Chapter 9 Dewin's unwavering plan

Dewin had always been envious of Madriod's success as a wolf hunter. He had watched as Madriod had risen through the ranks, becoming one of the most respected and feared hunters in their community. But Dewin knew that he could be just as successful if he played his cards right.

He seemed not to give up after many attempts to bring Madriod down and take his place.

One day, while on a hunt for a werewolf to present to the hunters and gain a firm grip within the group, Dewin stumbled upon Elsie. She emerged from Madriod's camp and strolled into the woods. Dewin was surprised to see a beautiful and mysterious woman who seemed to be hiding something as she walked through the forest.

"What in the world is a young lady like her doing alone in the forest? From her movement," he wondered what she was up to, looking behind to survey her surroundings before proceeding.

He followed Elsie through the woods, watching as she transformed into a wolf right before his very eyes.

Dewin's heart raced as he realized what he had just witnessed. Elsie was not just any ordinary wolf, but a werewolf, a creature that was both human and animal. And he knew that this was the key to his success.

Dewin approached Madroid later that night, his eyes filled with malice and greed. "Madriod," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I have something to tell you."

Madriod looked at him warily, sensing that something was amiss. "What is it?" he asked, his hand hovering over the hilt of his knife.

Dewin leaned in closer, his breath hot against Madriod's ear. "Elsie is not what she seems," he whispered. "She's a werewolf."

Madriod's heart skipped a beat at Dewin's words. He had always suspected that Dewin was looking for means to destroy him. He felt a wave of anger and betrayal wash over him, knowing that Dewin had revealed this secret to gain an advantage over him.

"How do you know this?" Madriod demanded, his eyes flashing with fury.

Dewin smirked at him, his lips curling into a cruel smile. "I saw her transform into a wolf earlier during the day when I went hunting," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "And I know that this is your downfall."

Madriod felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead at Dewin's words. He knew that revealing Elsie's true identity would put her in danger, putting her life in the hands of the very people who hunted wolves for a living. But he also knew that he couldn't let Dewin get away with this betrayal. They had been very careful about her identity and didn't know that a day like this would happen.

"Where is she? What have you done to her? Tell me!" Madriod roared fiercely.

"Oh, don't you worry. I snuck out of the forest without alerting her and went about my hunt. I am the only one who knows of this for now, but not for long," Dewin replied happily.

"You're wrong," Madriod said firmly, his voice low and menacing. "Elsie is not a danger to our community. She's just different from other wolves. I have lived with her for a while, and she hasn't thought of hurting or exposing our existence to her pack. You are using this information against me because you know she lives right under my roof."

Dewin laughed at Madriod's words, his eyes filled with contempt. "Different? Do you call that different? She's a monster, Madriod! A creature that poses a threat to our very existence! Yes, I knew she lived with you, a guard at the palace who is my very good friend informed me of the incident that happened involving a stranger but didn't know it was this shocking."

Madroid felt a surge of anger rise within him at Dewin's words. He knew that Elsie was not a monster, but a beautiful and gentle soul who deserved to be loved and respected for who she was. And so he stood up to Dewin, determined to protect her from harm no matter what the cost.

"Dewin, please, I am begging you. If you have any hatred towards me, bring it all on me and leave Elsie out of this. Your problem lies with me, not her. She is innocent and hasn't hurt anyone," Madriod stated ferociously.

"Oh, my dear Madriod, I can't do what you want. I have always wished to see the day you will plead before me. You have always acted superior since you got into the captain position. By the way, you are pleading over her; it seems you love her. This discovery can bring you down as you will be charged with treason for defiling the custom of this land and hiding her identity," Dewin said aloud.

"I see you are bent on telling others, and won't change your mind easily. Let me tell you that I won't let anything happen to her. That's my promise, and if anything happens to her, I will find you to the ends of the earth," Madriod adamantly admitted.

"Madriod, my dear, go back to your little misses, spend as much time with her as you won't anymore soon, and await the feedback. This news will be very interesting," Dewin exclaimed, walking off triumphantly.

As Dewin disappeared into the darkness, Madriod's mind raced with conflicting emotions. He couldn't believe that Dewin, his supposed friend, would use such sensitive information against him. The fate of Elsie and their secret now hung in the balance.

Determined to salvage the situation, Madriod knew he had to act swiftly. The first order of business was finding Elsie and ensuring her safety. He couldn't let her fall victim to the prejudices of the wolf-hunting community.

Madriod traversed the forest, his senses heightened, searching for any trace of Elsie. The moon cast an eerie glow on the dense foliage as he moved through the shadows, calling out her name in a hushed tone.