Since Adolf is not in a good condition, we have to delay our journey again.I look for a place that could help us shelter ourselves. I have to guide him into the forest just to make sure he wouldn’t lose his balance. Adolf was a little heavy but good thing he pushed himself to walk before dropping on the ground, washed-out.A long deafening silence filled the atmosphere between us. The whispers of the wind were fondling against my skin. I shivered since my clothes are a little revealing, showcasing my flesh.“I’m sorry.”I paused when Adolf mumbled beside me. I didn’t look at him but my ears are listening.“Our mission to retrieve the kingdom got delayed again. If it weren’t for my stupid weak ass none of this-”“You saved our butts, Adolf. You don’t have to pity yourself. Your heroic sacrifice is enough. Because what will happen if those centaur captured us successfully?”Adolf was a little speechless when I cut him off. I glance at him from the corners to see him looking at my side
A long time ago, according to the myths, there are people who can shape shift into horrible and bone chilling looks. Their face and body can turn into something monstrous that cause destruction to the other civilizations. Their kind were forced to move out of the sight of other creatures on this land.This story was only told by my Father when I was a kid. I didn’t believe such things since I only accept what my eyes see. But judging on how things went I do now believe they actually exist.“What do we have here?”I gulp, couldn’t say anything while watching the demon in front of me. His look matches from the ones I heard. There’s no doubt that this is the city of demons. It’s located at the middle of the forest. But because of the dried land, we easily saw it.“You’re a human.” its long dangerous neck stretch out, sniffing my face. I closed my eyes, gripping my sword tightly. I couldn’t escape because I was cornered.“What are you doing here?”I swallowed the lump in my throat, couldn
“We have to go back and investigate.”I stood up then made my way back to the forest when a hand stop me from going further. I didn’t look at him in the eyes. I don’t know the reason but I couldn’t.“It’s dangerous to go back and do our research, Daciana. You saw how those monsters attacked. They can eat you alive with their terrifying oral fissure.”“You mean mouth?” I asked, finally looking at him. The moment our eyes locked, it made my whole system weakened. His eyes were dominating, telling me to listen to him or hell will rise.“I don’t want to risk our lives after barely making it out alive.”I understand he’s just concerned because there are a lot of possibilities that will happen.But…“We can’t just stay here, Adolf. There is something in that city. Something is whispering to me that it is connected to us.” I shook my head, shaking his hands off.I turned my body around and was ready to sprint away when a pair of strong arms wrapped around my body then lifted me up. I screame
“Father, are we the only remaining humans in the land of Dawn?” My question made my father stare at nowhere for a while. Father and I has been walking in front of our Kingdom when I thought of something. This land is where I was born but ever since I got into this world, I have notice I am only seeing certain faces again and again for the past years. There are other human like but they are werewolves. To be straight, we’re the only full humans I am witnessing. “That’s a great question, daughter…” he grab my wrist then motioned me to sit on a rock formation that shaped like a seat. Father guided me to sit before speaking. “The world holds many mysterious things, don’t you think?” My brows furrowed into a straight line, couldn’t actually understand what he meant by that. “And the thing is, Daciana…we aren’t the only humans.” My eyes widened and I almost fall on my seat if it weren’t for father who caught me immediately. He gave me a threatening look to stay still or he will puni
Everyone had dropped their weapons.I am catching my breath when they finally heard my voice. They all slowly lifted their heads until all of their eyes are watching me. My throat suddenly become parched and my insides were shivering with fright and anxiety but I shook the thought away. I inhaled before yelling again.“Are you all humans?!”I want to confirm it. I need to.Someone took a step forward. It’s a man. He’s bulky and muscular, looking like a leader of the group. He has a beard, bald, and wearing an armor. He’s wounded, hurt, but he wasn’t fazed by it. In fact, he can still stand no matter how many blood he shed.“Who are you to begin with?!” his low intimidating voice echoed. It sends chills all over my system. He’s holding a sword that’s pointing at me.I was about to open my mouth to answer his question when someone interrupted me.“Why are you here?! Are you from the up landers?!” a man who’s also huge took a step forward, punching his hand while holding an axe. Unlike
“Welcome to the city of impoverishment.”Stoic, the leader of the Eternal Skull, motioned his hand what’s in front of us when the gates opened. I took a step forward, couldn’t believe that I am witnessing how atrocious their situation is down here.Everyone…are almost dying.Malnutrition, starvation, and some were even mourning because they have lost a loved one recently. My lips trembled and my eyes were almost teary, but I tried to stop them from pouring.“This is horrible.”There were children who’s crawling on the ground, trying to look for something to eat. Their body…I can’t explain it but you can guess that they look like. There are houses but it’s made of dirt that they mold.I immediately turned around because I couldn’t take it. It’s heart breaking to see their situation. My dream was to meet other humans like myself but I didn’t ask for this. It’s like as if my dream was crushed in a snap.I can’t bear to see them wretched like this.“What happened?” I heard Adolf asked bes
“Enough!”Every one halt from their position and they automatically glance at our way in sync. At first I thought they were looking at me but then I remember I wasn’t the one who yelled.But it was Adolf.“You should be ashamed of yourselves!”Adolf took a step forward, hiding me behind his back. I want to take a step forward but Adolf must have sensed it because he grab my wrist then pinned me on my spot.Come on!“Can’t you see what’s happening? Your people are dying! We’re running out of time because of our lack of sources! Yet, the only thing you can do is to fight each other!”Everyone fell into silence as Adolf delivered his speech. I tried shaking his hands off but he didn’t let me.“You only have each other and instead of wiping out your own kind, learn how to unite to be strong!”I blink, watching Adolf before me stood with pride and honor. For a moment there, I was mesmerized while watching him. It’s rare to see him talking like this since he’s more into fighting.Even when
I balanced myself when the shaking intensified.“W-what’s going on?!” I yelled, looking at Adolf.He didn’t answered my question at first but when he slowly lifted his face his eyes widened in horror when he saw what was coming for us.I gulp, following where he is looking at.The view itself caused the colors of my face drained.The upper land is cracking and it’s opening up. If the floors will collapse, then, it will be the end of the city of impoverishment.“We have to do something!” I started to panic, pulling out my sword when Adolf halt me.“Someone is here.”I groaned, pushing his hands to the side.“We don’t have time for this! We have to gather the people and help them-”Before I could even finish my sentence something landed right in front of me. I took a step back with horror when a skulk emerge.“Hello, princess.”Due to the sudden shock I was glued on the ground while looking at the skulk right in front of me. It’s vast body and claw was about to swing on my face when Ado
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