Chapter 4 A DIFFERENT KILLER

Kane slowly opened his eyes, disoriented from his dream. He looked around, taking in his surroundings. He was still in the same spot where he had taken a break.

"Oh no, this dream again," he muttered to himself. The same dream had been haunting him for weeks, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that it was more than just a dream.

"But where will I find this girl?" he asked himself, his mind racing with thoughts. He got up slowly, dusting himself off. He released his horse and led it to a nearby stream to drink.

As the horse drank, Kane's thoughts turned to his mission. "So, all I need to do is find this girl, and my mission is complete. But where do I even start?" He was still confused, his mind filled with questions.

The horse made a soft neighing sound, signaling that it had finished drinking. "Good boy," Kane said, patting the horse's neck. He climbed back onto the horse, starting to ride slowly, with no particular destination in mind.

As he rode, he repeated a mantra to himself: "I just need to keep going. I just need to keep going."

FANG KINGDOM

After hours of riding, Kane stumbled upon a desolate village. As he approached the doorpost, two guards barred his way.

"Who are you?" one of the guards demanded.

"I am an Alpha of the Fangoria kingdom," Kane replied. "I need to rest for a while."

The guard's expression changed from suspicion to surprise. "An Alpha? Why are you dressed like this? What's your mission? Are you a spy?" The guard bombarded Kane with questions.

Kane reassured them, "I am an Alpha, please believe me."

The guard pressed on, "Then show us your identity mark, proving you're an Alpha."

Kane hesitated, realizing he had left everything behind when he left his kingdom.

The guard sneered, "You're a liar! You're not an Alpha, just a spy sent by our killer."

Kane curiosity piqued, "What killer?"

One of the guards explained, "Our kingdom is plagued by intense killings and destruction."

The other guard cautioned, "Be careful what you share with strangers."

Kane dismounted his horse and reassured them, "I mean no harm. I'm an Alpha searching for answers. My kingdom was recently attacked by a killer, and I have three months to find them or forfeit the throne."

The guards exchanged skeptical glances. One asked, "Are you truly an Alpha?"

Kane confirmed, "Yes, I am."

A guard asked, "All Alphas have a tattoo on their back. Can we see it?"

Kane agreed, but the guards stopped him from undressing in public. "Let's take you to our chambers, where we can discuss this further."

In the inner chambers, the two guards' eyes widened as they beheld the tattoo on Kane's back. They exchanged a glance, and then both bowed deeply, showing their respect.

"Oh, no, stand up," Kane said, waving his hand.

The guards rose and sat beside him. "What about your king?" they asked.

One of the guards answered, "He was killed recently when the killer attacked us. Our kingdom has been left desolate and empty. Many people have fled to unknown places, and those who remain live in fear, never knowing when the killer will strike again."

Kane's expression turned grave. "That's devastating. Is there anyone I can meet with who serves as the ruler now?"

The guards conferred with each other before answering, "There's an old man in our village who often meets with strangers. He might be the best person to speak with."

Kanee nodded. "Okay, take me to him."

The guards led Kane on the journey to the old man's house, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

.

As they walked, the guards led Kane to a small, rustic hut. "This is the old man's house," one of the guards explained. "We won't be able to enter with you, as we need to return to our post."

Kane nodded in understanding. "Thank you very much."

The two guards turned back, leaving Kane alone to approach the hut. He knocked gently on the small door, and soon heard the sound of shuffling footsteps.

The door creaked open, revealing an elderly man with a bent back and grey hair. Kane wasn't surprised by the old man's frail appearance.

"What do you want?" the old man asked in a weak, raspy voice.

Kane explained, "Sir, I'm here to see the leader of this kingdom."

The old man shook his head slowly, beckoning Kane to enter. Kane understood the gesture and stepped inside.

The hut was sparse, with only a few scattered properties on the cold floor. The old man sat down, and Kane joined him.

The old man began to explain, "You see, this kingdom lost its leaders months ago. Now, I'm the only one people come to for advice."

"How can I help you?" the old man asked.

"My name is Kane," he replied. The old man's expression changed to one of shock

"You're the new Alpha of the Fangoria kingdom! What are you doing here? Don't you know it's dangerous for you to leave your kingdom?" The old man bombarded Kane with questions.

I was sent on a mission to find the killer but I didn't know he was attacking other people kingdom' Kane,explained to the old man

The old man's expression turned grave. "It's been like that for years. No one knows who the killer is. People assume he's a maskman, some say he's a werewolf. We're all confused. Sometimes we see a stab wound, and other times we see scratches. We don't know what's really killing our people. Our leader's death is still a mystery."

"Mystery, how?" Kane asked the old man.

"Hm, our leader was sent on a mission to find the killer, just like you. We sent him off with various prayers and rituals. But just a night before the full moon celebration, we saw a shocking sight."

"What shocking sight?" Kane asked.

"We saw a blood moon glow," the old man replied.

"What!!! A blood moon glow?' Kane, asked with a shocked face

The old man's eyes clouded. "Yes, we immediately knew it was a sign of danger. We tried to contact our Alpha, but it was fruitless. We couldn't reach him or his Beta."

