Chapter 71
The moment the twelve red dire wolves charged forward, their sleek forms blending seamlessly into the shadows of the dense mountain range, a shiver of anticipation coursed through Ethan. He had summoned these formidable beasts by fusing them with the monster's core he had meticulously gathered while exploring the city's dangerous back alleys. Yet, unbeknownst to him, this act had shattered the very fabric of logic and reason. As the wolves surged toward their target, they began to awaken in ways that transcended his expectations. The essence of the core had seeped into their beings, imbuing them not only with strength but also a burgeoning self-awareness.
As the wolves hunted together, their minds began to intertwine with Ethan's, creating a mental bond that allowed for a deep understanding of his thoughts and emotions. They were not merely constructs of his will; they were evolving entities that developed distinct personalities of their own. Over just a few moments in the heat of the chase, the pack had begun to recognize their purpose as the vanguard of their master. Each wolf embraced traits that complemented their unique roles, crafting a dynamic team that balanced strength with strategy. Playful sparks of mischief danced in the eyes of one, while another stood steadfastly protective, ready to defend their territory at any cost.
In the midst of their primal instincts, the wolves displayed a range of characteristics that went beyond mere survival. They became curious explorers of their surroundings, independent thinkers unraveled from the strings of pure servitude. Those who were logical pondered the best tactics for elusive prey, while the short-tempered ones relished the thrill of the chase, their heightened senses attuned to every rustle in the underbrush. Compassionate instincts emerged, reminding Ethan that even fierce creatures could possess gentleness. Each wolf, from the dependable to the cautious, forged their own identity, and together they formed a pack that was as complex as their master. In the sprawling wilderness of the mountain range, their abilities and personalities would meld into a force of nature, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.
Rebecca gestured at the father and son, signaling its time to eat. Katarin had already finished preparing a lunch they were having under the shade of a huge tree as the sun shined above their heads. Katarine was able to see what kind of parent Ethan has; her snobbish and defensive personality personally melted away because Ethan's mother was truly soft spoken and kind-hearted, which reflected in his son's behavior. As they enjoyed their meal together, Katarine couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to witness such a beautiful bond between parent and son.
Katarine has already been accepted by Ethan's parents as their daughter-in-law. Rebecca made sure to train and guide Katarine to become a proper wife. She shared that being a devoted wife many will frown upon her , as many did when she was young. She shared that life is full of hardship, and having a partner that makes you feel important and cherish her more than his own life was truly a blessing. Through Rebecca's wisdom and guidance, Katarine felt more prepared and confident to embark on this new chapter of her life with Ethan.
As they sat around the picnic blanket, Katarin recounted to Nicolas and Rebecca stories about the time they were still single and how they overcame challenges together as a couple. It gave Katarine hope and reassurance for her own future with Ethan. Their stories served as a reminder that love and dedication can conquer any obstacle.
Rebecca shared that she came from a poor, struggling family; she had to work at a very young age to support her studies. While that was happening, Nicolas came from a family of soldiers, and their family was a prominent figure in the town. Nicolas was already making a name for himself when they met; she was a waitress at a local diner and as soon as he said hello, She felt the intencity of his voice as if they were meant to be together.
Nicolas and Rebecca had a difficult start, as many disapproved of their relationship due to their different backgrounds. Despite the challenges, they remained committed to each other and eventually proved everyone wrong by building a successful life together.
Rebecca never accepted help from the Nicolas family even if she had proven her worth, they admired her even after their deaths. Rebecca's independence and determination only strengthened their bond; she gave Nicolas all the needed care and support when his parent mysteriously died on their mission.
Rebecca's unwavering support for Nicolas during his time of need solidified their relationship even further, showcasing the depth of their love and commitment to each other. Despite the tragedies they faced, their love only grew stronger as they navigated life's challenges together.
as Nicolas admired her resilience and strong work ethic. This entire farmland was bought and developed solely through their hard work and dedication, proving that love truly knows no boundaries. Rebecca's refusal to accept help from Nicolas' family only further solidified their partnership and mutual respect for each other.
Katarine was filled with mixed emotions hearing this from Ethan's mother; she even shared that Ethan was a miracle baby, and being a soldier, Nicolas was always surrounded by death, but she never wavered her fear as her husband promised that death will never claim his life.
