In the dead of the night, a lone figure fled from packs of snarling, moon-cursed creatures - their human forms shredded revealing razor-sharp claws, glowing eyes, and savage fur, as if the darkness itself had taken on a life of its own. Leo's ragged breaths echoed through the night as he clutched the stolen gems. Moonlight transformed the pond before him into a shimmering oasis but his own race's deadly pursuit cast a darker shadow. He hesitated, unsure if his desperate plan was salvation or doom. His eyes bore witness to the unspeakable horror: his family, slaughtered by treacherous hands, their lifeless bodies strewn before him. Now, he stood as the sole survivor of his pack, a haunting reminder of his own powerlessness. Self-loathing gnawed at his soul - why had he, the weakest, been spared? The memory of that brutal attack still seared his mind, leaving him drowning in despair, consumed by feelings of hopelessness, uselessness, and crippling vulnerability.
If only he can do something to save the pack, if only he possesses the power to face the enemy, if only he is stronger, if only he isn't born as a failure. Perhaps, everyone will be saved. His parents are disappointed but where are they now? Dead. Their cold lifeless body is painted with red like the other members of the pack. They don't stand a chance against the enemy. They are brutally mocked and murdered. The females are toyed and when the idiots have enough they mercilessly end them. It was a painful memory for Leo. He's hearts seems like jumping due to mixed emotion: anger, grief, and most especially wanting nothing but revenge.
"Your situation is hopeless. Submit to my demands!" his predators commanded.
They watch Leo with a smirk on their ugly faces. "You're the only last one. If it isn't by the will of the Alpha you will be dead by now. If I were you surrender and accept defeat! Aren't you glad that the Alpha spared your pitiful life?"
"It irks me to the core why you, the weakest, will wed to the Alpha's daughter instead of me? I am the rightful mate for her!" One of them demanded eyeing Leo with venom. "You're weak! Useless and worthless! But, we are not allowed to kill you"
"I repeat, Leo, surrender!"
Instead of complying he only deadly stares at them sending them a very cold glare. His glare somehow frightened them, it holds malice and grudge.
"Y-you're only lucky you have a beautiful face! W-without that you're dead by now!"
With a smirk he replied. "I am thankful for being born attractive and I am grateful not to have a face like yours" he spat making them furious.
"What the fuck?!" They angrily exclaimed, their faces full of rage.
Seeing it as an opportunity he tried to escape but they quickly blocked his way. Leo is tired and worn out. He lacks sleep and he's not been eating. He doesn't have time to do all of that when he's being hunted.
It's the dead end. He has nowhere to go. His predators laugh upon seeing his predicament.
"Don't escape, puppy! You're only tiring yourself!"
Leo with determination faces his chaser one last time and with a smirk he gives them a middle finger. "You'll have to be faster than death itself! Catch me if you can... but don't say I didn't warn y'all"
"You son of a dead bitch!"
As the predators closed in, Leo swiftly hurled the gems into the pond, shattering the night's stillness. The water's surface erupted in a blaze of light and a swirling portal materialized. Without hesitation, Leo leaped into the shimmering vortex. In an instant, he was transported to a cosy chamber landing with a thud on a plush bed. A startled woman's screams pierced the air followed by a sharp slap across his face.
"What in the devil's name?!" The woman's piercing shriek accompanied a forceful shove, sending Leo tumbling beneath the bed. A pained groan escaped his lips as he struggled to stand up.
The woman quickly covers herself using the blanket. "Help! Help! Please help m-" her desperate cries were abruptly muffled as Leo swiftly clambered back onto the bed, his rough hands clasping her mouth in a silencing grip.
And with a menacing shaky voice, result of being chased earlier, he warns. "Shut up! Woman! Scream again and I'll bite you!"
See ya next chapter.