Alpha's Gambit

Chapter 1 - Johnny

Johnny had always been an early riser, a trait that his parents claimed reflected his competitive spirit. Even as a young child, with tousled hair and determined eyes, he would insist on venturing out into the world before the first rays of light touched it, as if challenging the sun itself to a race. There was truth in that, more than Johnny cared to admit. Waking up to find that the day had already begun, that he had already lost at something, felt like defeat. And who wanted to start their day on a losing note?

But here on Kurivon, it seemed that everyone embraced the slow pace of life, much to Johnny's annoyance. As he ran his usual pre-dawn lap around the island, he hadn't come across another wolf. It was a stark reminder of how peaceful their community had become. Had it truly been so long since they fought for their lives? Since each day held the exhilarating promise of battling their ancient and despised enemy? The last demon Johnny encountered had been a feeble excuse for a threat, something even a child could have vanquished. And that had been almost a month ago.

It was time to face reality. Kurivon had triumphed over the demons. The battle was won. But Johnny took solace in the fact that there were other islands in the archipelago, islands that hadn't yet experienced the peace and tranquility of Kurivon. Soon enough, these monotonous days would be behind him, and he would once again be thrust into the chaos of battle. This time, however, he wouldn't be alone. His pack would be by his side.

The dream of reuniting with his pack was the only thing that kept him going through the dreary monotony of the past few months. He missed them dearly. While it had been nice getting to know the other Alphas during their mission to Kurivon, their interests and priorities had diverged as of late. With the exception of Curtis, they had all settled down with their soulmates, focused on expanding the island's population one adorable baby at a time. Johnny respected their choices. The family life clearly brought them joy, and the world needed more than just warriors.

But it couldn't be Johnny. The mere thought sent shivers down his spine. The idea of being trapped in a routine, waking up to the same person, in the same house, doing the same mundane tasks day in and day out to care for children and keep a roof over his head... it was his worst nightmare. It was the reason he left home at such a young age, still a restless and frustrated adolescent, seeking adventure beyond the confines of his pack's provincial life. For years, he had been a lone wolf, traveling the vast expanse of Halforst, risking his life and honing his swordsmanship skills. He had even avoided working with other wolves, fearing he would eventually be trapped and lose his freedom.

But then he met Dennis, who showed him that there was another way to lead a pack, that being part of a team didn't equate to being trapped. Their first encounter had been under duress, a troublesome demon threatening a small town. The desperate Alpha, unable to hire solo demon hunters successfully, insisted that Johnny and Dennis join forces to eliminate the threat. Johnny seized the opportunity to claim all the glory for himself and slipped away from Dennis. However, his decision nearly cost him his life, and it was Dennis who saved him just in time. Johnny couldn't back down from such a challenge. They began traveling together, with Johnny always intending to return to his solitary life after repaying the favor. But weeks turned into months, then years, and they saved each other's lives more times than they could count.

It was simple math. Two wolves were stronger together, capable of taking down more powerful demons than they could alone. As their reputation grew, other warriors sought them out, eager to join what Johnny and Dennis eventually had to admit was a pack. They numbered twelve now, or at least they did when Johnny left three years ago, leaving Dennis in charge. He looked forward to their reunion, the inevitable clash that would occur when he reclaimed his rightful place in the pack's hierarchy... and the fight that Dennis would undoubtedly put up.

Since their transformation from a duo to a pack, Johnny had been the Alpha, with Dennis always nipping at his heels, ready to seize the title if Johnny ever slipped up. With a packmate like Dennis, Johnny had no choice but to stay sharp, to push his strength and skills to new limits every day. It was the only way to keep up. Some saw their relationship as adversarial, even toxic. But Johnny wouldn't have had it any other way. He trusted Dennis more than anyone else, closer than a friend, closer than a brother. Dennis never held back, never allowed Johnny to become complacent, always demanding the best from him. Unyielding honesty, no matter the circumstances. That was the gift they gave each other. And Johnny missed it more than anything. Soon, though, very soon, he would have it once more.The request Johnny had been making at every Council of Alphas meeting for the past several years had finally been granted. They had given him permission to bring his pack through the portal from Halforst. Kurivon, the now-peaceful island, was already home to several packs, but Johnny had no interest in settling there. For his guild of adventurers, there was only one place that made sense - the volcanic island of Rochmar. Unexplored, unmapped, and forbidden, it was a dangerous and enticing destination.

Johnny's paws would finally touch the unfamiliar sand of Rochmar, with the fiercest warriors behind him. Lost in this daydream, Johnny failed to notice the ambush. He was knocked off his paws, struck with surgical precision. His mind raced as he fought back, but he was overpowered and pinned down. Confusion set in as the attacker suddenly retreated. It was unusual for a demon to give up so easily. Johnny's suspicion grew when he saw who it was lounging against a tree.

Dennis, with his silver eyes dancing, greeted Johnny with a yawn. The surprise turned into delight as Johnny realized it was his old friend. Dennis had arrived earlier than expected, catching Johnny off guard. Johnny transformed into his human shape, demanding an explanation. Dennis silenced him with a tight hug, leaving Johnny breathless. The embarrassment of being caught off guard washed over him.

"Plans change, little man," Dennis said, relishing in the fact that he was slightly taller than Johnny. Johnny couldn't help but grin, feeling the warmth of their friendship. Their banter continued as they teased each other about their fighting skills. Dennis admitted to winning their impromptu scuffle, but Johnny warned him that it would be his last victory for a while.

Dennis's voice softened, cutting through the bravado. "It's good to see you," he said with genuine emotion. "Hunting's never the same without you, brother."He tilted his head, a curious glint in his eyes, before Johnny could even respond. "Speaking of hunting, this island is lifeless. Is this truly the dreaded nest of demonic taint that had the Council shaking in their boots?"

"Relax. Do you think I would have stayed away for so long if I didn't believe there was a worthy battle awaiting us? This island may be done, but Kurivon is an archipelago, Bal. We're headed west. And trust me—what we'll discover out there will make all of our war stories sound like child's play."

His second-in-command flashed his widest, lopsided grin. "I'll believe it when I see it. I'm not convinced you haven't gone soft during your time here."

"If I'm being honest, Bal, I'm not sure either," he admitted, a hint of a grimace on his face. "It's been challenging to stay sharp without you and the pack by my side. Speaking of which," he added, scanning the surroundings half-expecting a dozen wolves to emerge from the trees. "Where are the others?"

"They'll be arriving in a few days, just as planned." Dennis's silver eyes shimmered in the early morning sunlight. "I came early as a courtesy. I was worried that after three easy years, you might need more time to adjust than before."

"Adjust to what? Having you guys around slowing me down? Hardly," Johnny scoffed. But there was a flicker of something in Dennis's expression, something familiar from their old days...a look that hinted at hidden information. It was a look that never led to anything good, especially for Johnny's peace of mind. That look meant trouble. And for a moment, Johnny had to suppress the urge to celebrate. He couldn't believe how much he had missed this. "What mischief are you up to, you old trickster?" he demanded, unable to hide the laughter in his voice as he tried to appear stern. "You've got that smug look on your face, the one you wear when you think you've bested me—"

"When I know I've bested you," Dennis interrupted haughtily. He always disliked being reminded that Johnny was a few years younger—it was a surefire way to get under his skin. "Besides, you love surprises."

