The clearing was silent, save for the distant rustling of leaves and the heavy breaths of the Alpha wolf, who lay unmoving against the forest floor. The magic still hung in the air, thick and charged, but it no longer felt like a threat. It felt like a part of him—a living, breathing force he could control.

Eryk's chest rose and fell with every deep breath, the tension in his body slowly ebbing. His hands, still glowing faintly with blue energy, trembled from the strain, but he held his ground. The Alpha was down, but Velkor was still very much a threat, standing across from them with a twisted smile.

Velkor’s dark gaze never wavered, his lips curling as though he were enjoying the spectacle. “Impressive, Prince,” he said slowly, his voice dripping with contempt. “But you still don’t understand. All this power, all this energy—you think it’s yours to control. It’s a fleeting illusion.”

Eryk’s heart hammered in his chest, his magic still bubbling just beneath the surface, but he clenched his fists and fought to steady himself. His mind was a storm, but Kael’s steady presence, standing close by, reminded him that he was not alone. He could do this. He had to.

“I don’t care what you think, Velkor,” Eryk said, his voice firm. “I know what I’m capable of. And I won’t let you use me. Not now, not ever.”

The sorcerer’s lips pressed into a thin line. “You think you have a choice in this? The power within you was never meant to be controlled by someone like you. You’re a prince, yes. But your bloodline has always been cursed. Your power will consume you. You can’t outrun it.”

Kael’s voice cut through the air like a sharp blade. “We’ve heard enough of your taunts, Velkor. We know what you want. But we’re not afraid of you.”

Velkor’s eyes flickered toward Kael, the slightest hint of anger passing through his expression. But then it was gone, replaced by a cold calculation. “So be it,” he said, his voice quiet but laden with menace. “But know this, Prince. If you truly believe you can control this power, then you’re making a dangerous mistake. The wolves will be the least of your worries. There is something far worse waiting for you.”

Eryk frowned, the ominous warning sinking deep into his thoughts. He didn’t have time to dwell on it, though. They were in the midst of an enemy’s territory, and the longer they stayed here, the more likely it was that Velkor would call upon even more dangerous forces.

Kael shifted, his hand tightening around the hilt of his sword, but Velkor raised a hand in a placating gesture, his smile returning. “But perhaps I’ve been too harsh.” The sorcerer’s voice took on a silky, coaxing tone. “I’ve come here for a reason, after all. To offer you a deal, Prince.”

Eryk stiffened, his instincts screaming at him to be cautious. “A deal? What could you possibly offer me?”

Velkor’s eyes gleamed with amusement, as though he found Eryk’s disbelief amusing. “You’ve already felt the power, haven’t you? The rush, the strength, the magic that flows through you. That’s what I’m offering you, Prince. Control. I can help you harness it, bend it to your will. You don’t have to struggle with it anymore. You don’t have to fear it.”

Eryk swallowed hard, trying to push down the wave of unease threatening to rise within him. He could feel the truth of Velkor’s words—he had felt the power surging through him, the wild magic that had almost consumed him in a fit of rage. And part of him wanted to accept the offer, to seize that control for himself. But the other part—the part that still clung to his humanity, to Kael’s belief in him—knew that it was a dangerous temptation.

“You think I’m that naive?” Eryk shot back, his voice laced with cold defiance. “I’ve seen what your kind does with power. You don’t want to help me. You want to use me as your puppet.”

Velkor’s smile didn’t falter. “I’ve been called many things, Prince, but that is not my purpose here. I’m offering you an alliance—one that will grant you the power you deserve. Power that should never have been locked away in the first place.”

The sorcerer’s eyes darkened, and he took a step closer, lowering his voice as though he were sharing a secret. “You can join me, Prince Eryk. You can stand at my side, and together, we will be unstoppable. The blood of your ancestors runs through your veins, and I can help you unlock all of it. In return, I only ask for one thing: your loyalty.”

Eryk’s pulse quickened, his mind reeling. He could feel the weight of the decision pressing down on him like a thousand pounds of stone. The idea of unlocking the full potential of his power was tempting, but everything in him screamed that it wasn’t right. Velkor was dangerous, and no amount of power would be worth the cost of losing himself, of becoming something monstrous in the name of conquest.

Kael, standing a few paces behind Eryk, didn’t move, but his voice was low and urgent. “Eryk, don’t listen to him. This is what he wants. This is how he controls people.”

Velkor’s gaze flicked toward Kael, his expression turning cold. “Ah, yes. The loyal dog. You think you can keep him from his destiny, Kael? You’re a fool if you think you have any say in this matter.”

Eryk’s heart raced as he turned to face Kael, his hand instinctively reaching for his companion’s arm. The bond between them was unspoken, but it was there—strong, solid, and unwavering. Kael’s presence anchored him, gave him strength.

“I won’t give in to him,” Eryk said quietly, though his voice was stronger now. “I won’t be his puppet. Not now. Not ever.”

Velkor’s smile faded, and for a moment, his cold eyes narrowed with something darker—anger, perhaps, or disappointment. “You’re making a grave mistake, Prince. But know this: you’ll regret it. The magic inside you will always hunger for more. It will never be enough. And one day, you’ll come to me, begging for my help.”

Eryk stood tall, his heart pounding in his chest, but his resolve was clear. “I will never beg you for anything.”

Kael stepped forward, his hand brushing Eryk’s shoulder in silent support. The bond between them was unspoken but powerful. Kael had always been the protector, the one who believed in him when no one else did. And now, Eryk knew without a doubt that he would not face this alone.

Velkor’s expression darkened, and he raised his hands, calling forth the power that swirled around him. The air crackled with energy as the wolves began to stir again, their howls rising in unison, a signal that the fight was far from over.

“I’m done with words,” Velkor spat, his voice dripping with venom. “Let’s see how long you can stand against what you truly are.”

Eryk’s breath caught as the full weight of the sorcerer’s magic began to press down on him, but this time, he wasn’t afraid. He could feel the power inside him, just beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed. The storm was still there, but now, he was the one in control.

And with Kael by his side, he knew they could face whatever Velkor threw at them.

“We’ll see about that,” Eryk said, his voice steady, as the magic surged around him once more.