Before Aldor could reach Kala's helpless body, Hein struck first from behind. Completely focused on Kala, Aldor failed to notice the force rushing toward him. As a result, he was sent flying to the right, crashing hard with a thunderous boom that echoed through the space.
At that exact moment, Hein noticed Kala's eyelids slowly falling shut. Panic crept into him—fear that Kala might be injured, or worse… lose her life.
"No! KALA, WAKE UP!" Hein shouted, urging her to stay conscious.
But it was too late. Kala had already sunk completely into unconsciousness. There was no longer even the faintest movement or groan. Quickly, Hein began chanting a spell, forming a protective barrier around her. He refused to let any clash between him and Aldor harm Kala, even by accident.
Seeing her lying peacefully within the barrier, Hein rose to his feet. This time, he would be serious. Earlier, hesitation had held him back because he needed to protect Kala. But now, with her secured, he was free to do whatever it took to bring Aldor down.
"So, you're in a hurry to go to hell, bitch." Aldor smirked. Despite being thrown like that, his expression hadn't changed in the slightest.
"It's only fitting to play with a dog." Reddish-black smoke began to gather around Hein's hand, swirling into a dense mass before solidifying into a long, thick whip.
"Your kind has always been arrogant. Acting like you're above everyone else. When in truth, we all carry the same tainted blood. So why is it only the werewolf race that gets cast aside?" Aldor let out a mocking chuckle as he stood, brushing off clothes that weren't even dirty.
"Seems like something's seriously wrong with the brains of you mutts." Hein spun the whip in his hand, flicking its tip playfully.
Aldor's jaw tightened, though his smile remained. His irritation was clear despite the calm facade.
"Who exactly abandoned whom? Your werewolf race refused to become part of the Noctyr kingdom. You proud mutts insisted you could build a civilization without us." Hein paused, making sure Aldor's face showed that flicker of anger. "So, Aldor, there's no point barking—or biting—when you already know who the real fool is here."
The surroundings darkened. Lights that once shone brightly now dimmed. The sounds of bones cracking and fabric tearing filled the air. Hein watched carefully as Aldor's transformation became complete. His body grew larger, covered in thick fur. His claws lengthened into deadly weapons. The face that had been almost human moments ago twisted into a long snout. His grin revealed rows of sharp teeth and fangs, a terrifying sight meant to crush any opponent's will.
But Hein didn't flinch. He had seen far worse.
Still, tonight was a full moon—the time when werewolves' power surged uncontrollably. Hein tightened his grip on the whip. With the strength he had left, victory was still within reach.
No… he needed to be smarter. The weaker he became, the weaker the barrier protecting Kala would be. And if anything happened to her…
Raken would lose control.
It wouldn't be impossible for the entire world to fall apart if even a single scratch marked Kala.
While Hein was still forming a plan, Aldor lunged first.
Instinctively, Hein dodged, stepping back until he nearly hit the wall. A gust of wind followed in Aldor's wake, a remnant of his terrifying speed.
Frustrated that his target had evaded him, Aldor growled. Before Hein could even brace himself, Aldor attacked again.
Hein leapt, swinging his whip and bringing it down just as Aldor closed in. A sharp cry echoed through the room, sending vibrations through the air. Aldor was flung toward a large glass panel, cracking it before it shattered into countless pieces.
Cold night air rushed in instantly, deepening the eerie atmosphere.
Amid the scattered shards, Aldor rose once more. His gaze burned even fiercer as it locked onto Hein.
"No matter how big you get, a dog is still a dog." Hein smirked, provoking him further.
Aldor raised his claws. Hein answered by snapping his whip through the air. In a split second, they both charged, meeting at the center as their attacks collided. The impact sent them both flying back to their original positions.
"If it weren't for the full moon, you wouldn't even dare face me."
Aldor's teeth clattered, rage boiling over. He didn't respond—only a low, menacing growl escaped him.
"What's wrong? Can't talk? Figures. That's how dogs are supposed to be—obedient and submissive."
Aldor's eyes burned with pure savagery. If he could still speak normally, there would be nothing but curses spilling out. The full moon had taken his sanity in exchange for power. His animal instincts were now far stronger than his reason. For now, he could still control his attacks—but once midnight passed, the beast would take over completely.
"I'll teach you how to be a proper, obedient dog." With that, Hein dashed forward again, lashing his whip wildly at Aldor.
But this time, things didn't go as planned.
Aldor caught the tip of the whip mid-swing.
In an instant, Hein was yanked forward and slammed into a table on the right. Picture frames fell from the wall from the impact. Hein grimaced, pain shooting through his entire body. It felt as if his bones had been crushed, yet he still forced himself back to his feet, facing Aldor with a mocking smile.
"This is all you've got? Aldor, don't dream of reaching the moon if you can't even fly. Don't blame the birds just because they can. This power of yours… it can't even hurt me."
Another growl.
Hein knew full well now—he was facing nothing but a wild beast.
Aldor's once pale gray eyes had turned pitch black, ringed with a glowing yellow. Drool dripped from his slightly open mouth. Hein looked at him in disgust.
"If I weren't protecting that kid, I wouldn't even bother dealing with something this filthy," Hein muttered, adjusting his grip on the whip.
"My poor, beautiful whip…" Hein glanced at it regretfully before lifting his gaze back to Aldor. His eyes sharpened with killing intent.
Despite his unsteady steps, Hein began walking toward him. The whip dragged along the floor behind him, leaving a faint trail. Red smoke seeped from his grip, crawling all the way to the tip.
"Die, you filthy dog!"
Before Hein's attack could even land, Aldor struck first.
Claws slashed across him, followed by a brutal punch to the stomach. Hein's body slammed into the ground with a heavy crash. He groaned, clutching his arm as fresh blood dripped from it. Still sitting, he coughed violently, spitting out thick, red liquid. His injuries were complete—inside and out.
"HEIN!"
Kala's voice cut through everything.
Hein's eyes widened as he saw her—no longer protected by the barrier he had cast. Worse, Aldor had turned his attention to her, that twisted grin spreading across his face.
Hein tried to form another barrier, but the more he tried, the more he coughed, blood spilling from his mouth.
He was out of strength.
He hadn't expected Aldor's power to multiply so drastically under full control of his beast instincts.
"Kala…" Using the last of his strength, Hein teleported to her side.
He pulled her into a tight embrace just as Aldor charged toward them.
There was nothing left he could do—no protection to give except becoming her final shield.
Even if I die here… at least this child might survive…
A deafening explosion rang out—
"NO!"