Chapter 142 Release Him

Chapter 142 Release Him

Killorn would've gladly traded his life to be in Ophelia's position. He'd rather take the fall than her. The moon dangled in the sky, tucked behind a thick veil of clouds, almost like a silent witness to the unfolding tragedy below.

Killorn struggled against the edge of his cliff, ready to leap into the abyss with his beloved Ophelia. Desperation, despair, and a searing rage clawed out of his throat, echoing through the forest trees, as multiple hands grabbed him, wrestling him backward.

"Alpha, please!" they begged against the kicking and blinded husband. Killorn roared against his restraint, his muscles tensed as he threw people off of him. But it was no use, as his loyal men jumped back onto their feet to hold him back. His eyes were wide and wild with denial, locked into the unforgiving cliff below, where his wife had disappeared.

"Let me go!" Killorn bellowed, his primal scream resonating with anguish that tore through his stony heart. Cracks formed on the surface of his chest, reminding him that this organ beated for a woman who no longer lived. Those who restrained him attempted to speak words of reason.

"There's still time to find her!" Geralt demanded, furious and panicked, at the desperation in their powerful leader's eyes. "Alpha!"

Killorn broke free with a violent surge like a lone wolf that unleashed upon the mountainside. Monstrous and huge with black fur that shone under the moonlight. "Wait for us!"

Killorn dashed through the forest trees, the cold night tugging at his fur, animals darting out of his line of sight. He ran with an urgency mirroring his pleas as howls filled the air. His people descended with equal fervor, racing against the frigid wind that carried whispers of despair.

A torrent of emotions raged through Killorn, tearing at his rationality, and rattling his sanity. Ophelia. Please. God. Please. Killorn was blinded by the fear of losing her. He knew jumping off the cliff to join her would be meaningless. At least, he had a chance to save her. Yet, deep down, he knew the odds were slim.

Eventually, the Mavez Pack descended to the bottom of the mountain, their breaths ragged and their vision blurry with exhaustion. As they approached the rocky sides of the racing river, their hope clashed with the stark reality. The fast-washing river was filled with a current that dashed with relentless force. Rocks that fell from above were immediately sunken under and carried downstream.

"F*ck..." Geralt murmured under his breath, his realization striking everyone like a blow to the heart.

If Ophelia had survived the fall, the river's relentless flow would've claimed her. By now, she'd be swept into the vast expanse of wherever this rushing stream ended. Killorn's eyes glistened with a storm of emotions at the reflection of the cruel truth.

"Enough!" Lupinum's voice echoed through the first, a command that cut through the chaos and sent every werewolf jumping backward at his command. He grabbed onto Killorn's wrists in protest. "Killing this bloodsucker won't bring back your wife!"

"No, but it'd give me great satisfaction," Killorn snarled, continuing to clench down on his grip. He strangled Everet, meeting the vampire's cool, composed demeanor.

"Release him this instant!" Lupinum spat out, his tone darkening with warning as his eyes glowed amber. His command echoed in the air, sending shock waves through Killorn whose entire body began to shake. The Werewolf's Sovereignty. Not a single werewolf would be able to disobey, their body simply won't let them.

Killorn stood his ground for a brief second, his veins popping. His hands trembled like an earthquake before he finally dropped Everest. Killorn heaved hard, his chest rising rapidly and falling as sweat dripped down his rigid spine. The air around him crackled as he exhaled, darkness dripping from his glower.

"I know you had something to do with her rash behavior that night," Killorn spat upon a choking Everest on the floor.

Everest touched his tender neck, releasing a scoff, his lips curling upwards on one side. They were both madmen under the moonlight. "It isn't like I told her to escape into the midnight all by her lone and feeble self. Do you seriously think I would endanger her like that?" Everest shot back, rising to his feet with gritted teeth.

"If it wasn't for you..." Killorn realized to himself, his entire body beginning to quake with fury. "If it wasn't for you wretched bastard of royalty, she wouldn't have run out to sacrifice herself in the empire."

Everest narrowed his eyes. In the midst of their turmoil, he had a hint of admiration for the grief-stricken husband who dared to challenge the very fabric of their world. Killorn's words were a deadly concoction of rage and sorrow, lingering in the night air.

"There is nothing you can do to hold me back," Killorn slowly began, his face blazing with a determination that transcended the immediate conflict.

"What are you implying?" Everest wagered. "Don't do something you'll regret."

Suddenly, Killorn's figure seemed to grow taller, casting shadows that danced with threats of vengeful resolve. His men exchanged knowing glances, for the thought had long rang through their minds. They were simply loyal creatures, waiting with bated breaths as he made up his mind.

Emotions ran high in the forest, whispering of loss, the rage of vengeance, and the chill of impending omen. The forest itself had stilled for the past week, monsters hidden and tucked away. The trees almost mourned the tragedy of a hidden death.

"On the honor of House Mavez," Killorn's voice thundered, his declaration beginning to ring through the silent stunning. "We declare war upon the Helios Empire!"