Chapter 18
Ethan
Dominik, it”s a planet and I don”t know how I”m going to tell the story of this place without making one thing very clear: a legend. Legend has it that: One day, an all-white wolf will appear in these lands and bring about the unification of all races in this place. He will command humans, werewolves, vampires and any other race that dwells here.
Can you understand that this legend is very important? Yes, it is, and knowing about it will make all the difference.
Maybe I could start telling my story in a different way, but if I did that I believe everyone would understand who Nicolas Carter was and the value he had in my soul.
The wind howled in my ears as I threw myself off the cliff, every muscle in my body tense in anticipation of the final fall. The pain of losing my alpha, the loneliness of being an omega without a pack, it all seemed to intensify as I plummeted toward what I thought was my end.
But the impact never came. Instead, I was enveloped by blinding light and a sensation of dizzying movement. I passed through a dimensional rift and traveled thousands of light years to a planet called Dominik.
When my eyes adjusted, I found myself in a completely different world. Gigantic trees towered toward a sky tinged with violet and orange hues, and the air was filled with birdsong that I had never seen before.
I was dazed, confused, but most of all, curious. My wolf senses heightened, picking up the scent of damp earth, exotic flowers, and, most intriguingly, the scent of other creatures. They weren”t the familiar scents of the wolves in my old pack, but something more... wild, more intense.
I ventured through the forest, each step taking me deeper into that unknown world. And then, I saw them. A group of tall, slender figures, with eyes that glowed like embers in the dim light. Vampires. My heart raced, but curiosity overcame fear. I kept getting closer, hiding in the shadows, watching them.
They were different from the vampires in the stories I had heard. More graceful, more... human. But still, they emanated an aura of power and danger that kept me on alert.
As I watched them, another group emerged from the forest. Werewolves. Taller and more muscular than vampires, with eyes that shone like a full moon. They were magnificent, wild, and something inside me stirred in recognition.
I was in a world of supernatural creatures, a world where I, a shapeshifting wolf, might not be so different after all. The pain of loss was still there, but new hope began to blossom in my chest. Maybe, in this new world, I could find a place for myself.
The woman”s slender figure moved with feline grace toward me, her long black hair waving like a living shadow. His red eyes sparkled with an intensity that made me shudder, even though my heart already belonged to someone else.
“Welcome, stranger.” His voice was like dark honey, rich and seductive. — This is the land of hybrids, where the blood of the wolf and the vampire mix.
I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the shiver that ran down my spine.
— Hybrids? I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. — Werewolves and vampires?
She smiled, revealing sharp canines.
— Yes, we are children of two races, cursed and blessed at the same time. And you, stranger, who are you?
I took a deep breath, deciding that honesty was the best policy.
— My name is Ethan. I”m a wolf, a shapeshifter... an omega.
His eyes widened for a moment, before a mischievous smile spread across his lips.
— An omega lost in strange lands? How interesting. My name is Marie, and I am the alpha of this pack. — he smiled. — The portal rift sends visitors daily, but always humans, this is the first time it has sent us a shapeshifter.
I bowed in respect, surprised by the revelation. A female alpha was rare, especially among hybrids. You didn”t have to belong to this place to know that.
“It”s an honor, Alpha Marie,” I replied, trying to hide my apprehension.
She approached, her red eyes studying me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable.
— There”s no need to be afraid, Ethan — he said in his low, hoarse voice. — In this pack, everyone is welcome, no matter where they come from.
Despite his words, I felt a chill run down my spine. Something about Marie made me uneasy, a feeling I couldn”t explain.
Marie guided me through the forest, her nimble, silent movements contrasting with my wolfish wariness. With each step, the atmosphere became denser, more charged with an energy that I couldn”t decipher.
— Ethan — his voice cut through the silence, deep and serious. — I need you to understand something. This world is not like yours. It is a hostile place, where survival depends on strength and cunning. And you, a lone omega, are an easy target.
His words hit me like a punch in the gut. I knew I was vulnerable, but hearing the raw truth made me feel even more lost and alone.
“But I”m not afraid,” I replied, lifting my chin in defiance. — I am a wolf, a survivor.
Marie stared at me for a long moment, her red eyes glowing in the dim light.
“And that”s why I”m going to give you a chance,” she said, her voice softer now. — I”ll turn you into one of us.
My heart raced.
- To transform? I asked, confused.
“Yes,” she approached, her sharp canines gleaming in the moonlight. — I will bite you, and my blood will give you the strength and resistance of hybrids. You will become a werewolf with vampire blood, a born predator.
