Chapter 2 The Unwelcome Guest

Alexander stepped away from the banquet table, his heavy boots crunching over broken pottery and blood-soaked earth. He pulled his sword from its sheath, the blade making a sharp metallic ring in the quiet air.

He locked his gaze onto the scarred stranger. "On whose command are you here today?"

The man let out a low, mocking laugh. "Do you remember me?"

The courtyard grew dimmer as black smoke and bright flames rose around them. Alexander narrowed his eyes, studying the lines of the man's face until he recognized the long scar stretching across the pale cheek.

"Dimitri," Alexander said, his expression darkening. "Dimitri Volkov."

He held his sword firmly, ready for a strike. "What are you doing here? How dare you infiltrate Evercrest? How dare you slaughter the people of the village I lead?"

Dimitri merely smiled, looking around the ruined courtyard with lazy eyes. "I thought the great Lord General would put up more of a fight. But instead, you were too busy filling your stomach with food and wine to protect your own people."

Alexander raised his blade, the sharp edge reflecting the orange glow of the surrounding fires. "I will ask you one last time. Whose command are you following?"

"The Lycan King's," Dimitri answered without a single hesitation.

Alexander frowned, disbelief showing plainly across his face. "The Lycan King? I only left his palace a short while ago. Do not insult my intelligence. You expect me to believe he ordered you to massacre every soul in Evercrest?"

Dimitri chuckled, slowly circling Alexander like a predator. "Shocking, is it not? That is what blind loyalty earns you. You trusted him. You fought his wars. We fought side by side, Alexander. I asked you to stand with me, and you refused." He spread his arms toward the burning buildings beyond the gates. "And now, the very king you devoted your life to has sent me to destroy yours."

Dimitri tilted his head, amusement dancing in his dark eyes. "I told you, did I not? In the end, I would have the last laugh."

Alexander clenched his jaw. Without another word, he stepped directly in front of his family, shielding them with his broad frame. He kept his sword pointed at Dimitri, refusing to look away for even a second.

"Elena," he said, keeping his voice steady despite the horror around them. "Take Akira, Ethan, and Angela. Run."

Elena immediately shook her head and stepped right beside him. "No. I can fight too."

Alexander turned sharply toward her, his voice rising into a stern command. "I said, take them and run!"

For a brief moment, the husband and wife simply stared at each other. Then Alexander's expression softened, his eyes pleading. "Please. Whatever happens, do not look back."

Elena swallowed hard and nodded. She understood the danger. Ethan hurried forward and lifted little Angela into his arms, while Elena grabbed Akira's small hand. They turned away from the battle and ran toward the house.

"Father!" Akira screamed, struggling against her mother's tight grip. "Father! No!"

Her loud cries echoed through the estate as Elena pulled her deeper into the safety of the manor. Alexander heard his daughter's desperate voice calling for him, but he did not turn around. He simply focused on the enemy in front of him.

Inside the stone manor, Elena led the children through the winding corridors toward the quiet eastern wing. She finally stopped when they reached a secluded hallway.

She knelt before Akira, using her fingers to brush away the warm tears streaming down the young girl's face. "Listen to me," she said, her voice trembling despite her efforts to stay strong.

She turned her attention to her son. "Ethan, I need you to take Akira to the hidden chamber, the one beneath the Dragon Scroll."

A flicker of understanding crossed Ethan's face. "The family heirloom is there."

Elena rested both of her hands on his shoulders. "Give it to Akira. Then lock her inside the chamber." Her voice broke slightly as she looked at both of them. "No matter what happens, do not let her come out. Even if she hears us, even if she cries, even if she begs. Do you understand?"