The Carpathian Prophecy Of Alpha's Love

Before him, the Carpathian Mountains bulked, their serrated peaks tearing apart the dark sky. The full moon rode over them, long, bony fingers of shadow stretching outward to claw across the silent pines.

Lerder sensed ancient tension, his muscles tightening under his thick, graying coat. He growled, his chest rumbling.

'This change never becomes easier.' He was alone, fortunately, in this neglected part of the forest far from his pack and their disapproving glare. He shifted his position, his claws spilling out as he felt growing pressure.

He was the creature of shadows, a creature of moonlight, a werewolf bound to the cycle of orbs in the sky. He took no pride or satisfaction in it. He would question himself, as to why his life couldn't be more just.

"Why me?" he asked himself, his question sounding through all the silence of the ancient forest. They would only insist upon his unwavering loyalty to the will of the pack.

Looking forward he saw a human.

Elara. The moonlight caught her as she drew in a tattered, leather-bound alongside a moss-smothered boulder. Her long slender fingers worked with an elegant precision that belied all sense in this wild, untamed environment, she fascinated him.

The transformation stayed his hand by a flood of something almost, something he hadn't felt in so long. This being of radiance and beauty represented such stark contrast to his darkness.

"Wonderful," he growled, shocked at himself for thinking such gentleness. 'Too serene to be in such a place.'

Senses honed by impending change, he sensed the faint signs of her presence: sweet perfumes of lavender and sandalwood, an undercurrent of fear.

Her head lifted upwards, her eyes glowing with moonlight.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, more shocked than scared.

"You surprised me."

Lerder fought to regain his voice. The change welled again, more insistently.

"I. I didn't mean to," he sneered, his voice coarse. "I didn't see you there."

"Are you all right?" she asked, her voice gentle. "You look upset. Are you lost?"

Lerder paused "Lost? Maybe, but not in the way you would think."

He changed again, unable to hide the change happening. The muscles in his leg surged tight, his senses shrieked in something between hunger and terror of ancient power unfolding. He was a werewolf, and the truth unfolded as he watched her responses closely.

She wasn't shrieking and running; she was looking at him and was fascinated. Elara stared, her eyes wide devouring his changing form.

"You're changing. You're."

"A werewolf," he concluded for her, the word hanging in the night air. It felt like a raw and cruel admission. He steeled himself for rejection and terror, but something in her face was unreadable.

"A werewolf?" she breathed, fear mingling with fascination in her voice.

"But that's. impossible." "Is it?" Lerder taunted, something of defiance in his voice. He leaned in closer, her sandalwood and lavender scent tormenting his senses. She left him with such temptation, even as his urges screamed at him to turn from her, something snapped behind Elara. She spun.

"What was that?" Lerder's senses heightened.

"Get behind me," he warned, his voice hard and imperative. He sensed something in the dark-a predator, powerful and deadly, something monstrous. This wasn't him in his heightened perception with his change, a pricking at the nape of his neck, an anticipation of something monstrous.

Two glowing red eyes exploded through the dark, much nearer than that snapping twig had indicated, a rasping sound that caught at Lerder's very bones. This was not the same, wasn't one of those territorial calls from some roving predator.

"What's that...?" Elara whispered, her words hardly loud enough to pierce the growing wind.

She pressed her sketchbook to her chest, her wide, fearful, awestruck eyes fixed upon Lerder.

It was an assortment of emotions that reflected Lerder's turmoil, it was fear that he sensed from her, but also something else.

A sense of curiosity she did not fear him, but rather huged Lerder's body tight. It wasn't instinct; this was an instinctual response, one that spoke to his ancient blood.

"Not wolf," Lerder breathed, his whisper barely heard but metallic calm. "Something else."

It felt the change come to an end, the shift fully taking hold all swam together in overwhelming contrary impressions. A tremendous dark shape released from standing in front of the trees, moving in fluid, silent motion for something so huge.