"I love pleasant surprises. Yours are rarely pleasant, unless your idea of a delightful afternoon is fending off an assassination attempt—"

Dennis snorted. "That's an overly dramatic way of describing a good-natured prank. It didn't cause any lasting harm, unlike your favorite little game—" Dennis pointed at an old scar on his throat, a keepsake from an intense sparring match between the two of them, and Johnny playfully wrestled him into a headlock, both of them laughing. He had missed Dennis every single day he spent on this island, even more so after the worst of the demon threat had subsided. Part of him had worried that things would be different between them once they were reunited. But he should have known better than to expect his old friend to have changed.

"Let me give you a tour," Johnny suggested once they had exhausted themselves, wrestling like a pair of young pups in the sand. "I'll show you around Kurivon, and once you're done playing the secretive old fool, you can tell me what you're really up to."

It wasn't a long tour. It felt strange to show Dennis the little community they had built over the past few years. Each new addition to the town had felt significant, every new building, every additional cottage for the growing wolf families...but now, as he presented it to an outsider, Johnny realized just how small the town truly was.

"So, three packs have settled here so far?" Dennis asked as they reached the steps of the Kurivon community center, a fitting end to the tour.

"Actually, two," Johnny corrected him. "Kasen's pack and Reeve and Darion's. They started with their own packs initially but ended up merging them."

"A leadership struggle, huh? Who came out on top?" Dennis's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Who remained Alpha?"

"Both of them. Co-leaders." Dennis snorted disbelievingly, and Johnny concealed a grin behind his hand. "It works for them," he shrugged. "It's none of my business how another Alpha chooses to run their pack. Besides, they're too busy with their kids to waste time arguing over who's in charge."

"Poor guys," Dennis said mournfully, shaking his head as if in sorrow. "And what about Renley? I heard he single-handedly took down an entire Hive back in Halforst. Tell me he hasn't gone soft out here."

"He's the Alpha of the entire settlement. Keeps him occupied."

"This place? There's more demonic activity in my pinky finger than on this whole ridiculous rock, Johnny. No way is this enough of a challenge for a legend like Renley." Dennis scowled. "Wait. No. Don't tell me he's turned to the dark side too."

Johnny nodded gravely. "He and his soulmate have twins."

"Nightmare."

"Kasen does too." Johnny found himself warming up to the topic as he witnessed the undisguised horror on his best friend's face. "Seriously, man. It's an epidemic out here. It's like as soon as we made progress against the demons, everyone went baby crazy. Falling in love, settling down, all that soulmate nonsense...the only one who hasn't fallen into it is Curtis. I have no clue what's going on with that guy," he added with a brief smile, thinking of the island's towering figure. "He doesn't talk much about Halforst. For all I know, he has a soulmate and eight kids waiting on the other side of the portal. You have no idea how dire it's been out here, Dennis."

"Sounds like I arrived just in time," his friend said, shaking his head.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for them. Someone has to raise the next generation of demon hunters, and a strong community is what prevents demonic taint from taking hold in the first place, blah blah blah.""I must admit," Dennis said, grinning, "as far as I'm concerned, death would be preferable to playing house and changing diapers."

Johnny closed his eyes for a moment, relief washing over him. "You have no idea how glad I am you're here."

"Well, hold off on that sentiment for a minute or two." When Johnny opened his eyes, he saw Dennis's smile morph into the familiar lopsided grin that always signaled chaos. "I haven't told you about my surprise yet."

"Your surprise?"

"Yes, a reunion present, if you will." Johnny scrutinized his friend, noticing that Dennis wasn't carrying anything, not even his usual array of concealed weapons, except for the shortsword at his hip. "Let me start with the part you'll like. Our pack has grown."

Johnny tilted his head, intrigued. "Your big surprise is that you actually followed the simple instruction I gave you?" He had left three years ago, and their pack had only been twelve strong. He had asked Dennis to recruit more members, but he never expected it to happen so quickly. Only the fiercest and bravest fighters could make it into their ranks. Critics labeled them reckless adrenaline junkies, but they wore it as a badge of honor.

"We have six new recruits."

Impressed, Johnny raised an eyebrow. It was hard to impress Dennis, especially when it came to expanding their pack. "You found six wolves crazy enough to join us and tough enough to meet your ridiculous standards? In just three years?"

Dennis shrugged nonchalantly. "We don't all spend our days lounging on the beach. Besides, once word got out, I had to turn away dozens of applicants. Hundreds, even. Only the best for my brother-in-arms."

"Once word got out?" Johnny furrowed his brow. He knew that moving to a new world to fight demons wasn't everyone's idea of a good time. "There was really that much interest in the mission here?"

"Not in the mission, per se," Dennis said, his grin widening. "The interest was in you, Alpha of mine."

Johnny's heart sank. Dennis only called him Alpha when he had something up his sleeve, something that would undoubtedly ruin his day. "In me?"

"In you! Didn't I mention before you left? We've arranged a celebration to mark our beloved Alpha's triumphant reunion with his pack. And what better way to celebrate than by having Halforst's first Soulmate Games right here? The ladies will be competing for your hand, Johnny. You're welcome."

Silence hung in the air as Johnny waited for Dennis to reveal that it was all a joke. "So let me get this straight," he finally said, a mix of fury and bewilderment coursing through him. "You've told six capable demon huntresses that they're coming here to compete for the chance to be my mate?"

Dennis feigned innocence, his eyes wide. "What better way to find yourself a lady? You've mentioned how other Alphas have found their soulmates. Isn't it time you did the same? Come on, Johnny. You can't deny that you love it when women fight over you. We've known each other too long."

Johnny couldn't decide whether to punch his friend or burst into laughter. Instead, he settled for a combination of the two, driving his fist into Dennis's belly. His friend absorbed the blow effortlessly and retaliated with an elbow to Johnny's jaw, causing his teeth to click together. And just like that, they were wrestling in the sand like kids again, their laughter filling the air.

The notion of Soulmate Games was utterly absurd, a move that could ruin his reputation as Alpha. But refusing to participate would weaken his position and disappoint the women who had come to Kurivon in hopes of winning his heart. Johnny had pledged his heart to adventure long ago, and no competition could change that. Dennis had promised a prize that couldn't exist.

In just an hour since he arrived, Dennis had turned Johnny's life upside down, filling his future with more complications than he ever wanted or needed.

And strangely enough, Johnny couldn't remember the last time he had been this happy.

Chapter 2 - Lorelei

Four paws. That was where Lorelei's consciousness settled as she reluctantly emerged from the half-numb fugue state that offered her some semblance of comfort in her tormented existence. Sleep was a luxury she could no longer afford, but she had learned to disconnect herself from the constant onslaught of shocks and insults her ever-changing body endured. The deeper she sank into that fugue state, the less agonizing the passage of time became. Resisting the urge to fully awaken and face the relentless torment was the key.

Gone were the days when she had control over her shape, when she could choose between two bodies that felt like home. It was all but a distant dream now, a world that no longer existed for her.

Yet, it was the cruelty of her captors that pulled her out of her carefully cultivated trance. The cruelty of granting her a glimpse of what she used to be, the familiarity that came with the sensation of four paws pressing into the soil beneath her. Reluctantly, she acknowledged the weight, a memory that entangled itself around her, taunting her with images of running through untainted woods with paws like these. She couldn't help but assess her frame, shifting her weight from side to side, testing her limbs. Her jaws opened and closed, no longer a grotesque display of jagged teeth, acid blood, and multiple eyes.

Before she could stop herself, hope flickered to life within her. This was her old body, she thought, only to recoil in horror, knowing that hope was the most painful thing they could take away from her. And they relished in her suffering. She braced herself for punishment, muscles twitching, eyes squeezed shut, waiting for the inevitable... but instead, a warm breeze brushed through her fur, the distant call of a bird piercing through the constant roar of the ocean.

