The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 57

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**
**Chapter 57: Silver Bracelet and Warnings**

**Thora’s POV:**

“I’ve had some experience,” I replied with a nonchalant air, hoping to deflect any further inquiries. Darius, perceptive as always, chose not to delve deeper, and I found myself grateful for his discretion. It was a rare quality, one that I valued immensely in our complicated relationship.

His gaze shifted to the small, unassuming case resting on the seat between us. “That’s a non-magazine container designed to hold twenty tranquilizer darts,” he explained, his tone steady and informative. “Unless you’re dealing with a werewolf who has awakened an S-rank or higher wolf spirit, anyone struck by one of these darts will be rendered unconscious and temporarily immobilized. To switch from standard firing to dart mode, simply pull the mechanism on the side of the gun body.”

I listened intently as he continued, captivated by the intricacies of his design. “The body of the gun is crafted from several rare composite metals, known for their extreme durability. Once disassembled, the parts can be reconfigured into a bracelet for easy transport.”

As he concluded his explanation, I felt an instinctive urge to touch the components. My fingers danced over the pieces, and before I knew it, I had assembled the bracelet purely by touch. With a satisfying click, I secured the last connection, and a sleek silver bracelet now adorned my wrist.

Darius’s eyes widened in astonishment. “If I hadn’t designed this myself, I’d think you had the blueprints memorized,” he remarked, a hint of admiration lacing his voice.

I offered him a small smile, choosing to keep my thoughts to myself. The truth was, I had spent years honing my skills with firearms, understanding the theory and mechanics behind them as intimately as I understood my own body. His design was undeniably brilliant, but once I grasped the logic of the assembly, it was merely a matter of practice.

“Are you really giving this to me?” I inquired, lifting my wrist and shaking the bracelet lightly. My tone was half teasing, half serious.

The craftsmanship of the gun was extraordinary; it could transform, withstand wolf power, and adapt to various types of ammunition—all made from rare materials that marked it as a top-tier weapon in this era. Could he truly part with it so easily?

A faint smile played on Darius’s lips. “You’re my fiancée. Protecting you is my responsibility.”

At his words, my expression darkened, and I felt a familiar tension rise within me. “Don’t forget, we’re just putting on an act,” I retorted, my voice sharper than I intended. With that, I opened the car door and stepped out into the cool night air.

“If we’re merely acting, then you should leave the gun behind,” he called out, his tone teasing yet serious.

I turned back, a smirk forming on my lips. “What sense does it make to take back a gift? I’ll consider this an advance payment for our ‘breakup settlement.'”

I wasn’t coercing him; he had offered it first, after all.

His gaze held mine for a moment, and then he erupted into laughter, a low, rich sound that echoed through the stillness of the night, momentarily dispelling the chill that hung in the air.

Yet, as I caught the warmth of his smile, I felt an unexpected stiffness grip me. There was a vulnerability in his eyes, a mixture of helplessness and affection that made it seem as though he was indulging a wayward child. It created an atmosphere thick with unspoken emotions, and I suddenly felt the urge to flee. Turning away, I walked toward the gated community, desperate to escape the intensity of the moment.

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