The beast loomed much larger than anything Lerder had ever fought. It took him an instant to see shape in the dark, but the sheer power emanating from it was unmistakable. Lerder felt his hairs rise in uneasiness, something far more profound than simple fear of being harmed.

Before Lerder had even had time to respond, the creature attacked, revealing not only teeth but rows of ancient symbols carved along its flank-symbols that eerily duplicated those in Elara's drawn book, symbols Lerder knew with a chilling certainty to be associated with a prophecy they couldn't decipher. The markings pulsed in the moonlight, glowing with an energy that sent a shiver down him. This creature wasn't a predator, the creature was something...

But something else lay hidden beneath, a spark of determination that caught Lerder off guard and fascinated him.

"Run!" Lerder bellowed.

His rough words are more of an order than a request, his primitive nature at last breaking through his restraint and curiosity. Fight that's all which made sense to him. Protect her, he would this was his instinctive role, despite all his questioning doubts and profound reservations.

But the beast was too swift and strong. It was upon them before Lerder had even taken one step. The creature's mouth opened wide, revealing teeth too massive for any normal animal glinting in the crimson glow of its eye, which blazed with an inferno of menace. There was a tremendous amount of power emanating from the beast, a tidal wash of power and elder energy that hung in the air almost tangibly.

Lerder braced himself to change completely, muscles and claws outstretched, battle ready. He would not allow it to hurt Elara nor to take her, not when he still had movement, fight and protection.

"Behind me!" Lerder growled.

He launched himself forward, facing the monster directly, his claws slashing a frenzied battle under the moon's frozen stare.

The battle was ferocious, the beast much stronger than Lerder had expected, its fluid movements, deliberate strikes reckless.

He battled with his werewolf's raw power, his reflexes razor sharp, but his opponent appeared to always be one step in front of him.

Its teeth cut through his side, with a searing pain coursing through his muscle, causing shocks of agony to course through him that felt as though they laced to his very core. The old power emanated from the creature, a solid wall of night and raw wild energy that was vile and somehow fascinating.

Elara stood, her face pale but set. She wasn't screaming or running in horror, she stared at him with her eyes wide, That was an unfamiliar one, but there for him, he fought not merely to live but for this woman, for this weird unexpected thug he felt for this woman who'd tumbled out of her world.

Lerder automatically moved his body, reacting in instinct even before his mind caught up with something happening. The scratching of claws, the gnashing of teeth, and the slamming of their bodies together - all in an ugly dance under the peeping eye of an uncaring moon.

Just when the beast had the advantage, with his fangs mere inches from Lerder's neck, Elara screamed.

"No Ooooh."

The beast shrieked with raw fury and agony before crashing to the ground, body disintegrating into dust. The fiery glow in its eyes disappeared, replaced by nothingness. The ancient glyphs disappeared with everything fading to nothing.

Lerder gazed at Elara, his breathing ragged, his body shaking with the intensity of the fight. Not merely stunned by the annihilation of the beast, he was stunned by what Elara had done.

Only in ancient mythologies had he witnessed such power before.

What had she done?

What was she?

There was silence in the forest, thick with oppressiveness. Elara then lost consciousness as the light that saved them faded. Lerder crouched down beside her, his heart racing, with an icy premonition taking hold of him.

The forest groaned as a single unit, save for Lerder's rasping breathing. As he knelt by Elara's side, his massive shadow loomed over her. Leaves stained with blood lay about him,

He pressed his fingers to her pulse, his touch unexpectedly tender. Elara woke up groaning, she slowly opened her eyes.

"Where... Where am I?" her words barely audible.

"Safe," Lerder growled, his rumble softening to something more akin to worry. "For now."

She sat upright, flinching. "Wha... What happened?" she asked, her tone tinged with terror.

He looked aside, his jaw clenched. "Malak's pack ambushed, they came for you."

"Me? Why?" she panted, her words thick with terror.

Lerder hesitated, his eyes falling to the ground stained with blood. "The prophecy, they think... you are."