The idea scared and fascinated me at the same time. I knew the risks, the pain, the brutal transformation that awaited me. But I also knew I had nothing to lose. Everything that could go wrong in my life had already gone wrong.
— I accept — he said, looking directly into her eyes.
A cruel smile spread across his lips.
“Great choice, Ethan,” she whispered, her eyes shining with a predatory hunger. — Prepare to be reborn.
Pain struck me like lightning, exploding through every nerve in my body as Marie”s teeth sank into my neck. A guttural scream escaped my lips, echoing through the silent forest.
My body contorted, bones breaking and reforming, muscles expanding and contracting in agonizing spasms. The forest around me turned into a blur of colors and sounds as I fought to maintain consciousness.
And then, something changed. The pain turned into a surge of power, a raw energy that pulsed through my veins. My eyes opened, and the world revealed itself in vivid, clear detail.
But it was no longer the same world. I was no longer the same wolf.
My hair now glowed an immaculate white. My eyes now burned an intense gold. And inside me, a primal force roared, demanding to be released.
I stood up, the transformation complete. It was bigger, stronger, more powerful than I ever imagined possible. And as I looked at Marie and the other hybrids, a wave of energy emanated from me, dominating the clearing.
“I”m Ethan,” I declared, my voice echoing with unearthly authority. — The white wolf with golden eyes.
The hybrids looked at each other, confused and scared. But Marie, her eyes wide and full of awe, knelt before me.
— The legend... — she whispered, her voice trembling. — The white wolf... the alpha of all races.
One by one, the other hybrids followed Marie”s example, bowing before me in an act of submission. And I, the broken and lost omega, found myself reborn as the supreme alpha, the fated ruler of this new world.
The clearing was filled with a new presence, an aura of power and majesty that made even the hybrids cower in respect. A tall, imposing figure emerged from the shadows, his red eyes burning with an intensity that rivaled my own.
— Ethan — his voice was deep and melodious, filled with a reverence that left me even more confused. — The white wolf... it is an honor to be in your presence.
He knelt before me, his head bowed in a gesture of submission.
— I am Kog, prince of vampires — he continued, his voice now softer. —And I offer you my loyalty and that of my people.
My heart was beating wildly. In just a few minutes, I went from a lonely omega to an alpha revered by werewolves and vampires. It was too much to take in, too much to understand.
Fear and confusion mixed inside me, creating a whirlwind of emotions that I couldn”t control. Without thinking, I turned and ran, leaving behind the clearing and the creatures that looked at me with a mixture of amazement and adoration.
I ran aimlessly, guided only by the instinct to escape. The forest became a blur of green and brown as I tried to get my thoughts in order. Who was I now? What should I do?
I spent five days wandering through the forest, feeding on small animals and drinking water from crystal clear streams. Little by little, the initial confusion gave way to silent determination. I couldn”t escape my destiny. I was the white wolf, the alpha of all races, and I had a responsibility to those who swore loyalty to me.
I returned to the clearing, ready to face my new role. But what I found left me even more perplexed.
The clearing, once a meeting place for hybrids, was now transformed into a busy camp. Tents of different sizes and styles dotted the area, and the air was filled with the sound of voices, laughter, and the smell of food being prepared.
Vampires and werewolves lived in harmony, working together to build shelters, hunt and care for the young. The hostility and distrust that previously marked relations between the two races seemed to have completely disappeared.
In the center of the clearing, a makeshift throne had been constructed from branches and animal skins. It was a symbol of my new status, a reminder of my responsibility as alpha.
But what surprised me most was the presence of other creatures. Fairies with glowing wings, bearded gnomes, and even a blue-skinned merman mingled with the vampires and werewolves, all looking at me with expectation and hope.
I had unified not just two races, but the entire supernatural world. And now, it was up to me to lead them, guide them to a future of peace and prosperity.
Kneeling before me, Kog, the prince of vampires, expressed his loyalty with a sincerity that touched me deeply. His red eyes, once burning with passion, now reflected respect and admiration.
— Ethan, alpha of all races — his voice was firm and determined. — I, Kog, prince of vampires, swear loyalty to you and your command. I place myself and my people at your disposal, to serve and protect under your leadership.
Marie, the alpha of the hybrids, joined him, her golden eyes shining with determination.
— I, Marie, alpha of the hybrids, also swear loyalty to you, Ethan — she said, her voice full of emotion. — We, the children of the moon and shadows, are ready to follow your path and build a future of peace and unity.
“And not just that, Ethan,” Marie continued, her steady gaze meeting mine. — We will train you, guide you in this new life. We will teach you everything we know about this world, about its dangers and its wonders. Together, we will prepare you to lead all races, to fulfill your destiny as the ultimate alpha.
