'The Pact'

From the sacred throne made of the most unknown rare stones, she rose upon hearing the Earth aching for her protection. The rays of the sunset touched her existence as soon as the wall separating her haven from the rest disappeared.

Her eyes landed on the individuals earnestly uttering their prayers, looking at her as if she had descended from above as the answer to their invocation the soonest she opened them.

"That's the Queen-it's our Queen!" one exclaimed in awe and stumblingly took off his footwear and humbled himself by going to her and touch her feet with his forehead.

"Oh, great heavens, we offer you our lives for hearing us today," some blurted out in relief.

"How sure is he that she is the Queen?" others wondered in confusion.

"Do we even have one?" a few whispered.

"We don't know. No one of us had seen her before."

Buzzing echoed as they still wonder who she is and where she has been the whole time if she is indeed the queen. Certainly, she has always heard their summons, their cries for help, blessings, and grace. She is aware that on some occasions, they have doubted her presence. That she might have already abandoned her reign. She certainly did, but their need for her this time has forced her to finally aid them. Innately, she showed herself.

"But he, who has always been there throughout the days and nights, guarding her shrine this long, surely knows her with no doubt," an anchorite meddled, holding tightly to his crane as he walked slowly, heading to their crowned maiden.

"But that guardian is blind! How can he possibly be sure that she is Her Majesty The Queen?" the nymphs behind him mumbled.

"That is why he knows her. Have you forgotten? Not even one of the dwellers of this forest have ever been born blind, for we are blessed with perfection. That is what our scripture says on its first page," he confidently replied, referring to the tome placed in the middle and dark part of the forest. "But the one who has sworn that he will pledge his loyalty solely to her, to make the ancient goddesses entrust her safety to him until she gets awakened, is an exception. To gain their approval, he had willingly offered his eyes in exchange for their divine trust. For Her Majesty is not allowed to love and be loved by any man, he had to make sure to keep his sight out of her presence in flesh."

Looking at her conscientious servant, she gazed at his eyes and felt pity for the guardian. And yet, the integrity, pride, and contentment shown in his face is evident enough to make anyone understand that he is beyond honored to be granted the noble task.

"As the ever powerful amongst the kingdoms of nymphs, mightiest amongst the race of fairies, as your sovereign goddess both in the lands of humans and pixies, heavens, and seas, I am now calling you, my gems. Please heed to my enchantment! Give no pity to these sacrilegious beings!" her voice roared, making every creature in her realm feel the need to hide from her sight.

On her palm are the gems of nature, that listens to no one but to her commands alone. The source of everything that only her can control.

All at once, even the other beings lurking in the forest went down to the ground and paid respect by kissing the dirt beneath them; landed on the branches and spread their wings as they bow; stopped from their hunt and sat down, with their heads leaning down. The grasses stopped swaying despite the wind is blowing angrily; the vines started to crept towards the exit and climb the wholeness of the place; and the trees grew taller, enough to cover the scenery inside its nest.

"Fear not, for as long as I am here, not a single calamity should happen." She walked down the aisle, everyone is bowing their heads as they give her admiration and praises.

Two stamps of his spear and the man standing proudly a few steps behind her swung his sword, to which made them feel ashamed of themselves upon knowing that he was the legendary warrior. He took a deep breath and in his battle cry tone, he pointed his historical blade to the sky and split the thick cloud in two.

Suddenly, he changed into the man he used to be: wearing his warrior suit and looking truly brave and trustworthy.

"As the lone guardian survivor of the last war between all the mightiest, who has earned the blessings of them to look after of then is yet to be chosen The Queen as they put peace after the long fight. I, Knight Arch, equal to Heaven's light and roar, to Earth's wrath and Sea's rancor, however somber compared to Her Grace, who is far brighter than the torch above-for without her, I will not exist, pledging my loyalty once again to Queen Wleinzthia! Whoever will make Her his enemy will be my enemy as well. My power, sword, and life is hers, and I am more than willing to slay anyone who would dare to declare a war against My Queen!"

Surely, the terror he brought to them is nothing compared to hers. But still, his vow is something anyone should be afraid of before thinking about going against The Majesty. True as he has claimed, the heaven aired thunders while throwing lightning; the ground shakes fiercely, that they are all forced to stay down; and the birds restlessly sing their frightful hymn-an indication that the seas are sending huge waves to the land.

