REBORN AS THE GOD OF RUINS.

CHAPTER NINE - HYBRIDS

The fallen castle reeked of blood, sweat and dark magic.

Varrick stood over a trembling wolf captured from a neighboring pack, his eyes gleaming as he circled it like a predator.

Darian leaned against the stone wall, watching quietly as his newly restored skin gleaming in the dim candlelight.

The clearing was dead silent as everyone watched as Varrick raised his hands.

Slowly, shadows twisted around the him coiling like serpents before disappearing into the wolf, whose eyes flared silver before settling into a deep unnatural amber.

Muscle mass shifted as its body began growing, claws elongating and fangs sharpening as a huge hybrid emerged where the wolf knelt.

Everyone present, wolf and guards alike staggered back in fear.

“A hybrid?” Darian murmured

Varrick nodded, smiling.

“We are creating an army, beta.” Varrick smirked.

“How can a hybrid follow a werewolf?” Darian queried.

Varrick turned his face twisting in anger, Darian stepped back instantly.

“Get on your knees.” Varrick ordered, turning back to the hybrid.

Without a noise, the hybrid got on his knees leaving everyone in shock.

“They will be under my command but not all of them.” Varrick declared.

“I don't understand.” Darian said.

“Some of them will empower..” Varrick paused.

He muttered some spells, placing his hands on the hybrid's chest and then the hybrid started roaring in pains as his blood passed into Varrick's body, in seconds the hybrid fell lifeless shifting back to human.

Varrick straightened his back, his eyes glowing darkly as the hybrid blood surged through him.

“Us.” he completed turning towards Darian.

Darian swallowed nothing as his heart pounded in his ears.

“Are you ready to take down a god.” Varrick asked, his eyes boring into Darian.

Darian barely nodded, hiding his trembling hand behind him.

“Answers!” Varrick growled, approaching Darian.

“Yes alpha.” Darian bowed.

Varrick smirked, as he patted Darian's shoulder.

“Get more wolves,”

“We need army and food alike.” Varrick said coldly exiting the gathering.

Korrah immediately approached Darian.

“My lord, are you sure about this?” Korrah whispered, fear flickering in his eyes.

“He already has my soul,”

“There is no going back now, Korrah.” Darian spat.

Days passed as guards dragged in wolves from nearby territories each day.

They were all transformed into hybrids, their eyes glowing amber or silver.

Some were bound by obedience etched into their minds.

Others had their blood drained into Darian or Varrick, writhing briefly before collapsing lifeless.

Each transformation strengthened Varrick and Darian, binding their power tighter with every ritual.

—

Far from the castle, deep in the forest, Aralynn sat on a fallen log with Vani, who had Zephyr's face.

“How is he alive when she watched him die.” her mind echoed in her ears.

But she was too scared to ask him so as not to lose him.

“I don't even how I am alive, but all that matters is I am.” Vani said, dragging her back to conscious.

Aralynn smiled, she just really wanted to enjoy the fleeting moment, no matter how short it was.

The sound of footsteps approaching broke their peaceful moment.

“I have to go, princess.”

“I can't die twice.” Vani said standing up.

And before Aralynn could reply, Kael emerged from behind the trees and Vani disappeared instantly.

“Was someone here?” Kael questioned, as he scented an unfamiliar scent.

But Aralynn ignored him, her cold eyes boring into him as anger surged through her veins.

He was the one that killed her father yet he is still depriving her of spending time with him.

“Answers, mate!” Kael snapped, appearing before her and lifting her chin forcefully.

“No….no one.” Aralynn's voice cracked, as she winced in pain.

Kael released her slowly, and that's when something hit him. He didn't want snap at her, someone made him do it.

He scanned the forest carefully with his eyes but saw no one yet the strange feeling of being watched and manipulated tugged in his mind.

—

Days passed by quickly but each day, Vani appeared to Aralynn as Zephyr whenever Kael stepped out and spent quality time with her.

Aralynn slowly became attached to her, always expecting and hoping for her father to come while bearing Kael's treatment.

He had become so terrifying recently, always hurting her without reason.

But one day, Kael was out as usual, and she sat under a line tree with Vani.

“Can’t you leave him and come with me?” Vani asked, softly.

“I can't, father.” Aralynn whispered, sadly.

Vani kept quiet, her eyes scrutinizing Aralynn.

“There is always a way, Aralynn.” Vani said, calmly.

“There is no way out for me, he is always watching me.” Aralynn muttered.

“What if we eliminate him.” Vani spat.

Aralynn's eyes widened as she stared at Vani in shock.

“Is that possible?” she inquired.

“Bring him to the Southern cliff tomorrow by midnight.” Vani said, ignoring her question.

“But…”

“Avenge my death and get your freedom, my daughter.” Vani interrupted her firmly before disappearing into the darkness.