----------------IN THE KINGDOM OF VOLVES---------------
Xen returned to his castle, battered and exhausted from the fierce battle. His wife greeted him with a wry smile. "Told you we would lose," she said gently.
Xen nodded, a resigned look in his eyes. "Yeah, you were right."
"So, which of our daughters do you plan to give to Ishmael?" she asked, her tone serious.
Xen shook his head. "No, it's not for Ishmael, but for Essien." He paused, contemplating the next steps. "Tomorrow, invite the kingdom of Laper over for the peace treaty. Then Essien can choose."
His wife's eyes widened with surprise, but she quickly understood the significance of Xen's decision. This wasn't just about forming an alliance; it was about acknowledging Essien's strength and potential as a leader.
As plans were set in motion for the peace treaty, both kingdoms prepared for a new era of cooperation and mutual respect. The forthcoming alliance through marriage would not only seal the truce but also symbolize the unity and strength that Essien had come to represent.
When Essien got word of that he changed his mind about going to the castle and decided to go straight to sign the peace treaty on behalf of Laper after all he was the only person who was invited
The following day, the castle of volvox buzzed with activity as emissaries from Laper arrived, and the stage was set for a historic meeting. Essien, who had once been an outcast, now stood at the center of a momentous event that would shape the future of both kingdoms.
Xen welcomed Essien warmly, and soon they were walking around like brothers, as if the war had never happened. As Xen got to know Essien's humble nature, his respect for him grew immensely.
Meanwhile, the princesses stared at Essien, captivated by his beauty but still doubtful of his strength. To test him, the eldest daughter, the best archer, shot an arrow toward him. Instinctively, a tail caught the arrow mid-air. Essien screamed as his body began to transform. His flesh melted away, giving rise to wings, purple fur, and scales that covered his body. Horns grew on his head, and he became twice the size of Xen. He had transformed into an Eydra and let out a thunderous roar that shook the entire castle.
The shockwave of his transformation was felt by everyone. The walls trembled, and the onlookers, including the princesses and Xen, were left speechless. Xen, who had thought he understood the true nature of power, now saw that Essien's strength was beyond his imagination.
Essien transformed back into his human form, drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. "Help me," he implored Xen, who, despite his own shock, knew that the wizard of the wolves was the only one who could provide answers to this mysterious transformation.
Xen, understanding the gravity of the situation, quickly led Essien to the wizard, hoping to uncover the truth about Essien's true nature and the immense power he possessed. The journey to the wizard was filled with urgency and anticipation, as they sought the knowledge that could change the course of destiny
Essien woke up about an hour later, his body still feeling the aftershocks of his transformation. As his vision cleared, he saw Xen sitting by his side, his expression a mixture of concern and determination.
"I don't know what is going on," Xen began, his voice steady. "But drink this potion. It will take you back to get answers to your questions."
Essien's mind raced as he took the vial from Xen. He suddenly remembered the man in his dream, the mysterious figure sharpening a sword who had asked, "Who are you?" Could this potion be related to him?
With a sense of urgency and curiosity, Essien uncorked the vial and drank the potion. The liquid was bitter, and a strange warmth spread through his body as he closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he found himself in a different place, standing before the same man from his dream.
The man turned to Essien, his gaze penetrating and intense. "Welcome, Essien," he said. "You seek answers, and I am here to guide you. What you have experienced is the awakening of your true heritage. You are not just a snake transformer; you are an Eydra, a being of immense power and potential."
Essien felt a rush of emotions—confusion, fear, and a glimmer of hope. "Why me?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"Because you are destined for greatness," the man replied. "The strength within you is a legacy passed down through generations. Embrace it, and you will discover the true extent of your abilities. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. You must use your gifts wisely, for the fate of many rests upon your shoulders."
Essien nodded, absorbing the weight of the man's words. This journey of self-discovery was far from over, but with the guidance of this mysterious figure, he felt more prepared to face the challenges ahead.
But that wasn't all he saw.
In the vision, Essien saw a well-built man engulfed in a blue aura, standing on a blood-soaked battlefield. Surrounding him was a pack of Eydras, their presence imposing and fierce. The remains of countless creatures lay scattered across the ground, a testament to the ferocity of the battle. The man, Eon, looked at the pack and said, "I have to go." The scene then shifted to a tender moment between Eon and Emelia, sharing an intimate embrace.