There was a long silence between them, with nothing disturbed by anything other than the sounds of leaves rustling. Elara brought her hand to her forehead, a strange feeling rushing through her.

"What prophecy?" Elara's words came softly with an undercurrent of rebellion.

Lerder glared at her, actually saw her-the vulnerability, the fear, but also the unbreakable strength in those eyes. A warmth, unaccountable and troubling, flared inside him.

"It is complicated, a human who is quite powerful to save or destroy both our worlds. Malak thinks that it is you."

"Our worlds?" She whispered, her face stunned. "What are you speaking about?"

"Werewolves and humans. Bound together in ways you can't even imagine, this prophecy is a threat to both our kinds."

Her hand emitted a faint golden quiver as her form changed, which pained her. She drew in a surprised gulp of air.

"What was that?" Lerder whispered, his hoarse voice somehow tainted with strange gentleness.

"I... I don't know, I felt a powerful energy. It's frightening and thrilling," she breathed. "Something in me awakened."

Lerder reached out to touch her, his fingers tracing over her, his touch lingering. The heat welled up, this awkward comfort amidst terror. He saw himself in her eyes- fear.

"They have chosen you, Elara you are something greater than human now." Lerder said.

His tone softer, his words imbued with a fresh sense of respect of something akin to wonder. A burning protective instinct arose in him, something deep in his nature that caught him by surprise. It drew him to her with something happening in the heat of battle.

One of them snapped, and they stopped.

"They remain behind us," Lerder growled, his growl more in defence than in menace. "We have to leave immediately."

"But the others?" Elara breathed, her eyes flicking to where the other wolves lay.

Lerder's face was resolute.

"There's nothing we can do, Our survival is all that's important. We have to leave, all of us."

He drew her beside him, his big hand at her waist, his fingers holding for half an instant too long. Between their bodies moving together the space crackled – fear, desperation, and a tangible swelling need.

"They're near." Lerder growled, his ears sharp for the pursuit's sounds.

"Do you sense it, Elara?"

"Yes," she whispered, her mouth shaking. "It's a shadow, coming nearer."

"We have to hurry," Lerder growled, his words a low rumble. He sensed increasing danger, the smell of Malak's pack drawing nearer.

"I'm... I'm scared," Elara admitted, her words hardly more than a whisper but determination creased her face. "But I will not lose."

Lerder's thoughts: 'Her fear, it's awakening something in me. Something I have not felt in centuries and that strength....that defiance it's thrilling.'

"I will not let them have you," Lerder told her

His tone was barely audible vow as he blocked her from a chill gust of wind. The unuttered words hung suspended in the air.

"I will not let them take you from me."

"I know," Elara breathed out softly as her lips curving in a faint smile as she gazed upwards. There was an unexpressed understanding in her gaze, an awareness of something far greater than survival.

'There was more to this than fighting to get out of Malak. His strength and protective nature. It's beyond fear-beyond the prophecy, there is something powerful between us.'

The forest darkened, trees closing over them, the wind turned chilled leaves with a stinging touch, bringing with it damp earth and menace. The sounds of pursuit came closer, creaking boughs, rustling leaves, distant wolves' breathing-a chorus of horror. Lerder gilded with noiselessness in keeping with his bulk, his massive muscles rippling under his black fur, his silent guarding Elara.

"They are closing in on us," Lerder complain angrily.

His hearing more acutely attuned, sensing even the smallest change to the cacophony of pursuit. He looked over at Elara, noticing the terror in her eyes, her shaking fingers.

"What do we do?" Elara painted.

Her breathing tight, but with fresh determination in her gaze, a silent rebellion. There unfolded in her chest a heat that came frothickm nowhere, an unfamiliar sense of unity with Lerder.

"We don't stop... We don't flinch... We run," Lerder snarled his words low and commanding.

He sensed increasing danger, Malak's pack scent stronger. He sprinted more quickly, propelling her through. His strength formed a wall of protection around her, a bulwark of security.

"I... I can sense it," Elara gasped.

