I stared in bewilderment at what he had said, my brows furrowing into a deep, straight line as I tried to comprehend the words that had just been uttered.The entire area was deathly silent; you could have heard a pin drop. No one made a sound, no one moved an inch. All eyes were fixed on Adolf of their attention, and all conversations had halted in their tracks. A palpable air of suspense hung in the air as everyone waited with bated breath for whatever it was that was about to happen next. Even the birds of the night seemed to sense something remarkable coming and flew off into the horizon, leaving the scene entirely free of noise or movement.“W-what do you mean?” I hadn't expected it to happen, but suddenly my voice began to crack as I spoke. I felt lost in the moment, unable to resolve the issue without stammering my way through whatever I had been saying.Adolf said nothing, but I could see the turmoil in his eyes. Doubts, anxieties and more than anything else - guilt - weighed
I didn’t hesitate any longer, springing swiftly to my feet. My fingers firmly encircled the cool hilt of my sword as I proceeded onward, with every intention of spreading destruction upon him.All cautionary thoughts were set aside and I marched forward in a confident and determined fashion, prepared to deliver a full onslaught. My heart pounded furiously against my ribs as adrenaline surged through me – an emotion almost euphoric in its exhilaration.“I F*CKING TRUSTED YOU!”Adolf stood there, his gaze unshifting from the ground. I clenched my fists, rage seething in me as I raised my sword and swung it down onto him. The blade should have sliced him - but instead it flew from the force of my outburst, clattering against the floor below us.I was determined not to give in, mustering up all my strength to fight back. My arms and legs were ready for battle, each punch and kick coming from a place of determination and resilience. My adrenaline was pumping as I powered through, every blo
“The Kingdom is under attack!”I was just walking along, my eyes not really settling on anything because my mind was clouded from the stress of the day, when some sudden and unexpected shouting caused me to jump.Startled, I attempted to locate where the noise had come from. As I looked around for the source of it all, I suddenly spotted Gunner, our Betta at this time, standing nearby.He was dashing forward with all his might, screaming the same phrase over and over again. The whole area started to become more and more frantic as people realized that something was terribly wrong. People were running around in circles as they tried to make sense of what was happening, but the screaming continued to get louder.I slowly pushed myself up from the ground, straining my eyes to get a better look at the scene before me. The air was thick with tension, and I could hear faint murmurs of confusion and shock coming from the crowd. Everyone seemed to be in a state of disbelief as they whispered
“Adolf, what did I told you?”I felt a tightness in my throat as tears welled up in my eyes, and I looked away to the ground with embarrassment.My heart was heavy and guilt encased me; I had done something that I knew was wrong but what else could be done in that moment of distress? It seemed almost futile to think back on it now - nothing good could come out of it. A wave of memories brought a flood of emotions, ranging from sadness to disbelief.“T-that I shouldn’t interfere with the fight.” I mumbled.“Exactly!”Father’s thunderous words echoed throughout the Kingdom of Peace, vibrating in my chest. Every member of the pack had gathered, even my mother who stood next to me with her head bowed. I could feel the weight and intensity of hundreds of eyes upon me as whispers spread through their ranks. It was as if each syllable uttered by Father cracked against my skin like a whip - and yet, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by his presence and command.“You should have an idea of wha
I was unaware that my father had a brother.Growing up in such a small family, it never crossed my mind that there would be any extended family. For as far back as I've been alive, it has always been the three of us: mother, father and myself. Uncovering this new information was definitely unexpected, but nevertheless remarkable to know that Father has someone else in his life with which he shares a special bond.I kept silent and watched my mother carefully collect all the items in the house that had belonged to my uncle.After placing them inside a box, mother was about to discard them when I stopped her. She hefted up the container and was ready to throw it away in an effort to get rid of the unwanted items.“What is it, Adolf?”“These stuffs can still be in use, mother. Why are you throwing it away?”She stares at me for what feels like an eternity, the weight of the moment pressing heavily on my chest. I can see the emotions bubbling beneath her stoic surface. Finally, she takes
I scrambled to conceal the objects before my father had a chance to look closer and observe what they were.I felt a sense of relief when I managed to hide the items quickly and efficiently, ensuring that he would not discover the evidence of my misdemeanors. Despite this, my heart was racing as I worried about his reaction if he were to find out. My fear was understandable, considering he had always been strict with me.“What are you doing?”I stood up straight and shuffled the box under a nearby table as I glanced up at him. His question seemed to paralyze me as my mind raced with possible answers; should I tell him that I was busy even though my day was free? No matter what my decision, it felt like a lie. My palms began to sweat as he stared, waiting for an answer.I shifted in place and took a deep breath before speaking. “No, father.”He nodded, “Come with me.”I sighed in confusion as the door opened and my father gestured for me to follow him. What could this be? I thought, my
