The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 11

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**
**Chapter 11: Clown**

**Thora’s POV:**

Instinct kicked in, propelling me sideways as I barely evaded the iron bar that sliced through the air, crashing into the wall just inches from my shoulder. The force of it reverberated in the narrow corridor, a harbinger of the chaos that was about to unfold.

“You little bitch! Don’t you dare dodge me!” Hazel’s voice sliced through the darkness, sharp and shrill, echoing off the walls like a siren’s wail. “You got me punished by Dad. I’m going to beat you so badly you won’t even be able to crawl out of bed!”

The iron bar swung again, a menacing arc that cut through the silence, its sound bouncing ominously down the hallway. I remained tucked away in a corner, a cold smile curling my lips. “If you’re so tough, come and catch me,” I taunted, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

Werewolves, as I knew all too well, only had night vision in their wolf forms. Hazel had managed that first swing because she had anticipated my movement, lurking like a predator waiting to pounce. But now, with my sudden dodge, she was flailing about aimlessly, swinging wildly like a headless chicken, desperate and uncoordinated.

But I was different.

In the apocalypse, I had learned to navigate the darkness, honing my instincts through countless battles fought under the cover of night. Even in my human form, I had trained relentlessly to adapt swiftly to the shadows. I watched her stumble and flail in the dim light, her movements comical and chaotic, reminiscent of a clown caught off guard.

“You get out here…” she hissed, her voice dripping with venom.

Smack!

Before she could finish her threat, I stepped forward and delivered a sharp slap across her face. The force of the hit sent her sprawling to the floor, her expression a mixture of shock and fury.

“You hit me, you… Ouch!” she gasped, indignation rushing through her as she attempted to push herself up. But I was quicker, my foot pressing down firmly on her wrist, the heel digging into her flesh.

Her scream pierced the air, echoing in the soundproof confines of Green Villa. No one inside would hear her cries, not in this secluded corner of our twisted family home.

“No one ever taught you this, did they? The one who tries to harm a family member is the one who should be despised the most,” I said, my voice low and menacing as I bent down, gripping her chin to force her to meet my gaze.

Her skin quivered beneath my fingers, a palpable tremor of fear coursing through her. In the dim light, her pupils dilated, reflecting the wild panic in her eyes.

“Let me go! If Dad finds out, he’ll kill you!” Hazel’s voice was harsh, but I could hear the underlying tremor of fear that betrayed her bravado.

“Oh?” I mused, my thumb brushing along her jawline, relishing the moment. “Tell me, if the elders at Council Hall discovered that you paid rogues to set me up, that you sent me over a cliff and nearly ended my life, do you honestly think Dad would still shield you from the consequences?”

“I didn’t! You’re just jealous because I’m pureblood! You’re slandering my name!” she spat, her eyes narrowing in defiance.

Her teeth ground together in frustration, sweat trickling down her temple as she realized the futility of her situation. She didn’t dare make another move.

I lifted my foot off her wrist, relishing my victory. “Behave yourself from now on. Next time, it won’t just be your hand that I hurt.”

As I turned to leave, I caught the venomous glint in her eyes—a look that could cut through steel. If she had the chance, I knew she would leap up and tear me apart without a second thought.

But I paused, my mind racing.

This one couldn’t be left alive.

Slowly, I moved my hand behind my back, drawing on the tiny thread of power still lingering in my body. Blue flames flickered at my fingertips, a reminder of the second ability I had awakened after the apocalypse—fire control. It was a force potent enough to sear through even the alloy weapons most werewolves wielded.

I narrowed my eyes, ready to unleash the flames upon Hazel…

Suddenly, a voice cut through the tension, urgent and commanding, emerging from the shadows. “Thora, stop!”