"That energy it's increasing, I'm... I don't know if I can hold it in." Her breathing caught in her throat by the gusts.

Lerder came to an abrupt halt, facing her. His eyes locked with hers, his expression full of concern and admiration.

"Then I'll assist you, Elara. I'm here to assist you,"

His tone remarkably soft, there being in his words a tenderness that took him back. He fixed his gaze upon hers; she had caught something in their depths, and it scared her-a deep concern, a fleeting look. He placed his hand over her cheek. Such a tender misplaced care by this giant monstrosity that one tear dropped onto her cheek. She inclined in the direction of his hand, seeking security in his power. He was soaked in guardian feelings, feelings far greater than he had envisioned.

Her vulnerability, her fear it's rousing something in me I haven't felt in a century. This isn't anymore about survival. This is about protecting her, this wonderful woman who in return inspires terror and reverence in me. This connection is sudden, fiery and possibly dangerous.

Elara thought to herself 'His touch... It's electric. The sense of security even amidst increasing danger, I am secure in his arms. The concern... his protection... Frightening and lovely. I'm in love with him; it is happening despite danger, despite uncertainty.'

"I can feel their breath upon my neck," Elara painted, Elara's golden aura glowed for an instant, repelling the wolves.

"Come along," Lerder growled, his lycanthropy heightened, his hand guiding her through the thick underbrush.

They couldn't keep running; they needed another plan. Suddenly, there arose a scream. It wasn't the wolf's howl nor that of another creature they'd recognize. It was different.

Lerder and Elara froze, fear wrapping itself around them in a shroud.

"What was that?" Elara whispered as fear usurped her excitement.

Lerder couldn't put his finger on it, but he knew in his gut-it wasn't Malak's pack. This was something more ancient and more deadly. This was something new and this would alter everything. Lerder's inner thoughts: 'This changes everything. We are not working with Malak anymore; something is out here much stronger and older. We need to get to a place of safety, quickly, before they both track us down.'

Elara's thoughts: 'This fear. It's overwhelming. But I can sense growing strength inside me, a power which is overwhelming as much as it is thrilling. Lerder is all I have to sustain me. We have to escape from here; we must free ourselves together.'

Lerder took a deep breath, choosing his words with care. He explained to her about the prophecy, the legends that spoke of one human able to save or destroy werewolf and human worlds. He spoke of Malak's interpretation, how he thought Elara was the one. He used rich sensory detailed words to bring his words to life. Speaking hesitantly, he did not wish to overstep, ensuring she'd understand how serious things were.

"So I'm supposed to save the world then?"

"Or destroy it." Elara asked Lerder with a harsh voice.

"It's not that simple," Lerder expressed his parched throat. "This is about making choices and decisions, which direction do you take."

Elara extended her hand, her fingers running over a scarlet leaf. Delicate golden sparks swirled upon her fingers, as though leaves themselves contained energy of a kind she couldn't understand.

"What was that?" Lerder asked in a low tone.

His shudder of excitement beneath his words. Suddenly, he was assaulted by a gust of atmosphere with the air charged with perceivable power.

"I... I don't know," Elara breathed softly, her gaze wide with terror and wonder.

"Speak to me of your grandmother's tales," Lerder said softly.

His words provide a soothing counterbalance to rising tension. His concern for her was a clear, stark contrast to his usual acrid demeanor. He found himself attracted to her, an urge to protect her to be responsible. Elara told me of her grandmother's stories of an ancient power in her bloodline – one intertwined with a prophecy of unimaginable destruction with possible salvation. She told me of a hidden past, of a centuries-old bloodline when humans and werewolves created an alternate pathway.

She spoke of an eternal truth passed down through the centuries of a dangerous secret she had just begun to grasp. She spoke in terror and determination, her words trembling occasionally but her courage was unquestionable.

"And do you... you had something similar to that in combat?" Lerder inquired, his gaze sharp. He was attracted to her vulnerability and courage.

He couldn't help but experience a rush of protectiveness over her which surprised him as much as it fascinated him.

