The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 16

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**

**Chapter 16: Step In**

**Darius’s POV:**

After finalizing the deal for the combat training rooms at Astralis College, I felt a surge of accomplishment. The principal and board members had offered their farewells, but I brushed them off, my mind solely focused on one thing: finding Thora.

It had only been a week since our last encounter, yet the yearning within me had intensified, growing like a wildfire. I could almost feel the urge to transform into my wolf form and sprint to her side, the wind rushing past me as I raced through the trees.

But I was no lovesick fool, and I had a reputation to uphold.

As I approached the building, a gathering of students caught my attention. They formed a tight cluster, their animated voices rising above the usual din of the school.

In the center of that crowd stood Thora—the girl who had occupied my thoughts day and night. But she wasn’t alone; a brash boy I had never seen before was confronting her, and the tension in the air was palpable.

A frown creased my brow, and instinctively, I quickened my steps, urgency propelling me forward.

As I drew nearer, their words became discernible, each syllable striking like a hammer.

“Who the hell dares call himself Thora’s fiancé? She’s ours—our future mate!”

Lorcan, my wolf, growled within me, his fury echoing in our shared consciousness. That arrogant Argenvale brat! He doesn’t deserve to be near Thora! Let me out. I’ll teach him a lesson!

I took a deep breath, forcing calm into my racing heart. I focused on Thora, observing her composed demeanor. Relax, I communicated to Lorcan through our mental link. She can handle herself.

And she was indeed handling it. Her expression radiated disgust as she faced Caleb, showing no signs of fear or interest.

Gradually, my panic subsided. I halted a short distance away, becoming a silent observer.

The crowd faded into the background; all I could see was her. Thora seemed to glow with an inner light, captivating and fierce.

When she snapped back at that boy, my heart swelled with pride. She was utterly adorable in her defiance.

“Funny. I’d never marry a dull man like you,” she retorted, her voice sharp and unwavering. I nearly chuckled out loud, my heart soaring at her boldness.

But then, the atmosphere shifted. Caleb’s anger boiled over, and I sensed his wolf power rising dangerously.

Something felt off. I had to act.

“Thora, you’re outrageous!” he yelled, lifting his hand as if to strike her.

In an instant, I was there, catching his wrist with a grip that was firm yet controlled. I hadn’t even tapped into my wolf power, but I didn’t need to; my strength alone made him yelp in pain.

“Ouch! Let go of me!”

He struggled, but I remained unmoved, his eyes blazing with fury. “Who the hell are you? How dare you butt into my business?”

Thora’s gaze shifted to me, surprise flickering across her features.

I didn’t respond immediately; instead, I released Caleb’s wrist and quickly assessed Thora, scanning her from head to toe to ensure she was unharmed. Only then did I turn my attention back to Caleb, who was nursing his swollen wrist.

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