In the depths of unconsciousness, Viktor found himself ensnared in the tendrils of a distant memory, a fleeting fragment of joy buried beneath the weight of tragedy. He recalled a time of innocence, a happy moment spent with his sister, their laughter echoing through the ancient trees of the forest. The world was alive with the vibrancy of their bond, untouched by the impending darkness that lurked within the shadows.
Yet, the tranquility shattered abruptly as the memory twisted into a nightmare. The forest, once a haven of joy, transformed into a realm of terror. A werewolf, monstrous and malevolent, lunged from the shadows, shattering the idyllic scene. Viktor's recollection sharpened into a harrowing reality—the beast's savage assault on his sister, the visceral brutality etched into his consciousness. He relived the helplessness of that moment, the agony of being unable to rescue her from the clutches of the feral menace.
In the throes of this haunting recollection, Viktor's screams tore through the veil of his subconscious, jolting him awake. His eyes, clouded with residual anguish, met the concerned gaze of Celeste. Desperation clung to her as she fervently struck his chest and shoulder, attempting to rouse him from the clutches of a seemingly endless slumber. To her relief, Viktor emerged from the abyss of unconsciousness, the stark contrast of reality replacing the torment of his nightmares.
As Viktor regained consciousness, he found Celeste, his daughter, who has a striking resemblance to his late sister, wearing a smile that held the flicker of relief and affection. In that moment, amidst the fragments of a fractured memory and the embrace of his vigilant daughter.
Viktor rose from the floor, eyes scanning the surroundings with a sense of urgency. Addressing Celeste, he inquired, "Where is Ethan?" Without hesitation, Celeste replied, "He's in the backyard with Taran." Viktor staggered his initial steps before sprinting towards the backyard, Celeste trailing behind, uttering words drowned by the rush of wind. As he arrived, Viktor beheld Ethan covering a naked Taran with a garment.
Concern etched into his features, Viktor, with a stern tone, questioned Ethan, "Where are his chains?" Ethan's response, delivered with an air of nonchalance, contrasted the gravity of the situation. "Father, he doesn't need any chains. He is fine now," Ethan declared, his voice carrying an assurance that sparked worry in Viktor's eyes. "Father, you are bleeding," Ethan added, voicing his apprehension.
At that moment, Celeste approached Viktor, reiterating the concern for his well-being. "Father, you are bleeding. Mother went to get something to stop it, but you raced here, and I couldn't stop you." Viktor, inquiring about the safety of everyone, received Celeste's assurance that they were indeed fine.
Turning his attention to Ethan, Viktor instructed him to chain Taran. He then retreated into the house where Isabella, in a quiet corner, prepared herbs to stop the bleeding. Meanwhile, Ethan and Taran, locked in a gaze, shared an unspoken understanding.
"You said I will find out why my father wants you dead. I've seen you turn into a beast. Now, tell me what you meant," Ethan demanded, his curiosity mingled with a sense of urgency. Taran, with a contemplative expression, countered with a question, "What did you do to me?" Ethan, his uncertainty apparent, responded, "I don't know, but I am hoping you do, so talk."
In Gabriel's home, Thorne and Fantine delved into an animated conversation, exchanging insights on their extensive sorcery abilities. Thorne, with a touch of pride, described his prowess in rendering individuals impervious to vampire enchantment. Fantine, never one to be outdone, retorted, "I can compel anyone to reveal their deepest truths, no matter how dark or challenging it is for them." Aria, seeking solace from the exuberant banter of the two seasoned sorcerers, retreated to the balcony. There, she found Gabriel gazing into the distance.
"Hey, can I join you?" Aria inquired, to which Gabriel warmly replied, "Yes, you can." As they stood side by side, Gabriel noted, "You know, she hasn't been this excited in a long time,ever since I snuck her into Blackwood she has mostly been to guarded," gesturing towards his mother. Aria concurred, "I can say the same for Thorne. It's been a long time since he talked to a fellow sorcerer." Abruptly changing the topic, Aria queried, "I thought Coleridge was invaded by the Crusaders a decade ago?"
Gabriel nodded solemnly. "Yes, they were, they ruled for quite awhile. But the werewolf population in Coleridge, aided by fleeing werewolves from Blackwood, fought back and regained control." Aria's expression morphed into one of disbelief. Noticing her stunned face, Gabriel gently asked, "What's wrong? You look pale."
"I'm fine," Aria replied, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her true emotions. Unable to ignore the concern in Gabriel's eyes, she admitted, "No, I'm not fine. You just told me my home has been thriving for over a decade, while I suffered. My mother died in my arms, thinking the Crusaders had decimated her people."
Gabriel, at a loss for words, watched as tears streamed down Aria's cheeks. "I'm sorry you had to go through that," he offered sincerely. Aria, wiping away her tears, regained her composure and asked, "Have you come up with any new plans to get us and Ethan out of here?"
Gabriel, slightly perplexed by the rapid shift in Aria's demeanor, responded, "Yes, I have a plan, but this time I need to discuss it with Isabella."
Darius lingered in the shadows, his predatory gaze fixed on Gabriel's house. The question echoed in his mind like a persistent whisper, "Why aren't they moving? Is the so called Alpha King right there with them?" The notion seemed implausible; all his keen senses detected were the unmistakable scents of the she-wolf and a middle aged man, who is unmistakably a werewolf, although his scent is a bit faint compared to the she-wolf. Frustration crept into his thoughts. "What the hell is going on there?"
A mere day had passed since Darius arrived in Blackwood, and his insatiable desire to lay his hands on the Lupus Dei fueled his every move. He tracked Aria and Thorne to Gabriel's house. Marcus, a captivating distraction, had been absent throughout the day after he promised him a tour of the town, leaving Darius to wonder what had happened to him.
Memories of Marcus danced in Darius's mind, a lustful recollection that momentarily diverted his attention. However, the need to keep watch over the unfolding events compelled him back to the shadows. In the internal dialogue that ensued, Darius's sharp ears caught a distant scream, a sound that resonates deep within him. "I know that scream; a werewolf is in the throes of transformation. Could it be the Alpha King?"
Following the haunting sound, Darius arrived at a humble cottage. His eyes, keen as a predator's, witnessed a werewolf breaking free from chains, launching into a frenzied attack against a man armed with spear and sword. Darius observed the scene with detached interest, choosing not to intervene as the man succumbed to the werewolf's assault.
His gaze shifted to a young boy, oblivious to the danger that loomed. As the boy inched closer to the ferocious beast, a sense of vulnerability enveloped the scene. The werewolf roared, yet the boy, unfazed, touched its face. A radiant light emanated from the child's hands, leaving Darius dumbfounded. At that moment, a revelation struck him – the boy was undoubtedly the Alpha King.
Darius, torn between seizing the opportunity and a sudden shift in events, contemplated emerging from the shadows. However, the moment Marcus's voice reached his ears and his handsome face appeared in view, Darius reconsidered. "I will try this another day," he murmured, retreating into the shadows as silently as he had arrived.