Chapter 1
Swords clashed, and men groaned. But Allister felt nothing. He was like a sword that held its own and was quick to slice through his enemies.
He reveled at the feeling of taking down his enemies, and in his own sick yet twisted way, he enjoyed the sight of fear that he often saw nestled in their eyes. He lived for the fear that he got to see in the eyes of his enemies. He knew that they deserved that and much more.
He scanned the battle field, which now lay heavy with bodies, as he turned towards his men. "Men, let us finish this," he ordered. He adjusted his cape as he turned towards the leader. Jacob Cross.
He was a rogue wolf that had managed to gather an army that was almost as large as a small pack. The veil had been watching him for years now, although he had started off as nothing serious. But as the years went by, his threat began to grow more and more.
Allister let out a venomous growl from his lips as he charged towards Jacob and grabbed him by the scruff of his neck. His eyes were a wild yellow, and he had foam forming at the sight of his mouth. Allister shivered at the sight of him, and despite it all, he couldn’t deny that there was a slither of a part of him that felt some form of pity towards him.
"You made a mistake trying to take over a pack. When are you rogues going to get it? There is no home for you here". He hissed, and he watched as he chuckled.
"And when are you veiled warriors going to understand that there will always be chaos? You may think that you are at the top now, but even the mountain cracks. Soon enough, your greatest fears will materialize.". He said this to him with a knowing glint in his eyes.
He did not bother to ask any questions. In the end, they were all the same. Mindless vessels for the darkness. Without hesitation, he let out a loud, fearsome growl, and he raised up his clawed hand and ripped out his throat.
Jacob let out a low whimper from his lips as he turned his attention back towards his men. He was glad they had managed to take out the rest. "Burn the bodies. The darkness does not survive fire". He called out.
He did not miss the darkened tips of his enemies fingers. And the sunken look in their eyes It was the signature sign of those who had been tormented by the darkness.
A great evil that had once roamed their land freely. It was so intent on destruction that a time had come when even the moon goddess was left unsettled by the whispers of its presence. That was when she made the decision to form the veil.
An elite group of wolves that had super strength and extended lives. They gave their lives in service to her cause.
But in doing so, it meant that they would hold no attachments, carry no mates, and bear no children. It was easy enough for Allister. He had been orphaned as a baby, and he didn't have a family. The only thing he had known all of his life was loneliness, and for a long time, he had sought to give his life some form of purpose. And that was the reason why, when he had been informed nearly two hundred years ago that he was to join the veil, he had been surprised, but he had promised them that he would serve his goddess till his last breath.
"They are becoming more and more frequent". He heard Kane call out from behind him. He hummed as he nodded his head at his words. "How many attacks are there now?" He asked, and he knew that he would dread the answer.
"The third one in two months. And they are getting closer to our borders," he said to him.
He felt his heart sink even further at this. Something was wrong. This was not supposed to happen, as the darkness was trapped within the walls of the veil. How was it that its essence was able to seep out and infect others?
"What are we going to do?" He heard Kane ask. He hummed as he thought about it for a moment. "I am going to see Grand." He announced.
After a day's journey, they were able to slowly return themselves to the walls of the veil. Allister had managed to keep his composure for the most part, but on the inside he was upset.
He made his way through the thick castle doors and to the moon’s garden, needing to think for himself. As the leader, he wasn't supposed to make mistakes or not know things. "It seems you are in a bit of trouble."
Malvor said to him, and he turned toward him with a blank stare on his face. "How is it that you are so calm about all of this? Do you not see what is going on?" He asked him in frustration, and he watched as he only shrugged his shoulders at him.
"Well, you are the leader. I am only here to guide you. So, this all falls on you". He said it to him firmly.
"Are you still salty because I refused to let you leave? You can not rejoin society. It does not have room for people like us". He said to him: Malvor had made it clear that one day he would like to rejoin the wolf world, but all those that had been born in his time were long dead.
"Never mind that. I have learned from that. But now you have a bigger problem, as the council wants to meet with you," he said to him.
He furrowed his eyebrows, and he wondered what it was for. "What do they want?" He asked. He rarely had to face the council. They were always very judgmental and seemed to be intent on getting on his last nerves.
"They apparently wish to make a display". He said to him: He hummed as they made their way into the grand ballroom. He noticed that his men had gathered as well, but he was still unable to find Kane. He was his second in command, and in his absence, he would take over, so he found it strange that he was absent.
He did not have much time to think over the matter as he watched as the double doors on the side were swinging open. He kept his gaze stoic as he watched a badly beaten Kane make his way into the room. He was dragged by two of the council guards, and he had a swollen eye.
"What is the meaning of this". Allister called out, but before they could answer, he watched as the doors on the other side of the room swung open and the council leaders, Trey and Warfa, made their way into the room.
They almost held amusement. "What have you done? Why is he like this? Do you make a mockery of the veil?" He roared. No, but he did break the code, and the code is sacred." Trey said.
Allister stiffened, looking towards Kane, who didn't dare to meet his face. "You found your mate?" He asked. Yes, he did, and he planned to leave to be with her. So what are you going to do about the traitor?" Trey challenged.
Allister felt betrayed in that moment as a wave of anger swept over him. He wanted to protest as he felt his body shudder with disgust.
"Dispose of him." The last thing his people needed was a mate. And if he ever had one, he would make her wish she had never been paired with a monster like him.