Two Reincarnated - Chapter 13: Distant sounds

What is it like to be a prison guard in another world? Thieves, pirates, assassins, con artists, terrorists… Werewolves, vampires, witches, necromancers, succubi…This is the Iron Rose Prison, where the most dangerous witches in the world are gathered.“I will make this the best model prison in the world!”said a prison guard who had been transported to another world.“Warden, someone has escaped again!”“Bring them back and put them in solitary confinement.”Today, is also a peaceful day on the Rose Prison.Warden: “I’m just trying to run my prison properly, how did I become a big shot in this world?”

Sanctora has known peace for generations—too long, perhaps.Built upon ancient ideals and ruled by a council bound to tradition, the kingdom believes itself untouchable. But beyond its tranquil borders, something has awakened. Whispers of vanished heroes, creatures long thought extinct, and shadows that no longer sleep begin to creep back into the land.Liora never wanted to be a hero. Orphaned young and shaped by loss, all she’s ever known is survival base on love and kindness. But when a brutal invasion exposes the kingdom’s deepest vulnerability, she’s thrust into the heart of a battle far greater than herself. Her light-element magic—once dismissed as minor and passive—may be the key to a new era of power.As Sanctora struggles to adapt, Liora must decide whether to follow the path laid out by those before her… or blaze a new one through fire, blood, and truth.Epic, emotional, and filled with slow-burning revelations, Ancient Beast Summoner is a story of legacy, buried power, and the girl who just might change everything.

Elia is a poor university student until the night she’s taken to the world of the Anima—ruled by humans whose ancient hearts pulse with the blood of animals. There she’s forced into a battle to the death. But when Elia survives, and refuses to kill her final opponent, the King must either kill Elia himself, or take her as his mate.

Reth, the brutal King of the Beasts with the blood of lions, shocks everyone when he chooses the weak, human Elia to become his Queen. He promises her every comfort of his wealth and position—but he is clear: She will not warm his bed. He chose her to defeat those that were trying to corner him into blending his Leonine line with the Wolves.

Elia needs the help of the Anima to become stronger and rule them well. But the vengeful Wolves see only a weak human that brought them shame. As Elia and Reth grow closer, the wolves are determined to destroy her. Will Reth and Elia admit their feelings for each in time to fight for the Kingdom—and their lives—against the villainous wolf-tribe? Or will the wolves kill Elia and steal the throne?

[Mature content - no sexual violence]

*****

He stalked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur collar of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle, so he peered at her through it like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn’t make a sound.

“Wh-who are you?” Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her—and didn’t stop until he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

“I am the Leonine King.” His voice was a dark, husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of wheezes, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. “And you are?”

“Elia,” she breathed.

“Elia,” he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. “I am Reth.” He said the name with a strange, guttural roll in his throat. “I am King of Beasts. I am Clan Leader, and I am Alpha of WildWood.” Several snarls rose from the crowds behind him then, but he ignored them.

Elia swallowed as he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek. “I am the King,” he said, “And you will be my mate.”

The forest behind him erupted.

The notorious imperial court lackey and the meritorious military general were well-known for their mutual dislike, a pair of arch-enemies set in stone. Who could have foreseen the unexpected change in the winds of heaven: the general injured on the battlefield, both legs disabled, and even forced by the emperor to marry his nemesis.With one marriage edict, two people with mutual hostility are forced to marry and live under the same roof. Yet after these long days together, they come to the realization that this fellow is not truly devoid of any saving grace/unattainable and high out of reach.