Chapter 25: Whispers of the Forest

Rustle—

The soft glow of dawn seeped through the tall windows of Arlon's chambers, painting the room in muted gold. Outside, the estate stirred to life, the quiet bustle of servants preparing for the day filling the crisp morning air.

Tap, tap—

Arlon stood by the window, dressed in a tailored coat and sturdy boots that hinted at the long journey ahead. His sharp gaze lingered on the gardens below, their dew-kissed leaves shimmering in the early light.

Despite the vibrant hues of sunrise painting the room, a knot of anxiety tightened in Arlon's chest. He clenched his jaw, the serene beauty of the gardens below doing little to soothe the turmoil within.

Behind him, Ace stretched lazily on a velvet armchair, his red eyes gleaming with faint amusement.

"You look ready to conquer a kingdom," Ace teased, his tail flicking. "All that brooding, and it's just a trip to the Empire."

Arlon smirked faintly but didn't turn. The weight of the journey pressed down on him, each step echoing in his mind like a drumbeat. The sudden shift in the ceremony schedule sent a jolt of unease through him, a premonition of unforeseen complications.

The story's already deviating, he thought, his brow furrowing. And it's only going to get worse from here.

Ace leapt gracefully from the chair, padding over to him with an air of casual authority. "You're overthinking again," he said, his voice laced with mockery. "Try not to scare the horses before we even leave."

Arlon finally turned, his movements deliberate as he retrieved his gloves from a nearby table. "There's too much at stake to take this lightly," he muttered, slipping them on with precision. "This isn't just a trip—it's the first step toward what's coming."

Ace let out a soft huff, curling his tail around his paws. "Always so dramatic."

The faintest twitch of a smile crossed Arlon's lips, but he said nothing more. Outside, the sound of hooves stamping impatiently against the gravel reminded him that time was slipping away.

The story's already deviating, he thought, his brow furrowing. And it's only going to get worse from here.

Ace leapt gracefully from the chair and padded over, his voice carrying a teasing lilt. "You're overthinking again. Try not to scare the horses before we even leave."

Arlon didn't respond immediately, but a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Let's go," he said calmly, gesturing toward the door.

Ace yawned, a low rumble echoing in his chest. He stretched languidly, extending his claws and arching his back before gracefully padding out of the room, trailing behind Arlon.

Ace stretched lazily before following Arlon out of the room.

They descended the grand staircase in silence, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly through the hall. Stepping outside, they were greeted by the bustling preparations for the journey.

Clip-clop—

In the estate's courtyard, the carriages were lined up and ready, their polished frames gleaming in the morning sun. Servants bustled about, loading trunks and securing supplies, while the horses pawed impatiently at the gravel.

Clink, clatter—

Arlon arrived to find Alice, Anthony, Lawrence, and Dimitri already assembled. Alice adjusted her cloak, her sharp gaze scanning the preparations, while Anthony leaned casually against one of the carriages, his usual grin firmly in place.

"Looks like we're all set," Anthony said as Arlon approached. "Though I wouldn't mind a bit more breakfast before we hit the road."

Alice rolled her eyes. "You had two helpings already."

Lawrence stood quietly to the side, his temporary sword strapped securely to his waist. He straightened when Arlon approached.

"Everything's ready," Lawrence said. "Eric's carriage is stocked with everything he'll need for the journey."

"Good," Arlon replied, nodding. "Dimitri, anything to add?"

Dimitri stepped forward, holding a folded map. "The route south is clear, but the rainy season has begun. The roads may be slower than expected."

Arlon took the map, his sharp eyes scanning the marked path. "We'll manage. Keep everyone moving—we can't afford delays."

Before departure, Arlon made his way back to the grand hall, where his younger siblings, Irish and Irien, waited. The twins looked up at him with wide eyes, their expressions a mix of excitement and worry.

Irish was the first to speak, tugging on his sleeve. "Are you really leaving for the Empire today, Arlon?" she asked, her voice small but filled with curiosity.

"Yes," Arlon replied, kneeling slightly to meet their gaze. "I have to go, but it won't be for long."

Irien stepped closer, his brows furrowed in concern. "Will it be dangerous?"

His gaze flickered to the twins, a flicker of doubt crossing his face before he managed a reassuring smile, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly.

"It's just a trip to handle some important matters. I'll be careful, I promise."

"You'll bring us something from the Empire, right?" Irish asked, her eyes brightening a little. "Something cool!"

"Something really cool!" Irien added, grinning as he mimicked his sister.

Arlon chuckled softly, resting a hand on each of their heads. "I'll bring you both something, but nothing dangerous."

The twins giggled, their excitement momentarily overshadowing their worries. Irish's gaze then shifted to Ace, who had silently followed Arlon into the hall.

"You take care of him, okay?" she said, leaning down to pat the black cat's head. "Don't let him get into trouble."