"Yes," Elara painted.

"It was a rush of power and energy. It was frightening and exciting."

"I believe you," Lerder whispered hoarsely, his lips brushing her skin.

He leaned in his fingers touching hers. The shock of electricity zapped through them a spark of comprehension that belied their differences. The space between them crackled with unspoken tension. They edged backward from the battlefield, their conversation concise and thick with desperation and mutual need.

Lerder steadied Elara on her feet, his massive hand wrapped about her waist, their bodies locked. The heat sensed by him was not from the golden radiance, it was deeper. There his fingers steering Elara with an intensity he wondered at, the forest was his familiar hunting ground, now an unfamiliar place. Each rustle of the leaves and snap of twig had an intensity that pushed tension to higher levels.

"Look at that," Elara said, her finger pointing to an unfamiliar flower, petals softly glowing.

"Never in my life have I come across something similar."

"This wood is full of secrets," Lerder said.

He stared still fixed upon her face, something soft in his eyes now. The gruffness had disappeared from him, to be replaced by something tender. He'd never reacted so intensely to a human before, but now this unfamiliar gentleness came to him as completely normal and ordinary.

And they walked, their discussion moving from mere survival in the present to the prophecy, her family and increasing power in her. They discussed old legends, how werewolves existed among humans, and how duty now befell Elara.

"I'm walking along a tightrope," Elara admitted.

"One more step and it will all come crashing down." her words shaking with fear.

"I'll catch you if you fall," Lerder said to her, full of silent watchfulness.

"I sense that too," Elara breathed, her face fixed upon his.

There was a click of shared comprehension, a sense of evolving connection with nothing to do with survival. A mutual attraction, something more, something tangible was beginning to take hold. One that chilled to the bone, tore through the trees, breaking the fragile calm.

"What did that mean?" Elara breathed,

"I... I don't know," Lerder said, every sense heightened.

"But something much more dangerous than Malak. And something that's coming in our direction."

Freezing, their echo resonating off through the trees, an icy dread.

Malak's pack had become more ferocious, but another, greater menace now threatened. And in their fear lay a still strength, a deeper dependence upon one another. Their fear increased with an awareness of intimate connection, of a tie forged by the heat of mutual peril and discovery of unanticipated feelings.

The prophecy loomed over them, death's spectre of hope and they faced it together. The howl of terror howled through the woods, a howl which spoke of dark malice, raw horror, and ungoverned power.

Lerder felt primal fear, a chill, blood-curdling premonition that left ice in his veins, but he maintained Elara's eye, his face determined rather than fearful.

"What was that?" Elara breathed, not daring to raise her head above her own thumping heart.

But her hold on Lerder's hand tightening. She felt the power burning inside her boil over, churning energy struggling to counteract flooding fear.

"I don't know," Lerder growled, sensing being high, his senses maxed, his voice barely more than a whisper.

"But it makes me realize something. Malak is not our biggest problem anymore." Lerder said.

Lerder surveyed the forest, his eyes moving from shadow to shadow, sensing something old and malevolent lurking. This wasn't tracking; this was warfare with something old, something far more deadly than anything they'd ever faced. As if in response to Lerder's words, the bushes shook, and an enormous shape loomed at the cave entrance-a monster larger even than a wolf, its eyes glowed with an unnatural awareness, and an evil older even than Elara's skin creased beneath her skin.

Elara's inner thoughts: 'This is even more than I dreamed. We were running from Malak, but this. This is something else, much greater and Ancient. I am not afraid at least Lerder is with me and this power it is growing inside me. I will fight this menace and I will fight it with him.'

The creature released a thunderous roar, its voice booming inside the cave, shaking their chests. The air resonated with raw power, with malevolent energy. The ground shook, cavern walls seemed to tremble. Lerder and Elara faced one another, clasped hands, locked gazes for an instant in mutual honour and determination. Their destiny teetered in the balance. They knew that they would fight, they would fight for life, love, and destiny of two worlds.