Under the Skin

Chapter 23: The True Blood

Estrella's POV

Estrella paced the floor of the sanctuary, her mind racing with the implications of the recent attacks. The loss of Tina and the relentless pursuit of Kai weighed heavily on her. She needed to understand why Viktor was so intent on capturing Kai. The pieces of the puzzle slowly started to fit together, forming a terrifying picture.

She called a meeting with Kenai, Jonas, and the remaining pack members. As they gathered in the dimly lit room, the gravity of the situation was evident in their solemn faces.

"There's something I need to tell you all," Estrella began, her voice steady but tinged with urgency. "I believe I know why the vampires are after Kai."

Kai, standing at the back, looked up in surprise. "What do you mean?"

Estrella took a deep breath, meeting his gaze. "Kai, you possess something incredibly rare and powerful—True Blood. It's a bloodline that carries the essence of life itself. Vampires covet it because it grants them eternal life, true immortality beyond their current state."

A shocked murmur spread through the group. Kai's face paled as the weight of Estrella's words sank in. "So, all this time, they've been hunting me for my blood?"

Estrella nodded. "Yes. Viktor wants to capture you and drain your blood to achieve eternal life. He won't stop until he gets what he wants. We need to protect you at all costs."

Kenai stepped forward, his expression fierce. "We'll do whatever it takes to keep Kai safe. Viktor won't get his hands on him."

The pack rallied around Kai, their determination strengthening. Estrella knew that they were now bound together by a common purpose—to protect Kai and stop Viktor's nefarious plans.

Viktor's POV

In the dark recesses of his lair, Viktor sat brooding on his throne. The recent skirmishes had been both victories and setbacks. He had tasted the thrill of battle and the sweet taste of vengeance, but his prize still eluded him. Kai, the werewolf with the True Blood, was still out of his grasp.

Risie, seated beside him, watched as Viktor's eyes glinted with a cold, calculating light. "We need to strike again, and this time, we must capture Kai," she said, her voice filled with determination.

Viktor's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Indeed. Kai's True Blood is the key to our ultimate victory. With it, we can achieve eternal life, power beyond measure."

He stood, his commanding presence filling the room. "Risie, prepare the others. We will launch a full-scale attack on the sanctuary. This time, we will not fail."

Risie nodded, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "Consider it done."

As Viktor turned to leave, his mind was already plotting the details of the assault. He would bring his full might against the werewolves, and Kai would be his. The allure of eternal life drove him, a hunger that could only be sated by the True Blood.

Estrella's POV

Estrella watched the pack as they prepared for the inevitable confrontation. Weapons were sharpened, strategies discussed, and the sanctuary fortified. She knew that Viktor would not wait long before making his next move.

Late that night, as the sanctuary lay in a tense, uneasy silence, Estrella stood on the rooftop, gazing out over the city. She could feel the storm brewing, the air thick with anticipation.

A presence stirred behind her, and she turned to see Kenai. "Do you really think we can win this?" he asked, his voice low and filled with doubt.

"We have to," Estrella replied firmly. "We don't have a choice."

Kenai nodded, his resolve hardening. "We'll be ready."

Estrella looked out over the city again, her thoughts turning to Viktor. She knew he was out there, preparing, scheming. She clenched her fists, a fierce determination burning within her.

Viktor's POV

In his lair, Viktor gazed out at the night, his thoughts mirroring Estrella's. He knew the time for the final confrontation was approaching. The pieces were in place, and soon, the game would come to its climactic end.

"We're on war now," he whispered to himself, a dark smile playing on his lips.

Estrella's POV

As the first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, Estrella whispered to the wind, "We're on war now."