Kane eyes widened. "What happened next?"

The old man continued, "The day of the full moon celebration arrived, but there were several disturbances. Animals became restless, the winds made strange noises, and there was a sudden drop in temperature. I knew something was wrong."

Kane leaned in, his voice low. "What did you do?"

The old man's voice trembled. "We tried to contact the Alpha again, but... Just a few hours into the rituals, one of the guards rushed to us, telling us to come and see a shocking sight. We assumed it was the death of another villager, but..."

Kane's eyes locked onto the old man's. "What did you see?"

The old man's voice barely above a whisper. "We saw our Alpha and Beta lying dead in a pool of their own blood."

Kane's eyes widened in shock. "What was shocking about the death?"

The old man's eyes clouded. "We saw a silver-plated axe beside the Alpha."

Kane's eyes widened further. "A silver-plated axe?"

Here's a rewritten, polished version of the conversation:

"I'm sure you know the meaning of a silver-plated axe," the old man said, his eyes locked on Kane's.

Kane nodded, his expression grave. "Yes."

The old man glanced around, his brow furrowed. "Where is your Beta?"

Kane replied, "He's in the village, looking after the kingdom."

The old man's eyes narrowed. "Why didn't he accompany you? Didn't you know you need someone to accompany you on this dangerous mission?"

Kane explained, "I told him to stay back and look after the kingdom. I wanted to go on this mission alone, to prove my victory."

The old man's expression turned skeptical. "Many people have gone on this mission and been brought back home dead. Do you really have the mind for this?"

Kane's jaw set, determination burning in his eyes. "Yes, I know I can do it. I'll keep going. I have a motivation, and I know I'm not a coward."

The old man smiled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Yes, I like your confidence, King."

Kane asked the old man, "Where did the attack take place?"

The old man's expression turned grave. "The attack was said to have taken place on the Forgotten Way."

Kane's eyes narrowed. "The Forgotten Way? What's so special about that place?"

The old man's voice dropped to a whisper. "Many people assumed that the Alpha must have uncovered a sacred secret, and was killed to prevent its revelation. Others believe the Shadow Pack was involved in the attack."

Kane's eyes widened. "The Shadow Pack? Why would they attack our Alpha?"

The old man's eyes clouded. "Some people believe our Alpha visited the Shadow Pack before embarking on the mission. They think he sought dark magic to protect himself."

Kane's expression turned thoughtful. "Dark magic? That's a serious accusation. Do you think it's true?"

The old man's voice was laced with concern. "I don't know, King. But I do know that the Forgotten Way is a place of ancient power, where secrets and mysteries abound. If our Alpha did indeed uncover a sacred secret, it could have been his downfall.'

"I wish I knew what our Alpha saw," the old man said, shaking his head. "I wish I had the opportunity to review it, but..."

"Who do you think is responsible for the killings?" King asked, his eyes narrowing.

The old man hesitated. "I cannot answer that either. But I can tell you that several marks have been found on the victims. Some had scratches, while others had a silver knife pierced through them."

King's expression turned grim. "And what about the others? The ones who suffered a worse fate?"

The old man's voice dropped to a whisper. "Some of the victims had... unusual markings. Symbols carved into their flesh, as if the killer was trying to send a message."

King's eyes widened. "What kind of symbols?"

"The symbol on the bodies was a pentagram with a red dot," the old man said to kane

King asked, "What does it mean?"

The old man replied, "It means the killers are not just ordinary beings. They consist of a werewolf, a witch, and possibly something else we don't know yet."

Kane's eyes widened. "That's a powerful combination."

The old man nodded. "Yes, and it explains why the victims were killed in different ways. The Omegas were killed with a silver knife, the Deltas with scratch marks, and the Betas with a pentagram."

King asked, "And what about our Alpha?"

The old man replied, "The silver-plated axe used to kill our Alpha suggests that the killers are not just random supernatural beings. They have a specific agenda."

Kane's mind was racing. "I left my village thinking the werewolf was the killer, but now I'm not so sure."

The old man nodded. "The truth is often more complex than we think. This mission requires special intelligence and protection."

Kane mentioned his recurring dream. "I've been seeing a young lady in my dream, and a voice keeps telling me to find her and I'll find answers to my mission."

The old man's eyes sparkled. "You're very lucky. The dream is a direct answer to your questions. All you have to do is find the lady."

Kane looked confused. "But I don't know her. I don't always see her face in the dream."

The old man smiled. "You just have to keep going. One day, you'll run into her."

Kane stood up, indicating it was time to leave. "Are you leaving?" the old man asked.

"Yes, old man," Kane replied. "Aren't you going to stay here overnight?"

"No, old man, I have to leave," Kane insisted.

The old man nodded. "But the world is dangerous, Kane""

Kane laughed. "I'm used to it already."

The old man smiled. "Hm, I see. Well, thank you for your answers,

Kane thanked the old man. "Well, wait for me," the old man said.

The old man walked to a dusty cupboard, retrieved a small ring, and approached Kane.. "Remember to wear this at all times. It was given to the former Alpha, but we found it beside him, meaning someone removed it. We're grateful it was returned."

