Chapter 30: Village in Peril
The walk back to the village was tense. Kazuki's mind was a storm of thoughts, the Alpha Command skill still humming beneath his skin. It felt like a caged beast, roaring to be unleashed, but he kept it in check. Barely.
Elara led the way, her jaw clenched as they passed through the dense forest. Tara walked beside Kazuki, glancing at him occasionally.
"You alright?" she asked, her voice low.
"Yeah," Kazuki muttered, but the truth was, he wasn't. His muscles still felt heavy, his vision occasionally blurred. The power of the Alpha felt like a fire burning inside him, threatening to consume him.
When they reached the village, the atmosphere was different. People whispered amongst themselves, and the usual liveliness was gone. Tension hung heavy in the air.
"Something's wrong," Elara said, her eyes narrowing. "Stay alert."
They made their way to the village square, where a crowd had gathered. In the center stood a woman clad in dark robes, her arms crossed. Her silver hair flowed over her shoulders, and her eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.
"Who's that?" Kazuki asked, his brow furrowing.
"Lady Arwen," Elara whispered, her jaw clenched. "A high-ranking noble from the capital. And one of the Queen's closest advisors."
"Why is she here?" Tara muttered, crossing her arms.
Lady Arwen's voice rang out, silencing the crowd. "Villagers of Ilgren! I am here under direct orders from the Queen. We have received reports of a rogue Alpha Wolf roaming the forest near your village."
Kazuki stiffened, his heart pounding. Did they know? Did they sense the power he'd taken?
"We are aware that someone has defeated the Alpha," Lady Arwen continued, her eyes scanning the crowd. "And we demand that person step forward."
Kazuki swallowed, his hands trembling. Elara shot him a warning glance, her eyes pleading. Tara's jaw clenched, her hand drifting toward her dagger.
Kazuki lowered his gaze, his mind racing. If they found out he had absorbed the Alpha's skill, there was no telling what they'd do. The Queen's forces were powerful — and ruthless.
But before he could make a decision, Lady Arwen's gaze fell directly on him. A slow, knowing smile spread across her lips.
"You there," she said, pointing straight at Kazuki. "Step forward."
The crowd parted, and Kazuki's blood ran cold. There was no escaping this. Not now.