Chapter 20 – Shadows of the Wolf
The air of the forest was still heavy with the echo of what had happened—truths revealed, hearts weighed with conflicting emotions. The guild master took a deep breath and, after observing Kael and the two young women, stepped forward.
"Well… we've accomplished what we came here to do," he said in a deep but calm voice. His hands, steady and sure, began tracing arcane symbols in the air. Instantly, a glow formed a circle of energy, opening a vibrant portal before them.
Lyra and Kael stared at the bluish light of the portal when suddenly Selene raised a hand.
"Wait a moment, I need to do something before we go."
The master arched an eyebrow but nodded.
"Very well, Selene. Don't take too long."
With light steps, the red-haired young woman disappeared among the trees, leaving the others waiting. A dense silence fell over the place. Kael remained still, his gaze fixed in the direction Selene had vanished. His expression—cold as ever—carried a different tone this time: focused, thoughtful, as if he saw beyond what his eyes could show.
The guild master noticed.
"Kael… you realized it, didn't you?"
The young man turned his face just enough to reveal his cutting gaze and replied in a low voice,
"Yes. Why does she hide it?"
Lyra frowned, confused.
"Hide what? What are you two talking about?"
Kael, direct as always, answered,
"Selene… she's half-elf, half-demon. I saw the horn she tries to hide with magic."
Lyra's eyes widened in shock.
"Whaaat?! That's impossible! I've known her since we were little and never noticed anything like that. How could she be half-demon?"
The master sighed deeply, as if dragging a burden from years past.
"It's because her father was a hybrid between a human and a demon. Selene has always tried to conceal it. Since childhood, she's been hunted—by humans and demons alike—both seeking to use her power. The elves, upon seeing the demonic blood in her, rejected her mercilessly. It was Elyndra, her mother, who protected her… with the help of a group of dark elves. They owed their lives to Elyndra and agreed to guard Selene in secret."
The master turned to Kael and Lyra, his expression grave.
"That's why I ask you both… promise me you'll protect her. Greedy people will try to capture her and exploit her power."
Lyra stepped forward, determined and firm.
"Of course. I'll protect my friend no matter what happens."
Kael, silent as ever, simply nodded slightly. His aura of cold resolve needed no words.
But then Lyra suddenly remembered something.
"Hey, Kael…" —her eyes sparkled— "So… you're the Black Wolf?"
Kael remained impassive, looking up at the sky with that stone-cold expression that defined him.
Lyra clenched her fists, trembling with excitement and disbelief.
"I can't believe it! The Black Wolf! It was you all along!" She suddenly leapt forward, throwing her arms around him and rubbing her cheek against his chest. "I'm your fan, Kael! I've always wanted to fight alongside the Black Wolf!"
The young man raised an eyebrow slightly—but, against all odds, allowed a faint smile to escape. Barely noticeable… but it was there.
Lyra noticed it. Her heart raced so fast she thought it would burst.
"T-that smile…" she muttered, cheeks burning. "S-stop looking at me like that, idiot."
The scene—a mix of comedy and tenderness—was frozen just as Selene emerged from the trees, her red hair flowing in the wind.
"I'm back. Now we can go."
The master nodded.
"Good. It's time."
With a wave of his hand, the portal enveloped them all.
---
Return to the Guild
The group emerged in the heart of the city. To their surprise, a massive crowd surrounded the guild's entrance, murmuring with anticipation. The rumors about the slain dragon had spread like wildfire.
"Could it be true? Someone killed the dragon?"
"It must've taken an entire army!"
"No… I heard it was a single adventurer…"
The master frowned.
"Workers! Keep the crowd back!" he ordered firmly. "There's nothing more to say—only that the dragon has been defeated."
The guild staff began dispersing the people while the master gestured for Kael, Lyra, and Selene to follow.
"Come with me. We need to talk."
He led them to his private study—a room lined with shelves full of ancient books, maps, and magical artifacts. A crystal lamp cast a dim light across the space.
The master settled behind his desk, studying them carefully.
"Now that you're here… it's time for you to decide. Have you thought of a name and direction for your group?"
Lyra raised her hand excitedly.
"I've already decided! We'll be… The Shadows of the Wolf!"
Selene smiled, clearly pleased with the name.
Kael, however, maintained his usual cool expression.
"The name is fine… but there's something I want to make clear. Don't reveal that I'm the Black Wolf. I'm not interested in fame or attention."
The master burst into laughter.
"Ha! All right, kid. We'll keep it secret."
Kael continued.
"We'll need more members. Four, at least."
Lyra blinked in surprise.
"Four? Why so many?"
"To cover our blind spots," Kael explained, crossing his arms. "If we plan to face Nyxarion, we'll need to be complete."
He turned toward Lyra.
"What's your specialty?"
The girl straightened proudly.
"I specialize in light magic, lightning, and support. I can also use some water magic—to create spears. And when necessary, I fight hand-to-hand."
Kael nodded, almost impressed.
"You're remarkable, Lyra."
Her face turned crimson as she looked away.
"T-thank you…"
Then Kael turned to Selene.
"And you?"
The redhead lowered her head, hesitant.
"I… use fire magic. I fight close-range and I can use a bow. A little wind magic too… but that's all."
Her voice sounded small, as if she felt inadequate next to Lyra.
Kael watched her closely, stepping toward her with slow, deliberate movements. Selene backed up until her back hit the wall. Her cheeks flushed as Kael leaned closer, staring straight into her eyes.
"Amazing…" he murmured. "You'll be able to use my master's technique."
"My… mother's technique?" Selene asked, heart pounding wildly.
Kael leaned even closer, his breath brushing against her skin.
"It's beautiful… why hide it?"
Selene pushed him away clumsily, her face bright red.
"W-what are you saying?!"
Kael straightened calmly.
"Your horn. You shouldn't hide it."
Lyra jumped up, pointing at her.
"I'm mad at you, Selene! How could you hide something that amazing from me?! Wow!"
Selene, embarrassed, lowered her gaze.
"Do you… not hate me? Don't I disgust you for being half-demon?"
Lyra huffed and flicked her forehead.
"Idiot! Don't ever think that. You're my friend—and you always will be."
Then she hugged her tightly. Selene, surprised, ended up smiling through her tears.
"But also…" Lyra added, stepping back with a grin, "you're now my rival."
Selene arched an eyebrow, smirking with fiery determination.
"I won't lose. He'll be mine."
They stared at each other intensely—two sparks igniting a playful rivalry—until they both burst out laughing and hugged again.
The moment was cut short by a sharp knock on the door. A messenger rushed in, panting and sweating.
"Master! It's urgent! A letter from the Eastern Kingdom!"
The master took the letter. His eyes scanned it, and his expression darkened instantly. Silence fell like a heavy shroud.
Lyra, upon seeing the royal seal, went pale. Her breathing quickened, and her hands began to tremble.
"N-no…" she whispered in terror.
The master said nothing. Kael, noticing Lyra's reaction, snatched the letter from his hands and read it. When he finished, his eyes blazed with fury. A green light burst from his body as the letter ignited, turning to ash in his grasp.
With a rough, furious voice, he turned to Lyra.
"I'll never let them harm you. You're my comrade… and as long as we're together, no one will dare touch you."
Lyra froze, her wide eyes reflecting a mix of fear and tenderness.
Kael, still seething with rage, clenched his fists.
"We leave immediately. To that damned kingdom!"
To be continued…