I couldn't help the tears that ran down my cheeks as I ran away. My feet moved swiftly regardless, wanting to take me away from the pain I felt in that moment. Thoughts of all the wrongs had been done whirred through my mind like a windmill, and I knew deep within me that running away was the only thing left to do. Yet despite this knowledge, my heart felt heavy with sorrow and regret.I clench my teeth and curl my hands into tight fists, rejecting all who oppose me. My heart pounds against my chest and I take a deep breath in an attempt to steady myself. Even though my vision is slightly blurred, I focus on the path ahead of me, determined to keep going.“Adolf, where are you going?!”I didn’t listen to their voices as they shouted my name, choosing instead to pick up my pace and run towards our home. I felt like every step was taking me further away from the danger and closer to safety. My heart was pounding in my chest and I could feel the beads of sweat forming on my forehead as I
“What brings you here in my territory?”I felt completely overwhelmed and backed away, my mind spinning too quickly to even comprehend how to put what I was feeling into words. My stomach was in knots as my mind ran through a thousand different thoughts at once. I stood there for a few moments, just trying to steady myself before I could even attempt to express myself coherently. All the while, the pressure from this situation weighed heavily on me and made it ever more difficult for me to stammer out a response.“I-i…”I stepped away slowly, surveying the tense atmosphere around me. My heart was pounding in my chest as I gauged the hostile gazes of them surrounding me. I tried to stay calm and focused, knowing that any wrong word from me could be my last one before they would take action. Even in this dire situation, I remained vigilant and alert, hoping to find some way out of this predicament without any bloodshed.“Did your father sent you here?”I gulped, then lifted my gaze to m
Years later...I took a deep breath, inhaling the pure air that surrounded me. I glanced around the area, looking at all the people and taking in my surroundings. A gentle smile spread across my face as I thought of how lucky I was to be there at this exact moment. The beautiful trees and flowers seemed to be flourishing in the bright sun, creating a breathtaking landscape. The birds tweeted happily in between small bushes, adding to the already joyful atmosphere of this place.“Daciana? What on earth are you doing out there. Don't you remember that you need to go inside and get yourself ready?”I didn’t look up at him when he called my name. Instead, I felt my feet leave the ground, as if I could reach the stars and fly away from here. Memories of days gone by cascaded into my mind like waterfalls, bringing with them a flood of emotions. They were memories both fond and painful that made me pause in that moment, feeling vulnerable but also appreciative for all life had given me.“Do
“Daciana! Get a hold of yourself!”I was vaguely aware of a hand shaking my shoulder, as if someone was trying to force me awake. I couldn't tell if my body and mind were truly awake or not; it felt like I was suspended somewhere between consciousness and dreamland. It wasn't an altogether unpleasant feeling, but something still seemed off. This sensation would come and go in waves, leaving me alternating between deep sleep and strange alertness. My thoughts would wander in and out of reality until eventually, the hand shaking my shoulder become more vivid.“Daciana!”I slowly crane my neck towards the direction of someone calling for me. Peering through the crowd, my eyes eventually meet with Blode's. His face is stained with tears, but I still see the strength and resoluteness held within them. He beckons to me again, putting all his energy into conveying his urgency. He doesn't have to tell me much; somehow, I already know what has gone wrong and why he needs help.“Your father, he
I felt completely frozen in place, my mind and body unable to process what I just witnessed. All this had happened so quickly that I couldn’t make sense of anything. My throat tightened, unable to even find the words to describe how utterly stunned I was. Nothing could have ever prepared me for this outcome and it left me feeling numb with shock. It was as if time stood still, yet the events kept unfolding before my eyes.“L-lowell…”He had shown his unwavering dedication to the cause, a loyalty that was unrivalled by any in his pack. None of them ever expected him to make such a selfless sacrifice. For in sacrificing himself, he put their future before his own wellbeing. His act of courage made them realize just how much he valued their safety and freedom, despite knowing that it would cost him dearly.Everyone stood shock still, their face a mask of disbelief. No one knew what to say or do when Adolf suddenly collapsed onto the ground, not fully conscious. All eyes glanced towards h
