“I SAID STOP!”
His hands pinned my body firmly on the ground as I struggled to escape from him. I kick and squirm but get hopeless as the lone foe above me is powerful.
I have trained myself for ten years! I don’t want to waste all of my efforts of deadly training just to get trounced by my enemy!
“I said…let go of me!”
He was almost kissing the nook of my neck when I kneed him on his stomach. Lowell, whose guard was low, rolled on the ground in torment because he did not anticipate my bold move. I stood up then hurriedly went towards the door to escape when I felt something catch my ankle.
“YOU’RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!”
Lowell caught my left ankle and pulled me, causing me to lose my balance. I yelled, raising my hands to reach the door handle when Lowell twirled me around and then grabbed my jaw with force, holding me to look at him dead straight through his eyes.
“Face it, princess! You will never have a chance to get back your kingdom, your tribe, your father, and revenge on the death of the Alpha! You know why?”
Lowell’s grip tightened, causing it difficult for me to breathe. He leaned and lowered his face until we were eyeing each other’s, naked souls.
“Because you’re weak. You’re pathetic. Even if you have trained yourself to fight. Still, there’s no chance for you to fight my father and our pack. Adolf must probably be dead by now. I doubt his strength.”
I shook my head repeatedly because I didn’t want to digest his antagonistic counters. Lowell’s clench loosened a little, but he did not let his guard down.
He pushed me down until I lay and went on top of me. This time, he completely undresses me until nothing is covered. I closed my eyes, and some flashbacks of what had happened ten years ago invaded my mind.
I was crying, alone, and hopeless.
“Help us!”
“Please! Don’t kill our family!”
“I am begging you, oh great heavens! I don’t have a home or family. The only thing I have is my life.”
My whole body trembled as I recalled the flagitious scenery that I will never forget for the rest of my life that’s carved in my head.
I have watched and seen everything with my own eyes. It was a nightmare; even worse, I couldn’t do anything before.
“You’re crying.”
I was back in reality when Lowell spoke; this time, I noticed he stopped pecking my upper chest. I glared at him with tears streaming down my cheeks, then talked with hatred, suffering, and most of all…
Vengeance.
“I will never forgive your father or your pack for what you have done to my tribe. You don’t know what I have been through for the last few years just to get here! I will kill you all! I will retrieve my land no matter what you think of me!”
I keep ranting about everything I have endured in the past, even though he’s just watching me break down right in front of him.
He was silent for a moment. I am ready to sacrifice my body to him before devising a plan to escape his holds when something unexpected happens.
He’s…fondling me.
I blink, processing what is happening and why he is hugging me all of a sudden. I looked around, taking this chance to escape when he spoke.
“I didn’t know…” he whispered.
I was left dumbfounded for a while, distilling the minutes before disaster when I found myself doing the same thing out of nowhere.
I closed my eyes and then cried painfully on his neck. All these years of suppression are now finally coming, and it’s making everything overwhelming.
“I wish you were different.”
Those words came out naturally in my mouth, followed by a combusting noise coming outside. In a split second, the door burst open, and I saw myself getting thrown away in the corner because of the invader knocking down the entrance.
“What’s the meaning of this?”
I cough, slowly getting up, only to discover Adolf came here just in time. I notice his eyes are glancing down and realize I am not wearing my protective cover. I instantly put on my clothes while explaining to him.
“Adolf, let’s get out of here-”
He took a step back, shaking his head with a displeased look. I was curious, glancing at Lowell beside me, whose eyes constricted with anger to see Adolf alive and kicking.
“You can’t be for real, Daciana.”
He called my name with a warning tone.
“Adolf?” I blinked when he shook his head while looking back and forth to us.
I was disappointed with why he was reacting this way when he suddenly spoke.
“You’re a traitor, Daciana.”
What?