The next glimpse was even more shocking. Essien saw Ishmael, his own father, using Emelia as a hostage to kill Eon. The betrayal and treachery were palpable, and the vision left Essien reeling with a mix of emotions—anger, sorrow, and a burning desire for answers.
As the vision faded, Essien found himself back in the present, the weight of the revelations heavy on his mind. The truth about his heritage and the dark secrets of his past were beginning to unravel, and he knew that his journey was far from over. With Xen by his side, Essien was determined to uncover the full extent of his powers and the legacy that had been hidden from him for so long.
The realization hit Essien hard: if his true identity as an Eydra were to be discovered, his mother could be in grave danger. His heart sank at the thought. But Xen, sensing Essien's worries, reassured him, "Only my eldest daughter saw your transformation." This revelation left Essien speechless, as he grasped the gravity of the situation and the narrow margin by which his secret had been kept.
"But why did I transform?" Essien asked, his voice tinged with confusion and concern.
"It was because you used an immense amount of power during the battle without fully transforming," the wizard explained. "Your body couldn't handle such pressure in its human form, so it instinctively transformed into your true Eydra form to sustain the power."
Essien nodded, understanding the explanation but still wrestling with the implications. The wizard's words confirmed what he had begun to suspect—his true nature was that of an Eydra, and with that came incredible power and responsibilities.
He knew that he had to learn to control and harness this power, not only for his own sake but to protect those he cared about. The road ahead was fraught with challenges, but Essien was determined to face them head-on, embracing his true heritage and the destiny that awaited him.
Princess Elara entered the room, her expression a mix of apology and concern. "I'm sorry for trying to shoot you," she said, her voice sincere. Essien's silence seemed to unsettle her, so she continued, "Don't worry, the other princesses were called back before I shot the arrow, and there were no guards around. No one saw you transform."
Essien wasn't angry; he was simply taken aback by her captivating beauty. Her eyes held a depth that drew him in, and her presence was both graceful and commanding. Despite the tension of the situation, he couldn't help but be mesmerized by her.
"Thank you for your honesty," Essien finally replied, his voice steady. "I appreciate your understanding."
Elara nodded, relieved that Essien wasn't upset. She could see the weight of his thoughts and the burden of his newfound power. "If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know," she offered, her sincerity evident.
Essien appreciated her gesture, knowing that the days ahead would be challenging. With allies like Elara and Xen, he felt more prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
"Mhm...," Xen said with a knowing smile. "Well, Princess Elara will be your wife after we sign the treaty." Elara, with no regard for formalities, gave Essien a light peck on the cheek, making him go crimson red.
Later, the treaty was signed. The Kingdom of Volves agreed to side with Essien and support whomever he supported, though they would not be an official ally of Laper. This alliance marked a new chapter, one where Essien's strength and leadership would guide the future of both kingdoms.
A grand banquet was held to celebrate both the peace treaty and the wedding. The hall was adorned with lavish decorations, the air filled with the scent of delicious food and the sounds of joyful conversations. Essien, dressed in elegant attire, mingled effortlessly with the guests, displaying his rich knowledge about wolf culture. If it weren't for his striking blue eyes, one might have thought he was from Volves himself. His ability to connect with the people of Volves impressed everyone present.
During the banquet, Essien's gaze was drawn to Princess Elara. She was dressed in a magnificent black dress, short enough to stir the hearts of men but long enough to remain elegant and modest. The dress complemented her moonlit skin, making her beauty even more mesmerizing. Essien couldn't help but be captivated by her, his admiration clear in his eyes.
Elara approached him with a graceful smile, her presence intoxicating. She leaned in and gave him a light peck on the cheek, her enchanting scent enveloping him. Essien felt a rush of warmth and affection, his heart pounding in his chest.
The night continued with laughter, music, and dancing. The bond between the two kingdoms was strengthened, and Essien and Elara's connection blossomed amidst the festivities. It was a night of celebration, unity, and new beginnings, as Essien's journey took another significant turn.