Chapter 1564: The Forge of Fire The ritual was complete. Steve could feel the difference immediately. The moment the bond had been severed, something deep inside him shifted, something heavy, invisible, and suffocating had been pulled away. For the first time in years, he felt light. The strange pressure that used to crawl across his skin whenever he stood near Jack or the other werewolves had vanished completely. It was like a chain had been broken, one he hadn’t realized had been weighing him down until now. He exhaled, almost laughing at the relief. “It’s... incredible,” he said softly. “That feeling, it’s gone.” Jack smiled knowingly. “The others,” Steve said, turning to him with new energy in his voice. “Can you do this for them as well? For the ones who came with me? If they accept the bond, they can join your pack and live here safely. It would be better for them than wandering alone.” Jack placed a strong hand on Steve’s shoulder, his smile widening. “You don’t even need to ask. Any werewolf who comes to us will be accepted, just as you were. They’ll fit right in here, I promise. But for now”, he clenched his fist and smacked it into his open palm, “you and I have something far more important to take care of.” Steve recognized the look in his brother’s eyes instantly. It was a spark he hadn’t seen in years, the glimmer of the old Jack, the one who once charged into danger without hesitation, who lived for the challenge of battle. “You said it would just be the two of us,” Steve said. “And I think that’s the right call. No one else should get involved in this. But...” He hesitated, his brow furrowing. “I’m not sure if that’s even possible. I know how strong you are, Jack, but Rogan... he’s on another level.” He paused, the memory of their last confrontation flashing in his mind, the crushing strength, the unnatural sound of bone cracking and reshaping beneath Rogan’s skin. “He’s been an Alpha longer than either of us have been werewolves,” Steve said. “And his body... it’s not normal. He can do things I’ve never seen before. When I fought him, his bones, ” he clenched his fists “, they came out of his body, like weapons. I barely survived as it was.” Jack listened quietly, his face unreadable. “And even if we face him,” Steve continued, “we’ll still have to deal with the rest of the pack. Some of them might hesitate to fight me, but Rogan’s command runs deep. If he gives the order, they’ll have no choice. They’ll fight to the death.” Jack nodded thoughtfully, his expression softening for a moment. Then, without a word, he turned and motioned for Steve to follow. “I think it’s time I show you something,” he said. They walked through the winding streets of the Redwing Kingdom until the air began to grow warmer, then hotter. The distant clanging of metal filled the air, echoing off the stone walls. Steve recognized the sound instantly. “The smithing district?” he asked. Jack didn’t answer. He just kept walking, a faint grin tugging at the corner of his lips. The deeper they went, the hotter it became. Massive furnaces lined the walls, each one glowing red and alive. Sparks flew as werewolves and humans worked side by side, hammering steel on anvils, shaping blades, and forging armor. Steve looked around in awe. He had seen the place before, but something about it felt different this time, stronger, more alive. Jack led him past the workers to the center of the forge, where a massive furnace stood taller and wider than all the rest. The heat radiating from it was intense enough to make the air shimmer. Jack walked up to the furnace door and grasped the heavy metal handle. Without hesitation, he pulled it open. A wave of blazing heat burst outward, flames roaring like a beast unleashed. “Jack!” Steve shouted, shielding his face from the heat. “Are you insane?!” Jack looked back with a calm expression. “Relax.” Then, without another word, he stepped into the fire. Steve’s eyes widened. For a moment, panic gripped him. The flames swallowed Jack whole, the light flaring so bright it was blinding. He walked into the center of the furnace...! Steve thought in disbelief. Even with his strength, no one could survive that kind of heat. But then, through the roar of the fire, he heard a voice. “Calm down, Steve,” Jack called. His tone was casual, almost amused. “Just step inside.” Steve hesitated. The fire licked at the edges of the metal door, heat rolling out in waves so strong it made his skin prickle. But Jack’s voice was steady, and somehow, hearing it eased his fear. Taking a deep breath, Steve stepped forward. The instant he entered, fire wrapped around his body. It burned at first, but the deeper he went, the less it hurt. His werewolf regeneration dulled the pain, and after a few seconds, it was gone entirely. He emerged through the other side, his boots hitting solid metal. The flames disappeared behind him as he stepped into an enclosed chamber. The sight before him stole his breath. The room was shaped like a massive dome, every inch of it forged from polished metal that reflected the glow of the surrounding firelight. Flames still danced near the doorway and along vents high in the ceiling, but the air here was calm, almost peaceful. Weapons and armor lined the walls, racks of gleaming swords, curved blades, axes, and gauntlets. Tables filled the center of the room, covered with intricate armor pieces, each one radiating faint energy. “This...” Steve whispered. “What is this place?” Jack smiled proudly. “This is my private forge,” he said. “Built after the Shadow Plague ended. The kingdom may have been saved, but trouble never really disappears. Ray was gone, my old friends were getting older, and I realized I couldn’t rely on anyone else to protect what mattered most.” He looked around the room, his expression softening as the firelight reflected in his eyes. “So I made this place, with help from the dwarves, the greatest craftsmen the world has ever known. And with the book you gave me back then...” He ran a hand across the edge of a blade resting nearby. “We created something special. The strongest weapons and armor ever made for our kind.” Steve took a step closer to one of the armor sets, a dark, golden suit engraved with ancient runes. The air around it seemed to hum. “You made all this?” Jack nodded. “Every piece in this room is designed for werewolves. Lighter than steel, stronger enough to maybe even take on a dragon. And they’ll move with your body as if they’re part of you.” He turned, flashing a confident grin. “So go on. Take your pick.” ***** For updates on MWS and future works, follow me on my social media below. Instagram: @jksmanga *Patreon: jksmanga When news drops about My Vampire System, My Werewolf System, or any other series, you’ll hear it there first. Feel free to reach out, if I’m not too busy, I tend to reply.