In that moment, Lorelei realized that, for now, she was a wolf again. Or at least something close to it.

There was no room for relief, no joy in being returned to the body she had once called her own. Warily, she started walking, refusing to stay in one place for too long. The island hadn't changed much, the thick jungle surrounding her, the air heavy with humidity, and the sky a bright, glaring blue peeking through the canopy of trees above. She tasted the air, her tongue lolling from her mouth, sensing the demonic taint that tainted everything. She knew this air was corrupted, but she couldn't remember what untainted air tasted like.

Why was she in this wolf-like form again? The corruption within her remained unchanged, the sickly thud of her diseased heart a constant reminder of the choice she had made. The choice to live. It wasn't a decision she associated with any particular emotion. It simply was, like the laws of nature. Regret didn't come into play. Did she regret the sunrise? Did she regret rainfall?

But soon, Lorelei found herself thinking of that day again. The day she had last stood before her demonic masters, an audience granted to her. And it wasn't long before the pulsating beat of her poisoned heart drew her towards the darkness of the nearest cave. There was no point in resisting such a clear call. Rochmar was filled with interconnected caves, a labyrinthine system that housed the island's most powerful beings. Once, in a time long gone, she had called them the Archdemons. She had believed they were distinct entities, each with their own minds, motivations, personalities, and desires. She had even fantasized about turning them against each other. But she had been a fool, and it had led to her downfall. Could you make an enemy's thumb fight against its elbow? Convince an eye that its liver was its enemy?

The descent into the caves was treacherous, the darkness engulfing her, but guided by the call of her master, Lorelei didn't need sight to find her way. Soon, the passageway opened up, revealing one of the countless chambers embedded within the island's volcanic rock. In absolute darkness, she stood before them. In absolute darkness, she felt their gaze, their scrutiny. Their contempt, their hatred, their cruelty, and their twisted delight in her confusion were palpable.The words of her masters, though incomprehensible to a wolf, seeped into her heart like poison, translating their meaning with cruel clarity. 

"At last we have a use for you."

She knew better than to reply. There was nothing left in her mind that they couldn't access. Speaking was futile.

"More wolves are making an attempt on our island," their voice, dripping with hatred and strange eagerness, revealed their delight in this news. Did they relish the challenge? She couldn't help but wonder, even though speculation was pointless. Curiosity, like hope, was a habit hard to break. "They will come. They will fight. They will try to purge us. They will fail."

It was impossible to discern if one or many demons were speaking, or if such a distinction even mattered. Lorelei waited, trying not to let her worst habit, hope, ignite her curiosity further. Were their words true or just another method of torment? Did demons grow bored? It had been ages since they faced any opposition on this island...

"You will help," came the unexpected instruction. "Your body, returned. Your mind, your own." A laughter-like sound echoed in the darkness. "It doesn't believe, it doesn't trust. Why would we release you? Clever, clever. Think this way, wolf. You are our only plaything. But we have grown so bored, so very bored with you."

It was strange how fragments of her former self still lingered. She almost felt insulted that they had grown tired of her suffering.

"This is a new game," her masters continued. "You will go among them, and you will do our work. You will spread our word. You will foment, you will corrupt. You will bring us so many new playthings, fresh new spirits to break, that we will have no further interest in you. You have always yearned to live out your days alone, untroubled. This meager span and woeful death, we will grant, if you please us."

With that, she was dismissed. It had been so long since she allowed herself to think that her mind felt rusty, clumsily whirring back to life. Her paws carried her out of the cave, the sulfurous burn of demonic taint lessening slightly as she moved away from the island's center of corruption. She had a mission, that much she understood. That wasn't new. Her master's word was law, a choice she made to serve rather than face death. But why summon her now? And more importantly, what lay behind the promise of reward? What did her masters gain from it? Her body and soul were bound by their will, so why offer any form of exchange? It seemed like a cruel trick, another gambit to extract even more misery from her. They were growing tired of toying with her, that much was clear. There was a limit to how much one soul could endure, and she was reaching it. Could it be true that her masters would willingly give her up for fresh victims to torment?

Lorelei emerged into the sunlight, blinking away the darkness that clung to her. Her mind raced with thoughts she had suppressed for months. They had returned her body, untainted, unwarped. The familiar buzz of magic hummed beneath her skin, the power of a shifter she thought she had lost. They had tasked her with infiltrating the arriving pack on the island. Her masters could have easily controlled her directly, puppeting her every move, but they needed more than her body to deceive the newcomers. They lacked the creativity, the inventiveness required to fool wolves for long.

They needed her to willingly play along. And that meant granting her a semblance of freedom.

The first step was managing her expectations. She lay in the dust by the cave's mouth, the sun's warmth seeping into her fur, her mind racing faster than it had in months. She couldn't allow herself to believe she held any real power. Every beat of her rotten heart reminded her that her corruption was absolute. She belonged to her masters as much as she ever had, and they could revoke her control over her body at any moment. Nor could she entertain the idea that the demons would keep their promise of peace and solitude. But maybe, just maybe, providing them with new victims would divert some of their attention away from her. It was a goal worth working towards. She refused to get her hopes up, but there was no doubt in her mind that she needed to commit herself to the mission with all the fervor and dedication she could muster. Once, long ago, she had been a formidable woman.

Perhaps fragments of that old self could still be salvaged.

The next morning, the newcomers landed. There was no question of where to wait for them. Rochmar's perimeter was guarded by jagged cliffs, except for a narrow sandy beach on its eastern edge.Hidden within the dense foliage of the trees, Lorelei observed as a group of six wolves skillfully maneuvered their boats onto the sandy shore. They worked together to secure the vessels before setting up camp. What struck her immediately was their youthfulness. Had she been that young when she first arrived in boats similar to these? Did she laugh and joke with her packmates the way they did now?

Shaking off the nostalgia, Lorelei refocused her attention on her mission. She wasn't here to reminisce; she needed to devise a plan to infiltrate this pack. These wolves had to be experienced demon hunters; no other type would dare set up camp in a treacherous place like Rochmar. She couldn't simply walk out of the woods and join them by the campfire, knowing they would kill her on sight. She needed to be smarter than that if she wanted to succeed. And she prayed there wasn't a lorekeeper among them. Concealing her true nature from skilled demon hunters would be challenging enough; a lorekeeper's magical sight would spell disaster.

Among the group, Lorelei noticed a tall man with dark hair streaked with silver, indicating he was slightly older than the others. The deference shown to him by the rest implied he held a high rank within the pack. From their conversation, she gathered that the Alpha was absent, which made sense. Sending a vanguard ahead to establish a base and set up camp was a wise move. However, she couldn't help but frown at their choice of construction. While it made sense for them to have a dozen tents and a firepit, why were two of the wolves building a podium at one end of the beach?

Curiosity getting the better of her, Lorelei crept closer, aware of the risks involved. She wanted to hear more of their conversation.

"I heard the other Alphas are furious," one of the wolves, a young woman who exuded the grace of a seasoned warrior, remarked. A blade hung at her belt, and though she appeared relaxed, her hand never strayed far from its hilt. "It took Alpha Johnny months to convince them to let us settle Rochmar in the first place. They didn't anticipate something like this."

"The Alpha doesn't take 'no' for an answer," her companion chuckled. "As they say, ask forgiveness, not permission. Not that he cares much about either."

"Do you think he'll go through with it?" the young woman pressed, her tone filled with doubt. "I mean, Soulmate Games? It's kind of a joke, right? That's not how soulmates work."

