A Werewolf's Unexpected Mate-Chapter 78: Unexpected Mercy

Ace’s POV

We stood in front of the massive black-glowing cage, its dark magic radiating oppressive energy that made my wolf bristle. The moonlight illuminated the prisoners inside—villagers, travelers, merchants, and food suppliers. Some were unconscious, while others were awake but too weak to speak. Their frail forms and hollow eyes were a stark reminder of the cruelty they had endured.

My anger surged, a fiery heat coursing through my veins. How could these stray werewolves do this to their own kind? The betrayal was unfathomable.

"This sight is terrible. They’re too weak," Kai said, his voice heavy.

"Those bandits deserve the worst punishment for this!" Colt growled, his fists clenched.

Ray stepped forward, his orange eyes blazing as he turned to the witch. "Did you feed them properly?!" he demanded, his voice sharp and accusing.

The witch flinched, her voice trembling. "We... we fed them enough to keep them alive," she stammered.

I could feel the truth in her words, but it wasn’t enough. The prisoners were clearly malnourished, likely surviving on scraps. The bandits had treated them like animals, not people.

"Witch," I said, my voice low and dangerous, "I’m going to release you and give you a wand. You will dispel the magic on this cage and open it." I stepped closer, my claws brushing against her neck. "If you make one wrong move, I’ll kill you."

"Ye-yes, I’ll do what you want. Please, don’t kill me," the witch pleaded, her voice shaking with fear.

I carefully removed the magic chain and mana nullifier binding her and handed her the wand. Her hands trembled as she took it, her eyes darting nervously between me and Ray.

"If I hear even a hint of a suspicious spell coming from your mouth, I’ll rip your throat out," Ray said, his tone icy.

"Don’t scare her too much, Ray," I said, though my voice held no warmth. "Now, witch, do your job."

The witch swallowed hard and pointed the wand at the cage. Her voice quivered as she began the incantation. "Chains of darkness twisted tight, I break your hold with all my might. Magic’s knot, undone, untied, let freedom’s flow, now be applied. From the cage’s walls to the open sky, let banished shadows softly die. So mote it be."

As she chanted, she moved the wand with precision, mimicking the untying of knots. Her movements were deliberate as if she were physically unraveling the dark magic binding the cage. She finished by drawing a large "X" over the cage with the wand, symbolizing the cancellation of the spell.

The moment the spell was complete, the witch collapsed to her knees, her breathing ragged. The effort had drained her mana completely.

"Are you still alive?" I asked, my tone indifferent but not entirely devoid of concern.

"Yes... I just need to rest," she whispered, her voice weak.

She had done what I was asked for. Perhaps she deserved a small measure of kindness.

Colt stepped forward and began opening the cage. Slowly, the people inside stirred, their strength returning as the dark magic dissipated.

"Where’s Khaleed? Is he okay?" one of the villagers asked, his voice weak but filled with concern.

Ray’s expression darkened. "What are you talking about? He’s an accomplice to the bandits," he said, his voice sharp.

The villager shook his head. "I know what Khaleed did is unforgivable, but we understand he only did it to get money for our village. When we attacked the bandits, and they captured us using the black magic chain, Khaleed begged them to spare our lives and not put us in an auction, " he explained.

"Because of Khaleed, we’re still alive," another villager added.

I was taken aback. Despite everything they had endured, these people still cared for Khaleed. Their forgiveness was both surprising and humbling.

"Is Khaleed okay?" a woman asked, her voice trembling.

"Yes, he’s alive. We’ve bound him with magic chains and duct tape, but he’s unharmed," I said, watching as relief washed over their faces.

"These people are too forgiving," Colt muttered, shaking his head.

"I agree," Kai said, his tone thoughtful.

My thoughts drifted to Ovelia. I needed to get back to her.

Suddenly, the sound of galloping horses reached my ears. I turned toward the 8 o’clock direction and saw Philip riding a magnificent black stallion, followed by four Crimsonheart troops riding three horses with wagons.

"Lieutenant Kai, we’re back!" the Crimsonheart troops called out in unison.

"Good work," Kai replied, nodding approvingly.

"Along the way, we found some horses. You can use them to return to Thunoa Village, so you don’t have to run back," Philip said, his tone cheerful.

"Sir Ray, my team and I will get the horses," Colt said, already moving toward the horses’ location.

"Be careful," Ray said, and Colt nodded before leading his team away.

"Kai, have your troops assist these people to the wagons. We’ll be heading back to Thunoa Village soon," I ordered.

Kai nodded and turned to the villagers. "Everyone inside the cage, follow me," he said, his voice calm but commanding.

"What about the bandits? Did you capture all of them?" one of the villagers asked, his voice filled with fear.

"Yes, they’re all captured. They can’t hurt you anymore," I assured him, watching as relief washed over their faces. They began following Kai and his troops toward the wagons.

I noticed the witch struggling to stand. "I promised you’d live, so don’t even think about running," I said, my voice firm but not unkind.

"Thank you," the witch said, her voice breaking as tears welled in her eyes.

I grabbed her arm gently but firmly. "I have one last job for you. Let’s go back to the bandits," I said, leading her away. She nodded, still trembling but compliant.

Ray, the witch, and I started walking back toward the bandits while Philip rode his black stallion ahead of us.

In the distance, I could see Ovelia and Ann looking in our direction. I must have kept them waiting for quite a while.