BloodMoon: Captivated by the Forbidden Lycan Alpha
Chapter 131: THE IMBALANCE OF POWER

Chapter 131: THE IMBALANCE OF POWER

{"The balance of power is the scale of peace. "}

The silence stretched between us as we stood by the magic pond, the dim glow of the enchanted waters casting eerie reflections against the cave walls. The air was thick with the weight of unspoken truths, with the lingering grief of Althea’s passing. Freyr stood close, his presence grounding me, his scent mingling with the crispness of the mountain air. Flora and Rita stood side by side, their postures rigid but ready, while Soren, ever the disciplined guard, remained a step behind them, his piercing gaze locked on Gerod.

The great dragon stood at the edge of the pond, his massive form a living shadow against the flickering light. His golden eyes held an ancient knowing, his scaled body unmoving, as if the very breath of the cave responded to him. Then, he spoke. "The fate of the realm has always rested upon you and Frery."

His voice boomed through the cavern, the sheer force of it sending ripples across the water’s surface. "The powers of the realm have long awaited your rise., Hanka Island, Ragar Mountain, Sierra Kayne, and now, the essence of Althea Gale. They are yours to command. You must be ready."

The weight of his words pressed down on me, sinking deep into my bones. There was no escaping it now what lay ahead was far greater than any of us had imagined. It was Rita who finally broke the silence, her voice laced with wonder. "I always thought it was just a myth... that the guardian of Hanka Island was a dragon."

Gerod let out a deep chuckle, the sound reverberating through the cavern walls like rolling thunder. His golden gaze flickered with amusement as he turned to her. "The same way you knew about the guardians of Sagstone Mountain," he mused.

At his words, Rita stiffened, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. She quickly averted her gaze, shifting uncomfortably under our stares. Frery and I exchanged a glance, curiosity flaring between us. Sagstone Mountain had guardians?

I took a small step forward, my voice steady. "What does he mean, Rita?"

But she only shook her head, keeping her eyes locked on the water, refusing to answer. Gerod’s piercing gaze lingered on Rita for a moment longer before he huffed, shifting his massive form. His golden eyes gleamed as he turned back to us.

"Let her be," he said, his deep voice echoing through the cave. "Some things are meant to remain secret."

There was finality in his tone, a silent command that none of us dared to challenge. I glanced at Rita, but she remained silent, her jaw tight, her gaze still fixed on the water. Whatever she was hiding, it wasn’t time for us to know. Gerod exhaled deeply, his large wings rustling slightly before folding back against his body. "Now go. Return to where you came from. Some matters require your immediate attention."

We all bowed in respect, acknowledging the wisdom of the ancient dragon. As one, we turned to leave the Haven cave, our footsteps barely making a sound against the cold stone floor.

And then, the ground rumbled.

A deep, guttural curse rumbled from Gerod’s throat, his nostrils flaring as he stomped his massive claws against the cave floor. We spun back toward him in unison, questions flashing through our eyes. Gerod let out a heavy breath, his golden gaze narrowing as he glared at the cavern walls. "Hanka Island is being annoying again," he muttered, irritation clear in his voice.

Ferry stepped forward, his crimson eyes sharp with suspicion. "What?"

Gerod shifted, his massive tail curling slightly behind him before he finally spoke. "Because the magic between you two is still unstable. Hanka wants to ensure that you are fully prepared for what’s coming."

Frery’s grip tightened around my wrist, his body going still beside me. I frowned. "And how exactly does it plan to do that?"

Gerod’s expression darkened, his golden gaze flickering between us. "By keeping you both here. Tonight, you sleep within the Haven cave."

Frery and I exchanged a glance, unspoken understanding passing between us. There was no point in fighting it. Hanka Island had made its decision, and we would honor it. With a slow, measured breath, I gave a firm nod, and Frery followed suit.

Commander Flora was the first to break the silence. "Then it’s settled." Her voice was steady, but there was an edge of authority beneath it. She crossed her arms and turned to face the others. "It would be best if Rita, Soren, and I remain outside on guard. The last thing we need is someone sneaking onto Hanka Island while you two are occupied."

