Chapter 28:
A week passed after the great battle with Dreadmane and Theresa. Slowly, things began to return to normal. Prince Lucien, Princess Jessica, Seraphine, and Chris had finally learned the truth about Ethan's family — the dire wolves. At first, it was hard for them to accept… until they saw the wolves transform before their very eyes.
To make things even stranger, Lucas revealed that he was a lich, making Ethan the only human among them.
For days, the group struggled to process all the information, but eventually, they came to terms with it. Once the shock passed, training resumed as usual.
Seraphine had returned to the capital to request an extended stay... weeks, months, or even years to continue training the royal children in the forest. The king granted his approval, allowing them to continue without worry.
Prince Lucien's speed and adaptability had improved greatly, Chris's endurance was remarkable, and Jessica was learning to use magic without her staff. Seraphine herself had grown stronger, refining her Atherion even further.
"Looks like things are finally getting back to normal," Lucas said to Ethan, who sat a short distance away, watching the others train.
"You're right," Ethan replied, his gaze fixed on the training ground. "But Chris… he surprised me the most. There's something about him. The way he faces power almost as if it frightens him."
Lucas frowned slightly. "I do not follow, my lord."
Ethan pointed toward Chris, who was now practicing with his fists. He had filled a sack with sand and hung it from a tree, striking it over and over.
"He's always had a strange attachment to swords," Ethan continued quietly. "Maybe something in his past. But now, it seems… he's ready to let go."
"I see," Lucas murmured. He turned his gaze toward Prince Lucien, who was doing push-ups while channeling bits of his Atherion into the glowing orb embedded in Lucas's staff. "And what of him, my lord?"
Ethan's eyes softened. "I see a true king," he said. "My brother… he's pushing himself toward greatness. The path he walks... strength, honor, respect and love it surpasses me in every way. I tried to chase his shadow, to prove I was the true king. But now I understand. I can't reach him that way. And I don't need to."
A faint smile crossed his lips. "I'll focus on what truly matters... The family I already have."
He stood up slowly. "Now then… where are the wolves?"
"We're right here."
Solvian's deep voice came from behind. The eight dire wolves stood proudly in unison, each one smiling with conviction.
"You're not just our master," Solvian said firmly. "You're our king... Our brother. You took us in when no one else would. You gave us a purpose. You're our pride. So never think you're alone again."
Ethan chuckled, turning to face them. "Well, well, well…" He placed a hand by his face before slipping both hands into his pockets.
"I guess this journey's about to kick off, huh?" he said with a grin.
He turned to Sophia. "You did well teaching Jessica to use magic without a staff. Now, Elarixa... I need you to teach her how to hone her Atherion. She must learn that even a small amount, when focused, can create great things especially in battle."
Elarixa smiled warmly. "Good to have you back, my lord."
Ethan nodded. "Logan... Chris is your responsibility. Teach him about strength and willpower. You might be a wolf, but your spirit's as strong as any bull."
Logan gave a silent nod.
"And Solvian," Ethan said with a grin, "you already know your task."
"Of course."
"Alright, everyone this is it," Ethan said, golden energy beginning to swirl around him as he slowly levitated. "Eight years. That's all we need. Eight years to prepare… and then, freedom."
His team said nothing, but their smiles spoke volumes. Even Thessaria, usually so cold, let a small smile slip.
"If they become strong... Strong enough to rule their kingdoms well then... My duty as their elder brother will be fulfilled," Ethan said softly. "Now, brothers and sisters… will you join me in this quest?"
He reached out his left hand.
Solvian placed his hand atop Ethan's without hesitation. Then Elarixa joined, followed by Nekubuki, Logan, Jake, Sophia, Julia, and finally Thessaria.
"All for the wolves," Julia muttered with a yawn.
Solvian smirked. "Look who finally spoke. Just like Thessaria... The invisible one."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Julia said, scratching the back of her head.
Their joined hands glowed faintly with a faint golden light.
To be continued...