THE CRIMSON GUARDIAN

Chapter 2

The Crimson Guardian

The forest trembled.

A cold wind swept through Blackwood Forest, carrying with it an ancient aura that made every living creature fall silent.

The three masked assassins remained frozen on one knee, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.

"...Your Majesty," the tallest whispered.

From the darkness, two crimson eyes slowly opened.

A gigantic black wolf stepped into the moonlight.

Its midnight-black fur shimmered like polished obsidian, and a long silver scar crossed its left eye. Every step it took shook the earth beneath its paws.

Ethan struggled to stay conscious.

Blood trickled down his forehead as he stared at the terrifying beast.

"W-What... are you?"

The wolf ignored him.

Its crimson eyes settled on the assassins.

One of the men lowered his head until it nearly touched the ground.

"Guardian Scar... forgive us. We did not know you were protecting her."

Scar.

The name alone was enough to fill the air with fear.

Without warning, the giant wolf released a deafening roar.

The sound exploded across the forest.

An invisible wave of force slammed into the three assassins, throwing them through the air.

One crashed into a tree.

Another rolled across the rocky ground.

The third turned and fled in terror.

He barely took three steps.

Scar disappeared.

For a heartbeat, the place where he had stood was empty.

Then he appeared directly in front of the fleeing man.

The assassin froze.

His silver dagger slipped from his trembling fingers.

"P-Please..."

Scar lifted one massive paw.

With a single strike, the dagger shattered into countless glittering fragments.

The assassin collapsed.

"Retreat!" the tallest shouted.

Without another word, the three men fled into the darkness.

Silence returned to the forest.

Scar slowly turned toward Ethan.

The injured man expected another attack.

Instead, the giant wolf lowered his head and gently nudged Ethan's shoulder, as if making sure he was still alive.

"You... saved me," Ethan whispered weakly.

Scar stared at him for a long moment.

Then his ears twitched.

Someone was coming.

Without making a sound, the enormous wolf disappeared into the shadows.

---

At the cottage, Luna paced nervously across the room.

The soup she had prepared had gone cold.

"Ethan has never been this late..."

Unable to ignore the uneasy feeling in her heart, she grabbed an old lantern and hurried toward the forest.

"Ethan!" she called.

Only silence answered.

As she ventured deeper into Blackwood Forest, the lantern flickered.

A soft silver light appeared between the trees.

Standing beneath the moon was a young woman with flowing silver hair.

She wore a crystal crown and a white gown that shimmered like moonlight itself.

Tears glistened in her blue eyes.

"You've finally returned..."

Luna's heart skipped a beat.

"W-Who are you?"

The woman smiled sadly.

She reached out—

Then vanished like mist.

Only glowing silver petals drifted through the air.

Before Luna could gather her thoughts, a weak voice reached her ears.

"L... Luna..."

"Ethan!"

She ran toward the sound.

Moments later, she found Ethan lying on the forest floor, bruised and covered in blood.

The lantern slipped from her hand.

"No..."

She fell beside him and gently lifted his head onto her lap.

"Ethan... please don't leave me."

He forced a weak smile.

"I... told them..."

"I'd never let anyone... take you."

Tears streamed down Luna's cheeks.

One tear landed on the back of Ethan's hand.

The instant it touched his skin—

A brilliant silver light burst from Luna's body.

BOOM!

The ground shook violently.

Ancient symbols flashed beneath her feet before disappearing just as quickly.

Hidden among the trees, Scar's crimson eyes widened.

"The Queen's seal..."

"So it has finally awakened."

---

Far away, inside the towering Moonfang Castle, King Darius suddenly rose from his throne.

The crystal goblet in his hand shattered.

His golden eyes burned with excitement.

"So..."

"You're alive."

He turned toward the kneeling Alphas.

"Summon the Blood Hunters."

One Alpha hesitated.

"Alive, Your Majesty?"

Darius's smile was cold.

"No."

His voice echoed through the throne room.

"Bring me her heart."

The Alphas bowed before disappearing into the night.

---

Scar remained hidden among the trees, watching Luna hold Ethan close.

For the first time in centuries...

Fear appeared in the Guardian's crimson eyes.

"I promised your mother I would protect you..."

"...but if he awakens before you're ready..."

Scar lowered his head.

"...then not even I can save you."

At that exact moment—

The ground beneath Luna cracked.

A glowing silver crest spread beneath her feet, its ancient symbols shining like stars.

Luna gasped.

"What... is this?"

Before anyone could answer—

A voice echoed inside her mind.

"Run... my Queen..."

Luna froze.

The voice returned, colder than before.

"He's already found you."

The forest fell silent.

Then...

From somewhere deep within the darkness...

A pair of glowing golden eyes slowly opened.

A low growl echoed through the night.

Scar's expression changed.

"No..."

"It can't be..."

End of Chapter 2