"Oh, hail you, Queen Wleinzthia. Long life to you, Your Majesty," they uttered in unison and fear.

The royalty then stands by the entrance of the majestic hall, her eyes are glowing while she surveys the land from afar; watching the extent of her domain, how secured it is under her fearful yet enveloping care.

"I, your Queen, shall bear the responsibility of keeping you all unharmed, as this is the life given to me in my second birth. Not even a beast on par with me can make me abandon my sworn oath."

A blinding light stretched out to the ground as a barrier of protection held it away from the outsiders attempting to set foot on their land. Just then, the assuring peace touched everyone, letting them know that they had nothing to get to worry about.

A cold breeze whistled, making the rest feel her coldness. She turned around to go back to her seat, where she has stayed, dwelling on for an eon-long death-like sleep. But even before she could sit down, one of her people came forward and kneeled in front of her.

"What shall we do with them, My Queen?" the guardian knight inquired.

A smile crept on her lips as her menacingly presence frightened even those who have not seen her yet.

"We, have been patient enough to always let them live even after pestering us for decades after decades, and centuries after centuries. For that long while, our ancestors were the ones who gave them respect, though compared to us, they are nothing but just lowly creatures and mongrels." She faced them while her eyes were glistening deadly. "Bring me their leader and I shall let them see that our kin's kindness doesn't work for your Queen!"

Jorril looked at his son, telling him to stop talking about the myth that had already binned to the dungeon of memories a long time ago. Yet, as a kid, curiousness had always won over him.

"But, Father, that was what I was told by the woman I have met in the woods! Those kinds of Alphas exist!" the boy insisted for another time and continued drawing on the dirt.

He stared at the boy, wondering who can possibly tell him about it? Even the story itself has been forbidden to speak about, making him feel worry about the young man's life if ever someone heard him talking about it.

"Listen, son. That is something that we cannot freely tell to anyone. Not even to your closest individuals. Do you understand?" He held the kid's shoulders, and gripped on it a little tight for the young man to know that he was serious.

"But, why can't I, Father?" His eyes glistened as tears started to form on the corner of his eyes.

Seeing the fear in the young lad's orbs, Jorril realized that his furs had shown without him noticing. His stern eyes are visible on his, so is his face that is now covered with his wolf's facade.

"I am sorry about that. Look, I don't want this to happen again. Don't talk about the myth anymore, and never meet whoever that someone who told you about it-no more. Did I make myself clear?" he spoke in a low tone, that made his voice sounds so deadly, as if he was threatening him.

"Father-"

"Did I make myself clear?" he repeated, this time, he is more calm yet still sounds terrific.

"Yes, My Lord." The young boy looked down, kneeling before the mightiest Alpha of their pack.

"Good. Now go to your servant, Knight Cernous. Help him gather woods."

As the young fellow walks away, he watched him lazily and almost dragging his feet to stride. As much as he wants to give him a normal life, like a human's, he has awakened his wolf at the young age, that marked the end of his dream of him living the life of a normal kid for at least a few years. And as his parent, all he can do is to keep everything in balance for him for the time being; to get stronger in able to defend him if a great war happens again.

He looked above as he wiped the beads of sweat on his forehead. Above him are owls that are supposed to be still hiding in the shadows, and yet they are already flying above in a strange way and seemingly not in their usual behavior.

Just then, a wolf peeked in the tree a few meters away from him. It is shivering and appears to be cautious about his surroundings. Moments later, one of the birds perched on the log near him and gazed at him for seconds.

'So long, Lord Jorril.'

His eyes widened and roamed around, making sure that no one sees them. He sat down and stepped closer to the owl. Slowly, he rolled up his working sleeves and showed it the mark of his pack.

"Are you-" He gulped and bit his tongue before shaking his head.

'Yes, I am Lufeire. The maiden living in the tree by the stream near the cursed forest.'

Anger surged in his veins as he stared at one of the kindest nymphs his kin had ever met. She has fended them against those who have killed almost three-forth of their pack. As punishment for her actions, that has unfortunately angered the most powerful of her kind, she was turned into an owl and lost all of her abilities in her past form. For fairies should remain neutral, however she disobeyed to their rule and abandoned her oath as one, and that is all for siding them in that war.

