Kai burst through the doors, his presence commanding immediate attention. "Kai, you're back!" Gary called out, standing from his seat as relief washed over him. Lucien and the other vampires noted the reaction closely. The fact that the Alpha himself had acknowledged Kai so openly spoke volumes about his importance within the Howlers. They could sense it, too—Kai was like them. "Is everything okay? Did you get into a fight?" Gary asked, scanning Kai's disheveled uniform. Your next chapter awaits on Freewebnovel Brushing off the tattered pieces of fabric, Kai strode forward calmly. "It's nothing to worry about right now." His tone was composed, but his eyes flickered with something deeper. "I got your message, so I rushed over. It seems like this meeting is more important." The other Howlers near Gary instinctively shifted, making space for Kai to sit beside their leader. The act was subtle but significant. The vampires watching took note—Kai wasn't just a member of the Howlers; he held a position of influence, perhaps equivalent to the Royal Guards among their own kind. Lucien, however, had chosen not to bring any of his Royal Guards today. Had he done so, this gathering could have turned into something far more dangerous. As for Kai, he decided to keep what had happened to him a secret, at least for now. The vampires didn't need to know what he had been through. "I apologize for starting this meeting without you," Lucien said smoothly. "It seems the Howlers value your presence quite a bit. Allow me to introduce myself again. I am Lucien Scutter, the current King of the Vampire Settlement." He gave a small nod of acknowledgment. Kai met his gaze with unwavering confidence. "My name is Kyle Hamper, but I go by Kai. I'm a quick learner when it comes to picking up context, so feel free to continue your conversation with Gary from where you left off." Lucien smirked. He appreciated Kai's politeness, his demeanor. Out of everyone in the room, Kai carried the presence of someone important—perhaps even more so than Gary himself. Lucien's expression turned serious once more. "Our main concern is the Lupus Pack and the power they have been amassing. They have formed a group known as Ironfang—werewolves of great strength, rumored to be nearly on par with our own leaders." Gary narrowed his eyes. "So they're building an army." Lucien nodded. "They're gaining strength at an alarming rate. They have acquired incredibly powerful beast armor, which has given them an unnatural boost in power. The real question is—who is supplying them? Someone is backing them, and that is where our concerns align." Marie, seated near Gary, had her arms crossed. "You've made it clear that this is your fight. So why do we need to get involved? The Howlers have never had an issue with the Lupus Pack. If they want to fight you, then let them." Kai glanced at Marie. She was filling in for him while he was away—asking the tough questions Gary might have overlooked. It was clear she had been paying close attention. Lucien let out a slow breath. "In our experience, history repeats itself. You may not have problems with the Lupus Pack now, but I assure you, it is only a matter of time. Power struggles never end peacefully. You and Lupus are both growing—there will come a day when your two groups clash, whether you want it or not." Gary tapped his fingers against the table, contemplating his words. "So, based on your assessment, if our two groups were to fight right now, you believe we would lose?" Lucien met his gaze. "If you fight alone, then yes. Honestly, we don't even know the full extent of Lupus's numbers. But when backed into a corner, desperate groups are willing to do the most dangerous things." Kai's sharp voice cut in. "Then why don't you use your own strength? It's clear you believe you have the power to eliminate the werewolves. You have the numbers and the advantage. Why not handle it yourselves?" Lucien chuckled at the bluntness of the question. "Because war has a cost. When leading a nation or an entire race of people, it's not about whether we can win—it's about what we lose in the process. I have no doubt that we would come out victorious, but at what expense? "Perhaps our caution has allowed the situation to escalate to this point. Both sides have spent years growing their strength rather than directly engaging. At first, our power alone served as a deterrent, preventing unnecessary bloodshed. But now, we've reached a point of no return. Still, I believe there is one last chance to prevent full-scale war. That is why I have come to you, Gary." Lucien's eyes locked onto Gary's, his intent clear. "I don't want your gang to fight the Lupus group for us. Nor do I expect you to bear the brunt of our losses. That is not what we're asking." Kai scoffed, crossing his arms. "Then what do you want? Why test us? Why attack us if you only wanted to talk?" Lucien remained calm. "We tested a few of you because we needed to be sure. We needed to see if you—especially you, Gary—were capable of handling something crucial. We have a way to end this conflict without dragging the entire Howlers into war and without involving all of the vampire settlement." Gary raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly is that?" Lucien leaned in slightly. "I want you to deliver a package." The words hung in the air. A package? Gary's mind raced at the simple request. It sounded too easy, too straightforward. But then again, that's exactly how all of this started—his entire journey. A simple delivery, a seemingly harmless task… and yet, it had led him down the path to where he stood now. **** For updates on MWS and future works, please remember to follow me on my social media below. Instagram: jksmanga When news of MVS, MWS, or any other series comes out, you will be able to see it there first, and you can reach out to me. 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