"It's just an excuse to have some fun," the man replied nonchalantly, his broad shoulders shrugging. A longsword was strapped across his back, and Lorelei couldn't help but notice his silver eyes constantly scanning the treeline. Despite their casual conversation, these were wolves trained to be vigilant. The familiarity of their behavior tugged at Lorelei's heart, but she pushed the emotions aside and focused on the task at hand.

"And a bit of an ego trip, I think," the young woman pondered aloud. "What man wouldn't want a group of attractive women vying for their affection?"

"Not me," the man promptly replied, earning a grin from his companion.

"Correct answer."

"It's also a display of strength," the young man continued, wrapping an arm around the young woman's shoulders. There was an undeniable magical connection between them. It had been a long time since Lorelei witnessed the bond of soulmates, and she suppressed the memories that threatened to resurface. She couldn't afford to dwell on what her demonic masters would do to these young lovers. "We need numbers if we're going to succeed here, and these women—regardless of their decision to compete—must be tough as hell. Dennis wouldn't have brought them with us otherwise. The Games will be a way to test them and welcome them into the pack."

"I suppose you're right," the young woman said, smiling up at her mate. "I'm glad I didn't have to fight for you."

"Are you scared of a challenge?"

"I'm scared for anyone foolish enough to challenge me," she retorted. "I just hope things don't get too brutal. Competition is one thing, but we should avoid serious injuries in case we need to defend ourselves on short notice. These demons are going to be formidable. I've never felt such a thick taint before." A mischievous grin spread across her face, radiant as the sun. "I can't wait to sink my teeth into them."

Lorelei had heard enough. She slipped away from the pair, suppressing the ache that gnawed at her stomach. Instead, she focused on the valuable information she had gathered from their conversation. Soulmate Games. The phrase stirred a distant memory, a part of her mind she preferred to avoid. In another life, she might have had opinions on the merits of such a practice. But for now, all she allowed herself to feel was triumph. The wolves' discussion presented the perfect opportunity for her to join the pack without arousing suspicion. Six women would be competing against each other for a chance to be by the Alpha's side. They were strangers not only to each other but also to the pack. All she needed was a convincing cover story to add herself to their ranks and rely on the chaos of the Games to mask any peculiarities they might detect. It would also provide her with an opportunity to access the Alpha, a strategic advantage she couldn't ignore. She took note of the characteristics attributed to the pack's leader during the brief exchange. Reckless, daring, arrogant—qualities that demons always exploited.

Long ago, the woman Lorelei used to be would have burned with shame and rage at her current course of action. She would have considered it a betrayal to work alongside the ancient enemy of wolfkind, to use their tactics to aid in the destruction of a pack of fierce young warriors she once fought alongside. But now, the only thing she shared with that woman was a name.

Chapter 3 - Johnny

Johnny couldn't shake the feeling that he was trapped in some sort of feverish dream. The past week had been a whirlwind of surreal experiences, ever since Dennis had unexpectedly arrived and dropped the bombshell of the Soulmate Games on him. Initially, he had been intrigued by the idea. The thought of so many women vying for his attention stroked his ego, reminding him of the days when female company was abundant before he came to Kurivon.

But then he made the mistake of mentioning it to the other Alphas.

Their fury was palpable. Even Curtis, who he had considered an ally, had joined in the chorus of disapproval. The Council had taken turns berating Johnny, some dismissing the Soulmate Games as outdated and foolish, while others warned of the dangers of hosting such a competition on an island overrun by demons. They accused him of risking not only the lives of his pack but also the success of their mission, all in the name of his own ego.

But what choice did he have? His pack already knew about the games and were eagerly anticipating them. The contestants were ready. He couldn't back down now. So, he weathered the storm, unapologetic, asserting his authority as Alpha. The meeting ended in an uneasy stalemate, leaving Johnny aware that he had burned bridges. However, he knew that the other Alphas had no control over him or his pack's actions on Rochmar. It was clear that the Soulmate Games wouldn't be drawing an audience from the other packs, which was probably for the best.

As he left the meeting, Johnny couldn't help but feel like a scolded child who had strayed too far from the campfire. The laziness and complacency of the residents of Kurivon had become evident in Dennis's presence. They needed a jolt of daring and danger to shake them out of their stupor. If they couldn't see that, it was none of his concern.

And so, he packed his belongings and left Kurivon Island for his new home on Rochmar. His pack had already set up camp by the time he arrived. When they saw him, all ten of them came bounding down the beach, shifting into wolf form and tackling him to the sand in a joyous greeting. Barely having time to shift into his own wolf form, Johnny joined in the reunion, feeling the weight of the pack's affection.

It turned out that Dennis had been hard at work organizing the Soulmate Games while Johnny endured the wrath of the other Alphas. The moment Johnny arrived on Rochmar, the first event was announced. After a brief reunion with his pack, he was led to a stone platform at one end of the beach. Decorated with hastily crafted flags, it stood elevated above the sand. Smiling at the effort his warriors had put into it, Johnny took in the sight.

Beside him stood Dennis, grinning like a madman, his hands clasped behind his back in a servant-like pose. "Are you ready, Alpha?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement. "Ready to meet the women who will compete for your heart?"

A melodramatic murmur spread through the pack, and Johnny couldn't shake the feeling that this might all be an elaborate joke at his expense. But the joy of being reunited with his pack, the relief that something interesting was finally happening, pushed him to play along. With a dramatic, flourishing bow that elicited laughter from his wolves, he raised his voice above the crashing waves behind them.

"Allow me to say a few words as the Alpha of this world's newest and fiercest wolf pack," Johnny declared. The pack roared in agreement, their wolfish howls an amusing sight coming from their human voices. "These contestants are not only competing for my attention, but for a prize more valuable than they can imagine. Our pack, our elite organization, is unlike any other. Each member standing before me today is a warrior who has surpassed ordinary limits. They understand the honor that comes with being part of this pack. And these contestants, I hope, understand that too," he added, shooting a pointed glance at Dennis. "They will compete not only to win my heart but to prove themselves worthy of this pack." Johnny paused, taking in the smiles and the mix of amusement and solemnity on his pack's faces. "They are here to win your hearts as well. If they prove themselves strong and lucky enough to survive these trials, their true prize will be membership to this pack, this guild of warriors, and the opportunity to help us rid this cursed rock of demons once and for all.""Cheers to that!" Dennis exclaimed, clapping Johnny on the shoulder as the pack erupted into raucous cheers, their voices soaring above the crashing waves. "I'll drink to it...once the first trial is done. Competitors!"

Dennis's voice reverberated along the shoreline, and a breathless silence fell over the pack as a tent at the far end of the camp was unzipped. Johnny hadn't realized the competitors had arrived already; otherwise, he might have chosen his words more carefully. Had they heard his speech? He wondered, suppressing his unease and crossing his arms over his chest. He exuded the commanding presence of an Alpha as the competitors approached. At a signal from Dennis, the pack stepped back, taking seats around the stone platform where Johnny sat, forming an audience for the women.

Dennis hadn't exaggerated when he described them as warriors. Each woman standing before Johnny now radiated strength and seemed capable of moving mountains with their bare hands. They were dressed for battle, some armed while others were not, but all studying him intently. Johnny had never had trouble in the looks department. Was it vain to know you were attractive? He pondered. It wasn't hard to notice the effect he had on women. His shock of white-blond hair, muscular physique, and peak physical condition ensured he always caught attention when entering a new town. Being scrutinized so openly by multiple women simultaneously, especially with his pack watching, felt strange yet not unpleasant. Particularly when he saw a couple nodding in approval and a few concealed smiles.