“Adolf, what are you talking about-”
“Stop this nonsense, Daciana! I have caught you already. I am not naive to understand what’s going on between you two. You betrayed your father, your tribe, and your land!”
I puffed sorely, giving him a distressed look.
“How dare you exclaim things like that?! Do you really think I am the kind of human who would easily turn their backs on their dignity?!”
Without missing a beat, Adolf answered.
“Yes.”
It stung, and something pierced through my chest while the response rang in my ears. I gritted my teeth before positioning myself into combat mode.
I don’t have my sword here, but I will take this matter into my own hands.
“Coming from someone suspicious of being overprotective of me. How about you, Adolf? What happened to you after our separation? How did you become powerful all of a sudden? You were weak before. Ain’t that a little bit mistrustful coming from someone who was nothing before?”
I know I hit below the belt when his eyes squinted, and his jaw clenched tightly. Everything around us faded. The world had stopped spinning, and my anger consumed me as I looked at him from this stance.
“My only intention is to save my father and my tribe. If you’re going to challenge me right here, Adolf, then so be it….”
I crack my fingers.
“I am not afraid to challenge the late Alpha’s son!”
“Father!” I couldn’t stop from crying while out crying my pain to leave him there. I have to go back to our kingdom to make sure he’s alright! I turned around and was ready to go back when someone caught my wrist, halting me from moving forward. I begged to wriggle my way out of someone’s holding me but the latter was strong enough to pull me back, dropping on the ground with my buttocks. It hurts but my soul, heart and mind is more in despair. I have witnessed how our tribe fall! How my father sacrifice himself just to save me! And how our kingdom, which is known as the land of peace, have taken over control by the enemy! “Daciana, calm down-” I slapped the hands of holding me and turned around. My vision is blurry because of the tears that’s suffocating me. “How can I calm down if my father is still in the hands of the enemy?! How can I calm down if a lot of my people were killed right in front of me?!” I pushed him with both of my hands, giving all of my strength. So
Adolf and I stood side by side while watching the enemies outnumbered us. I groaned in frustration. This is somehow my fault because I almost forgot our stance here. I glance at Adolf beside me who’s eye are squinted but his body is relaxed and still.Isn’t he afraid that something might happen to us here? What if the enemies will succeeded on caging us? Who’s going to free my tribe and his pack from the hands of Azariel?“That will never happen, Lowell.” Adolf hissed, showing his fangs.Lowell took a step forward and Adolf block his hand right in front of me, telling me to back off further so I wouldn’t get caught if ever a clash will happen. But I didn’t move. I stayed on where I am standing because this fight isn’t only exclusive for him.I also have a purpose here.“We’ll see about that!”Lowell suddenly shifted his form, running towards us with his frightening beast like feature. It all happened so fast I didn’t realize that Adolf had already shielded his hands from Lowell’s migh
I couldn’t move my body from my tensed muscles that’s building inside me. My eyes are glued on Adolf’s insensible body. I felt the enemies trying to push me away. They are screaming at me and telling me to move.But I didn’t.My mind is wandering somewhere else. I could feel my blood flowing in one direction and my heart beating calmly. My eyes instantly closed on its own and everything around me faded. I don’t know where the enemies went or how did it happen.All I know is that I am at peace. It’s like I am floating in an unagitated state. I breathed in and out and open my eyes. In front of me is Lowell who is ready to capture me when an unexpected thing happened.An intense flow of energy coming from my blood triggered. A wind blasted all over the place. My eyes twitch when I look up at Lowell who stops from moving. His eyes rolled at the back of his head and his mouth opened, a drool of saliva coming out of his mouth.He’s unconscious while standing.Not only him but it was followe