"What are you doing here? People and beasts are eyeing on you. Once they see your distinct feather, they will know right away who you are. And you know that despite not being the human you used to be anymore and already have lost your capabilities, you still have the innate fortune that you can bring to anyone who would have you. I cannot protect you if that happens. We cannot ruin the cease fight we have agreed on with the other beings. Doing so will make them turn on us and be our enemy."

The warm breeze blew, reminding him how devastating it was that day-that day when Earth looked like it had met its end. He hemmed to break the silence and glanced at the wolf, that was watching over them.

'He is Hougren, a Knight in his past life. Don't worry, he is trustworthy and a friend of mine.'

"I never knew that you had made a friend. So, what brought you here, then? You will never go here and take someone to guard you for nothing."

Flocks of birds flew above, as if they were shooed to go somewhere else. He followed them with his eyes and strangely, he felt the fear they feel. Like they are in a real danger, and they have to go away as soon and fast as they can.

'Listen, My Lord. I think that cease fight is being violated by some of the packs. The other day, I have seen a few werewolves attempting to enter the forest. But even before they could, they were stopped by something and the heaven roared like the way it did during the last war. Lightnings strike around the forest that holds them in bay. And the ground-it moved and moved until the trees kissed the land. I thought it was just because of the curse, or it was protecting itself from the intruders. But when the waves suddenly surged in forms of tower-like tall, I know, something was really going on.'

The wolf stepped forward and unlike the owl, it didn't show any gestures of respect. It met his gaze and held his head high. A proof that he is not from those knights that pay respect to the kinds of him-a half beast. But his steps are showing submission.

'The seas don't just reach land by that far. Unless there is someone who can make it do so, to which only a few could. Lord Jorril, I am afraid that it is no longer safe for you to stay here. That is why we are here, to inform and warn you about the incident,' he interfered.

The bird flew away and the wolf ran into the bushes after hearing a conversation approaching. He looked at Cernous, who was carrying Udrias on his shoulders. He is not a werewolf like them, but they took him in after his wife sacrificed her life-saving the young Alpha. It was her who asked the knight to protect him with all his might. And that promise lasted until the present time, that he never takes his eyes off the kid unless he is with his father.

"My Lord." He bow after putting down the child, showing him how to treat someone superior to him.

Young Udrias did the same and keen as always, the cut on his fingers didn't escape from his sharp sight. He sat down on his level and held his son's hand. His forehead creased and looked up at the knight, who despite having something to do with it, he doesn't look bothered, neither guilty about it.

"How is his swordsmanship?" he asked.

"Alpha Jorril, My Lord, I still think that the young Alpha doesn't need to learn it at all. However, he is showing a great improvement these past few days. Those cuts are mark that he is now being recognized by me as my disciple."

He smiled and tapped his little man's shoulder, thinking that if his mom was still with them, she will surely be proud of him. Looking at his hands, he can already tell what kind of grown up he will be. And he cannot wait to see him lead their pack-or even his own one day, he thought.

"I, too, are wondering, Father. Not that I don't want to learn to use the sword, neither find it absurd nor not having fun sword fighting with Uncle Cernous. Though, I always earn bruises and lose, indeed, I have already learned a handful lesson from it so far. But why do I have to learn it if I can get a better chance of defeating my opponent using my inborn strength?"

He placed his palm on top of his temple and lightly messed up his hair. A few more years and the boy they are sheltering will no longer depend on their protection. Instead, he will one day be that one brave werewolf who will face everyone who will insult his home.

"You know, son, days aren't always peaceful. Sometimes, one comes that is meant for war-it is when races by any kind are fighting each other to the extent of what they can, and they do it for reasons that for some reason, they are against to each other's purposes. And there, son, there are those who don't really want to get involved and yet, they have to-they need to. Always remember that there are those who deserve to get slayed by fists, by fangs, and there are those who deserve to get slayed by weapons such as sword." He pulled Cernous weapon and cut his own palm a little, enough to make it bleed. Drop by drop, he takes a step away from the two and the farther he gets, the more the wound gets healed.