Ethan's conception and birth were a very memorable moment for them, as it was a symbol of hope and new beginnings in the midst of uncertainty and danger.
Nicolas Abelard just managed to survive his mission in Lebanon; he was tasked with protecting the refugee that was fleeing the conflict. Despite the dangers he faced, Nicolas always held onto the promise he made to his wife and found solace in the thought of coming home to his wife. A very old family were grateful for Nicolas , as he saved them and risked his own life to protect them from enemies fanatically trying to kill them all. The grand matriarch of this ancient family clan gifted him with an antique necklace that has a pendant of Archangel Haniel , a symbol of protection and guidance. This necklace became a cherished reminder of the family he had saved and the promise he had kept to his wife.
Upon accomplishing his mission he was given two months of paid vacation to rest and recover from his injuries, allowing him time to reflect on the significance of the necklace and the bond he had formed with the family. During this time, he also received letters of gratitude from each family member, expressing their heartfelt appreciation for his bravery and selflessness. Nicolas shared this story with his wife and even got the opportunity to meet this old family.
The grand matriarch requested that the two get adopted by this cla as a gesture that they had truly become a part of their family. Nicolas and his wife were deeply touched by the offer and gladly accepted, feeling grateful for the lifelong connection they had formed with the family. They knew that their bond would only continue to grow stronger over time.
That is how they carry the last name of Haniel. Katarine could not believe that the story of how they became part of the Haniel family was so heartwarming and special. She felt incredibly lucky to have found such a loving and welcoming group of people to call her own. Nicolas also knew that they had truly found their forever home with the Haniels, and he couldn't wait to see what the future held for their growing family.
The two spent a few years in the Middle East and live with the family they took them in as their own. Rebecca shared one fine day; what happened on the day was something truly important for her. On that very faithful day, the grand matriarch of the Haniel Clan wanted to see and converse with Rebecca alone. As she explained she was nearing her death , Nicolas agreed to her request as he waited outside the main chamber. The grand matriarch, weak and frail, held Rebecca's hands with a weak tone The grand matriarch uttered a spell that made Rebecca somewhat in a trance-like state. She took Rebecca's hand and used her sharp nail to slight cut her palm, and soon she gurgated a small vile from her mouth that seemed to be filled with red liquid. She broke the vile and poured the content on her wounded hand,
The red liquid soon flowed into her palm wound, as Rebecca still in a trace state, felt a warm sensation spreading through her body. Soon after, the grand matriarch whispered ancient words of healing as the wound began to close before their eyes. and just imparted to her the secret of the Haniel family that had been passed down for generations. Soon Rebecca woke up like nothing happened and saw the cold, lifeless body of the old woman that she considered her mother. With tears in her eyes,
The Haniel clan openly accepted this, as they all knew that their grand matriarch saw something that others could not in Rebecca. The old grand matriarch was gifted a soothsayer and a priestess of the ancient one.
The men and women around her weren't necessarily related to her; they were all her servants and loyal followers who believed in her wisdom and guidance. They trusted her visions and prophecies, knowing that she held a special connection to the divine. Nicolas and Rebecca Abelard were now in the eyes of these people, the new chosen ones, destined to carry on the grand matriarch's legacy and lead their community into a prosperous future. The weight of this responsibility was heavy, but they were determined to honor her teachings and fulfill their roles with grace and wisdom.
The two were unaware of this as they were kept in the dark, this was the last command of their grand matriarch, they are only to support them from the shadows and make sure that the young offpring of these two people would be taken cared off and raised to continue the legacy. The grand matriarch's final wish was for her successors to guide and protect the next generation
After this event, the government once again ordered Nicolas for a very hard and significant mission; he spent nearly a year away from Rebecca , he never lost his composure, and he survived to accomplish his last assignment because, before accepting the task, Rebecca was pregnant with his child.
The day his child was born, Rebecca was still under the care of the Haniel clan , ensuring that their family's lineage would continue to be strong and protected. Despite the challenges and separation, Nicolas knew that his sacrifice was ultimately for the greater good of their family. On the second year Nicolas was finally able to come back alive, even if his body was filled with scars and memories of the battles he fought. He held his two year old son in his arms, feeling a sense of fulfillment and purpose as he looked into their innocent eyes, knowing that his 12-year military sacrifice was worth it all.