A feeling of gratitude and hope filled my chest. I was not alone on this journey. I had two powerful leaders by my side, willing to help me walk my path.
— I accept your loyalty and your help — I declared, raising my head in a gesture of trust. — Together, we will build a future where all creatures can live in harmony, a future worthy of the white wolf.
Kog, with an enigmatic smile, extended his hand in an unexpected invitation.
— Ethan, alpha of all races, would you like to see my home? The Red Castle awaits you.
A wave of curiosity invaded me. I had never heard of Crimson Castle, the legendary vampire fortress, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to visit it.
— It will be an honor, Kog — I replied, accepting his extended hand.
Everything was so new, my heart was still heavy with grief, however, starting over seemed to be very good.
Together, we set off towards the castle, accompanied by Marie and a group of hybrid guards. The journey was shorter than I expected, and I soon found myself faced with a sight that took my breath away.
The Red Castle stood imposingly on top of a hill, its red towers shining in the setting sun. It was a magnificent building, with walls carved in intricate detail and windows that reflected the light like a thousand diamonds.
But what impressed me most was the city that stretched out at the foot of the castle. Houses lined up along wide, tree-lined streets, busy markets and squares full of life. Humans, vampires and werewolves lived in harmony, working together, laughing and sharing their lives.
— Here, all races live in peace, Ethan — Kog explained, his gaze roaming the city with pride. — Thanks to the sun on this planet, our vampires can walk freely during the day, without fear of getting burned.
My eyes widened in surprise. I had never heard of a place like this, where vampires and humans could coexist peacefully.
“It”s incredible,” I murmured, marveling at the sight.
Kog smiled.
— Come on, Ethan — he said, guiding me towards the castle. — Let me show you the wonders of the Crimson Castle.
We climbed the hill, each step bringing me closer to the imposing fortress. And as I prepared to enter the world of vampires, a sense of anticipation and curiosity washed over me.
As I crossed the gates of Castelo Crimson, I was enveloped by an atmosphere that transcended architectural beauty. The air seemed to vibrate with a welcoming energy, as if every molecule was infused with oxytocin, the hormone of love and connection.
Lush gardens stretched out on all sides, displaying a profusion of exotic flowers that I had never seen before. Black orchids with velvety petals, golden roses that sparkled in the sunlight, and silver lilies that exuded an intoxicating scent.
The aroma of the flowers mixed with the delicious smell of local cuisine, which came from the castle”s kitchen. It was a symphony of aromas that tantalized the palate: exotic spices, grilled meats, fresh breads and sweets with wild fruits.
Every detail of the Crimson Castle seemed to have been carefully planned to awaken the senses and create an atmosphere of pleasure and well-being. The walls were adorned with richly embroidered tapestries, the windows were decorated with colorful stained glass, and the floors were covered in soft, shaggy rugs.
The soft music of harps and flutes echoed through the halls, creating an enchanting soundtrack to the sensory experience. And everywhere, there were smiles and welcoming looks, as if every inhabitant of the castle was genuinely happy to welcome me.
With every step I took through the Crimson Castle, my heart was filled with a joy I hadn”t felt in a long time. The beauty of the place, the harmony between the creatures, the kindness with which I was welcomed... everything conspired to make me forget the pain of the past and surrender to the present.
Kog, ever attentive, introduced me to each member of his court, from the wisest advisors to the most fearless warriors. But it was one encounter in particular that left a deep impression on me.
— Ethan, this is Charles, my most loyal servant — Kog announced, gesturing to a young vampire with black hair and sky blue eyes.
The moment our eyes met, I felt a shock run through my body. Charles was incredibly similar to my late beloved, with the same gentle smile and the same penetrating gaze.
“It”s a pleasure to meet you, Ethan,” Charles said, bowing.
His voice was soft and melodious, like a bird”s song. I was speechless, trapped in his blue eyes, which seemed to see into my soul.
“It”s my pleasure, Charles,” I replied, finally finding my voice.
Kog smiled, as if he noticed the instant connection between us.
“Charles is a young vampire,” he explained. — But he has already proven his loyalty and intelligence on several occasions.
I nodded, unable to look away from Charles. He was like a ghost from my past, a painful yet comforting memory.
— I hope we can get to know each other better, Charles — I said, feeling a twinge of hope in my heart.
He smiled, and his blue eyes sparkled with an intensity that made me shudder.
“It would be an honor, Ethan,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion.
At that moment, I knew that my life on planet Dominik was just beginning. And that, perhaps, destiny had reserved a new chance for me to love.