However, he couldn't help but notice the woman at the end of the line didn't seem to fit the profile. The other contestants exuded vitality, their powerful bodies glowing with health and hard muscle beneath their skin. But this woman seemed gaunt, almost fragile, like someone just recovering from a wasting illness. As Dennis introduced each contestant, Johnny's curiosity grew. He reluctantly returned his attention to his second-in-command, nodding and smiling while promptly forgetting each name as it was spoken. The contestants beamed when he looked at them, and the tallest woman even winked, her smile devilishly tempting.

"And finally, this is...Lorelei," Dennis announced, pausing fractionally before saying her name. What did that mean? Johnny wondered. One of the other contestants cast a subtle frown in Lorelei's direction, and Johnny's intrigue deepened when their eyes met. She held his gaze like an enemy soldier sizing him up on the battlefield, offering only a curt nod before turning her attention back to the sea. Dennis didn't provide any further details about her history, unlike the others. Before Johnny could inquire further, Dennis outlined the first trial.

"According to tradition, the first trial of the Games should be the simplest," Dennis declared. "We're a pack deeply rooted in tradition." Laughter rippled through the crowd, echoed by the competitors, except for the woman at the end, whose gaze remained fixed on the horizon as if she were miles away. "So, the first trial will be a straightforward race. The first wolf to complete a lap around Rochmar Island and return here to the beach is the winner. Easy!"

Johnny couldn't help but chuckle along with his pack. Everyone knew that, aside from the sandy beach they stood on, Rochmar's perimeter was anything but simple to traverse. Thick vegetation, treacherous cliffs, sharp rocks underfoot, and a forbidding peak at its center awaited them. Not to mention the demonic presence that could result in instant, gruesome death for any unsuspecting traveler. He observed a few women exchanging grim nods, one drawing a jagged blade from her belt. Suppressing the urge to glance at Lorelei once again, who seemed unfazed by the news, Johnny focused on the contestants lining up.

Rising to his feet, Johnny prepared to start the race, a flicker of unease passing through him as he recalled the dire warnings from other Alphas. Rochmar was perilous, its demonic aura suffocating even on the beach. Running a lap of the island was far from a mere test of fitness; it would be a miracle to complete it without encountering the powerful demons that dwelled there. However, one look at the determined expressions on the competitors' faces assured Johnny they understood the risks. He didn't want to insult them by offering a warning that anyone with half a brain would already know.

"Good luck," he said, hoping the confident grin on his face appeared effortless and genuine. "Stay alive." Lowering his hand, he released the women, and they sprang into action. Half shifted immediately, paws churning up sand as they sprinted toward the treeline. Others ran in their human forms, like the blonde wielding a machete who darted into the trees and vanished. Johnny remembered too late the enigmatic woman with the distant gaze and scanned the beach, wondering what strategy she had chosen, but she had already vanished.

"How will you ensure they haven't cheated?" Johnny asked Dennis quietly. "If it were me, I'd cut straight across the middle of the island."Dennis let out a hearty chuckle. "More power to 'em if they can manage that," he said, his voice filled with amusement. "It'd be ten times harder to get over that peak than it would to get through the trees. Besides, it's not about speed. It's about getting past the demons in the jungle in one piece."

Johnny's voice was faint as he spoke. "Right," he said, his curiosity tinged with concern. "Listen, how dangerous are these tasks going to get, exactly?"

Dennis chuckled again, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "That's for me to know and you to find out. Now! While we wait for the contestants to return, we've got a party to set up. We've got some catching up to do with our absent Alpha, I think!" The pack erupted in agreement, their cheers filling the air. Johnny couldn't help but join in, even though his mind was still preoccupied with the life-or-death journey being undertaken by the seven women he had just met.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, the first contestant emerged from the treeline at the other end of the beach. To everyone's surprise, it was Lorelei who had made it back first. The crowd stepped back, making way for Johnny as he approached her, his curiosity burning once again. Up close, he could see the tangles in her dark brown hair, matted with twigs and leaves. Had the trip around the island done this to her? Despite her appearance, she seemed relatively unharmed, save for a few scrapes and bruises. But when he reached out to congratulate her, she flinched so violently that he worried he had accidentally hurt her.

"Congratulations," he said, hoping to elicit even the slightest smile from her. But her expression remained stony and unresponsive, her dull silver eyes barely meeting his gaze before sliding away. "You did well to make it back so fast—and without a scratch on you." The pack tried to applaud, but Lorelei's grim demeanor quickly extinguished their enthusiasm.

A whoop of triumph broke the tension, and two more contestants stumbled out of the trees, their arms linked together. The pack's attention shifted to them as they shared their breathless tale—Sofia had been ambushed near the end of the race, pinned down by demons and fearing for her life, until Evangeline came to her rescue. Both were unharmed, much to Johnny's relief.

The festive mood continued as the rest of the contestants emerged one by one, each with their own story to tell of their eventful journey around the island. They seamlessly integrated into the party on the beach, and as night fell, Johnny couldn't help but admire how well they fit in. In just a few hours, these women had proven themselves to be brave, strong, and reckless in the face of danger. They were among the few wolves in the world who would find such behavior appealing.

And now they were all celebrating together, the drinks flowing freely. Johnny couldn't imagine a better way to find a mate...if he was interested in that sort of thing. He knew he would eventually have an awkward conversation with the winner of the Games, but that was a problem for another time. For now, he wanted to enjoy the company of the warrior women who vied for his attention. Sofia, with her sandy brown hair and freckles, caught his eye with her charming laugh. Giselle, the dark-haired woman with the broadsword, intrigued him as well. Although she had finished last, the smile on her face as she cleaned demon blood from her blade spoke volumes about her priorities.

But despite the distractions, Johnny found himself scanning the crowd for Lorelei. She lingered at the edges of the party, like a ghost haunting the festivities. He gave up on trying to start a conversation with her, as her icy expression and monosyllabic responses made it clear she wasn't interested. Judging from the looks she received from the other contestants, he wasn't the only one struggling to connect with her.

"She's new," Dennis explained when Johnny asked about her. "Didn't say much about herself, but she knocked me on my ass during sparring, so I figured that was enough."

Johnny adjusted his opinion of the woman with the tangled hair. Dennis may have spoken casually, but Johnny knew how skilled he was in combat. If Lorelei had managed to defeat him, she deserved a place in the competition. Feeling a pang of disappointment, Johnny rejoined the crowd, avoiding an inviting wave from Evangeline. But Lorelei was nowhere to be seen.

"Damn it," he muttered irritably. She must have gone to bed early. It would have been funny if it wasn't so frustrating. While the other competitors clamored for his attention, the one woman he wanted to spend time with seemed to prefer being anywhere but here. What was her deal? Why had she even entered the competition if she didn't want to talk to him? There was something off about her...or perhaps she was playing hard to get on a whole new level.

Whatever the case, Johnny couldn't help but feel impatient to learn more about her.

Chapter 4 - Lorelei

The wave of relief that washed over Lorelei as she slipped away from the party was unlike anything she had ever experienced. With cautious steps, she entered the empty tent that would be her shared space with the other competitors for the next few weeks. Grimacing at the sight of their discarded belongings strewn about, she carefully made her way to her own cot. If anyone asked, she would simply say that exhaustion from the race had driven her to retire early. It seemed believable enough, didn't it? Seeking solace in the darkness, she pulled the blanket over her face, her entire body vibrating with the shock of being thrust back into a world she had believed she had left behind for good.

She repeated to herself that it hadn't been a complete disaster, desperate to find some semblance of comfort in those words. The first stage of her infiltration into the pack had not gone well, but it hadn't been an utter failure either. At least she hadn't blown her cover, although her behavior had been peculiar enough to raise suspicions. Acting so strangely had actually worked in her favor, preventing anyone from suspecting her true nature as a demon.