I screamed out of desperation, my anger and fear manifesting in cries of agony. I watched helplessly as the skulks dragged my father away from me.My heart raced as though it was about to burst from my chest, and a wave of pure panic surged through me. Without thinking twice, I ran towards them who had taken him so quickly and without warning.“LET GO OF HIM! DON’T YOU DARE TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME AGAIN!”The skulks cackled loudly as my sobs and pleas fell on deaf ears. I felt powerless, my heart beating out of my chest as I took a deep breath in an attempt to quell the loud laughter. No, please. I had just been reunited with my father and if something were to happen to him, I would never forgive myself!I swiftly lifted my sword, ready to strike a blow against the skulks when I heard a commotion coming from behind me. I spun around in alarm, feeling apprehension rising within me as the voices grew louder and more numerous. What could be happening? My heart raced with anticipation and f
How could this be? I felt a chill as I gazed upon the darkness that had spread throughout the entire kingdom. Everywhere I looked, it felt like the sun itself had been blotted out from existence. It seemed like the shadows were slowly consuming everything in sight, and my heart sank at such a grim realization.I glanced up and saw Adolf’s body - he was clearly in need of help, but the shadows around him blocked my path. How could I go any closer to him? Hesitatingly, I took a step forward and found myself surrounded by a wall of darkness.I tiptoe cautiously, my heart pounding in my ears. Not a sound to be heard except the relentless humming of the darkness that threatens to consume me if I take one wrong step. I feel like any misstep could lead to a disastrous outcome - getting swallowed up by their ever-growing shadows - and I know that would mean certain doom for me.“How often must I warn you that there is no way you can beat me?”My focus was immediately brought back to Azariel a
I nodded my head slowly, taking the necklace from Father and carefully looping it around my neck. He smiled at me reassuringly, and then we both turned to face our foes.His gift to me had been a reminder of how much he cared for me, even in times of great peril. I felt an invisible surge of strength when I looked down at the glimmering metal against my chest; an assurance that no matter what would happen, Father was always by my side.“I’m so proud of you, darling.”Those were my father's encouraging words before we began to battle the groups of skulks advancing towards us. I had been preparing for this moment all week, equipping ourselves with weapons and practicing any tactical maneuvers that might give us an advantage. We had a duty to protect our home, and the feelings of anxiety that initially weighed on me had been replaced with a newfound determination. My dad's belief in my capabilities helped fuel this confidence, and I knew that no matter what happened, I would always stand
Even though we were heavily outnumbered by our opponents, we refused to be intimidated into retreating.We knew that if we wanted to stand any chance of victory, sheer determination and courage would be necessary. We could not afford to succumb to fear of the odds against us; although facing a daunting battle, our fortitude was unshakable. Our only hope for success lay in our ability to remain optimistic despite the disparity in numbers between us and the enemy; no matter how bleak things seemed, we kept going.Everyone was doing their utmost to make a difference, displaying bravery and a willingness to take the lead. All of them were uniting in one common cause; they wanted to win this last battle, no matter the cost. Each person was shouting and pushing forward with unwavering energy and vigor. They all knew what was at stake and were truly determined to succeed. The atmosphere was electric, inspiring me as I found my own courage swell within my chest.“You’re going to die here! Jus
“Adolf…”Everyone in the room had their eyes firmly fixed on the two standing before them.Adolf, standing tall and determined, was facing off against Azariel, despite having lost to him previously.“I-is that Adolf?”I glanced down at my father, his form so fragile, as he suddenly spoke. His breaths are labored and shallow, every inhalation a struggle and every exhalation a relief. It breaks my heart to see him in this state, but despite all of the difficulty he smiles up at me with a strength that is indomitable.“Yes, father.”Wrapping my arms around him, I leaned in and snuggled against his neck. I felt a pang of sadness that once again he wasn't by my side. Father returned the hug, letting out a deep sigh that seemed to speak of his own pain at having to be apart from me. His embrace was comforting yet bittersweet; he was there with me but I hate it because we’re in this situation. His chest rose and fell with each breath, like it was taking his heart along with him on each sighs
“A-azariel…”Taking a step back, I was filled with disbelief seeing him here, questioning if he has truly returned or not. It all seemed surreal to me; I almost couldn't believe it was happening. How could he be here now?The emotions running through my mind were a mix of confusion and apprehension when he suddenly spoke again.“Do you truly believe I'm that naive?”He forcefully grabbed my father by the throat, lifting him up into the air. I could feel an uncontrollable rage boil inside me when I saw my father struggling against Azariel.“FATHER! LET GO OF HIM YOU B*STARD!”My entire body seized up and my fists clenched as a need for vengeance overwhelmed me. I was willing to do anything to make sure he didn't hurt my father further, ready to lay down my life if necessary when someone stop me from advancing.“Daciana! No! It’s risky!”I peered over my shoulder and saw Stoic. His eyes were communicating to me that I should not do anything foolish and impetuous. He was trying to ensure