REBORN AS THE GOD OF RUINS.

CHAPTER THREE - HUNTING HER.

Darian's muffled screams echoed through the chambers but his struggle against the iron hold of Kael was useless because he couldn't move his body.

“No one can save you,”

“Not when I am involved.” Kael whispered.

But then, the approaching footsteps of people were heard and seconds later, the chamber's door burst open.

“My lord,” Korrah called.

Kael's face darkened and with a flick of his hand, he banged the shower door locked, the noise attracting Korrah and the guards.

“Wait, here he is in the shower.” Korrah ordered the guards.

But when he couldn't open the door after many attempts,

“Break the door,”

“Alpha is in danger.” Korrah yelled.

The guards rushed over, pulling, pushing and hitting the door but all their attempts were futile.

But the noise distracted Kael from the fun he was having,

“Have it your way,”

“But I never leave without collecting my debt.” Kael said as he opened the door.

The doors behind it fell forcefully when the door opened without warning, some becoming lifeless on the spot.

By the time Korrah rushed into the shower, Darian lay frozen in the tub and there was no trace of Kael.

“Search around, he can't be far.”

“And get the physician here.” Korrah ordered the guards as he broke the frozen water.

Darian was almost lifeless when Korrah helped him out of the tub and the physician had arrived.

When suddenly, smoke started circling them and before they could understand what's happening, Darian was on fire.

Kael's lips curved into a slow smile as he watched Darian roar and scream in pure pain.

“One debt paid,”

“More to collect.” he whispered before disappearing into the darkness.

—

Kael stopped in the heart of the forest, where the moonlight shifted through the dense canopy.

The scent of pine, wet soil and faint smile filled his senses making his chest tighten.

This was his sacred spot, the one he had shared with her in his first life. The spot where they hid away from the eyes of the pack.

He crouched near the warm river, washing his hands and face carefully with it.

“Aralynn….” he muttered, his voice low like a growl hidden beneath a whisper.

He had settled over the moss covered ground with eyes shut letting the memories wash over him as usual.

When he heard footsteps approaching followed by hushed voices.

“Did you hear?”

“A human got exiled by her pack today.” one murmured.

“A human?”

“She can't survive alone without a wolf and a pack.” another pointed out.

“That's true, she just got rejected but different packs are hunting her down because of her god mark.” one chipped in.

“God mark?”

“How can a wolfless human have that?” another queried.

Kael's eyes narrowed as his god mark started glowing burning his skin.

“People believe that she bears Oryxion's mark.” one added, shivering.

“Oryxion?” Kael repeated, stepping towards them.

The five men froze, staring at the figure before him.

“Who…who are you?” one stuttered.

“I expect answers not questions?” Kael growled, approaching them.

“Yes, yes.” the men nodded, trembling.

It was very unusual to see a man in the forest alone by this time without fear.

“Like the woman in question, has this mark?” Kael inquired, pulling his shirt up, to reveal the glowing half moon mark on his chest.

The men's eyes widened immediately, their bodies shaking heavily.

“What…what are you?” the men asked, incoherently stepping back.

“Me?”

“Your nightmare.” he whispered, walking towards them.

“W-we… we mean no harm!” one stammered.

“We were just… passing.” another spluttered.

“Please… we didn’t see you.” another pleaded.

Kael crouched inches away from them, the shadows bending to him like obedient servants.

“I asked a question.” Kael reminded them.

The men exchanged terrified glances before nodding in unison.

“Where can I find her?” Kael demanded, turning his back on them.

“She belonged to the Nightfang’s pack but has been exiled.” one answered, trembling.

“The Nightfang's pack?” Kael repeated.

“Yes, she has a family.”

“They will know more.” another blurted.

“You have been quite useful today.” Kael complimented them, walking away from them.

“Thank you.” The men breathed slowly in relief.

“But you don't expect to see a nightmare and remain the same.” Kael said calmly, his voice carrying the weight of death.

Before the men could reply, the ground below then opened and swallowed them whole amidst their screams.

“Rest well, you deserve better.”

“But I have someone to hunt.” he murmured, disappearing into darkness.