I did not stop running inside the eerie urban. I don't even know how I got inside. What's important is that I need to retrieve him before something terrible happens.
I can not believe him! How dare he run away from me without asking for my permission first? Does he have any idea how chanceful this city is?!
I tightened my scarf and cloak around my body so no one would mind their attention to me. There's only one rule here in this city, and that is not to catch the eye of the citizens. To get out alive, you better not be the center of attraction here.
I gritted my teeth while thinking of Adolf. I looked to my left and right, searching for him when I almost lost my balance because my foot plucked on something. That cause a disturbance all over the place. I was so busy looking for Adolf that I did not realize a tower of baskets was blocking my path.
I watch in horror as the tower of the basket with mugs falls on the ground, crashing and scattering all over the floor. My breathing became shallow, and from my position, I could feel the glares and daunting atmosphere coming from the citizens.
I slowly bent my knees to pick up the fallen baskets to gather them again when someone stopped right in front of me, their shadow overpowering me.
"Look, what do we have here? A trespasser."
I engulfed the lump in my throat and then slowly stood straight without making eye contact with the enemy. I have marked them as my foe as this place was known to have deadly criminals all over the land. Ever since Wolfrith was killed, the Alpha, desperate, vicious creatures resurface, planning to dominate the other parts of the land. The current Alpha from the pack is not doing anything to balance the continent.
"I'm sorry."
I don't want to cause trouble and waste enough time. The land sources, our kingdom, and everything are falling apart. I have to return to my tribe and my father to save them.
I was about to walk away when someone grabbed my wrist and pinned me on the ground. I wail a little, causing me to look up to face the creature blocking my way. Its sharp teeth and horrifying attribute served on my face. There are three of them, and they look harmful to bump with.
Trolls.
"You are not going anywhere, Princess."
They recognize me.
Someone removed my cloak, revealing my face to the crowds. Everyone whistles and cheers as if they hit the jackpot. I furrowed my brows, taking a step back.
"My, the chief has an exquisite daughter."
He raised his slimly disgusting meek mitt to touch my lip when I turned my head away, scowling. They are vile creatures, and their likes need to be detained.
"You don't have the right to touch me."
"Hmm, but you are in our territory. You will have to do as we please."
They all laugh pathetically. As much as I want to fight but I can't. Looking at my surroundings, I see everyone here is my foe. They hate humans, especially the Crimson White Pack, as we are sided with Wolfrith.
"I said stop!"
My yells echoed throughout the whole place when they tried to touch me to inappropriate parts. I was about to take out my sword to face an attack when I was pushed into the corner, making it difficult to catch my breath.
"I said you can't fight us! You weak, pathetic human!"
My sword dropped to the ground, and they took this opportunity to gang up on me. I screamed and tried to squirm away from their holds, but the enemies outnumbered me.
"Get your hands off me!"
I was losing hope, and a tear was already forming when someone spoke, catching everyone's attention.
"Let go of her."
The crowd went silent when that cavernous low intimidating voice echoed. Their hands loosened a little, giving me a space to match my breath. I looked over only to see that Adolf had entered the scene.
For an unknown reason, a large thorn was pulled out of my chest when I saw him.
He looks…demented. His eyes are gleaming with peril as he gazes at the creature holding and pinning me in the corner. I could feel my heart beating loudly against my chest as I watched him from this position.
"You are forbidden to touch her." he took a step forward, narrowing his deadly eyes into slits.
"Adolf…" I whispered while staring at where he was standing.
It was as if he heard me calling his name because his eyes slowly glanced to lock with mine. My throat went dry as I doubted he would defeat all the foes here. Never in my life I saw Adolf fight with the enemies. I have known him since he is still a pulp wolf living with the Alpha.
He was weak before. He was a limp.
The trolls turn their body to face Adolf, leaving me alone for good. They all share the same look in their expression as they watch him stand before them with eyes looking blase for their existence.
"You look just like your idiotic father, who did nothing good for the rest of the creatures here."
My left eye twitched, and I knew that it hit a bull's eye for Adolf. He may not be my father, but he did protect the humans!
I have to end this conflict quickly before anything could lead to monstrous destruction. I pick up my sword that fell on the ground, then rush my way towards the trolls who are ready to circulate around Adolf.
I raised my hand while engrossing on my sword when one of them turned around with great sense. My eyes widen in horror as he grabs my pulse, smiling devilishly before throwing me. I was slammed against the walls, causing me to incapacitate my ankle from the impact.
"That's what you humans deserve."
A series of laugh reign the place. My cries join along with them. Even if I was hurt, I pushed my body to get up from the ground when Adolf spoke.
"You hurt her…."
His voice…
My eyes were stuck on him when his voice changed slightly. It becomes powerful and dominating, as if you have to bow down to him every time he speaks a word. The creatures here stopped cheering and slowly turned their way to Adolf, who stood there with emotionless stares.
"I will never forgive you."
The creatures turned severe as they all looked at Adolf. Everyone slowly took a step forward, giving him a taunting warning about where his stance in this place.
"Attack him!"
The trolls took charge of Adolf until he was no longer visible in my eyes. I groaned, pushing my luck even if I was injured. I have to do something. Adolf might not be able to finish them all.
I was dumbfounded when I finally stood up, leaning against the walls, then looked around and noticed the creatures were all scattered everywhere. My mouth flared open, comprehending what just happened?
"You don't have the right to hurt her…."
In just a mere second, all foes are fallen. I don't want to judge as I have never seen him do it. However, it would be impossible if someone else did it as we are the only intruders in this area.
"Adolf…? Did you…?"
I almost lose my balance when I turn to look in the middle, only to see a beast standing. Large fangs, distinct unguis, large albescent biped, and powerfully built. His omnipotent arms and hunched stance are salient. I shook my head. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
He transformed into a werewolf.
Just like his father.
An overwhelming feeling consume my system, giving me a lot of nostalgia. I did not realize I was already crying while taking a step forward closer to him.
Closer...to the Alpha.
I was about to touch him when a series of events ten years ago invaded my head. I tried to cross our distance and reach Adolf when I lost my balance. Before I could fall, someone caught my body, and a blurry image of Adolf turning back to normal was the last thing I saw.
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