"A time will come that you will raise your hand on someone and get them down by one of those means without you knowing and thinking first which one of those should you use on them. Nevertheless, I want you to always know and remember that all lives matter. But there are times that you have to weigh which one matters most, and when that day comes, give the one who matters the least the favorable way of sending him to eternal sleep. At least give them respect in their death," he continued, and furtively watched the wolf run as it follows the owl's lead.

The sun has finally set, and the silent village has started to light the lamps. After separating from the rest of the packs, they have decided to live a simple life. Far from the place where they got away from.

Udrias excused himself and went to the woman who has become his instructor when it comes to knowledge of humans and everything he knows. Jorril waved his hand and let her get the kid's attention, have understood that he is about to discuss an important matter to Cernous.

He eyed on the far North and searched for the cursed forest. And with his eyes that are blessed by a primordial god, he has found it without shedding a sweat.

"My Lord, I have heard from the neighboring towns that the ones near the forest have witnessed whimsical activities happening around it recently. Is it what bothering you? If so, do you want me to check on it myself?" the knight suggested and faced the direction where the forest lies.

"We don't know what is happening in there, Cernous. My son will be mad at me if ever I send you there, and you don't make it back. So, that is what caused the unusual happenings in the sky the other day? I just hope that it is not we are fearing to happen."

"I am not asking for it to happen either, but what if it is what we are hoping it not to be, Lord Jorril?"

"I know I am not in the right place to ask you this, but I am begging you to offer your life to Udrias once more. Protect the young Alpha at all costs."

"And what about you?"

"I am the strongest Alpha of my pack. It is my responsibility and honor to be on the frontline and shed the first blood in the battle. Either I live or die, my kin should live. And he-a direct descendant of my flesh and blood, deserves the title that is just waiting for him to claim when the right time comes."

A long silence had passed. The cheerful giggling of the kids are serenading the night, and everyone's conversation filled the quietness that the two of them cannot break for a while.

The man went in front of him and kneeled down, his sword in front of him. A few drops of blood flow on its blade, a symbol of the knight's pledge of accepting his lord's plea.

"I may have no power like yours, but I am no doubt as mighty as my mentor. My life and sword will be his shield and protection from anyone who would dare to harm the young Lord," he swore.

The blood fell on the ground and the soil where it dropped smoked and got dry in an instant, leaving no signs of life, a sign that the contract is sealed and if he ever turns his back on his duty, the land where he spoke his approval to shall claim his life; thus, he has already marked his death.

Fire is everywhere and rain has been pouring non-stop since the war began. Everyone is exerting their all, both to win and defend themselves. However, despite the melanges of noises, Zerania is searching for that one howl that is echoing from the distant. She glanced at her wound that for some reason, it won't heal. Her eyes are still sharp, so is her hearing. But not her sense of smell. The scent of the man she's looking for is slowly fading, and she cannot help but to feel fear that he might have already been dead.

"Leorvon!" she yelled, hoping that he will hear her. "Where are you?!"

"Don't let the Lord Alpha come near here!" one shouted that brought chills down to her spine.

"Get your hands off me! Don't you dare lay even a finger on her, I swear I will kill every one of your kin if ever you do!" a familiar voice roared, that made the surroundings tremble in horror.

Upon hearing him, she shifted herself once more and have slayed as many opponents who have tried to stop her. But just when she is about to kill an Alpha, an arrow hit her on her back, paralyzing her upper half.

"No!" A woman interfered and standstill in front of her; a baby on her left arm and a sword on the other. Full of wounds, she still managed to shift into a werewolf.

"Your Highness, have you already gone mad like The Lord?!" one growled, stepped a little closer to the woman.

"I know him better than anyone else does. I, too, is against to his will. But I am certain that he is keen enough to know who to trust and who to doubt. If he is willing to put his life on the verge of death in able to save her, I would too!" Her Highness declared.

Zerania's eyes traced the blood flowing down her feet, and that's when she saw that she was not in the good shape to put a fight. Yet, royal as she is, she laid her child on the bushes that formed into a basket, seemingly to be a cradle as it rocked back and forth.

"Loreen!" she then called out to the woman, who is obviously didn't want to go near them.

"My Lady." The servant ran to Her Highness' side.

