Chapter 8: The Contract

Inside the palace, flickering ghostly blue flames cast light upon Kaler’s face, outlining a profile of resolve and determination.

The shadow of a giant wolf crept closer, its razor-sharp claws glinting coldly in the firelight, as if a single swipe could tear Kaler to shreds.

Alan remained in a deep slumber beside the stone sarcophagus, his brows furrowed, his complexion deathly pale. Black mist continuously seeped from the sarcophagus, as if an invisible force were beckoning to his very bloodline.

Kaler did not retreat; he did not even raise his dagger. He stood tall, his gaze unwavering.

The lupine shadow halted, lowering its head to loom over Kaler. Its eyes, like blood-red moons, reflected a cold sneer. "Are you not afraid of death?"

Kaler shook his head slowly. "I am."

"Then why do you stand here?"

"Because he is my brother," Kaler replied, his voice calm yet sharp and resonant as a blade. "He has not lived enough, and I... I can bear all the pain for him."

The palace fell into a brief silence, with only the faint crackle of the flames echoing in the vast space.

The wolf-shadow paced slowly, then spoke in a low, heavy tone: "Your blood can shield him from the curse, but the price is more than just pain."

Kaler took a deep breath and stared directly into the shadow. "Go on."

"You shall enter into a pact with the Wolf Clan," the shadow said, its gaze like a blade. "Your soul will be bound to mine. From this day forward, every time the blood moon rises, you will gradually transform, becoming a creature half-man, half-wolf, until you lose yourself entirely."

Kaler’s pupils constricted slightly, his fingertips instinctively tightening around his dagger.

The woman stepped forward abruptly, blocking Kaler and fixing a cold gaze upon the shadow. "How is this any different from killing him?"

The wolf-shadow let out a scornful laugh. "This is the only mercy I can offer."

Kaler reached out to press a hand on the woman's shoulder, signaling her to stand down. His voice was calm and firm: "I accept."

The woman turned to him, shocked. "Kaler, have you lost your mind? Once the pact is signed, you will be shackled by the curse. There is no way you will leave here alive."

Kaler looked at the sleeping Alan, a bitter smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "If he can live, then even if I become a monster, it is worth it."

The woman gritted her teeth, her eyes flashing with anger and frustration, yet she could find no argument.

The wolf-shadow let out a satisfied growl. Its sharp claw slashed the void, and an ancient lupine rune manifested in the air, hovering before Kaler.

"Drip your blood into the pact," the shadow commanded in a low voice.

Kaler did not hesitate. He drew the dagger across his palm, and blood trickled down, slowly merging into the rune.

As the final drop vanished, the rune erupted in a blinding light, and a surge of scorching energy rushed into Kaler’s body.

He let out a muffled groan, dropping to one knee with a hand pressed against his chest. He felt as though his insides were burning, with a strange and violent power surging through his veins.

The shadow whispered, "The pact is sealed."

The black mist on Alan began to dissipate. His furrowed brows relaxed, his breathing steadied, and color slowly returned to his face.

Kaler exhaled a long breath, wiping sweat from his forehead, the weight lifted from his heart.

But soon, he noticed the changes in his own body—his fingernails were growing sharp, a faint, ghostly blue glow flickered in his pupils, and his senses of hearing and smell had sharpened intensely.

This change was unsettling.

The wolf-shadow faded into a phantom, vanishing into the depths of the palace, leaving behind only a cryptic parting remark: "When the blood moon rises, you shall understand the true meaning of the pact."

After they passed through the stone gate, the forest returned to silence, and the dawn light fell upon the three of them.

Alan opened his eyes, looking around in confusion. "Are we out?"

Kaler smiled and nodded, ruffling his hair. "Yes, you are safe now."

Alan paused, then hugged Kaler tightly, his voice trembling. "I thought... I thought I would never wake up."

Kaler patted his back gently, offering low, soothing words. "I wouldn't let anything happen to you."

The woman stood to the side, watching the brothers, a flicker of tenderness and envy in her eyes.

However, her gaze soon shifted to Kaler’s hand—the wound that had yet to heal was slowly oozing dark red blood, and faint black markings were beginning to surface on the back of his hand.

The woman’s expression darkened, a wave of worry washing over her.

That night, by the forest campfire, Alan slept soundly, his breathing even and his face serene.

Kaler sat by the fire, his hands trembling slightly, staring blankly into the flames.

Subtle changes were already taking hold of his body; his hearing, smell, and perception were far beyond those of an ordinary man. Yet, at the same time, he could feel a restless power deep within him beginning to awaken.

The woman walked over and handed him a flask of water. "Are you alright?"

Kaler took the flask, sipped, and shook his head with a bitter smile. "I can manage."

She sat down quietly, her gaze flickering with the firelight. After a moment, she said softly, "You shouldn't have to bear this alone."

Kaler paused, looking at her. "This was my choice."

The woman sighed quietly. "If a day comes when you cannot hold on, remember, there are those who can help you."

The campfire danced between them, casting long shadows, as if etching this warmth into the heart of the night.

Kaler was silent for a moment, then smiled. "Thank you."

He knew the Wolf King’s pact was only the beginning, and the road ahead was destined to be turbulent.

But for now, he simply watched Alan’s sleeping face, felt the warmth of the fire, and savored this moment of peace.