CHAPTER 4:IN TO THE UNKNOWN
1155 Words
Scarlett and Ethan left the village at dawn, stepping into the thick shadows of the forest. The wind rustled through the towering trees, growing quieter the deeper they went—unnaturally silent. Unbeknownst to them, hidden eyes tracked their every move, shadows shifting just beyond sight, quietly following among the trees.
They ran, instincts pushing them forward until they stumbled upon a strange river. It glistened in the dim forest light, wide and still—a perfect mirror.
Scarlett slowed, frowning. “Ethan, look… the river’s not flowing. Did you notice that?”
Ethan squinted at the water. “Yes… that’s not right.”
Suddenly, Scarlett gasped. “Ethan, move away from the riverbank—it’s rising!”
Confused, she stepped back hesitantly. Then the water began to bubble and churn.
Ethan grabbed her arm and pulled her back just in time. The surface rippled as something began to emerge—slowly, elegantly. A figure appeared, dressed in glowing snow-white robes, her translucent skin shimmering like water.
Ethan and Scarlett instinctively stepped back, unsure whether to run or bow.
“I am Anastasia,” the figure said, her voice like wind over water. “The water fairy.”
They stared at her, startled and confused.
The forest fell silent. It felt like standing in a graveyard beneath the moon.
Finally, Ethan broke the stillness. “We only knew of vampires and werewolves. Vampires don’t come out during the day. Most people don’t even know about them—only werewolves. And even then, people often mistake them for each other. But they’re different. Vampires are manipulative bloodsuckers.”
Anastasia’s eyes glimmered with emotion as she turned to Ethan.
“Ethan… I’ve been with you for a long time,” she said gently. “I’ve guided you… and your child.”
Ethan blinked. “Me? But why?”
“Because… those were the instructions your wife left me.”
He turned sharply to Scarlett, his face a mixture of shock and realization.
“Don’t panic,” Anastasia said softly. “I know you have a million questions. The answers will come… in time. Son—and the woman you love…”
Her voice grew grave. “The Night Walkers have caught your scent. They show no mercy.”
With that, Anastasia stepped back into the water. Her gown melted into the river as if she had never been there.
Before either of them could speak, the distant sound of galloping hooves echoed through the trees—dozens, maybe hundreds. The ground vibrated with their approach. The Night Walkers were near, and they were not alone.
Scarlett and Ethan didn’t wait. They fled deeper into the forest, branches clawing at their clothes, breath sharp in their lungs.
Behind them, a dark wave of Night Walkers arrived. Their commander, Sentino, mounted silently. His piercing eyes scanned the tracks in the dirt.
“We ride east,” he ordered.
None of his soldiers questioned him.
What no one knew—not even Ethan—was that the commander was his lost brother, separated since childhood.
Scarlett and Ethan pressed on, running until the forest thinned and the ground began to rise. Mountains loomed ahead, their peaks hidden behind a curtain of clouds.
As they approached, Scarlett whispered, “What is this place?”
Just then, the clouds parted, forming a pathway as if sensing their presence. They entered—and behind them, the Night Walkers arrived again—but were stopped by invisible barriers. The air shimmered like lightning, repelling them as horses reared and soldiers fell to their knees, unable to pass.
Inside the mountain, Scarlett and Ethan paused, panting. The air was light, humming with power.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Ethan said, wide-eyed.
A voice echoed from the shadows.
“Looking for something?”
They both froze.
A tall woman stepped forward, draped in a midnight gown that seemed older than centuries.
“You must be Galgadot,” Scarlett whispered.
Ethan stammered, “We… we came to see you. You look way younger and far prettier than I expected.”
Galgadot chuckled. “Flattering. Save it. What brings you here?”
“The Night Walkers,” Scarlett replied.
At the mention, Galgadot’s smile faded. “What you seek is dangerous. Are you sure you’re ready?”
She studied them, then nodded.
“Sit. Let me prepare something. You’ve come far—you need strength.”
As they sat, looking around the mystical chamber, Galgadot disappeared into a back room and returned with two steaming cups.
“Here you go,” she said, handing them the drinks.
They sipped in unison. “Thank you,” their voices nearly synchronized.
“Don’t mention it,” Galgadot said. “Now listen carefully.”
She leaned forward. “The king of the vampires is called Damien. You’d be shocked to know—he controls the Night Walkers. Even Marcus, the Werewolf King, now answers to him.”
“What?” Ethan exclaimed.
“Yes,” she said grimly. “Marcus was once the Guardian of the Night, Leader of the Night Wolves. But Damien defeated him years ago and stole his throne. Marcus lived… but as a puppet, not a king.”
“Then a victim too,” Scarlett murmured.
“Exactly,” Galgadot confirmed. “But in time, Marcus became power-hungry. Now he serves Damien unknowingly, chasing power he can never control.”
She turned to Ethan. “Your son, Auric, is in grave danger. They’ve known about him at Damien’s council. He’s the key to breaking Damien’s dark magic.”
Ethan clenched his fists. “What do they want from him?”
“Damien feeds on souls. The wolves are in charge of capturing victims and delivering them to his council—where he uses them to renew power or turn them into vampires.”
Scarlett’s voice trembled. “And what about the fairies?”
“If Damien captures the soul of the last fairy, he becomes nearly invincible. That’s why your son must be protected at all costs—because he will rescue us all.”
She turned to Scarlett. “Your brother… he’s in danger too. If Damien finds out who you truly are, he will hunt you until your blood turns to mist. You may never see him again.”
It was heavy. Silence fell.
Then Galgadot stood.
“That’s enough for now. You must return to the village. Protect the Alpha—he is still young, even if he grows faster than most. Turn left, down those stairs. There’s a hidden passage that leads through the forest, past the Night Walkers’ patrol.”
Scarlett and Ethan stood, grateful and overwhelmed. As they left, Galgadot whispered to herself, “The saviour is here… at last.”
She watched from the window for hours, laughing softly as the Night Walkers retreated from the mountain in frustration—never realizing she had seen it all.
- Writer
