The Royal Mark-Chapter 31: Mongrel

"Christopher, hold the door for me, I will open up a portal and I am a little bit rusty," Ambros ordered.

Chris nodded and looked at Elsa who was taken aback by the whole situation. He walked in front of the door waiting for whoever was on the other side to come forth.

Ambros clasped both of his hands, forming a rounded shape as though cradling a sphere, and commenced his incantations. "Porta ad dilectum meum mundum aperire... Porta ad dilectum meum mundum aperire..."

Elsa observed attentively as a yellow mist began to take shape within Ambros’ cupped palms. Ambros gradually expanded his hands, causing the mist to grow larger and larger.

The demons finally found the secret door and destroyed it. Elsa witnessed Chris transforming into his manwolf form and was completely stunned by his appearance. It was at that moment that the realization of his being a werewolf truly hit Elsa.

She stepped back and fear washed through her. She was trembling at the sight of him growing fur all over his bare upper body. His face and body changed.

His ears, nose, and facial features underwent a transformation similar to how a monster is portrayed in her world. His hands and feet enlarged, and sharp claws emerged. His back, shoulders, arms, and legs bulked up noticeably. It was undeniably a terrifying sight for Elsa or any normal human being for that matter.

Chris observed Elsa’s response to his shifting, and a wave of sorrow washed over him as her fear became apparent. He wished he could shield her eyes from witnessing his shift, but he pushed aside that desire, focusing on a more pressing matter – the intruders.

Maintaining his defensive stance, Chris couldn’t help but ponder how these demons had managed to come to Novus. The gateway in Qiryn was heavily fortified, making it nearly impossible for lesser demons to breach its defenses.

Chris slashed every demon that came at him, ripping their guts, and hurling them back to the point of their entry. Dispatching these lesser demons was a straightforward task for a true alpha like him, but their numbers seemed inexhaustible, flooding in without end.

"Whatever incantation you’re reciting, Ambros, you need to hurry," Chris urged urgently. "I can’t maintain my hold for much longer. Where are they coming from anyway? They are too many!"

Ambros persisted with his chanting, and Elsa approached him, offering her assistance. "Let me help, Dad. Just tell me what to do."

"No! It would endanger your life. Step back," Ambros insisted, resuming his chanting.

As one demon slipped past Chris, Nile and Nuri swiftly attacked it, taking it down. But the threat didn’t end there, as three more demons approached. Gaia and Ciel joined the fray, while Elsa remained by Ambros’s side, not taking any action.

’What should I do? I don’t know how to help them. I should do something!’ Elsa thought desperately. Then, she noticed a demon closing in on Gaia. She seized the wooden chair nearby and, summoning all her strength, threw it directly at the demon, diverting its attention.

In response, the demon redirected its focus toward Elsa. Her eyes widened with uncertainty. She only knew how to harness her powers for healing, not for attacking, and she felt utterly powerless and useless at that moment.

As the demon prepared to strike, Ambros hastily conjured a protective barrier between the demon and her dogs, who stood in front of Elsa. The effort drained Ambros significantly, causing him to fall to his knees. With one hand maintaining the barrier and the other shaping a portal, Ambros could feel his strength depleting rapidly.

"Dad! Watch out!" Elsa cried out just moments before she witnessed the spear pierce Ambros’ back, causing him to cough up blood. "NO!"

"Christopher! The portal is open; take them away from here! I must close it once you’ve entered, or they’ll breach through!" Ambros urgently called.

Chris swiftly took hold of Elsa and firmly told Ambros, "You can close it on the other side; we’re not leaving you behind."

"I can’t. I’ve used all my strength and power. The portal will drain me entirely, even my life. So, there’s no need to cross; I’m going to die anyway. Go and take care of my daughter. Take her home, Your Highness," Ambros pleaded, causing Elsa to sob and resist in Chris’ embrace. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Go, Elsa... I love you, my dear..." Ambros then turned around and triggered the barrier to explode, causing the demons to collapse momentarily before they began to rise once more.

Chris whistled to call the four dogs who followed him. He grabbed Elsa by the waist and gave Ambros one last glance before crossing the portal.

"Let go of me you monster! I will not leave my father! DAD!!! NO!!!" Elsa’s screams and sobs echoed as she witnessed the demons swarming around her father before that haunting scene faded, replaced by a new view.

"No! Daddy! No!" Elsa slumped onto the ground, overcome by wails and screams. A flood of cherished memories with Ambros filled her mind.

The bond had been instant when she first met Ambros in the orphanage as if destiny had fated them to be a family. Elsa had always wondered why she felt so loved and cared for when she was just an adopted child. She pondered why Ambros had never married or had children of his own but had chosen to adopt her instead.

Their time together had always been enjoyable; they had never engaged in arguments, an unusual feat given Elsa’s stubborn nature. Ambros had consistently displayed understanding and unwavering support. He had spoiled her, granting her every wish and request.

Now, she understood that it was because they were genuinely father and daughter. If only she had known earlier, she would have cherished those moments even more.

Chris shifted back to his human form and noticed how cold the weather was. He looked around and noticed the color of the leaves of the trees that were turning yellow, orange, red, and brown–the color of autumn.

As a werewolf that kind of weather does not affect him, his body could certainly adapt to it, but his mate could not. He dusted off his fur cloak that he managed to grab before crossing in and wrapped it around Elsa.

Elsa glared at him the moment she felt the cloak around her and exclaimed, "You fucking mongrel!"

Chris’ eyes widened in surprise and took a step back.

[Uh oh] Yakobo uttered before turning silent, completely avoiding the incoming confrontation.