Ace blinked slowly, feigning the disinterest of a typical cat. "Of course," he murmured under his breath, audible only to Arlon.

Then, with a playful flick of his tail, he added, "And if things get really urgent, I suppose I'll have to save you too. Can't have you messing up my reputation."

Arlon shot him a sidelong glance, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes. "How generous of you," he muttered dryly.

Ace stretched lazily, his red eyes glinting with amusement. "Don't mention it. Just try not to get into too much trouble without me."

Irien stepped forward, his expression serious, completely oblivious to the brief exchange of glances between Arlon and Ace. "We'll miss you, Arlon," he said softly. "And Ace too."

Nearby, Eric stood quietly, his ears twitching nervously. As Irish and Irien approached, they wrapped him in a tight hug.

"Goodbye," Irien said softly, his voice filled with sincerity.

"I hope we see you again someday," Irish added with a bright smile.

Eric's tail wagged faintly, and he glanced shyly at the twins. "Thank you... for everything. I wish we could play again," he said, his voice small but heartfelt.

Irish beamed, her eyes lighting up. "Of course we'll play again! Next time, we'll show you all our favorite games!"

Irien nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! You have to come back soon, Eric. We'll be waiting!"

Their cheerful energy seemed to lift Eric's spirits, and he managed a small, genuine smile. "I'll come back," he promised. "I'd like that."

As the three exchanged farewells, Duchess Emilia approached, her steps graceful yet measured. The quiet rustle of her dress blended with the soft wind that stirred the trees.

Her eyes, though calm, carried a weight of unspoken thoughts. She hovered for a moment, as though weighing her words, her lips slightly parted before she took a breath.

She glanced at Arlon, her gaze softening, but there was a flicker of concern beneath it—she had raised him with care, yet this journey would take him far from home. With a slight tilt of her head, she took a step closer, the faintest trace of uncertainty clouding her usual poise.

After a moment of silence, she spoke, her voice gentle yet firm, "Travel safely, Arlon. And please, contact us when you reach the Empire."

Arlon could sense her hesitation, the way her usually composed posture softened. She wasn't just the Duchess now—she was trying to be a mother, offering care without overwhelming him. He appreciated it.

The Duchess watched him with quiet resolve, her hand lingering as if to reach out, but she kept her composure.

Dimitri stood near the lead carriage, calm and composed. Alice and Anthony lingered nearby, their usual banter quiet as the weight of the journey settled in. Lawrence adjusted his sword belt, his posture steady, but alert.

Arlon took a moment to glance back at the grand estate—the place he had called home. The twins waved, their small figures framed by sunlight. The Duchess gave him one last look, her expression soft yet tinged with something unspoken.

The thought of leaving it behind, even temporarily, stirred something unspoken within him.

This is the first step, he thought. The first of many.

Without another word, he stepped toward the lead carriage. "Let's go," he said simply, his tone firm, leaving no room for hesitation.

Crunch, crunch—

The carriages creaked as they rolled forward, their wheels crunching softly against the gravel road. Falcon City stretched before them, bathed in the golden glow of the morning sun. Though the city was peaceful now, the weight of the unknown loomed heavily in Arlon's mind.

As the carriages left the city behind, the open road ahead seemed to stretch endlessly, a reminder of the challenges yet to come.

Patter, patter—

The steady rhythm of the carriage wheels blended with the soft patter of rain on the canvas roof. Just moments before, the day had been bright, the sun warm on their faces.

Drip, drip—

Now, as they moved forward, the sky had turned gray, and the faint chill of the rainy season began to seep through the air.

Eric sat quietly in the corner of the seat, his gray ears twitching slightly as he watched the passing landscape. Beside him, Ace stretched languidly on the opposite seat, his red eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"So, kid," Ace began, his voice smooth, breaking the silence. "What's your home like? Big, small? Forest, mountains? I need to know what kind of scenery we're getting ourselves into."

Eric blinked, his tail wagging faintly at the question. "It's... a forest," he said softly, his voice hesitant but steady. "Our pack lives in the southern woods. There are big trees everywhere, streams, and fields where we hunt and play."

Alice, seated next to Ace, leaned forward slightly, her interest piqued. "That sounds beautiful," she said, her tone warm. "Do you live there with your family?"

Eric nodded, his posture relaxing just a little. "Yes. My brother, Kaelen is the Alpha of our pack. He's really strong—stronger than anyone I know. He keeps us safe."

"An Alpha?" Ace said, his tail flicking lazily. "Sounds impressive. Is he as serious as Arlon over there?"

Arlon, seated quietly , didn't look up from the map he was reviewing. His expression remained calm, but a wry thought crossed his mind. Serious? If ensuring everyone doesn't get themselves killed is 'serious,' then sure, I'll take it.

