[ Southern Borders of the Avaloria Empire ]
Dran's gaze snapped toward the voice, and his eyes widened as they locked onto the dark blue-haired man standing calmly among the human ranks.
But the most astonishing detail hit him like a blow—the two sleek, obsidian horns curving back from the man's forehead, hidden by subtle camouflage until now. They were elegant yet menacing, like polished blades catching the dim light.
'A demon,' Dran thought, shock rippling through him. 'What the hell is a demon doing here? None of our scouts mentioned this.'
He forced himself to steady, clenching his jaw. 'One demon. What can he do against a thousand Lycans? I'll kill him and report it to command.'
"Attack!" Dran roared. "Capture that one alive! I'll torture him myself!"
---
The Lycan horde surged forward like a tidal wave of fangs and fury, their howls echoing across the barren plain. The human soldiers braced, hearts pounding, certain this was the end—overwhelmed by sheer numbers.
