“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. Something pierced right through heart when memories of what happened resurfaced in my head. Blood, yells of pain, pleads and mercy. I glance down at my hands that’s covered with the bloods of my own people when I am trying to revive them.
“You’re not the only one who’s in pain, Daciana…”
I paused when I heard his voice clearly. Unlike earlier when my mind is clouded. I slowly look up and saw him standing right in front of me. His eyes are dark but I notice something else between those bone-chilling stares.
He’s crying inside.
“I lost both of my parents…”
He clenched his hand tightly until I could see his knuckles turning white. His whole body is shaking.
“I lost my pack and the weak who successfully escape was their only hope.”
And with that he chose to leave me in the middle of nowhere. I wait for minutes, hours that turns into days.
But he never returned.
“I am not afraid of you!”
I roared both in anger and another mix emotion I couldn’t describe. I clenched my sword tightly while facing Adolf who turned into a mighty beast. He’s not going to go easy on me, I can sense it.
Both of us are flaming in wrath. I gritted my teeth, raising my sword I picked up while screaming at the top of my lungs, dashing an attack. He lurked his move, raising his terrifying claws that can portion anyone with just one slice.
But I am not afraid. I have been traveling alone for the past years and during those times I have trained and pushed my body to its limit.
“Give up, Daciana! You are a traitor! You have disgraced your tribe’s name by mating with the enemy’s son!”
Our attack clashed. A light was blinding my eyes. Our onslaught are equal while staring at each other in the eyes, looking right through our broken piece of soul.
“I am not a traitor and I will never put a dirt on my tribe’s name! It’s all a big misunderstanding! Lowell is not my preferred other half to be with!”
Adolf didn’t speak another word. His roars reaches every corners. Everything around us faded and my only attention is focused on him.
“Lies! I caught you doing something dirty with him!”
We both placed our technique. I could see how strong he got after disappearing for years. I couldn’t blame those strangers who thought that Wolfrith was alive.
Because he looks exactly like his late legendary father.
“Did you accept his offer to be your mate?! Did he marked you?!”
I had enough with these nonsense of him! I grip my sword then let out a full attack of my slicing technique using the back of my sword to push him away. Adolf was stunned of my strength, stopping briefly.
“You know how much I loathe Azariel! Letting myself to be in the arms of the enemies is not in my vocabulary! You were there when you saw me struggled and you should know that betraying you or my tribe is out of my league!”
I couldn’t care if we are in the enemies territory. All I know is that I have to let out these heart shattering emotions that was sealed for years. I was alone majority of the years. I have met other race but that didn’t last long.
My hands shake terribly then point the tip of my sword to the wolf who’s standing before me.
“We’re both victims here, Adolf. None of us didn’t want this to happen.”
I lift my head. I didn’t realize tears were already forming in the corners of my eyes when I stared at him. I couldn’t see clearly due to the fact that my eyes were blinding with tears but I saw how his gaze soften.
“And both of you are stupid.”
My eyes widened when someone spoke. I turned around to see it was Lowell. The side of his lips curved up slightly. My heart drop on the ground and my whole world had stop from spinning when I realize my mistake.
I let my guard down.
I completely forgot that we’re in the enemy’s territory.
I took a step back when we’re completely surrounded by skulks. Lowell is in the middle, his arms are crossed while shaking his head disappointingly for us.
“You two should have set aside your silly goals and stupid desire to seek revenge to us.”
Adolf went back to his normal size then hurriedly block his body in front, caging me from the enemies.
“This fight between us is none of your business, Lowell. You weren’t there when your father invaded the kingdom.”
Lowell’s laughter echoed throughout the whole place. I mentally slap myself for acting without thinking. I let my emotions take control of me when skulks are surrounding us!
My body is slightly exhausted from the aftermath of our clash. Adolf didn’t scratch my body but his strength is out of this world. I thought he’s going to let out all of his capability on me but I was wrong.
I sensed that he’s just warming up earlier.
“Oh, I was there, Adolf. I was there when I watch how my father wreck your beloved home. I was there when Daciana was crying like an imp she is when she lost her tribe and her father.”
Something inside me snap when I heard he bad mouth my father. The man I respect.
“Now, both of you are trap in our cage and you can’t escape!”
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
I don’t understand.Why is he pointing at Adolf?“Kiro, what are you talking about? I thought a group of skulks attack you?”Even his subordinates are confused. I kept on looking at him and back to Adolf who’s also befuddled about what Kiro, the leader of Centaur, is talking about.“N-no…it’s not a group of skulks.” he’s weakened and couldn’t speak too much.One of his companion drop down beside then took him from me. He placed both of his hands on Kiro who’s deeply wounded. We have to treat him immediately!“But you said it’s under the Alpha’s army!”Kiro nodded, his eyes are almost giving up on him.“Y-yes…but it was a different army. They belong to a pack. They are vicious! Powerful! They are unstoppable.”Kiro grab his companion’s shoulder, trying to pull him closer. I didn’t realized I was holding my breath the whole time while watching the scene in front of me. It was intense and nerve wrecking.Something is not right here.“Take care of our people, Nox. T-take care of them for
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