Page 182 of The Soulbond and Her Beloved

“By the end of this night, many Urekai will fall, for the greater good! And though I cannot stand at the front lines, not beneath that cursed moon, I know you, my army, will bring victory to me!”

“Victory is ours!” they roared.

Zaiper’s sword sliced through the air. “Three hundred vampire soldiers will strike at the heart of Ravenshadow. Without their Grand Rulers, my people are newborns, vulnerable and disoriented. Tonight, we take what was denied to us!” He turned, pointing forward. “Now go! Storm the gates!”

Steel clashed as the army rushed forward. The grand gates of Ravenshadow were breached in moments. The courtyard was empty.

“Frederick, direct your men south!” Zaiper called to the vampire commander.

“Everyone, move south!” Frederick commanded.

The sound of hooves ricocheted along cobblestone as the army poured into the city’s heart, spreading like a flood. Soldiers took positions at intersections, flanking alleyways, prepared for ambushes.

“What’s going on?” Frederick slowed his mount. “Where are the civilians? Where is—”

A sharp whistling split the air.

Arrows.

Thousands of them.

“Ambush!” Frederick’s second, Kelvin, roared. “Take cover!”

The soldiers scattered, shields rising, but the arrows came thick and fast. Spears following.

Zaiper narrowed his eyes. “They’re putting up resistance, are they?” He kicked his horse forward. “Let them. I could use some sport.” He turned back. “Frederick! Send men underground. I want the Chalice now. If it's not in the vault, check the Vortex Hall. Send a strong unit, they may encounter a Grand Ruler.”

Frederick nodded, dispatching his scouts.

Zaiper rode calmly into the southern side. Still, not a soul. His lips curled.Where is everyone?

Shouting came.

Screams. Roars. The chaos of war.

Men came fleeing from the shadows, faces pale.

“Werewolves!” one soldier cried. “The four-legged beasts are here!”

Zaiper became still as a statue.No, that can’t be right.

“That’s impossible,” he muttered. “Daemonikai would never allow werewolves into our territory on a night like—”

But then he saw them.

Charging through the streets—massive, furred forms. Some in full beast-shape, others in half-shifted male form,unmistakable. They tore through the vampire lines like fire through dry leaves.

Blades clanged. Bodies fell. Blood soaked the cobblestones.

Zaiper’s soul felt as though it had fled his body.Werewolves? Here?How had they—

A flash of silver. A vampire warrior crumpled before his eyes.

More of his soldiers were being overrun. Their screeches of fury now coated withfear.

“There aretoo manyof them!” Kelvin came galloping up, his face bloodied, eyes wild. “They’re not just in the Citadel—they’reeverywhere.Spread across the kingdom. Every path is guarded!” He pointed a shaking finger at Zaiper. “You said it was just the Urekai. Youlied.You led us into this death trap! My people are dying out there because of you!”

“Don’t you dare raise your voice at me!” Zaiper snapped, teeth bared. “How was I supposed to know? This has never happened before! Daemonikai would never entrust our people’s secrets to another species—especially not to protect them on this night!”

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