He flicked a glance at Ace but said nothing, his focus returning to the map as Eric shyly answered.

Eric smiled faintly, shaking his head. "He's... strict sometimes. But he's kind too. He always makes sure we're okay."

Alice's expression softened. "And what about your parents?"

Eric hesitated, his ears drooping slightly. "They're gone," he said quietly. "But my grandfather looks after us. He's the leader of the pack. Everyone respects him. He's wise and knows a lot about our history—and the forest."

Ace tilted his head, his red eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "A wise old wolf, huh? I bet he has plenty of stories to tell."

Eric's tail wagged a little more, and he nodded. "He does. He says it's our job to protect the forest, just like the forest protects us."

"That's a beautiful way of looking at things," Alice murmured, her gaze soft. "It must be nice, living somewhere like that."

"It is," Eric said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I miss it... but I'm glad to be going back."

Ace's gaze lingered on Eric for a moment, his usual teasing tone absent. "Well," he said finally, "sounds like a place worth seeing. I might even let Arlon take a detour."

Arlon's eyes flicked toward Ace, his brow arching faintly. As if you're the one calling the shots, he thought dryly, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes.

Eric blinked at him in confusion, and Alice laughed softly. "Don't let him fool you, Eric. He'd complain the whole way."

The carriage swayed gently, the rain tapping softly against the roof. Eric's quiet description of his home filled the space, weaving a sense of longing and warmth that settled over them all.

Outside, the roads were slick with water, and the distant outline of trees blurred beneath the gray sky.

Arlon sat by the window, his gaze flicking to the downpour outside. The steady rain didn't bother him, but its relentlessness was beginning to test the patience of the group.

He caught Ace's crimson eyes watching him from across the carriage, the cat perched comfortably on a folded cloak.

Moments later, the rain began to ease, the heavy downpour softening into a gentle drizzle. The air grew calmer, the carriage rocking less as the horses found steadier footing on the road.

Without a word, Arlon raised a brow at him, a silent question in his expression.

Ace stretched languidly, his tail curling as his voice slipped into Arlon's mind. "Don't look at me like that. I don't like noisy journeys. You can thank me later."

Arlon's lips twitched faintly, though he didn't respond. Of course it's you, he thought, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes.

He turned back to the window, his gaze steady, unwilling to give Ace the satisfaction of a spoken acknowledgment.

The cat purred softly, its smug tone evident, before curling into a relaxed ball on Lawrence's lap.

The steady patter of rain accompanied the carriages as they moved along the muddy road.

Eric's ears twitched, his posture stiffening as if every muscle in his body had frozen in place. He tilted his head, his eyes narrowing as though straining to catch something distant and faint.

…. Howl—

And then it came—a low, mournful howl threading through the gentle patter of rain. It was so soft it could have been a trick of the mist, but Eric's wide eyes lit up with recognition.

"My home," he whispered, his voice trembling with both excitement and relief. "It's near... I can hear them."

The carriage slowed to a stop, the driver calling out about a slope ahead. Without waiting for anyone's response, Eric pushed open the door and darted into the rain, his small figure quickly swallowed by the trees.

"Eric!" Alice called after him, her voice tinged with worry. She scrambled out of the carriage, the rain soaking her cloak as she chased him into the forest.

When she caught up to him, Eric was standing still in a small clearing, his ears perked as he listened intently. The howl came again, faint but clear, and Eric's face filled with wonder.

"I can hear them," he murmured. "They're calling."

Alice placed a steadying hand on his shoulder, her breathing still uneven from chasing him. "You shouldn't run off like that," she said softly, her tone more worried than scolding.

She tugged the hood of her cloak over his head, brushing back some of his damp fur with gentle fingers. "There. Better?"

The rest of the group approached soon after, their footsteps crunching against the damp earth. Arlon arrived first, his sharp eyes scanning the trees. Ace perched on his shoulder, his red eyes gleaming faintly in the rainy gloom.

Ace flicked his tail, his red eyes glinting with interest as he perched on Arlon's shoulder. "Well, at least someone has sharp ears around here," he murmured, though his gaze lingered on Eric for a moment longer than usual.

Dimitri joined last, his calm demeanor intact despite the sudden disruption. He turned to Arlon. "My lord, do you intend to follow him into the forest?"

Arlon nodded, his gaze fixed on the dark forest ahead. He could feel the pull of something unknown, faint but insistent, drawing them deeper into the rain-soaked woods. "Yes," he said finally, his tone steady. "We're going in."

Dimitri hesitated for only a moment before replying, "Understood. I'll take the carriage and continue ahead to the nearby village. I'll wait for you there."

Arlon's voice carried quiet authority as he added, "Keep things ready. We may need to move quickly once we return."

Dimitri inclined his head, his gaze steady. "Be careful, my lord." He paused at the carriage door, casting one final glance at the group as they disappeared into the misty woods, before signaling the driver to move on.

