Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 106

Adelaide

Moonlight cascaded like spilled silver across the vast forest as four riders thundered through the night, only the sound of hoofbeats and wind filling the darkness. We had been riding for nearly four hours, and the border between human and werewolf territories lay just ahead.

"Stop," Vespera suddenly raised his hand, his voice low and alert. "Garrick's patrol is five hundred yards ahead."

We immediately reined in our horses, disappearing into the roadside thicket. I could hear my own heartbeat pounding in my ears as I instinctively touched the cloak around my neck, ensuring it concealed my face.

"Twelve warriors," Zaroka whispered, her night vision exceeding even that of the werewolves. "Fully armed. They appear to be waiting for something."

Vespera's expression grew grave. "Garrick shouldn't have this many men deployed in this sector. This doesn't match our agreed patrol routes."

"He might suspect someone would attempt to cross the border," I said quietly, a chill creeping up my spine.

Thalia's face was pale, but her eyes remained resolute. "We must continue forward. Draven can't wait—I can feel his life force weakening." Her hand unconsciously touched the mate mark on her neck, which was radiating faint heat.

Vespera considered for a moment, then pointed south. "There's an old hunter's trail through that swampland. Difficult passage, but Garrick's men are unlikely to guard it."

"Then we take that route," Zaroka declared decisively, already turning her horse. "Time is precious."

After crossing the swamp, we rejoined the path and increased our pace. About an hour later, the dawn's light gradually illuminated the eastern sky. We exited the werewolf territory and entered the realm of humans. A bittersweet ache filled my chest as familiar scents of my homeland reached me—I was so close to the place of my birth, yet I couldn't return.

Suddenly, Thalia groaned softly, her hand pressing against her neck.

"Thalia?" I immediately moved closer, concern evident in my voice.

"It's the mark," she gasped. "It's growing hotter. Draven is nearby—I can feel him." She pointed toward a grove of trees to the northeast. "In there."

Following Thalia's guidance, we soon discovered a dilapidated hunter's cabin hidden deep in the dense undergrowth. The windows were tightly shuttered, no light visible, appearing long abandoned.

"I'll go in first," Zaroka insisted, already drawing her battle axe. "There might be traps."

Vespera nodded in agreement, casting a detection spell. "No active magical traps detected, but be careful."

Zaroka gently pushed open the door to reveal complete darkness inside. Vespera cast a light orb spell, its soft blue glow illuminating the entire room. In the corner, a bloodied figure sat slumped against the wall, nearly unconscious.

"Draven!" Thalia rushed in, dropping to her knees beside him.

Draven's condition was worse than we had imagined. His armor was torn, revealing multiple deep wounds that reached bone beneath, dried blood covering his entire body. His breathing was shallow and rapid, his lips an unnatural bluish-white from blood loss.

"He's lost too much blood," I immediately sprang into action, pulling medical supplies from my pack. "Thalia, use your magic to examine his wounds. Vespera, I need clean water and more light."

Zaroka had already begun securing the perimeter. "Vespera and I will ensure the area is safe while you tend to him."

Thalia placed her trembling hands on Draven's chest, beginning to chant healing spells. Golden light flowed from her fingertips, slowly seeping into Draven's wounds. I quickly cleaned the injuries, applying herbal mixtures to stop bleeding and prevent infection.

"There's poison in the wounds," Thalia's voice carried fear. "Vampire venom—it's preventing his wounds from healing and draining his life force."

I gritted my teeth. "I have antidote potions that Seraphina gave me." I retrieved a small vial from my belt, pouring the emerald liquid onto Draven's wounds. The potion hissed softly upon contact, releasing wisps of black smoke.

Vespera returned with fresh water and additional herbs. "The area is secure—no signs of pursuers. But we can't stay long. Those chasing Draven could come at any moment."

We worked together for several hours until Draven's condition stabilized. During this time, an inexplicable unease began creeping over me—a cold sensation that seemed to crawl up my spine like invisible fingers. My enhanced senses, sharpened since my awakening as a Moon Bride, detected something that made my skin prickle with warning.

I glanced at Thalia, who was intently tending to Draven. Moving closer to her, I leaned down and whispered something urgent in her ear. Her eyes widened slightly. In an instant, she took out a purple crystal ball, her lips moving silently as if calling to something far away—this action was so subtle that even I almost missed it.

Then she nodded slightly, and I looked into the distance, praying for safety.

The late afternoon sun streamed through the cracks in the window, and Draven's eyelids fluttered and finally opened.

"Thalia?" His voice was hoarse and weak, but his eyes sparkled with joy.

"I'm here," Thalia gripped his hand tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks. "We found you."

Draven looked around, seeing the others. "You... all came?" His gaze lingered on Zaroka with initial wariness, quickly replaced by trust.

"What happened, Draven?" Vespera asked seriously. "Who attacked you?"

Draven attempted to sit up straighter, with Thalia immediately helping him. "It was vampires. They used a magical formation to ambush us."

"Damn," Vespera cursed under his breath. "We've been deceived. Your deputy Kieran said it was humans who ambushed you."

Draven frowned. "Kieran wouldn't betray me; he must be controlled by vampires."

He struggled to retrieve a small pouch from his inner pocket, opening it to reveal shimmering black powder. "This is shadow dust—vampire signature magic. It can mask scents and traces." He paused to catch his breath. "Those villages were deliberately attacked by a group of trained werewolves who intentionally left werewolf traces, then used shadow dust to cover their real tracks and hide their true intentions."

Zaroka thoughtfully observed, "So there are werewolves collaborating with vampires."

"Garrick," I stated directly, voicing everyone's suspicions. "He deployed unusually heavy guards at the border, and he strongly supports war between werewolves and humans."

Draven nodded weakly. "It could be him, or others. We need to bring this evidence back to stop this war." He tried to stand but immediately winced in pain.

"The werewolves have already declared war on humans," Vespera said solemnly. "We must return immediately."

"I can manage," Draven said firmly, despite his obvious weakness. "This concerns the future of both races."

After a brief rest and meal, as the sky had already darkened, we decided to depart immediately. Though weak, Draven's will remained strong as he mounted his horse, with Thalia staying close, ready to provide support whenever needed.

We chose a more concealed route for our return, avoiding known patrol paths. As we approached the border between human and werewolf territories, Vespera suddenly reined in his horse, raising his hand to signal a stop.

"Something's wrong," he said quietly, scanning the surrounding forest. "There's magic in the air."

Suddenly, the air around us grew heavy, and a black magical barrier rose from the ground, completely surrounding us. Laughter echoed from the trees as several figures emerged from the shadows—vampires, at least ten of them, their eyes glowing red in the darkness.

"Welcome back, Commander," the lead vampire smiled, revealing razor-sharp fangs. "We've been waiting for you."

Zaroka drew her battle axe, Vespera's hands crackled with magical energy, Draven struggled to unsheathe his sword, while Thalia and I stood back-to-back, preparing for the coming battle.

"Such a pity," the vampire continued, "the evidence you worked so hard to find will never reach its destination."