It was the journey to Kurivon that had unnerved her. That morning, she had realized that all the competitors in the Soulmate Games would be traveling through the portal together, and Dennis would be there to meet them. That meant she had to be there too, or they would realize she hadn't come from Halforst. Sneaking into Kurivon undetected had been challenging enough—a long, frigid swim under the cover of darkness, followed by hiding among the trees until the portal came alive. She had waited for all six of them to arrive before trailing behind as they made their way to the docks, where she had seized Dennis's arm and introduced herself as a hopeful contestant in the Games, her voice rasping and creaking with disuse, a horrifying facade.

She had anticipated needing to prove herself in some way, but she hadn't expected Dennis to challenge her to a sparring match right then and there. The other contestants had watched from the dock, visibly annoyed by the arrival of yet another competitor. If she were in their position, she would have hoped for the newcomer to be soundly defeated. But Lorelei had no intention of allowing that to happen. Dennis was a formidable fighter, but as she looked at him, his weaknesses illuminated before her like glowing embers. His arrogance, recklessness, and occasional distractions caused by the knowledge that several beautiful women were watching him. It took only a few minutes to disarm him and hold his own blade against his throat.

The boat trip that followed was tense and awkward, at least for Lorelei. The other women easily engaged in conversation among themselves, and she overheard enough to realize that they were strangers to one another as well. It should have been effortless for her to join in, to talk and laugh and endear herself to them. However, their uneasy glances stripped her voice away and ignited a burning self-consciousness within her. By the time they reached Rochmar, where the foreboding volcanic peak loomed against the bright blue sky, Lorelei was paralyzed by social unease. She could barely bring herself to follow the group to the tent that would house them all throughout the duration of the games.

Thankfully, fragments of her training remained intact, allowing her to commit relevant information to memory. These women were powerful and experienced demon hunters from Halforst, driven by a competitive spirit that burned within them like torches. Lorelei could sense that most of them had already dismissed her as a threat, and a quick glance in the mirror revealed why. The face that stared back at her might as well have belonged to a stranger. Her hair was tangled and wild, her eyes dull, her face gaunt. A pang of shame shot through her like lightning. Did she truly expect to capture the Alpha's interest in this state?

Embarrassment overwhelmed her as the group was presented to the Alpha for the first time. The women standing beside her shimmered like precious gems, while she stood there like a jagged, filthy rock. She could hardly bring herself to meet the Alpha's gaze when her name was called, her poisoned heart pounding loudly in her ears. The race that followed came as a relief. Fueled by terror, she raced through the trees faster than she ever had before, only finding solace once she was halfway around the island.

"Right," she thought, determination settling within her. A new strategy was necessary. She couldn't rely on her beauty or charm to catch the Alpha's attention. That meant she needed to win. Fortunately, she possessed a few tricks up her sleeve that the other contestants lacked. As she ran, her feet drummed against the ground, allowing the taint within her heart to reach out and awaken her fellow demons from the corrupted soil. They would relish the opportunity to slow down her competitors.

True to her expectations, she emerged from the trees as the first contestant. The pack surrounded her, congratulating her on her victory, with the Alpha among them. She forced herself to meet his gaze, assessing him carefully. To corrupt the pack, she knew she needed to corrupt the Alpha. And with one look into his silver eyes, she saw just how easy that would be. His arrogance radiated from within him like a blazing fire.His insatiable ego, the burning need to be adored and fawned over, became apparent to her in that moment. She had unknowingly stumbled upon the perfect tactic to draw him in.

Men like him craved adoration. All she needed to do was withhold the admiration he so desperately sought, and he would be putty in her hands.

And it had worked, she realized now, as she lay there wrapped tightly in a blanket, the distant sound of the party still audible. Throughout the celebrations, she had remained cold and distant—an easy task given how uncomfortable she felt among this pack of wolves. She had lost count of how many times the Alpha's eyes had sought her out, how many casual glances he had thrown her way while others attempted to trap him in conversation. Leaving early had been necessary, as overwhelming as it had been, but it had also been the right move. If she knew Johnny as well as she thought she did, he would spend the rest of the night consumed by curiosity about her.

Later that night, as the other women entered the tent, whispers filled the air. Pretending to be asleep, she listened intently. Though much of their conversation was inaudible, she overheard Evangeline telling Sofia that the Alpha had been asking about her. A triumphant warmth spread through her chest. When was the last time she had felt a sense of achievement? Her sleep that night, plagued by familiar nightmares, was restless. But when she awoke at dawn, she felt rested and prepared for the second trial.

"Last night, we tested your speed! Today, you will prove your endurance," announced Dennis, the Alpha's second-in-command, relishing his role as Master of Games. Lorelei stood apart from the group, feeling their curious stares on her back. Soon enough, their curiosity would turn to resentment—a sentiment she and her masters could exploit. But it was Johnny's attention she truly sought. The Alpha sat upon the podium, his pale hair gleaming in the morning light. Vanity exuded from every pore. She couldn't help but notice his calculated pose, making the most of the sunlight, his shirt casually unbuttoned to reveal a hint of chest muscle. A sudden tingling in her palms ignited at the thought of sparring with him, knocking him into the sand, triumphing over him as she had his second-in-command.

Realizing she had been staring for too long, she tore her gaze away and focused on Dennis. The challenge was simple enough—they were to climb to the highest point of Rochmar Island and retrieve a piece of volcanic stone as proof of their ascent. Johnny lowered his hand, signaling the beginning of the trial, and Lorelei sprinted towards the treeline alongside the other contestants. But something made her pause for a moment—long enough to notice three of the women walking together. Sofia, with her freckles, Delilah, armed with curved knives at her hips, and Mariah, whose thick curly hair was escaping its tight braids in the humid air. They regarded her with suspicion and curiosity, and Lorelei readied herself to slip away from them. However, it was Delilah who spoke, her voice sharp but not unfriendly.

"You can travel with us. Safety in numbers, and it'll be easier to reach the peak if we help each other."

"It's still a race," Sofia interjected. "But we can worry about that on the way down."

Lorelei hesitated for a moment. Winning these trials was crucial to maintaining Johnny's curiosity, and she would undoubtedly travel faster alone. Yet, this was an opportunity to learn more about her competitors and potentially sow discord if the chance arose. So she nodded, refraining from attempting a smile (her practice attempts in the mirror had been downright terrifying), and fell into step with her fellow contestants.

Guiding them astray was all too easy, leading them along a longer and more treacherous path up the mountainside than necessary. It took some time for an opportunity to arise and set them against each other. They were determined to maintain a facade of camaraderie, but Lorelei possessed patience, and the darkness within her heart always pointed her towards discontent. Sofia's insecurity stemmed from her youth, and it didn't take much to stoke her insecurities when the conversation turned to experience. Delilah had once been betrayed by someone she trusted—a wound that still burned when Lorelei asked what they would do if only one piece of volcanic rock could be found at the mountain's peak. Misinterpreting the situation, Mariah joked about snatching it and running, sending Delilah into a brooding silence. A few minutes of tense quiet later, Mariah's own insecurities began to smolder. She was a loud young woman, masking her lack of self-confidence with arrogant displays, but that facade was fragile and easily shattered.

Sure enough, by the time they had ascended a quarter of the mountain, the women were engaged in a fierce argument.Lorelei slipped away, her presence unnoticed as their escalating voices echoed through the dense jungle. A sense of satisfaction resonated within her corrupted heart, humming like a haunting melody.