“I don’t understand…”I shook my head, falling back on the ground while staring out of nowhere. I placed a hand on my forehead, gently caressing them because my mind couldn’t process his words.I defeated them all? But, how? That’s impossible. I know that I have trained myself for the past years, building my stamina and pushing my body to its limit but if that is the case, why couldn’t I remember anything?I groaned when my head throbbed painfully when I tried remembering what happened earlier. I could picture something. There are silhouettes but it’s painful to try and see what they look like.“Don’t force yourself, Daciana.”I opened my eyes then glance at Adolf beside me who’s eyes are penetrating right through my soul. They hold a mysterious look that can make everyone question everything.And I am one of those everyone.I glance away, keeping a distance from him when I notice how close we are with each other. I heard him let out a sigh but didn’t said anything. I look around the
I drop on the ground beside him when I am done patching his wounds. I sighed in relief because it wasn’t that serious. He’s still breathing and can probably move by the next two or three days.I shivered when I felt the breeze coming from the wind fondled my skin. It’s still night and the clear dark sky indicates that the sun won’t be coming out anytime soon. I probably need to take a rest.Earlier while cleaning Adolf’s wounds, I removed some piece of my clothe because I have to put pressure and stop the blood from overflowing. I don’t exactly know what Lowell did to him but he’s badly injured that he has to take a rest here before we continue our journey.And I know why he keeps on asking me if I am ready to face the enemies. Because if both of us are in danger, then, none of us can not save the kingdom.We have to get stronger and train ourselves more. Our capability right now is not enough to defeat an entire army.I tremble again because of the night wind. Since we’re staying ins
“We’ll continue our journey tomorrow morning. Your wounds are slowly healing.”After inspecting his situation, I stood up and was about to walk away to gather some sticks for our bonfire later at night when he spoke. What he said made me stop from walking further.“I’m sorry for being weak and pathetic.”I glanced at him from my shoulder. Adolf caressed his clenched jaw while looking from afar. We’re still inside the cave. It’s afternoon but we have to prepare ourselves when the night came that’s why I have to go out and gather some woods. It’s still unsafe to be here inside the cave. That’s why we have to move to our main goal once he’s okay.“I got defeated pitiably by Lowell.” he balled his hand, his knuckles turning white from the pressure.“No wonder my own pack loathes me when I was young.”He wasn’t like this earlier when we woke up. He’s upbeat, as if he’s thankful for something. However, right after checking his condition his atmosphere become gloomy all of a sudden. His
It’s raining.Just when I was in the middle of my peaceful sleep a thunder blasted the whole sky and it was followed by a rain. I am glad it rain since the land is dry. However, in our situation it’s not the best time.It’s cold and it’s making my whole body shiver. I hug myself and just focus myself in sleeping when the thunder growled again, deafening me.I can’t sleep with this.The wind blew harshly in my position, causing my whole body to tremble. It feels like as if I am living in an ice world. My lips is also unsteady. At this point I want to burn myself with fire. I want this nightmare to end already but even if I tried enough to sleep, it was no use. The rumbling of the nature is dominating and it might take a while before it stops.“Daciana…”My eyes automatically open when I heard a distinct voice coming from behind me. I was about to turn around when a powerful arm was wrap around my body, caging me.My whole body stops from shivering but my heart didn’t. I gulp then slo
The sun is set. The birds are chirping. The brilliance coming from the sunlight is illuminating against my face, waking me up.I open my eyelids, and was instantly blinded by the light. I groan, placing the back of my hand on my face so I could see clearly.The rain had already stop.I slowly sat up, caressing my head when I felt something is missing. I slowly look down and notice my clothes are gone. My eyes widened and that’s when I remember what happened earlier.“Adolf! Ahh!” I quickly shook my head and place a hand on my forehead, massaging it slightly when it throbbed painfully.“Oh no…this is not happening.”“Daciana…”I flinched when someone mumbled beside me. His low yet alluring voice penetrated right through my soul. I gulp when I slowly look at his eyes that’s still sleepy. His hair were bedraggled, making him more bewitching than he is.I look away then stood up. I don’t mind if he’s seeing me naked or what since something already happened between us.“This is wrong, 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