Chapter 140

• As I raced down the hall, my heart pounding, I suddenly lost traction and skidded to a stop at the end, where I desperately turned to my right. In that instant, I found myself face-to-face with three of my father's so-called friends. Their unwavering demeanor was alarming; there was a palpable absence of fear in their eyes, and not the slightest hint of hesitation in their movements. If they had any reservations about their intentions, I would surely have sensed it in the air, yet the overwhelming loyalty they pledged to my father was so potent that I could only conclude they were ready to lay down their lives without a second thought. A chill raced down my spine as I instinctively froze in place, my body on high alert.
• The largest of the trio stepped forward, his teeth snapping ominously, while a menacing glow emanated from his yellow eyes. Disdain, hatred, and dark intentions were unmistakably evident in his gaze, further emphasized by the frothy spittle that oozed from the corners of his mouth, reminiscent of a rabid beast. My instincts screamed at me to remain aware of his every move as he snarled and circled me like a predator toying with its prey. I knew that I had to keep my neck safe at all costs; it was painfully clear they wanted me dead. Deep down, I felt the ferocity of their intent—they would stop at nothing until my soul was extinguished, my breath was stolen, and my very essence, alongside that of all Lycans, was wiped from the existence of this world.
• Tense, I coiled my shoulders, ready to leap into action, whether to attack or dodge, depending on the necessity of the moment. The other two had joined in the circling, their movements deceptively calculated. They had positioned themselves with clear intent—one strategically placed behind me and the other in front—creating an unyielding formation of growling fur surrounding me.