"The Shadow of the Past and the Curse of Tomorrow

Longgen let out a faint laugh, then looked at Harlan with a meaningful gaze and said:

"If one day you saw danger approaching one of your sons, how would you feel?"

Harlan was silent for a moment, contemplating, before he calmly responded:

"You're right, Father... Just the thought of it scares me, makes me anxious, and even angry... I don't know how I would react in that situation."

Longgen nodded and said firmly:

"I have to go now, your mother needs me. Try to talk to him and convince him."

Harlan replied confidently:

"Okay, don't worry. But... will he be going alone?"

Longgen shook his head and said:

"No, Archon will accompany him. He hasn't found a mate yet, and they'll be each other's companions on the way."

He paused for a moment, before Harlan suddenly asked:

"And what if his mate isn't here? What if she's in the Western Kingdom?"

Longgen stopped and turned to look at his son. An idea that had never crossed his mind before began to form, ringing alarm bells inside him.

He spoke slowly, as if the thought was still taking shape in his mind:

"I don't know... but until that day comes, and I hope it never does, we'll focus on what's here."

Then he walked out of the room, leaving Harlan standing in his place, thinking about the terrifying possibility he had just raised.

---

Adrian ran quickly, his feet pounding the ground, while images from his memories flashed before his eyes like an endless tape. Anger raged inside him like a volcano on the verge of eruption. How could he forget?! How could he forget that she was once his companion? How could he let her blood be spilled on the ground without avenging her?

If he had been with the herd that day, she would be by his side now, living with him, maybe they would have children... but she was gone, and he wasn't there to protect her. That thought alone was enough to fuel his anger even more.

Without thinking, he transformed into his wolf. His legs moved faster, the wind brushing through his fur. He wanted to calm down, but the anger still gripped him. Suddenly, his eyes caught a shadow moving in front of him, darting quickly through the trees. His instincts kicked in—prey.

Adrian quickly chased after it. As he drew closer, he realized it was a huge wild boar. Its large size meant that hunting it wouldn't be easy, but it would be an exciting challenge—something to distract him from his thoughts for a while.

Sensing danger, the boar increased its speed, dashing through the trees. But Adrian didn't give it a chance. Realizing it couldn't escape, the boar quickly turned to face its pursuer. It wasn't easy prey and was prepared to fight until its last breath.

The boar stood just a few meters away, its fierce eyes locked onto Adrian, muscles tensed in anticipation of the fight.

Adrian remained still, his piercing gaze studying the beast's movements, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He knew better than to act recklessly.

Then, the boar lunged—its massive head lowered, sharp tusks gleaming under the faint light.

Adrian reacted in an instant, dodging the attack with fluid precision. As the beast thundered past him, he slashed at its hind leg, his claws tearing through thick flesh.

The boar let out a guttural squeal as its balance faltered, collapsing onto the dirt. Blood seeped from the wound, but it didn't stay down for long. With a furious grunt, it pushed itself back up, its wild eyes now burning with rage.

Adrian smirked. Now, the real fight begins.

The beast suddenly bolted, feigning retreat. But Adrian wasn't fooled. He moved to intercept, ready to end this quickly.

That's when the boar did something unexpected. It pivoted sharply, launching a brutal counterattack.

Adrian barely had time to react. Pain exploded above his eye as a tusk ripped through his skin, leaving a deep gash. Blood trickled down his face, blurring his vision.

A low snarl rumbled in his chest. His first instinct was to strike back in blind fury, but he forced himself to stop. Think, not just react.

This wasn't just prey—it was a fighter.

He adjusted his stance, his movements now slower, more calculated. Then, with a burst of speed, he lunged. Before the beast could react, his fangs sank deep into its throat, crushing its windpipe.

The boar thrashed violently, then stilled. Its massive body slumped to the ground, lifeless.

Adrian stood over the carcass, panting. Blood—his and the boar's—dripped onto the ground. His eye still throbbed, but the sting of pain helped clear his mind.

The fight had been short, but it had given him the clarity he needed.

Father was right… He worries about me. He wants to protect me.

But no matter how much his father tried, it wouldn't change the truth. He couldn't move on. Not yet.

With a weary sigh, Adrian lowered himself beside the fallen beast, resting his head on his forepaw.

Tomorrow, when the sun rose, he would have to make a decision.

One that could change everything.

---

Question 1: In your opinion, will sending Adrian away give him a chance to grow and change, or is it just a desperate attempt to protect him?

Question 2: The fight with the wild boar was intense, but it gave Adrian a moment of clarity… Do you think fighting is a good way for him to release his anger, or does it only trap him further in his cycle of pain?

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