Chapter 19: The Emperor's Revelation

The terrifying howl of the Red Wolf echoed above Elias, and its reverberation reached even the grand halls of Emperor Draconis's majestic palace. The sounds of battle had now quieted, but that howl had filled the air with a new, chilling fear.

Emperor Draconis, seated on his throne, immediately rose to his feet as the howl reached his ears. His eyes widened, and his face bore an expression rarely seen—one of astonishment mixed with concern. He instantly summoned his most trusted generals and mages.

"What was that?" Emperor Draconis asked in his firm voice, which now seemed to carry a slight tremble. "What kind of roar was that? Has a Legendary Werewolf appeared?"

The generals and mages, who had just returned from the battle in the city, looked visibly shaken. One of them, the chief general, dropped to his knees.

"Your Majesty," the general said, panting, "the city was attacked by werewolves. But... but that howl—it wasn't from any ordinary werewolf."

"Then whose was it?" Emperor Draconis asked impatiently.

"It... it came from a member of the Blood Bound, Your Majesty," another mage answered, mustering his courage. His voice still trembled with fear. "He... he transformed into a Red Wolf."

The emperor's brows furrowed. "Blood Bound? And a Red Wolf? What are you saying?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," the general confirmed. "We saw it with our own eyes. During the battle, a warrior—who appeared to be one of the Blood Bound—suddenly transformed into a massive, ten-foot-tall red werewolf. His power was unimaginable. He tore those attacking werewolves apart... ripped open their chests and..." The general trailed off, his face still haunted by the horrifying scene.

A thought struck Emperor Draconis. "Did he attack our soldiers as well? Did he harm our own?"

The general responded immediately, "No, Your Majesty. He didn't harm a single member of the royal army or the Blood Bound. He only attacked the invading werewolves."

As soon as the general said this, Emperor Draconis had a sudden realization. His eyes widened again, and a serious expression settled on his face. This was no ordinary incident. It was the very sign he had been waiting for—since four years.

"This is the same power," Emperor Draconis whispered, his voice oddly grave. "The same anomalous power that emerged four years ago... from Lilywood."

His advisors were confused. They had no idea what the emperor was referring to.

"Four years ago, a strange power awakened in Lilywood, one that shook all of Elyria," Emperor Draconis began to explain, his eyes now staring into the distance. "It was a power we couldn't comprehend. I sent my spies to track it down, but it vanished. I feared Dracula or Dragor might find it and use it against us."

The emperor sat back down on his throne, his mind racing with thoughts. "This Red Wolf... this member of the Blood Bound... and he didn't harm our forces. That means he doesn't consider us enemies. He is not on Dracula's or Dragor's side."

This was crucial information. It meant that a new, independent power had emerged in Elyria—one that might even side with them.

"We must find this Red Wolf," Emperor Draconis ordered firmly. "But carefully. He is extremely powerful. We need to learn his identity—and understand his intentions."

His advisors immediately departed the palace, embarking on a new mission. Emperor Draconis remained seated, his gaze contemplative. Elyria's fate had once again become uncertain. Who was this Red Wolf truly? What was his real goal? Was he a savior destined to protect Elyria—or a new threat?