A Werewolf's Unexpected Mate-Chapter 82: Beneath the Lantern’s Glow
Ray’s POV
After checking three tents, all we’d found were old silver and new black magic chains and handcuffs. Now, we were standing in front of the last tent, the dim light of the lantern illuminating its interior. My eyes landed on a small iron chest resting on a wooden table. It had intricate carvings and a lock securing it.
"Sir Ray, I checked all the cabinets and found more magic chains and handcuffs," Colt said, his voice echoing slightly in the tent.
"Did you find a key to open this chest?" I asked, my tone hopeful.
"No, sir," Colt replied, shaking his head. His disappointment is palpable.
As Colt stepped closer, the sound of his boot striking something caught our attention. We exchanged glances, and a grin spread across both our faces when we spotted the key glinting on the floor
Colt picked it up and handed it to me. "Here’s the key, Your Highness," he said, his tone teasing.
I took the key from him and gave him a light shove, causing him to laugh.
Honestly, I hated being called "prince" or "Your Highness." I didn’t want respect just because I was the king’s son. I wanted to earn it through my own achievements without relying on my father’s name. I knew Ace felt the same way.
"Sir, how many more minutes before you open the chest?" Colt asked, his voice laced with amusement. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢
Lost in thought, the chest momentarily escaped my mind. "I’ll open it in an hour," I replied with mock seriousness, enjoying the amusement on his face as he believed my jest.
I inserted the key into the lock and opened the chest. Inside, a core of pulsing light, a mana stone the size of a clenched fist, throbbed at the center, its luminescence a shifting aurora of emerald, sapphire, and ruby. Smaller stones, nestled around it like glittering pebbles on a riverbed, echoed this vibrant energy, their surfaces swirling with colors that flowed and changed like liquid fire, each a miniature galaxy of light.
"A mana stone?" Colt’s voice carried disbelief as he leaned closer, his brow furrowed. "So that witch is still enchanting magic chains and handcuffs even in this bandit hideout?"
I nodded. "Of course," I replied. "That was her deal with the bandits. She’d provide them with new magic chains in exchange for joining their group."
Colt rubbed the back of his neck, finally comprehending. "I almost forgot about that."
"Let’s go. Our task is done," I said, closing the chest and picking it up along with a sack of handcuffs. Colt grabbed a sack of magic chains, and we stepped out of the tent.
I scanned the area and saw our four members finishing up their tasks. My eyes landed on Ace and Ovelia, who were sharing a quick, sweet kiss. I glanced at Ann and noticed her smiling. She must have planned this. Still, I was happy to see Ace and Ovelia genuinely happy together.
Philip’s POV
My back ached from carrying the unconscious bandits. These werewolves made it look so effortless in their werewolf forms, but I was at a disadvantage as a human. I should’ve helped Colt and Ray check the tents instead. A sharp pang of regret pierced through my aching muscles.
Ann’s smile, bright as the morning sun, caught my eye. Following her gaze, I saw them—Ace and Ovelia, locked in a tender embrace, their kiss a silent promise whispered in the twilight.
A grin spread across my face. I approached Ann, my voice light. "So, you orchestrated this little romantic interlude?"
Ann’s smile widened, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Indeed. And I’m delighted to see their feelings finally blossoming," she said, her voice a melody filled with infectious joy.
I couldn’t help but smile at her words. Seeing a human and a werewolf slowly falling for each other wasn’t bad. Still, I hoped Ovelia’s decision to stay in the palace when she had the chance to leave was right.
Suddenly, Kai slung an arm around Ann and me, his presence a warm, comforting weight. "So, you two are also enjoying the view of the lovebirds?" he said, his voice cheerful.
"Absolutely," Ann replied, her tone equally joyful.
"We’re done loading all the bandits into the wagons, so I think we can talk to Ace now," Kai announced, his tone shifting to businesslike confidence, and he returned to his human form.
I glanced at Ray and Colt, who were also looking our way. Ray smiled, and I smiled back before we all started walking toward Ace and Ovelia.
Ace’s POV
As the others approached, I stood, pulling Ovelia to her feet. The warmth of her hand in mine sent a pleasant shiver down my spine.
"Lady Ovelia!" Ann exclaimed, her joy spilling over as she enveloped Ovelia in a warm embrace. Ovelia hugged her back, a soft smile lighting her face.
Philip’s teasing voice cut through the sweetness. "Hello, lovebirds."
"Do we really look like birds to you?" I shot back, crossing my arms, a sly smile lingering on my lips.
"You always get mad at me. I’m just joking," Philip said, holding his hands in mock surrender.
I didn’t like his jokes, but teasing him was fun.
"Ahem," Kai interjected, clearing his throat. "By the way, Sir Ace, we’ve successfully loaded the bandits in the wagon," he said with pride.
"We’re also done checking the tents. We found a lot of old and new magic chains, handcuffs, and mana stones," Ray added.
The mention of mana stones made me pause. "Do you think they’re collecting mana stones?" I asked.
Ray nodded a serious glint in his eye. "I believe so. The witch was making new magic chains for the bandits. We only found a small amount of mana stones, so I don’t think they’re planning anything huge,"
But if the witches were collecting a large number of mana stones, they could create new weapons and plot terrible things that could lead to war. I shook my head, trying to dispel the invasive thoughts. Was I overthinking this?
"Good work, everyone," I said, appreciation threaded through my voice. "Let’s pack up and return to the village," I commanded, my voice firm. The others responded with a collective nod, a silent understanding passing between us.
I noticed Philip mounting his horse. Was he planning to return to the Amethyst Kingdom?