Ascending the mountain was a trivial task for a wolf with the ability to navigate the labyrinthine caves even in darkness. Lorelei carefully made her way along a path near the peak, assuming her human form to avoid destabilizing the ground beneath her. However, the cascade of pebbles with each step unsettled her. From this elevated position, the island unfolded before her in an unfamiliar manner—an unconventional perspective of the place that had served as her prison for countless years. For a fleeting moment, her gaze wandered to the tiny islands surrounding Rochmar. Could her demonic masters truly allow her to spend her remaining days on one of those solitary isles? She yearned to believe it, if only to alleviate a fraction of the shame she struggled to suppress for her current actions.

"Beat me again, huh?"

The suddenness of the voice nearly caused Lorelei to lose her balance. Startled, she spun around to discover that she was not alone atop the mountain. The other wolf stood with arms folded, loosely gripping a chunk of volcanic rock. Lorelei recognized her as the tall, blonde woman whom she had narrowly defeated in yesterday's foot race. They regarded each other for a moment, and Lorelei detected a hard, calculating glint in Evangeline's eyes.

"You performed admirably," Lorelei offered, her voice still raw and uncomfortable. "It was a challenging climb, especially alone."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow. "You did well too. What happened to the others?"

Lorelei decided against lying. "They argued. I left."

She played her cards right. Evangeline chuckled appreciatively. "Fair enough. A race is a race."

"Speaking of..." Lorelei stooped to pick up a rough chunk of volcanic rock from the path. Evangeline's gaze remained fixed on her face.

"You know this island," she stated, more as an observation than a question. "You may be slower than me, but you managed to beat me yesterday and reach the summit at the same time."

Had she figured it out? Had she glimpsed the demonic taint that permeated Lorelei's being? She braced herself for an accusation, but Evangeline's expression betrayed curiosity rather than revulsion. Insightful as she might be, she was no lorekeeper. She couldn't perceive what lay beneath the surface like those imbued with magic. Lorelei forced herself to relax, grateful that she wouldn't have to eliminate Evangeline on the spot. An awful and inevitable idea formed in her mind, akin to the involuntary act of breathing.

Lorelei nodded slowly, observing the glimmer of satisfaction on Evangeline's face. "Can I trust you to keep my secret? I don't possess many advantages."

The blonde shrugged. "I have no interest in engaging in idle gossip with the others. Your secrets are safe with me."

"I am grateful," Lorelei acknowledged. She waited for Evangeline to turn away before clearing her throat and speaking rapidly. "The eastern face is the steepest. It may appear to be the fastest route back to the beach, but descending without breaking your legs would take twice as long."

"Is that so?" Evangeline scrutinized her intently. Lorelei sighed, feigning reluctance, and gestured towards the path leading down the mountain's northernmost face. Evangeline studied her for a prolonged moment before transforming into her wolf shape with remarkable speed and dashing down the mountainside, creating showers of pebbles and dirt while tightly clenching the volcanic rock in her jaws.

Once Evangeline was out of sight, Lorelei made her way to the southern side of the mountain, where she knew she could access the caves beneath Rochmar's surface. It was an unpleasant journey through the absolute darkness of the caves, but considerably safer than the treacherous route she had recommended to Evangeline. Half an hour later, she emerged onto the sandy shore, triumphantly holding her trophy aloft. The pack awaiting her erupted into applause, and even though it was a struggle, she managed to twitch her lips in something resembling a smile. Johnny, larger than life, stood by her side, his silver eyes gleaming as he congratulated her on her consecutive victories.

Half an hour later, Sofia arrived, battered and bruised, wearing an expression worlds apart from the cheerful smile she had greeted the Alpha with earlier that morning. As the morning transitioned into afternoon, the remaining contestants emerged from the trees, varying degrees of exhaustion etched upon their faces, clutching their meaningless prizes tightly. Lorelei couldn't help but notice the smoldering resentment emanating from her fellow competitors when they realized she had triumphed once again. Sofia's anger burned the brightest, but Lorelei knew it was only because Evangeline hadn't arrived yet. She had a suspicion that the blonde might actually strike her—if she still possessed the energy to do so after hacking her way through the thickest, most impenetrable jungle on the island. Lorelei anticipated it. Some part of her believed she deserved it.

Yet, as the morning faded into afternoon and the afternoon dissolved into evening, there was no sign of Evangeline.

Chapter 5 - Johnny

"You were warned, Johnny. You were warned that this would happen," echoed through Johnny's mind like a broken record. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to tell his fellow Alphas exactly what he thought of their repetitive lectures. How many times did they intend on reiterating their 'I told you so' sentiments? They had all made it abundantly clear, at least a hundred times, that he had put his entire pack at risk with his decisions. When was it acceptable for him to inform them that he had received the message the first ten times?

"Your reckless decision to hold a competition has likely cost this woman her life," Kai's accusation hung heavily in the air. Johnny's frustration grew, and he snapped back, "I object to that! Evangeline was—Evangeline is," he corrected himself sharply, "we don't know that she's dead. Evangeline is as skilled a warrior as anyone here. She has years of experience fighting demons, and she knew exactly what she was getting into when she came here. It's downright insulting to talk about her like some innocent little child who I tricked into coming to my—my evil sex competition, or whatever it is you think we're doing over there—"

Kai's voice boomed through the Kurivon community center, cutting Johnny off mid-sentence. "Enough!" The authority in Kai's tone silenced the room. "Further discussion is clearly of no use. You and your pack will continue the search for the missing wolf. And I will suggest, with all the authority I possess as Alpha and overseer of our collective project here, that you think very seriously about putting a stop to these absurd trials before even more damage can be done. That will be all. You're excused, Alpha Johnny."

Johnny bristled at the dismissal but forced himself to leave. Curtis's somber voice added to his frustration. "Just go, Johnny." The sadness in Curtis's tone cut through him like a knife. He stormed out of the community center, slamming the door behind him, though it did little to alleviate his anger. Being scolded by the other Alphas was one thing, but the disappointment in Curtis's voice was a blow he hadn't anticipated.

As he stomped through the sleepy settlement of Kurivon in the fading sunlight, Johnny questioned whether he should have even divulged what had transpired. But Evangeline had been missing for several days, and hiding that information would have only made him seem guilty. Guilty, yes, but not responsible. Everything he had said in that meeting had been true. Evangeline had willingly come to this demon-infested island to partake in dangerous trials. She had known exactly what she was signing up for, and it wasn't his fault that it had ended in tragedy.

"If," he corrected himself aloud, drawing puzzled glances from passing wolves. His pack had spent the past two days scouring the island for any trace of the missing contestant, but their efforts had been in vain. As long as they didn't find a body, there was still hope that she was alive. Hope was all they had at this point. The search process was far from smooth. The jungle was an impenetrable maze, and the demons lurking within only added to the difficulty. They had encountered no serious injuries yet, but Johnny knew that the more they delved into the dense vegetation, the more demonic activity they would awaken.

The boat trip back to Rochmar was a somber one. Johnny sat in brooding silence, grateful to be leaving Kurivon behind, but resentful of how the other Alphas had made him feel.A glimmer of hope flickered within him as he imagined Evangeline waiting by the firepit with his pack, battered but alive, ready to regale them with a thrilling tale. But as he drew closer to his pack, their body language told a different story. There was no good news to be found. Exhaustion etched deep lines on Dennis' face as he stood on the beach, having taken on more search party shifts than anyone else. Johnny guided his weary friend towards the firepit, silently hoping to coax him into eating while they talked.