"Take His Highness away from here. Go to the South and tell its divine gate that I sent you there. Protect him with everything you got-be it with your life or not!" The lady threw her royal robe and handed it to the woman. "Show it to the guardian of the gate, and not even one of those who are there will ever question you."

Without thinking twice, Loreen ran as fast as she could, following the trail led by the forest's maiden, who was standing by the exit of the darkness.

As the baby's cry aired, the growls, grunts, and sounds of fear started to play in her ears as the woman fought her own men. As much as she wants to help her, her body is still stiffened, not allowing her to make even a little movement.

"She is a traitor to us, the werewolves! A disgrace like that one behind her! For Alpha Leorvon and his forthcoming generations and the rest of the packs, take down these two!" one of them announced, to which ignited more the others' urge to slay them.

"Oh, please-no! Not Her Highness!" someone pled, but the royal had already fell on the ground after receiving the fatal slash that was for Zerania.

Seeing the woman who has nothing to do with her had willingly offered her life to save her, that she even left her child orphaned in able to do so, her wolf cried in anger and gloom that she had managed to free herself from the numbness restricting her to move. And in a swift one, no one around her has remained standing and breathing.

"My Lord, look at what that Alpha has done to everyone! She has killed them all, including Her Highness! And we don't know where the Young Lord is now!" one man came, informing the rest of what he had witnessed in the scene.

"Zerania," Leorvon muttered in disbelief while approaching, he's eyeing on the lifeless woman lying beside her feet. "W-Why? What have you done?"

"Protect our Lord Alpha! Don't let her kill the last one who can end her rampage!"

Their eyes get fixated on each other. She wants to reason out and tell him the truth, but her lips would not just open and turned her mute.

"Take her down before she could heal herself!" She heard.

In her wish to talk to the man, she pulled her last straw of strength and wiped out the pack that had encircled her. She crawled and endured the excruciating pain from her cuts. And even though her sight was starting to get dark, she remained looking at him, hoping for him to see the truth behind what happened.

"Don't! Let her!" The Alpha commanded and walked towards her.

Yet, even before he could reach her, a blinding light strikes him. Her airways tightened, and her chest drummed upon seeing him fall. She gazed above and growled, throwing away everything around her.

She gasped after. Laying down, watching the sky turn even darker, the newcomers surrounded them.

"Tell this report to everyone: the cursed and feared Alpha Zerania is down! She has gone wild, harmed, and slayed the deceased individuals of this war!"

Her eyes closed, and her breathing became weak and slow; the rustlings were gone, so are the conversations. His presence has been taken away, so is his scent. She drew her last breath, wondering what fault she had done for everyone to get united to kill her; what was her sin for them to be willing to slay even their own kind and even those who are not in able to do so just because they have sided her?

"Zerania. Zerania, wake up," a melodious voice called.

A breath of fresh air filled her lungs as she was being pulled to sit down. In front of her are barefooted ladies, looking at her. One of them took her eyes off her once she meets her gaze, like she had no right to eye on them.

"The last one of the most favored pack for all of them is Alpha-Zerania. What happened to you, my little one?" the one who wears a white feather-like dress came near her and caressed her cheeks, healing her wounds; mending her cuts.

"Goddess, our pack being the most favored one, is what led to my kin's extinction. Why can't you just make me an ordinary one, so I can live a normal life-without being feared, without getting fear?"

"It wasn't I, neither them, who has made you one," the goddess replied, glancing at her fellows. "It was fate for you to be, and your destiny to be the last one."

"It took everything from me-everything."

"Rise up. The war is not yet over. Take it all back. Take everything they have taken from you, my child."

As if she was being cradled, she fell into a deep sleep while the deafening silence caused by the chaos continued. It went on for hours that she had lost count of how long she had already been waiting for it to be over.

Moments later, she heard the soothing voices arguing. Speaking of their insights on giving up their lives, powers, and duties.

"That is why we were sent here in a group. If only it is possible that a sole goddess can bear all the responsibilities of looking after the beings, then it should have not been divided, and we don't need this number to govern each of those," one opposed.

"And it is against the law of heavens! We don't even know if this is possible!" another agreed.

"But she is the only one left in her race, and no one can get close to being like her-not even us. We can't even make one," the nicest insisted, still sounded calm and collected.

