Chapter 10: The Forest Expedition and an Unexpected Encounter

Leaving Lillywood, Marcus headed towards the dense forest. The fire of revenge within him and the desire to understand his new existence propelled him forward. After walking all day, Marcus began to feel hungry, a hunger far more intense than before. His senses were now incredibly sharp; he could easily pick up the scent of small animals roaming the forest. He decided to test his new powers.

He moved silently through the trees, every step as quiet and controlled as a hunter's. The scent of a deer drew him in. Marcus watched from behind the bushes, a large deer grazing. He took a long breath, tensed his muscles, and lunged at the deer with lightning speed. The deer didn't even have a chance to react. Marcus used his sharp claws and teeth. This was the first time he had used this new, wild power, and he was surprised by it. After hunting, he ate the meat, which somewhat satisfied his hunger. He found it strange that eating raw meat felt natural to him, as if it had always been that way.

The Quest for Ancient Knowledge

As night fell, Marcus sought refuge in the hollow of a giant tree. The red moon shone in the sky again, and Marcus felt a strange stir within his body. He remembered what had happened the previous night when his body had transformed into a massive wolf. He feared that change because he couldn't control it.

"I must understand this power," Marcus whispered. "I can't just be an animal."

He felt that there must be someone in this forest who knew about these ancient powers. Alaria's stories spoke of wise beings who lived in the forest and knew the secrets of nature. Marcus decided to search for someone who could tell him about his new identity and the primal soul within him. He needed a mentor, someone who could train him as a warrior and teach him to control his powers.

The next morning, Marcus went deeper into the forest. He carefully observed every tree, every stone, as if searching for a clue. His new senses constantly drew him towards new scents and sounds. He felt he was going in the right direction, as if an invisible force was guiding him.

An Unexpected Encounter: The Elder's Shadow

As Marcus passed through a dense section, he smelled a sweet but strange scent – the scent of herbs and earth, like it was coming from an old person's home. He followed the scent and came to a small clearing where there was a small, simple hut among the trees. Outside the hut, an elderly man sat with his back to Marcus. He was carving wood with the help of a stick. He had a long, white beard and wore simple, brown clothes.

Marcus held his breath. He didn't know who this person was, or if he was dangerous. His wild instincts warned him to be cautious.

Suddenly, the elderly man put down his stick and spoke without turning, "I knew you would come, 'Red Wolf'."

Marcus was startled. He hadn't made a sound, and the elderly man hadn't even seen him. Yet, he knew his name, or at least the name of the form he had just taken.

"Who are you?" Marcus growled, his voice still echoing with a wolf-like resonance.

The elderly man slowly turned. His eyes were deep and wise, and there was a strange glow in them, as if they knew all the secrets of Alaria. A calm smile was on his face.

"My name is Orion," the elder said, his voice calm and deep. "And I was waiting for you, Marcus."

Marcus couldn't believe it. He knew his name.

"How do you know...?" Marcus asked.

Orion took a deep breath. "An ancient soul has awakened within you, Marcus. It is what the ancient texts call the 'Red Wolf.' It has come to change the fate of Alaria."

Questions filled Marcus's eyes. "You... you know about this power? You know what happened to me?"

Orion nodded. "The wolves killed you, Marcus. They ate your heart. But that process didn't kill you; instead, it transformed you into a new form. The wolf that ate your heart was part of the ancient 'Blood Pack,' a ritual that awakens a special soul in a new vessel. Within you now is the soul of Alpha Zephyr, who was treacherously killed by the vampires centuries ago."

Marcus's mind reeled. Alpha Zephyr? That was the name that echoed in that ancient hum. So he wasn't just Marcus, but a fusion of two souls?

"I don't remember any of this," Marcus said. "I don't remember anything that happened in the cave."

"That's natural," Orion explained. "When two souls merge, memories become blurred. But as you understand your power, your memories will return, and Alpha Zephyr's knowledge will also merge with yours."

Marcus touched the wolf claw mark on his chest. "What is this?"

"This is the mark of Alpha Zephyr," Orion said. "The bond between you and his soul. It is a symbol of power, and of your lineage."

Orion looked at Marcus with his calm eyes. "Your journey has just begun, Marcus. You must learn to control your powers, and you must train yourself as a warrior. Vampires are not weak, and Dracula is the most powerful being in Alaria. But you now possess power that no one knows."

"Will you train me?" Marcus asked, a new hope in his voice.

Orion smiled. "That is my destiny, Marcus. I will prepare you for the war of Alaria. But it will not be easy. You will have to control your inner fire, turn your rage into power, and above all, you will have to understand who you are – Marcus, or Alpha Zephyr, or a new form of both."

Marcus looked into Orion's eyes. He felt as if he had finally found someone who could understand him, who could show him the way. His journey of revenge had now become clearer, but also much deeper. He had to understand his powers and become a warrior who could change the fate of Alaria.