She wasn’t wrong. With the rising darkness threatening the realm, it was impossible to predict what or who might come searching for us.

Frery tilted his head slightly, studying Soren. "Are you sure? You could stay inside—"

"Not a chance," Flora cut him off, shaking her head. "You two have your matters to deal with, and I we have to listen to the Guardian dragon."

Before either of us could argue, she grabbed Rita’s wrist and motioned for Soren to follow. "Come on, we’re leaving."

"Flora—" Rita started, but the commander shot her a look that left no room for debate.

"Now, Rita."

With a reluctant sigh, Rita relented, allowing herself to be dragged toward the entrance. Soren gave a short nod of acknowledgment before following in silence. As they disappeared beyond the cave’s threshold, the heavy stone entrance sealed shut behind them with a deep, resonating thud.

And just like that, Frery and I were alone with Gerod. Frery and I stood side by side, the quiet hum of the magic pond filling the space around us. Across from us, Gerod remained still, his massive dragon form casting long shadows against the stone walls. His golden eyes gleamed with an unreadable expression before he finally spoke.

"You two should rest there," he rumbled, his deep voice echoing through the cave. He raised a massive claw and pointed toward the western side of the cave. I followed his gesture, my gaze landing on a smooth, elevated platform carved into the rock. The space seemed untouched by time as if it had been waiting for this moment. A strange warmth emanated from it, the very air shimmering with lingering magic.

Frery shifted beside me, his fingers brushing against mine for the briefest second. I could feel his silent question his uncertainty I had none to give in return. Gerod let out a deep exhale, his massive wings shifting slightly before he turned away. "Do not fight it, Tor. Hanka wills it." His tone was final, leaving no room for argument.

Without another word, he stepped into the water, the surface barely rippling as his massive form sank beneath. Within seconds, he was gone, the pond returning to its calm, enchanted state.

I exhaled slowly, running a hand through my hair. "Well," I muttered, glancing at Frery. "Looks like we don’t have a choice."

Freyr huffed a soft chuckle, his crimson eyes gleaming in the dim light. "Do we ever?"

With that, we turned toward the west side of the cave, stepping forward to rest and I sensed that Hanka was doing both Frery and I a favor.

Much to our surprise, the east of the cave led us into a hidden meadow, its beauty untouched by time. A waterfall cascaded down smooth rocks, the sound of rushing water blending harmoniously with the soft rustling of leaves. The air was thick with magic, carrying a gentle hum that vibrated through my bones. In the center of it, all was a small resting place, as if the island itself had carved out this sanctuary for us.

Frery and I lay down side by side, letting the sounds of the water fill the silence between us. The weight of everything that had happened pressed against my chest, but the peace of this place made it easier to breathe.

Finally, I broke the silence. "Frery... what’s wrong?"

He huffed, a deep sound from his chest, before turning his gaze to the sky. "I was hit by a thirst wave," he admitted, voice laced with frustration. "It came in relentless waves, on and on, for a whole night, until I blacked out the moment I landed on Hanka Island. It was Gerod who intervened and summoned me into the Haven cave. Soren helped me get here." He turned his head, his crimson eyes locking onto mine. "Thank the gods you arrived in time, Tor. I don’t know what would have happened otherwise."

I sat up, watching him closely, my fingers twitching at my sides. "Are you sated?" I whispered.

A slow, burning hunger flickered in his gaze as his fangs gleamed beneath the moonlight. He moved without hesitation, pulling me down until his lips brushed against my neck. His voice was nothing but a whisper, laced with need.

"Your blood is an ambrosia, sweet and alluring. How can I resist what my life time partner offers?"

A shiver ran through me as his fangs finally descended into my skin. The sharp pain melted into pleasure, a sensation that sent heat rushing through my veins.

"Tor "his name escaped my lips as I let go and the feeling of being mated to him rose "