The sacred grounds of the Belove Forest were a place of wonder and unity, a sanctuary where the many races of Delranzo gathered to foster peace and mutual respect. The grand Hall of Unity stood at its heart, a colossal structure illuminated by moonlight and torchfire, as representatives from every race convened for an event of historic significance—the coronation of the King of All Races.
William, the wolf clans' prodigy, was to ascend the throne, a decision celebrated by many but resented by some. He was not merely a symbol of strength with his rare 95% pure bloodline but also the architect of the fragile alliance between the wolves and vampires—a feat previously thought impossible.
Dressed in a regal black and gold robe, William stood at the center of the hall. His presence commanded respect, his amber eyes scanning the crowd before settling on a single figure—Alice. Her silver hair shimmered in the torchlight, and her crimson eyes radiated a warmth that soothed his restless heart. Her soft smile was his anchor amidst the sea of political machinations and veiled hostility.
For years, they had weathered storms together, their bond forged through battles and shared ideals. In Alice, William had found not just a confidant but a vision of a future where wolves and vampires could coexist.
Yet, beneath the polished veneer of the celebration, darkness loomed. Hidden agendas brewed, and the cost of peace was about to be paid in blood.
As the festivities waned, William retired to a quieter chamber, seeking a brief respite before the monumental day ahead. Alice entered moments later, her presence like a balm to his soul. She carried a goblet of wine, her steps light yet purposeful.
"I thought you could use this," she said, her voice tinged with affection. "Tomorrow, the world will look to you as its leader."
William accepted the goblet with a grateful smile. "And it's all thanks to you, Alice. Without your unwavering support, this day would have never come."
Her cheeks flushed a faint pink as she avoided his gaze. "I'm your wife."
As William raised the goblet, he hesitated, a flicker of unease passing through him. But he dismissed it—this was Alice. He drank deeply, the liquid warm and smooth, leaving an unexpected bitterness lingering on his tongue.
Moments later, his vision blurred, and a searing pain erupted in his chest. The goblet clattered to the floor as he staggered backward, clutching at his heart.
"William?!" Alice's voice was frantic as she caught him before he fell. "What's happening?"
Pain consumed him, but a deeper agony bloomed in his chest as realization dawned. "The wine... Alice... why?"
Her eyes widened in horror. "What are you talking about? I would never—" Her words faltered as she noticed the empty goblet and the strange, dark residue at its base. "No... this can't be... I didn't know."
Her trembling hands betrayed her panic, but her sorrowful gaze was genuine. Yet, the betrayal stung more than the poison coursing through his veins.
Before he could speak, the chamber doors burst open, and a group of armed vampires entered, led by none other than Alice's father, the vampire patriarch.
"Father?!" Alice's voice was a mixture of confusion and fury. "What is the meaning of this?"
The patriarch's cold gaze swept over her before settling on the weakened William. "This charade has gone on long enough. A wolf cannot be trusted to rule, and you, my daughter, have been blinded by his lies."
Alice stepped between them, her arms spread protectively. "He has done nothing but work for peace! You cannot—"
Her father silenced her with a sharp look. "You've disgraced our lineage long enough. Stand aside, or I will treat you as no different from him."
The patriarch's sword glinted as he advanced. William, struggling to his feet, summoned what strength he had left to shield Alice. "If you want me dead, leave her out of this."
"Your life is already forfeit, wolf," the patriarch sneered.
Before William could react, Alice moved faster than he could perceive. She threw herself in front of him, the blade meant for him piercing her chest instead.
Time seemed to freeze as she crumpled into his arms. "No!" William's anguished cry echoed through the chamber.
Alice's trembling hand reached up to touch his face, her eyes filled with tears yet devoid of regret. "I'm sorry, William... I couldn't let them hurt you."
Her hand fell limp, and the light faded from her eyes. William's heart shattered as he held her lifeless body.
"You'll pay for this," he growled, his voice low and venomous.
The patriarch's response was a swift thrust of his blade into William's heart. The last thing William saw was Alice's pale face before darkness consumed him.
William suddenly stood up straight, sweating all over, and he let out a sharp gasp. His chest heaved, and his hands instinctively covered his heart, expecting to feel a fatal wound. But there was nothing.
He looked around confusedly. The familiar environment of his old bedroom in the Wolf Clan Ancestral Hall came into view. Senses that had been honed through years of hard work did not detect any imminent danger. However, everything about this moment felt wrong.
Then he noticed the date engraved on the wooden calendar beside the bed. Ten years ago. The day before the Bloodline Awakening Ceremony.
"No," he whispered, his voice trembling. "This can't be."
He rushed to the mirror and stared at his reflection. The young face from ten years ago looked back at him, without the scars of the upcoming battle. His hands shook as he stroked his hair, and the memories of the coronation night came to his mind. "Alice..." he murmured, his voice hoarse. The image of her dying in his arms was deeply engraved in his mind. "I couldn't save you."
But now, he realized, he had a second chance. He gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, and a fire ignited in his amber eyes.
"I know how this story ends," he murmured, his voice full of determination. "This time, things will be different. I will save you, Alice. I will protect our dream of peace. Those who betrayed us... they will regret betraying me."
"And Rose, although you betrayed me in your previous life, you dared not disobey because of your parents' orders, and finally you were reduced to a slave who only knew how to kill. You saved me with your life when you were conscious in the war. This time I won't let you suffer again."
With ten years of knowledge and experience, William vowed to rewrite his own destiny - and the destiny of the world.