He recounted the council meeting to Dennis, who couldn't resist cracking a few jokes at the expense of others. Johnny welcomed the laughter, finding solace in the brief respite it provided. "To hell with them," Dennis summarized the situation once Johnny had finished relaying the details, including the embarrassing early exit from the meeting. "What do they know? We're on our own out here. We'll handle it ourselves." Dennis' restless gaze shifted to the trees, catching Johnny's attention. Another search party was returning, comprised surprisingly of a few contestants. Johnny wondered why he had been surprised. Despite their competition, they were still wolves at heart, unwilling to stand idly by when someone was in danger.

"Join us," Dennis called out, motioning for them to take a seat by the firepit. "Give us your report."

Sofia's once cheerful countenance had turned solemn, her worry for the missing wolf evident. Johnny remembered that Evangeline had helped Sofia during the first trial, and a wave of sympathy washed over him as he observed the young woman's grim expression. Delilah, the contestant known for her meticulously cared-for curved knives, had been patrolling with Sofia. She restlessly drummed her fingers on the hilts, her silver eyes distant. Even before they spoke, Johnny knew their search had yielded no results.

"We've barely covered any ground on this island," Sofia said impatiently. "That's the problem. She could be just a few hundred feet away from camp, and we wouldn't even know."

"Fire," Delilah mused, her gaze fixed on the remnants of last night's fire. "Maybe if we set all the trees ablaze, we'd find her."

"Or burn her to ashes," Sofia remarked, casting a fleeting glance in Delilah's direction. "Not that I'm not tempted..."

"That won't work." Johnny turned abruptly, a shiver running down his spine as he heard that raspy, haunting voice. Lorelei, the woman he had come to think of as the seventh competitor, stood behind them. Her intense gaze pierced through him, fixated on the ground at his feet. "Fire won't catch here."

"In such dense trees? Surely it would," Sofia retorted, her narrowed eyes fixed on Lorelei. The tension in the air thickened as Lorelei approached. In the past few days, it had become evident that the contestants held a disdain for her. The camaraderie that had developed among them did not extend to include Lorelei, though Johnny couldn't discern if it was her fault or theirs.

"No. These trees aren't like the ones in Halforst. The climate here is temperate, damp. The air, the soil, even the wood is saturated with water. Fire won't take hold."

Johnny attempted to lighten the atmosphere with a light-hearted comment. "I think this might be the most you've ever spoken," he quipped, hoping to alleviate some of the tension. But Lorelei's face hardened, and she withdrew into herself, seemingly embarrassed by her own words. Unsurprisingly, the other two contestants exchanged dark glances, clearly resentful of the attention she was receiving. Johnny paid them no mind. He had hardly spoken to Lorelei, and she had been even more elusive since the second trial. If he had to shake her by the shoulders to engage in conversation, he would. "Does this knowledge come from your experience as a hunter?" he pressed on. "I feel like I know every other contestant's life story, but I don't even know what kind of weapon you fight with."

Lorelei appeared hunted, Sofia and Delilah glaring at her with hostility. Dennis, undoubtedly enjoying the tension, kept a close watch on the unfolding scene. "Fire..." Lorelei cleared her throat. "It worked on some creatures. The ones vulnerable to it. But others...it's like using water against a fish."

"Why don't you have a weapon?" Delilah interjected abruptly, before Johnny could ask any further questions. "Or any clothes?"

Lorelei's face hardened once again, and she tugged pointedly at the sleeve of her dark shirt.Johnny couldn't help but notice that the other contestants always seemed to have a fresh change of clothes, adapting to each occasion with flattering outfits for the evenings and practical attire for the trials and patrols. However, Lorelei stood out by wearing the same thing every time he saw her. He hadn't considered the possibility that she simply didn't have any other options.

Delilah, never one to hold back, pressed the matter. "I've seen your cot, there's nothing else there," she said, her tone light but her eyes piercing. "Do you dive into the sea to wash your clothes and yourself all at once? That would explain your hair, I suppose."

Sofia interjected softly, trying to diffuse the tension. "Delilah..."

"I'm not trying to be mean," Delilah quickly added, a little too defensively. "I just mean...you can borrow a comb if you want. Mariah has plenty."

Lorelei spoke quietly, revealing a glimpse into her circumstances. "Had to leave home quickly. Couldn't pack."

Delilah persisted, "Even your weapons?"

"Sofia," Sofia's voice grew sharper.

"I just find it strange. Can't I ask questions if something seems peculiar?"

"Not if you're being rude."

Although it was Sofia and Delilah who were engaged in the argument, Johnny found himself fixated on Lorelei. Her dull silver eyes, usually evasive, were now focused intently on the quarreling women. He noticed an unfamiliar hunger in her expression, a predatory look that reminded him of a bird swooping down to capture its prey.

"I understand, we're all anxious," Lorelei spoke in her rasping voice, her words awkwardly delivered. "Delilah is just a little paranoid."

Delilah's hand instinctively grasped the hilt of one of her knives. Dennis tensed beside Johnny, anticipating a confrontation. Sofia, already prepared to intervene physically, placed a steadying hand on Delilah's shoulder. Amidst the tension, Lorelei remained motionless, a monument in the fading light of the sunset.

"Sofia, please remove your hand from my shoulder," Delilah's voice was calm yet forceful, her gaze fixed on Lorelei.

"No. She's right," Sofia retorted sharply. "We're all stressed, but you're acting insane."

"What would you know?" Delilah snapped, her composure slipping. Sofia flinched.

"You shouldn't belittle Sofia so much, Delilah," Lorelei interjected, cutting off Sofia before she could respond. "She's not a child, no matter what you call her in private."

"I don't—" Delilah began, but Sofia had already risen to her feet, fists clenched and eyes blazing with anger. She stormed off towards the tent where the competitors were staying. Delilah watched her depart, then turned back to Lorelei, realization dawning in her narrowed eyes. "I see you," she stated simply. Before Johnny could intervene, Delilah disappeared as well, striding away to the far end of the beach and vanishing into the trees.

A heavy silence hung in the air. As usual, it was Dennis who broke it with a low whistle. "Tensions are high, huh?" he murmured. "I might go and check on everyone."

"I said something wrong," Lorelei spoke softly, her body curling inward. Had Johnny imagined that peculiar expression on her face, that strange glimmer of eagerness in her dull eyes? Now, as she looked up at him, he could only see dismay etched on her features. "I—it's been...I've been alone," she struggled to find her voice, her hoarse words halting. "I've been alone for a long time, and I've forgotten how to...be around others. How I look. How I sound."

"Alone? No pack, no family?" Johnny wondered how old she was. Her commanding presence and skills had led him to believe she was well into adulthood, but now she seemed as fragile as a child. She shook her head, pressing her lips together tightly as she tried to maintain eye contact. Without realizing it, Johnny reached out and draped an arm around her slender shoulders. He had expected her to be cold and brittle, but he was surprised by the warmth that radiated from her body and seeped into his own. An odd fluttering sensation stirred in his chest, a peculiar sense of triumph when she didn't recoil from his touch.

"My pack was killed by demons," she revealed, her voice low. "I survived. I survived alone, for years. I did what I had to."

"You're not alone anymore," he assured her, a strange impulse urging him to lift her chin and meet her silver eyes once more. In that moment, something intangible flickered between them. What was he witnessing? What was it about this woman that made him feel like he was missing something profoundly important?

"No," Lorelei responded. Later, Johnny would recall that her voice sounded different, though he couldn't quite pinpoint what had changed. "No, I'm not."

Before he could even gather his thoughts to respond, she vanished, leaving him with that peculiar fluttering feeling in his chest and more unanswered questions than before.

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