the sheer force of their clash. The ground beneath them cracked, the pressure from their battle forcing the earth to give way. His breath came in short bursts, but he refused to back down.

Lucian was already moving, golden fire gathering in his palm, shaping itself into a spear of raw draconic energy. He launched it without hesitation. The Alpha twisted at the last second, letting the attack graze its side before slamming a paw into Kael's stomach. The force sent him skidding backward, his boots digging trenches into the dirt.

Darius, despite his broken leg, gritted his teeth and raised his arms. Lightning crackled between his fingers, and he sent a bolt of raw electricity arcing toward the beast. The Alpha absorbed the hit head-on. It didn't flinch. Instead, it vanished in a blur of black fur, appearing behind him in an instant.

Before the Alpha could strike, Evelyne crashed into its side, her reinforced fist slamming against its ribs with enough power to send shockwaves through the air. The Alpha felt that one. It staggered slightly, its glowing eyes narrowing as it shifted its weight.

Mira took the opening. She lunged, blade aimed at its exposed flank—but just as her weapon was about to pierce flesh, the Alpha's tail whipped around like a steel cable, striking her with enough force to send her soaring into a nearby tree. The impact knocked the wind from her lungs, her vision briefly swimming.

Cassian and Selene moved next, their weapons flashing like silver streaks in the dim light. Cassian's rapier slipped through the gaps in the Alpha's movements, each strike aiming for vital points. Selene followed up, her spear finding purchase in the beast's shoulder.

The Alpha growled, its body finally showing signs of damage. But if anything, the injuries only seemed to make it more excited.

Kael pushed off the ground, his mana flaring. He wasn't done yet. Blood dripped from the wound on his shoulder, but he barely felt it. He traced a sigil in the air, his Arcane Chains snapping into existence, weaving around the Alpha's limbs like glowing restraints.

For a fraction of a second, the beast paused.

That was all the time Lucian needed.

Fire erupted around him, his entire body glowing as his mana spiked. His eyes burned brighter, his draconic lineage fully awakening. He moved faster than the eye could track, appearing beside the Alpha in a single instant.

His blade pierced the Alpha's side.

The beast howled.

It twisted violently, breaking free of the chains in a burst of pure, oppressive mana. The backlash sent Kael stumbling, his runes flickering from the overwhelming resistance.

Lucian barely had time to react before the Alpha's claw raked across his chest. He grunted, skidding backward, but he remained standing. His uniform was torn, blood seeping into the fabric, but his expression never faltered.

Evelyne rushed forward again, her greatsword a blur as she swung it down with all her might. The Alpha dodged, but Selene was already moving, her Eclipse Sight guiding her to predict its next step. She aimed low, sweeping at its legs. The beast faltered.

Mira, still gasping for air, forced herself back onto her feet. Her body screamed at her to stop, but she refused. She wasn't here to run. Not anymore.

Cassian saw her move and covered her advance. His rapier danced between the beast's snapping jaws, redirecting its focus for just a moment. That moment was enough.

Mira leaped, her sword igniting with mana, and plunged it deep into the Alpha's exposed shoulder.

The beast roared, twisting violently to shake her off. She held on, but its sheer strength sent her flying once more, rolling across the dirt.

Kael gritted his teeth, carving another rune mid-motion. His mana reserves were running low, but he had one last push left. He needed an opening.

Selene saw it.

Lucian saw it.

Darius, Evelyne, and Cassian all knew what needed to be done.

They weren't fighting alone.

Kael's Arcane Sever flared to life. Lucian's fire surged. Darius's lightning roared. Evelyne and Selene struck in tandem. Cassian aimed for the vital spots.

And Mira, battered and bruised, pushed forward one last time.

The Alpha had forced them all to the edge.

Now, it was their turn.