The faint sound of their steps and the steady rain lingered in the air as Dimitri gave the driver a signal to depart.

The rain continued to fall gently, softening the edges of the world as the carriage rolled away, leaving the group behind in the thick, damp wilderness.

Crunch, rustle—

Tall trees loomed around them, their ancient canopy absorbing the drizzle. The air clung to their skin, heavy and damp, as if the world itself were holding its breath.

"Why's it so quiet?" Anthony muttered, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Shouldn't there be more... wildlife or something?"

"It's not quiet," Lawrence replied, his voice low as his gaze darted to the surrounding trees. "It's the wrong kind of noise. Like the forest is breathing down our necks."

Arlon's sharp gaze swept the trees, noting every shift in the shadows.The air thickened, heavy and humid, clinging to their skin like a suffocating shroud. It wasn't just the oppressive heat; it was a presence, a sentient force that seemed to watch their every move.

On his shoulder, Ace was unnaturally still, his red eyes gleaming with quiet tension.

The air felt heavier here, charged with an unfamiliar energy that made even the most mundane sounds seem amplified.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, Arlon saw the golden light flicker. The narrator screen glimmered briefly, its calm surface betraying the deeper mystery it concealed. Yet, the world it described seemed different this time, more vivid, as though something had shifted.

["The deepness of the forest's heart is surrounded by an unknown, looming power that stretches beyond the reach of time. Its growls and hums emanate from a living force once wielded by its master—"]

He tilted his head slightly, his mind racing. What does it mean? he thought, the question lingering in his mind as the mysterious words continued to shimmer on the screen, offering no clear answers.

"Stay close," Arlon ordered, his voice low but firm.

Rustle, rustle—

Suddenly, the wind picked up, swirling violently through the forest. Leaves and debris whipped around them in chaotic patterns, and the ground beneath their feet trembled.

A low rumble echoed through the woods, and Arlon froze, his instincts screaming danger as his eyes darted to the shifting shadows around them.

"Ace," Arlon called, his voice sharp, "is this you?"

Ace's red eyes gleamed as he leapt gracefully to the ground. "You think I'd waste energy on theatrics?" he quipped, his tone dry. "This isn't me. It's the forest."

As if to confirm Ace's words, the ground heaved violently.

Growl—

From the ground and trees emerged a monstrous figure—a wolf-like creature, its body an amalgamation of tangled roots, dripping mud, and moss that pulsed as though alive. Its glowing green eyes radiated malice, and its growl resonated like thunder through the forest.

"That's not natural," Alice murmured, her hands already glowing with faint blue light as she began to summon a spell.

"I don't like this," Ace muttered, his crimson eyes scanning the darkened woods. His tail flicked sharply, betraying his unease. "There's something here—old, foul, and far from natural. This forest is... wrong."

The creature lunged with startling speed, its massive wooden claws tearing through the air. The group scattered, narrowly avoiding the attack. The impact of its swipe sent chunks of earth flying, and the sheer force of the movement uprooted nearby plants.

Lawrence and Anthony moved in unison, stepping in front of the group with swords drawn.

"Left side!" Lawrence barked, his blade flashing toward the creature's flank.

"On it!" Anthony growled, his sword raised, every muscle coiled to strike.

Clang, clash—

The two swordsmen met the monster head-on, their blades flashing as they deflected its massive wooden claws. Sparks flew as Lawrence's sword clashed with the creature's hardened bark, and Anthony followed up with a swift strike that forced the beast to recoil.

Crackle—

Alice, standing behind them, extended her hands, her voice steady as she chanted an incantation. The air around her crackled with energy, and moments later, a burst of fire shot forth, striking the creature's side.

The flames licked at its moss-covered body, and it let out an enraged roar, flailing wildly as it tried to extinguish the flames.

Arlon sighed in relief, seeing that everything had gone according to plan. No one had been hurt during the unexpected obstacle, and for a brief moment, it felt as though they'd gained an upper hand.

Before the group could celebrate their brief advantage, the ground rumbled again. A deep, ominous vibration rippled through the earth beneath them, and at the same time, the golden screen flickered in front of Arlon.

["—But now, the sleeping doom of the cursed one had awakened by a familiar presence that was once a part of them—"]

Arlon froze, taken aback by the cryptic words. His mind raced, trying to process what it could mean, but before he could even react, another wolf-like creature emerged from the trees.

This one was smaller but faster, its glowing eyes locked onto Arlon with an intensity that made his skin crawl.

Roar—

"Arlon, watch out!" Ace shouted, his voice urgent as the creature charged with terrifying speed.

Arlon's breath hitched as he looked at the creature, his gaze snapping to the screen at the same time. The last words etched into his mind, making his heart race.

["—so, you're here.."]