The Pact Beneath the Moonlight

Caelen gasped. A strange warmth surged through his body, as if something ancient had just awakened inside him.

[Ding! System Alert]

A hidden condition has been met.

Healing has transcended the physical.

"New Ability Unlocked"

Name: Soul Sync

Type: Passive | Rare

Effect: When healing a creature or person in critical condition, the user glimpses into fragments of their life—memories shaped by trauma, survival, and emotion.

Duration: 5–10 seconds

Limitation: Only triggers on unique or deeply scarred targets.

Bonus: Slight boost in healing potency on targets the user has seen memories of.

Note:

"Those who carry pain often carry stories. And now, you bear witness."

---

Caelen's eyes widened as the words vanished from the air.

The wolf beneath him stirred. Its heavy breath had calmed. The wounds that once painted the snow red now closed slowly, as if guided by unseen threads of fate.

He stared at the beast—its silver fur still soaked in blood, but its spirit no longer fading.

"You're more than just a beast…" he whispered. "You're a survivor."

The Frostfang's eyes opened—icy blue, piercing, yet full of pain. It stood slowly.

Caelen spoke, eyes locked with its soul. "You were betrayed… just like me."

His voice lowered. "We both share the same fate—we were wronged. I was cast aside… and I seek revenge."

He stretched out his hand, a mischievous grin curling on his lips. "Walk with me, and I'll help you get yours. Let's repay blood with blood."

The wolf didn't move. It growled—but not out of anger. It was… confusion. Curiosity.

---

[Ding! System Notification]

Beast Link Condition Fulfilled – Life Debt Oath Initiated

You have healed a dying primal beast of significant mana lineage.

Would you like to accept its Soulmark of Loyalty?

Yes | No

---

Caelen grinned. "Yes."

A pale blue sigil appeared above the beast's head. It spun, glowing, and burned itself into the back of Caelen's hand.

The pact was sealed.

Caelen stepped closer, examining the creature.

"The system doesn't see this as a lover's bond—it's a companion pact. No sex, no fluff. Just loyalty through shared pain."

To his surprise, the beast spoke, its voice deep and ancient.

"You are strange, two-legged one. You share warmth… without seeking control. I will walk with you."

Caelen blinked. "You can talk…? So you really are a variant."

He smirked. "Alright, first order of business. I'm calling you Ryan."

The beast bowed its head. "Yes, master."

Caelen nodded. "You're my companion now. I'll help you get revenge on those who hurt you."

Ryan raised his head, eyes glinting. "But it was humans who hurt me. Does that not make you my enemy?"

Caelen's smile twisted darker.

"Even I want revenge. And mine is also against humans. Who you want revenge on doesn't matter."

His voice dropped into a venomous whisper as a wicked grin spread across his face.

> "Revenge is a beautiful thing—not because it heals, but because it reminds the world that some debts must be paid in blood. There's something poetic in watching justice dressed in fury. And it doesn't matter if it's humans, magical beasts, elves, or demons… none are excluded."

Ryan lowered his head once more, glowing eyes shimmering.

"Yes… master."

Suddenly, light burst from Ryan's body. His massive frame shrank in an instant—now small enough to float beside Caelen, fur still shining, his aura still wild.

Caelen stared. "What's with that look?"

---

[Ding! System Notification]

Ryan has entered a submissive state.

Behold—the proud guardian beast, reduced to travel-sized loyalty.

---

Caelen's eyes sparkled with power. He spread his arms wide and laughed—madly, freely, mischievously.

He was a storm wrapped in a smile.

---

Later.

Snow crunched beneath Caelen's boots as he walked the forest path, Ryan floating beside him, silent and alert.

"Where are we headed, master?" Ryan asked softly.

"To find my comrades," Caelen replied. "They were fighting back some of your kind—Frostfang wolves."

Ryan didn't answer. Caelen glanced sideways at him and smirked. "So this is Soul Sync, huh? Submission… loyalty… interesting."

He kept walking. "Let's see where this takes us."

Voices echoed ahead.

Caelen raised a hand. "Hide."

"Yes, master." Ryan vanished into the shadows.

Caelen pushed through the bushes—and found Lyra, Riven, and Dren resting.

They looked up.

"Caelen!" Lyra smiled. "You're safe!"

"Happy I didn't end up as wolf food," Caelen chuckled.

"You should've seen us!" Riven laughed. "We took down those wolves like—"

"I'd stop talking about the wolves," Caelen cut in coldly.

Dren raised a brow. "Why?"

Caelen's voice darkened. "Just a precaution."

Riven blinked. "Okaaay… you sound creepy."

Caelen grinned. "Good."

Lyra clapped her hands. "Let's rest for now. We head back tomorrow. We'll stop by Elsdrem Village."

They nodded, setting up for the night.

---

The next morning.

The team packed up and began the long trek back.

Arrival at Elsdrem Village.

The village was alive—vendors, children, and laughter filled the streets. They met with Ben.

"The wolves are taken care of," Lyra announced.

Ben knelt with joy. "Thank you! The people will rejoice!"

Caelen stepped forward.

"Mr. Ben," he said. "I hear this village had hunters. Ones who hunted magical beasts."

Ben nodded. "Yes… but they were all killed by the Frostfangs."

Caelen's eyes narrowed, but he smiled. "I see. Nothing to worry about, then."

Ben rushed to spread the good news.

That night, a feast was held. The heroes were celebrated.

Dren whispered to Lyra, "My lady, it's getting late. We need to return to the palace."

They said their goodbyes. Ben, his wife, and the villagers waved them off.

---

At the Royal Palace

It was late. The grand gates opened slowly.

Guards bowed.

Maids rushed to guide them. Lyra went to her chambers.

Caelen made his way to his room.

He entered, shut the door, and collapsed onto his bed.

Ryan floated beside him.

"Welcome to your new home," Caelen said. "Feel free to look around."

"Yes, master." Ryan landed on a nearby table, staring out the window.

Caelen grabbed a book, sat down, and joined him.

"You're awfully quiet," he said.

Ryan didn't answer.

Caelen sighed. "The hunters who hurt your kind… they're gone. Killed by your pack. But you're still not satisfied, are you?"

"No," Ryan replied. "Something's missing. I still feel… restless."

"So?" Caelen smiled. "What do you want to do next?"

"I want to travel. Protect others like me. Those who suffered."

Caelen nodded. "That's a good way to keep your revenge burning."

He paused.

"By the way… those Frostfang wolves from earlier—they're alive. They retreated."

Ryan's eyes narrowed. "I see."

"Want to go back to them?"

"No." Ryan looked at Caelen. "I belong to you now. The only bond that matters… is between us."

Caelen chuckled darkly.

"Then let's build a new world, Ryan."

"Yes, master."

Caelen stood, pacing toward his bed—when a knock came.

"Come in," he said.

The door creaked open.

Reina stepped in.

Graceful. Dangerous. Beautiful.

She wore tight-fitting clothes that hugged her curves. In her hands—a tray of tea.

She walked forward, hips swaying.

"May I?" she purred.

She placed the tray down and leaned close. One leg forward, smooth skin exposed.

She smiled.

"You must be tired, my lord…"

Her voice dipped.

"So tell me—what will you taste first?"