"She will live a lonely, regretful, and perhaps, full of hatred life after this, Goddess. And when that happens, we can no longer do anything to help her. By then, we are no longer here."

"She will be fine. I know, she will be."

A strong wind blew, forming a tornado, served as a wall to keep them away from anyone's and anything's eyes. A hymn started to hum, like a lullaby. It is so soft, yet fearsome.

"In the name of the seven goddesses: Rosemier of Earth, Viercé of Heaven, Prenzolia of Seas, Herpzei of Air, Illiam of care and protection, Juzmier of strength and wisdom, Zeralia of life and death and I-the mother of all, the granter of power to those who are worthy, Liziafel, are now giving up our lives for this pitiful being. Everything we have is now hers to have and cherish!" the enchantment ended.

"May you always have that oath, even in your next life. Do the duties in our behalf. Be wise and love all the races equally, and ne'er side anyone to keep everything fair. However, punish those who need to be punished, and make them pay the price of their actions accordingly to the laws of skies and land."

Suddenly, serenity stretched in the vastness of Earth. Grasses and trees grew in a blink of an eye. Out of nowhere, the forest that had just been burnt down have come back from ashes like it had not been wiped out a while ago.

The running horses from afar stopped and turned around to see what was making the ground sway, like sand shaking loosely in one's palm.

"Look! The heavens must be lamenting the death of the deceased of our kin!" One murmured, pointing at the clouds forming on top of it.

"It must be. At least it can be in peace now that Zerania is finally dead."

"Tone down your voice! Lord Leorvon might hear you!"

A loud thunder echoed everywhere, frightening everyone and making them kneeled. Alpha Leorvon, who had just gained his senses, went down of his horse; raised his knife and cut his palm, offered his blood to the restless ground.

"From this day on and forward, no one is allowed to go near, neither enter the forest anymore as it is now cursed. The land where it rests is disheartened by the lots of blood shedded on it. In the name of my pack, I, Alpha Leorvon, bows that I will never set foot on your domain again," he swore and faced everyone.

"We have witnessed how those who live in there got disowned by the forest itself and turned them into something else. I hope that today will be the last war between our races. My pack will separate from the rest and will live in the South. To the other Alphas, I hope you understand my-their Lord's decision."

The Alphas and leaders of each beasts' clan, by any kind and lineage, step forward and do the same-cut their palms and pressed the blood from it to bathe the soil where they are standing, as a mark and seal that they have finally agreed to end the battle and chose peace.

They silently left the scene, heading to the directions where they were going to. Not even one looked back, neither stopped walking and hesitated to leave their birth land.

"My Lord, what are we going to do now?" One of his werewolf servants approached Leorvon.

"This is not what I have imagined will happen. I thought a peaceful talk is enough to calm down everyone, but it didn't help. What else can we do other than move forward despite wanting to stay still and be in the past?"

"Our pack needs you, Our Mightiest Alpha. One day, your son should lead our next generations and defend it. I have heard that the female alphas of pack-"

"I am not interested in anyone of them."

"But, My Lord-"

He walked past by the servant and wandered his eyes around, looking at where exactly they were heading to. His eyes glistened when he saw a knight from afar-to the very place he was searching for. He is on the ground, carrying a woman in his arm, shaking her shoulder desperately, as if he is trying to wake her up.

Leorvon then sharpened his hearing and tried to listen to the noises ahead of them. His forehead creased upon hearing the man's muffled sobs; his attempt to wake up his beloved wife. And just a few moments later, a cry of a baby overpowered his, halting him and making him glanced at the basket tightly held by the woman.

The knight gently put his wife on top of the cut woods and started setting it on fire and kneeled down in front of the child, to which made the latter stopped whining.

"Marked today, I am now belonged to no one else but to you. In your words I should abide. In your wish I shall conform. My life and sword is yours to use as your protection. My Lord, I, the knight of this woman, who has given up her life for your sake, are now humbly pledging my loyalty to you. Your enemy is now my enemy. Your battle is now my battle." He lightly slid his hand on the blade of his weapon and let the blood drops fall.

A forceful pact dried the weeds and brought a warm air across the wide space. The kid smiled and gigglingly stumped his feet.

"My Lord." He bowed once more.