Elven Rebirth

Chapter 26. Additional Forces

Adam's eyes fluttered open. He winced, as he remembered living the life of another, it all felt so real, as if he was back on Earth, living the life he wanted. Getting revenge for his mother and reuniting with his wife. But all these are things he will never have.

The colossal alpha wolf, Lucius Von Blake, towered over him. Adam struggled to sit up.

Lucius stepped back, giving Adam space.

"You're awake," Lucius growled.

Adam rubbed his temples. "What did you do to me?" he asked.

Lucius's deep purple eyes gleamed.

"I used my ability to induce unconsciousness. I brought forth your innermost desire. I see now that to conquer this world not your greatest desire. If it had been, I would have let you continue to live in that illusive world I created from fragments of your memory till your body here perishes. But I had to pull you out of it."

Adam's gaze narrowed. "Why?"

Lucius's expression softened. "I sensed you're not from Solaris. That was why I chose to use my domain on you, rather than eliminate you where you stood."

Adam's eyes widened. "How did you know?" This was the first time someone had noticed he was a reincarnator.

Lucius sat beside Adam. It's giant furry body was a stark contrast to the smallish body of a human.

"I've walked this world for centuries. I recognize the aura of outsiders."

Adam's mind spun as several thought passed through it. What did Lucius want?

"I'll serve you," Lucius declared.

Adam's shock deepened. "Why would you serve me?"

Lucius's voice took on a hint of reverence. "Outsiders bring change, besides, you are one chosen by the goddess of life and nature. I'll follow you, Adam Hill."

Adam hesitated. What did Lucius's loyalty entail?

"What do you gain from serving me?" Adam asked.

Lucius's grin revealed sharp teeth. "Protection and purpose."

Adam weighed his options. Could he trust Lucius? Would Lucius's loyalty be beneficial?

Adam made his decision. "I accept your offer."

Lucius bowed his head. "My alpha, I await your command."

Adam's thoughts swirled. What had he just gotten himself into? Adam's gaze locked onto Lucius.

"I need to tell you something," Adam said.

"What is it, my alpha?" Lucius asked.

"Lord Harrington wants your pack eradicated." Adam said.

Lucius's expression remained calm. "I expected as much," he said.

"Why did you attack the village?" Adam asked.

Lucius's eyes sparkled. "My aim was simple, to attract someone's attention."

"Whose attention?" Adam's curiosity grew.

"The dark elf Eryndor's," Lucius replied.

Adam's eyes widened. "You leveled down an entire village just to get my attention!?"

Lucius nodded. "I've waited for you, ever since the first war you waged against the humans and elves."

Adam processed this revelation. "Why did you need my attention?" he asked.

Lucius's voice took on a serious tone. "We have a common foe. So I thought it will be best if we work together. This way the humans will not dominate us."

Adam considered Lucius's words. "I'll help," he said. "But first, take your pack."

"Where should we go?" Lucius asked.

"The Dark Forest," Adam instructed.

"Seek out Grimp, I selected him to lead the village in my absence."

"What's our purpose there?" Lucius asked.

"Form an alliance," Adam said.

Lucius nodded. "I'll gather my pack."

Adam stood. "Let's move."

With Lucius by his side, Adam felt a surge of power. Together, they would change the course of Solaris.

Adam watched Lucius and the pack disappear into the Dark Forest.

An hour's walk brought Adam back to Lord Harrington's mansion.

He knocked on the door.

Butler Jenkins opened it, eyes wide. "Adam Hill! You're... alive!"

Adam smiled. "Expected me to fail, didn't you?"

Butler Jenkins ushered Adam into the reception room. "Please, sit. I'll inform Lord Harrington."

Minutes passed.

Lord Harrington stormed in. "Adam Hill! I didn't expect you to return."

Adam stood. "Mission accomplished, Lord Harrington. The wolves are gone."

Lord Harrington scoffed. "You expect me to believe that?"

Lord Harrington looked Adam over, not finding any scratch on his body, his eyebrows creased in a frown. "You're cheating! Returning for the reward without doing the job."

Adam's calm demeanor remained. "Send someone to check."

Lord Harrington snorted. "Fine. I'll verify your claim."

He summoned a guard.

"Ride to the cave. Check for wolves."

The guard bowed. "Yes, milord."

Lord Harrington turned to Adam. "If you're lying, you'll regret this."

Adam's gaze never wavered. "I'm telling the truth."

The guard departed. The outcome hung in the balance. Would Lord Harrington accept the truth?

Adam waited in the reception room, locked in by Lord Harrington's guards.

An hour passed, feeling like an eternity.

The door opened, and the guard returned.

"Milord," he said, bowing.

"Report your findings," Lord Harrington ordered.

"The cave is empty, milord," the guard said. "No wolves remain."

Lord Harrington's expression changed. "What else did you find?" he asked.

"Signs of battle inside the cave," the guard replied. "Wolf tracks leading to the Dark Forest."

Lord Harrington's face turned red. "Adam Hill, I apologize," he said. "I misjudged you. You've completed the mission. I'll double the reward to 2,000 gold coins. And I'll spread your fame across the land."

Adam smiled. "Thank you, Lord Harrington."

Lord Harrington waved his hand. "No need to thank me. It's compensation for treating you poorly."

Adam nodded. "I accept your generosity."

Lord Harrington smiled. "Very well."

"Butler Jenkins, prepare the reward. And invite the local nobles. Tonight, we celebrate Adam Hill's victory."

Butler Jenkins bowed. "Yes, milord."

Adam's reputation was about to soar.

The night wore on, and the feast ended.

Butler Jenkins approached Adam. "Time to return to the guild, sir."

He gestured to a waiting carriage. Lord Harrington extended his hand.

"Thank you, Adam Hill. Your bravery won't be forgotten."

Adam shook Lord Harrington's hand. "Thank you, milord. For the feast and the reward."

Adam boarded the carriage.

The Coachman tipped his hat. "Adventurers' Guild, sir?"

Adam nodded. "Yes, please."

The carriage rolled through the quiet streets.

At the guild, Adam paid the Coachman.

"Keep the change," Adam said.

The Coachman smiled. "Thank you, sir."

Adam entered the guild.

The clerk greeted him. "Welcome back, Adam Hill."

"Room available on the upper floor?" Adam asked.

"Yes, room 3A," the clerk replied.

Adam climbed the stairs.

He unlocked the door and entered. The room was simple, but cozy.

Adam collapsed onto the bed. His eyes grew heavy.

The day's events replayed. Adam drifted off to sleep. His dreams were filled with Lucius. And the battles to come.