The old man placed the ring on King's middle finger. "Thank you, old man."

"Don't worry, when you return victorious, you'll be the first person I'll see," Kane assured the old man.

The old man escorted King to the door. "Bye, I wish you victory in your mission."

Kane smiled and left, ready to face the challenges ahead.

Immediately, Kane strode out of Fang kingdom. The air felt different, filled with a mix of emotions - happiness and fear.

Kane pondered the old man's words and gazed at the ring on his finger, a smile spreading across his face. His mind, however, was elsewhere. Two weeks had passed since he last heard from his mother, and worry gnawed at his heart.

"I hope she's fine," he whispered to himself. "I hope the kingdom is fine."

He steeled himself, determination burning within. "They just have to wait a little longer. I'll be back home, victorious."

With renewed resolve, Kane continued his journey, the ring on his finger a symbol of his unwavering commitment to his mission.

The loud sound of the doorbell echoed through the house. "Who is that?" Friya's friend replied from inside.

Freya friend quickly stood up and made her way to the door. She opened it to find a moody, aged woman standing on the porch.

"Who do you seek?" the lady questioned.

"Please, do you know anybody by the name Freya?" the old woman asked.

Freya's friend nodded. "Yes, but who are you? Please, can I talk to her? Can I see her?"

Freya's friend shrugged her shoulder and allowed the woman to enter. "Please, come in."

As the woman entered, Freya's friend called out, "Freya,someone is here to see you!"

Freya's voice came from the room, "Oh, give me a minute, I'm coming."

When Freya emerged from the room, she stopped dead in her tracks, shocked to see her visitor. "Mom!" Friya exclaimed.

Freya's friend thought to herself, "Wow, that's her mom."

Freya approached her mother cautiously. "Hm, what are you doing here?" she asked.

Her mother smiled, but Freya's friend sensed a hint of insincerity. "I came to see you. I was worried about you," her mother replied.

Freya's friend walked away, leaving the two alone to have their time.

Freya's eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"

Her Freya's face twisted in anger. "I have left your house for you. What else do you want from me?"

Freya's mother voice rose. "Freya,my daughter, I am sorry for acting harshly towards you. It's not my fault."

"Then whose fault is it?" Freya shot back. "I did nothing to you. I only loved you as a daughter, but all I get in return is hate."

Her mother's expression softened. "I am sorry, please forgive me. Come back home, we can work it out, mother and daughter."

Freya's tone turned sarcastic. "Never. Just to inform you, I am leaving France anytime soon, and I don't plan on returning."

Her mother's eyes widened in shock. "Leaving France? What? Why? When? How?"

Freya raised her hand, halting the barrage of questions. "Stop. I am just leaving France for good."

Her mother's face fell. "But, my daughter, you must have a reason for leaving France."

Freya's eyes locked onto her mother's. "I am leaving France to find answers. Answers to myself, to my personality. I need to know who I am."

Her mother looked confused. "I don't understand you, my daughter."

Freya's voice dropped to a whisper. "I have been having strange nightmares, seeing different things in my dreams. But you never took me seriously."

Her mother's expression turned defensive. "That's because it means nothing."

Freya's eyes flashed. "No, it means something. I am not human. I need to know what I am."

Her mother's face paled. "Well, then, where do you plan on going?"

Freya shrugged. "I don't know, but anywhere I can get my answers."

Her mother's voice trembled. "Okay, why not come back home, then? We can discuss this."

Freya's expression hardened. "No, I am not coming back home. I am done with you, and I have left your house for good. And I am leaving France also, for good."

With that, Freya turned and walked away, leaving her mother in a state of despair

Freya's friend stepped out of the room to find Freya's mother seated with a sad face.

"Don't worry, ma'am," Friya's friend said reassuringly. "I'll talk to Freya."

Freya's mother looked up, a hint of a smile on her face. "Thank you, my dear. I really appreciate it. Please, even if she just comes to pay me a visit, I wouldn't mind."

Freya's friend nodded sympathetically. "Don't worry, ma. I'll do just that."

With a nod, Freya's mother stood up, heading towards the door. "I'll take my leave now."

"Thank you very much, my daughter," Freya's mother said, thanking her host repeatedly. "Thank you for allowing and accommodating my daughter."

Freya's friend smiled graciously. "It's no problem, ma'am."

With that, Freya's friend opened the door, allowing Friya's mother to step out.

COVEN IN A DEEP FOREST

Four mysterious figures sat huddled around a dimly lit table, their eyes fixed intently on the center of the table. Spread out before them was a large, intricately detailed map, adorned with various kingdoms and markings.

A strange, female voice pierced the air. "Rose, it's time. Let's see which kingdom is next for desolation."

A bony hand mysteriously rolled a pair of dice across the table. The dice danced and spun, finally coming to rest on a specific kingdom. The four figures erupted into a chorus of maniacal laughter.

"Which one is next?" one of them asked, their eyes gleaming with malevolence.

The female figure leaned in, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "Ah, just my favorite..."