As Nicolas and his family returned to their quiet, small farming town, nostalgia washed over him like the gentle breeze that carried the scent of earth and fresh crops. Together, they began the ambitious project of building their family home, a sanctuary where laughter could fill the air and memories could be woven into the very walls.
With every board they nailed and every brick they laid, they were not just constructing a house; they were creating a living testament to resilience and love, reclaiming all the time that had slipped through their fingers during Nicolas's absence. Gratitude brimmed within him, a powerful emotion that reminded him of the unwavering support his family had shown him through the darkest moments of his life. Their faith in him had been his anchor, and now, that bond was stronger than ever as they worked side by side.
Amid this bustling atmosphere of construction and camaraderie, their young son Nethaniel, affectionately known as Ethan, became a radiant beacon of hope and joy. With his bright eyes and boundless curiosity, he embodied everything they had fought for—a new generation rooted in the strength of family.
Nicolas stood back and marveled at the transformation taking place before his eyes as Ethan grew. In the boy's spirited laughter and unwavering determination, Nicolas saw traces of his own journey—every obstacle faced with courage and every setback met with a smile.
Their shared willingness to confront challenges head-on became a rhythm to their lives, creating a harmonious symphony of resilience that echoed through their home. With laughter as their soundtrack and teamwork as their guiding principle, they built not just a life but a robust family legacy, interwoven with threads of love, patience, and understanding. Each challenge overcame solidified their bond, crafting an enduring foundation for Ethan, one that would always be a reservoir of inspiration.
As the days turned into weeks, and weeks into a vibrant tapestry of moments shared, Nicolas and Ethan embraced their new life with open arms. They celebrated the little victories—building furniture together, planting a garden, or simply enjoying quiet evenings filled with stories. Each action taken became a step toward a brighter future.
as they transformed dreams into palpable realities, brick by brick. With each sunrise, they were reminded of the limitless possibilities ahead, a testament to their unwavering spirit and their commitment to each other. Their home, once just a place of shelter, blossomed into a sanctuary of hope and creativity, where laughter echoed off the walls and love permeated every corner—ensuring that Ethan would always find not just a roof over his head but a heartwarming home.
Katarine lists him intently, and with all this, she wonders why Ethan was good at figthing. Rebecca smiled and told Katarine that when Ethan was still five years old, his father went out to hunt and came back home with a small abandoned wolf cub. He raised it well, and when it went out to look for him because Ethan started school at the nearest town, it was viciously attacked by a group of teenagers, and he had to protect it to save the cub, Sadly, it died in his arms. This experience instilled in Ethan a sense of protection and loyalty, which translated into his skill in fighting for what he believed in.
That sad experience sparked something in Ethan, fueling his passion for fighting against injustice and protecting those who couldn't protect themselves. Rebecca knew that deep down, Ethan's fighting spirit was born out of compassion and a strong sense of justice.
So he asked his father to teach him how to protect those who were important to him; at such a young age, he never cried nor showed weakness, as his father trained him well. Nicolas added that Ethan was a natural hunter and survivor, he sends all his youth to the mountains to train and sharpen his skills in hunting and surviving.
So many times his father would go up the mountain just to check on him and would always find Ethan thriving in the wilderness, embodying the spirit of a true protector. Ethan's connection to nature and his unwavering determination made him a force to be feared, instilling fear in those who dared to threaten his loved ones.
Ehan often found solace in the cherished memories of his mother, whose kindness and love had crafted the very core of his being. Her gentle words and comforting embrace served as a guiding light during his darkest hours, reminding him of the intrinsic goodness that exists even amid suffering.
As he grappled with the complexities of life and loss, he recalled his father's stoic lessons—especially the idea that death is not an enemy to be feared but a necessary passage that can atone for the missteps of the living. In understanding this, Ehan began to see death not as a final curtain but as a pivotal moment of transformation, offering a chance for redemption.
It was this profound understanding that allowed him to navigate his sorrows with a sense of peace, knowing that life's end does not mark the termination of love or kindness, but rather an opportunity for growth and healing. Through the lens of his mother's nurturing spirit, he learned to embrace both life and death, acknowledging that each holds its value in the intricate tapestry of existence.