Chloe tightened her grip on Clara's hand, the magic within her stirring. She had prepared herself for a life-or-death battle.
However, Alaric had transformed into a black lightning bolt, darting forward faster than Chloe and Clara. He charged directly into the crowd, tearing apart his enemies with his teeth and claws in the most savage and bloody way possible.
But, upon hearing Chloe's gasping breaths behind him, his actions faltered. He suddenly remembered that beside him was not an enemy, but the only light he wanted to protect.
Alaric immediately changed tactics. He took advantage of the dark alleyways, dragging their pursuers into hidden corners. The dry, crisp cracking sounds of breaking bones echoed in the darkness. There were no screams, and not a drop of blood splattered towards the two Adair ladies.
He dealt with each one swiftly and chillingly. In less than five minutes, the alley returned to a deathly silence. Alaric emerged from the shadows, his breathing calm, his fiery red eyes gradually losing their ferocity as he looked at Chloe.
Despite his banishment from the Volkov clan at an age too young to comprehend the concept of a destined soulmate, Alaric felt an invisible thread vibrating intensely within his chest. He didn't know what it was; he only knew one thing for sure: this girl was all he had, and he would kill anyone who touched a single hair on her head.
"Master, everything is done."
Chloe and Clara stopped, not daring to venture further into the shadows behind Alaric. Both girls understood that the scene inside would undoubtedly be utterly gruesome, beyond their comprehension.
"Let's go," Chloe said, taking her sister's hand and pulling her back.
As the moon rose higher, the three finally arrived at Adair Manor. However, at the main gate, their welcome was anything but peaceful. The elderly butler stood waiting, his face stern.
"Welcome home, young ladies. The master and mistress have been waiting for a long time."
The unusual absence of the two young ladies and the disappearance of the family crest ring had shaken the entire manor. Chloe had anticipated their discovery. She patted her sister's hand to reassure her, and they stepped into the courtyard together.
However, the guards had already advanced to block Alaric's path. Seeing the slave's dangerous aura, the guards immediately drew their swords. Alaric snarled, his fangs bared, his muscles tensed, ready to tear apart anyone who dared stand in his way as he advanced toward Chloe.
"Stay here quietly. I'll be safe." Chloe turned, placing her small hand on Alaric's arm, which trembled with anger.
That single, gentle word seemed to possess a magical power. Alaric froze, his red eyes fixed on her as if seeking confirmation. He slowly retracted his claws, his head slightly bowed in submission, though he still cast a wary glance at the soldiers.
"He is my man. Take good care of him until I return."
The soldiers bowed in obedience. Chloe and Clara were immediately led into their parents' study. The heavy wooden door slammed shut.
Henry slammed his hand down on the table, the sound echoing in the quiet space. "Do you two know what you're doing? Chloe, you're sick! And Clara, how dare you bring your sister to that chaotic place, and even steal the family crest?"
Her mother stood beside him, her face showing utter disappointment and worry. Facing her father's anger, Clara bowed her head, trembling, not knowing how to explain.
"It's not Clara's fault, Father." Chloe stepped forward, shielding her younger sister. Her voice was calm. "I forced her to do it. I took the ring."
Her father looked at his eldest daughter, who was usually so frail, but now held a resolute gaze that stunned him.
He sat down in a chair, sighing. "Chloe, what are you planning to do? Why did you bring a werewolf slave here?"
Of course, Alaric's story had already reached her parents. Otherwise, how could they have safely returned to the mansion without further pursuit? Chloe looked directly into her parents' eyes, then at Clara.
She took a deep breath. "Parents, Clara… do you believe me?"
"Of course we believe you, but this action is truly insane," her mother said, her voice choked with emotion.
"A few days ago, I had a dream. It was a prophetic dream."
The room fell silent. In the history of the Adair family, a hundred years ago, there was indeed an ancestor who awakened prophetic abilities through deep comas. This was the only and most logical explanation for Chloe to recount what she knew through the loops without making her family think she was insane.
"You mean… there's a problem with the Volkov family's marriage proposal?" Her father frowned, his tone turning serious.
"Yes. Their current Alpha is completely untrustworthy." Chloe said, her eyes flashing with resentment.
"He killed the previous Alpha, forcing Luna to remarry to consolidate his power. He was even cruel enough to banish both of her legitimate sons from the clan to eliminate any potential resistance. Don't you think that's strange? For over a decade he hasn't had any children, and six months ago, Luna died suddenly. That wasn't a coincidence; it was a covert massacre."
Henry fell silent. In truth, rumors of Darius Volkov's brutality had reached him before. But as the head of the family, he had to prioritize protecting his entire clan.
The Volkov Wolf Clan was currently the most powerful military force on the continent. If Clara became Luna of the Volkov family, the Adair clan would have an unshakeable backing, and his frail daughter Chloe would have a safe haven.
"I know you intend for me to be the successor to the family head," Chloe continued, her voice choked with emotion.
"You want Clara to have a secure position to protect me. But, Father and Mother, if Clara didn't bear the Adair name, if she didn't possess the blood of an ancient mage, Darius would never have sent a marriage proposal. He doesn't need a wife; he needs a tool to produce powerful descendants to consolidate his illegitimate throne."
Chloe approached, taking her mother's hand. "I know you both love me and want to provide for me in the long run. But we can't sacrifice Clara for that. I saw the outcome in my dream… If Clara marries Darius, she will die in agony shortly after giving birth. Our Adair family will also be devoured by him once he's no longer useful to us. That's not protection; that's a death sentence."
Clara stood beside them, listening to her sister's words, her face drained of color. She looked at her parents, her eyes filled with pleading.
Henry looked at the black wax-sealed envelope still on the table. Chloe's words were like a bucket of cold water thrown directly at his political calculations. He looked at his eldest daughter, who he thought needed protection, now standing up to protect the whole family.
"So… who is that slave out there?" her father asked softly, hinting at Alaric.
"He is Alaric Volkov, the legitimate heir who was betrayed by Darius," Chloe replied, a cold glint in her eyes. "Instead of marrying Clara to an enemy, we will cultivate a true king. That is the only way to protect the Adair family forever."
The room fell silent, but in everyone's mind, a storm was brewing.