Battle of Echelon 8

Giles, who had disappeared during the intense encounter, reappeared and hurried over to where Bruno and Princess Nimose were standing. Tears streamed down his face as he asked, "Are you okay?"

Bruno nodded, indicating that he was fine. But they all knew that what had just occurred was only the beginning of their challenges. The echoing howls of the wolves grew louder, signaling that danger still lurked nearby. "We need to leave immediately," warned Nimose urgently. She moved to assist Bruno, while Giles stood by.

As they tried to make their way to safety, one of the wolves crept out of the shadows and started circling them. Nimose positioned herself between the wolf and the brothers, shielding them. Trembling, she asked Giles, "Can you turn invisible again? Make us disappear from its sight."

Giles, still shaken, hesitated. "It usually only works for me, I've never tried it on others before," he admitted, his fear palpable.

In a heartbeat, a commanding figure emerged from the woods. His presence was magnetic, his aura exuding strength and dominance. Broad shoulders, a tall frame, and an air of authority surrounded him. His eyes locked onto the threatening wolf as he thundered, "Cease!" His command was like thunder, yet the wolf remained defiant. Two wounded men stumbled out behind him, their breath labored as they stammered, "My lord, we followed your father's orders."

"I said cease! They are mine," his voice grew sterner, a palpable authority resonating in his tone. The wolf reluctantly retreated into the shadows, followed by the others. A heavy silence hung in the woods, the tension simmering.

As the mysterious man's intense gaze fixed on Nimose, her heart raced. She had never encountered someone so captivating. His presence was overwhelming, and his piercing eyes seemed to weaken her resolve. An unfamiliar pull tugged at her, and her thoughts grew hazy under his compelling gaze. She was entranced by his charm, an enchantment she had never experienced before.

Giles perceived the electric connection between Nimose and the man, and his curiosity piqued. "Excuse me," he interjected, trying to break the silence. "Who might you be?"

The man's eyes briefly flickered to Giles before returning to Nimose. "I am Prince Olcan, Alpha of Greenland, the son of King Demon, the wolf leader," he replied, his voice carrying a seductive undertone.

Nimose was suddenly jolted back to reality, her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she shook off the mesmerizing effect. She cleared her throat, feeling awkward. "Thank you for your help," she managed to say, her voice a bit shaky. "But you're trespassing on our territory. I am..."

Before Nimose could finish her sentence, Olcan's voice cut through with authority. "Princess Nimose, I know exactly who you are. I'm not here to befriend you. I've come to capture you. You can either come with me willingly or I'll have to resort to force."

"But you just saved us from those wolves," Giles interjected, his confusion evident.

Olcan took a measured step closer, and Nimose's discomfort grew. His presence was overwhelming, and his alluring aura made it hard for her to concentrate. "Stay back," she stammered weakly, trying to assert herself, but Olcan paid little heed.

Giles seemed to attempt his invisibility trick again, only for Olcan to swiftly grasp his neck. "All of you will come with me, one way or another," Olcan declared with an air of finality.

With an unexpected turn, Giles transformed into mist and evaded Olcan's grasp. Nimose seized the chance, grabbing Bruno, and they started running. However, Olcan's agility surprised them; he stopped Nimose every time she tried to escape. With no way out, Nimose resorted to fighting back.

In a blur, Nimose lunged, her movements swift as a shadow. Olcan's response was effortless, his body fluid as he blocked her attacks with precision. Unfazed, transformed Giles tried to distract him. Olcan's senses detected the shift, and with a growl, he dispersed the mist with a powerful sweep of his arm. Nimose reformed and attacked again, her fangs exposed, but Olcan's strength was overwhelming. He deflected each blow with ease, showcasing his dominance.

The battle escalated, each move calculated. Nimose's supernatural speed allowed her to evade Olcan's strikes, while Olcan's raw power blocked every assault. The clash was a dance of agility versus strength, a showdown that echoed through the night.

Olcan's frustration finally translated into a swift punch that struck Nimose's jaw, sending her crashing to the ground, unconscious. Bruno, a helpless witness, watched in horror, unable to intervene. Olcan's display of power was awe-inspiring as he swiftly tied up Nimose and Bruno, asserting his control.

Olcan's attention shifted to Bruno, a stern warning in his gaze. The message was clear: interference would not be tolerated. Bruno stayed frozen, fear and respect for Olcan's power keeping him immobile.

With both captives secured, Olcan approached his majestic horse, expertly placing Nimose and Bruno on its back. The horse sensed the tension and pawed the ground restlessly. With fluid grace, Olcan mounted the horse, captives bound before him.

Silently, they vanished into the night, Olcan's dominant presence and his captives fading into the dark. The forest held its breath, the only sound the rhythmic beat of the horse's hooves on the forest floor. Nimose and Bruno were now at Olcan's mercy, their destiny uncertain as they were carried deeper into the woods, leaving behind a trail of unsettling silence.

While Lowe readied himself for battle, a message from the king arrived. A palace messenger brought a scroll with urgent news for Prince Olcan.

Lowe stepped forward, offering to take the message on Olcan's behalf. The messenger hesitated, but Lowe insisted, mentioning that Olcan was out hunting in the woods.

The messenger gave the scroll to Lowe, who wasted no time opening it. The message was from King Demon, urging Olcan to prepare for an upcoming battle against the Vampire King. The king commanded Olcan to lead with strength, not to hesitate, and to secure victory for their pack.

Lowe's expression showed his concern as he absorbed the message's meaning. He understood the urgency and importance of the task at hand. Olcan's leadership was vital for their pack's fate in the impending battle.

Lowe closed the scroll and he continued his preparations