REBORN AS THE GOD OF RUINS.

CHAPTER EIGHT - ILLUSIONS

Back at the fallen castle, Korrah led Varrick to where Darian sat, his burnt body a sore to the eyes.

“Alpha, Varrick came on his own terms.” Korrah announced their presence.

Darian shifted his gaze towards them, his eyes scrutinizing Varrick.

“Why have you come to me?” Darian inquired.

“I heard you were looking for me.” Varrick replied, flatly.

“I wasn't the only one looking for you.” Darian pointed out.

“You need my help and I need yours too.” Varrick said.

“How do u need my help?” Darian demanded calmly.

“Have you ever thought about why the god visited your pack, destroyed it and hurt you specifically.” Varrick questioned.

“I ordered he should be locked up.” Darian answered, sharply.

“Why would a god accept to be in chains?” Varrick continued.

“Because….” Darian paused.

His brows twitched in confusion as he tilted his gaze towards Korrah, the thought had never crossed his mind.

“It has to be a personal grudge,”

“Did he say anything to you before punishing you?” Varrick asked.

Darian's mind blank as he tried to remember that haunting night but then, he wasn't going to give him what he wants without having a leverage first.

“Heal my wounds first, then we talk later.” Darian said, firmly.

“Of course, but healing it isn't free.”

“The price is your soul.” Varrick stated.

“My soul?” Darian repeated.

Varrick nodded.

Darian kept quiet for some seconds, his eyes boring into Varrick.

“Do it.” he blurted.

“Are you certain you want this?” Korrah asked cautiously.

“I will be normal and normal again.” Darian gritted his teeth.

“But…”

“Leave us.” Darian interrupted Korrah sharply.

Korrah bowed and left the room quietly.

“Ready?!” Varrick asked.

Darian nodded slowly.

Varrian placed his hand on Darian's chest and began muttering spells.

Dark runes glowed faintly on Darian's chest weaving through his chest and within second, his burnt skin folded in and a new fresh one replaced it.

Darian felt his soul moving like someone was calling it, but then blood flowed out of his nose trailing down his face, Varrick cut open his palm letting Darian's blood fall into it.

“Your soul belongs to me now.” Varrick said, healing his palm.

“So what does that even mean?” Darian demanded, admiring his new skin.

“You will only follow my lead and do as I order.” Varrick said, his voice dropping.

“You still seek answers?” Darian asked.

“No I seek a pack, let's begin with building a pack.” Varrick spat leaving the room.

—

Varrick stood in front of guards with Darian beside him, their faces unreadable.

“Starting from today, I am your Alpha.”

“And he is your beta.” Varrick announced, turning towards Darian.

Darian bowed slowly in respect, concurring with him.

The guards murmured among themselves surprised.

Korrah shifted his gaze towards Darian who kept his gaze straight without blinking.

“Any objections?” Varrick demanded m, his voice echoing in the clearing.

The murmur died down in seconds as no one dared talk.

Varrick nodded in satisfaction.

“First off, we need power to go against a god.”

“So, attack the nearest packs and bring back as many wild as you can.” Varrick ordered coldly.

“Alpha….” Korrah dared begin.

“No one questions my decision.”

“Carry out my orders or face death.” Varrick growled, his face darkening.

The whole clearing went silent and without another word, Varrick exited the clearing followed by Darian.

—

In the divine realm, the divine beings gathered around in a circle and in the center stood Vani.

“Are you sure about this?” Rebecca asked.

“He is a reborn god and….”

“I'm a celestial being, someone has to stop him.” Vani stated, interrupting Rebecca.

“Your task is simple, Vani.”

“Get his lover and let him make a choice.” Nicklaus reminded him.

“Yes, Master Nicklaus.” Vani bowed.

“If it gets too dangerous,”

“Return, no one will blame you if you failed.” Elijah chipped in.

“If I fail it means the divine beings failed, so I won’t.” Vani promised them.

“You still remember where they are, right?” Nicklaus asked.

Vani nodded.

“Don't push yourself too hard.” Thobus warned.

“Okay I will see you all soon.” Vani said, calmly and with that she vanished.

—

Deep in the forest, Aralynn sat in the clearing, her legs dipped inside the river.

She has lost count of how long she has been here. There was no way she can escape because Kael watched him at all times even though she doesn't see him.

She stared into the water, her eyes dropping as the thought of her father filled her mind.

Suddenly, she saw the reflection of him flicker in the water, she turned her head immediately and there stood her father, flesh and blood.

“Father!” she called, frozen on the spot.

“Come here, Aralynn.”

“I've missed you.” Zephyr beamed, spreading his arms.

Uncertainty flickered in Aralynn's eyes but she flew into Zephyr's arms without thinking, hope brewing in her heart.

“Whether this is my imagination or not,”

“This moment only matters as long as you are with me.” Aralynn whispered, tightening her grip on him.

“I'm real, my baby.” Zephyr coaxed softly.