Chapter 2 - Siege of the Shadow Blade
The scent of copper and burnt ozone swept into the room through the shattered window. Below, bloodcurdling howls erupted as shadowy figures clad in obsidian armor breached the inner palace walls.
“Assassins!” Jacob shouted, his wolf spirit instantly surging to the surface. Golden fire ignited in his eyes, and midnight-black fur bristled along his forearms as his claws extended. “The Shadow Blade Pack! They knew the royal guard was rotating at sunset!”
“They’re here for Samuel,” Reena said, all personal betrayal momentarily pushed aside as instinct took over. She tucked the baby securely against her shoulder, covering his small head with her linen mantle.
“Reena, take Samuel to the safe vault beneath the eastern tower!” Jacob commanded, stepping in front of her as the heavy oak doors of his study were blown inward by a blast of dark rogue magic. Splinters flew everywhere.
Three rogue assassins burst into the room, their eyes glowing a predatory crimson, short daggers dripping with wolf-bane poison. They were elite mercenaries hired by rival packs who wanted King Jacob’s bloodline erased forever.
“Protect the heir!” Jacob bellowed, shifting mid-air as he lunged at the lead assassin. The Alpha King was a force of destruction; his massive black wolf tore through the first attacker with devastating precision, throwing another into the stone fireplace.
“Run, Reena! LOCK YOURSELF IN!” Jacob screamed through his mental link, his voice echoing in her mind.
Reena didn't hesitate. She turned and ran down the burning marble corridor. The palace was in utter chaos. Palace guards were locked in mortal combat with masked invaders. Swords clashed, blood painted the tapestries, and the cries of battle filled the sky.
Knowing the main halls were compromised, Reena veered into a secret servant staircase—a narrow, winding stone passage she had memorized during her months as a maid. Samuel began to panic in her arms, his infant wolf surging violently under the stress. Blue lightning began to arc uncontrollably around his body, shocking Reena’s arms with intense pain.
“Shh, baby, I’m here... Mama’s here,” Reena panted, her heart hammering against her ribs. Each arc of Samuel’s power sent a shockwave of agony through her chest, her lungs burning as the binding magic drained her life force rapidly. But she refused to drop him.
Behind her, heavy footsteps echoed down the stone staircase.
“There she is! The human girl has the baby!” a harsh voice growled from the darkness below.
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Reena pushed herself faster, her legs aching, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She reached the end of the secret passage, bursting out into the lower level of the eastern wing. Just twenty feet away stood the reinforced iron portal of the Royal Panic Room—a magical vault forged from dragon-tempered steel that could only be locked from the inside.
She lunged toward the vault door, but a heavy iron boot kicked her from behind. Reena tumbled forward, shielding Samuel with her body as she slammed onto the cold stone floor.
