The Void Wolf

Ira examined the Temple while walking with the scribes. For the most part, the only things that stood out were murals and carvings depicting the moon and a few wolves. Once they arrived at the end, there was an altar depicting the three moons with the Red Moon being the largest.

“There has been some speculation as to your origins, Keeper. Many believe that you are a type of Lycanthrope, but her Majesty and those that attended the Summit were adamant that you were something different.” The Head Scribe readied his parchment to record any and everything Ira said.

“You want to know what I am, is that it?” Ira asked while examining the altar.

“Ah, only if you are willing to share that information, Keeper.” The Head Scribe bowed.

“Stand back a little,” Ira turn to face the scribe with a grin.

“...As you wish, Keeper.” The group of scribes complied with Ira’s orders and moved back.

Black mist surrounded Ira and formed a bubble that took on the shape of a heart. From the heart, black tendrils crawled out and overlapped before forming a skeleton and muscle structure of a wolf. The threads of black mist eventually solidified becoming fur and the figure of a twenty-foot black wolf stood in the temple. Due to the Red Moon which Ira was still channeling, the strength of his transformation was increased which led to his size increasing. The Wolf opened its glowing pupilless red eyes and look down at the scribes.

The Head Scribe and the others went speechless before suddenly prostrating on the ground. In their eyes, the transformation they witnessed was something sacred.

Ira watched as the scribes who seemed to be composed a moment ago offered sincere prayers toward him and the Red Moon in low whispers.

Ira undid his transformation and looked at the devout scribes. He already expected their reaction so he waited patiently until they were done.

“...Apologies, Keeper.” The Head Scribe bowed again.

“Alright, just stop bowing and ask me whatever you wanted.” Ira waved his hands.

“As you say, Keeper...To start, are you an ancient spirit that has taken physical form to guide us?”

Ira almost chuckled as he listened, it was clear that the question was spurred on by his transformation.

He contemplated what he was for a few moments before responding, “I can’t use magic so I’m definitely not a spirit and I’m not here to guide anyone.”

“If that wasn’t magic then perhaps…” The Head Scribe began writing along with those around him. In his eyes, If Ira wasn’t a spirit and couldn’t use magic then it would be safe to assume that he transcended both of those things. As for Ira’s denial of guiding them, he chose to interpret as Ira wanted them to find their own way without depending on him.

“Keeper, how do you view morality and justice?” A scribe asked.

“If you decide someone is an enemy then why waste time with thoughts like that? People have been killing since the world was created and it won’t stop because some people talk about morals and justice.”

The scribes moved their hands intensely as they came up with their own conjectures. Anyone seen as an enemy should be met with a strict and unmoving aggression.

“Then what about life and death, Keeper? I’m not sure if you’re aware but it was said that we were abandoned and cursed by the Gods. Until your appearance, we had prayed for the ones we lost to live on in the moonlight. Should we change that stance?” The Head Scribe asked.

“I don’t care what you do,” Ira stated plainly before continuing, “Everyone who doesn’t possess some type of immortality will eventually die or be killed. It’s the natural order of things if you can’t obtain the ability to resist then maybe you’re better off accepting it.”

Ira’s own death was violent and abrupt but he knew he couldn’t change it or erase it from his memory no matter how hard he tried. The only thing he could do was make sure that it never happened again.

“I see…” Once again the scribes began to write in order to draw anything they could from Ira’s statements.

Given the intentionally impressionable nature of those in the Dark Elf Empire, it was likely they would adopt nihilistic and assertive practices which, coincidentally, were opposite of the Elves of the Great Forest who valued nature and life. Even though the Elves were not opposed to killing, they did most of it in defense of the Great Forest.

“Is that it?” Ira asked as the scribes who were locked in thought.

“Ah, yes, Keeper. Thank you for your time.” The scribes bowed in unison.

Ira nodded before he left the temple and looked at the crowd of hundreds outside of the temple. Since Ira continued channeling the Red Moon more and more people were drawn toward the source which led to the huge gathering.

“Keeper.” The guards saluted as Ira approached.

“Let’s go,” Ira spoke as he watched the crowd gaze at him probingly.

“Alright, we’ll tell them to disperse and then–” A lycanthrope was interrupted by Ira raising his hand.

“You don’t need to.” The space around Ira contorted as he finished speaking and they quietly vanished from sight.

With the influence of the Red Moon gone, the appearance of the crowd returned to normal. Upon realizing what had happened they slowly began to kneel and offer prayers toward the temple. Although a large portion of the population still had yet to see Ira, the rumor of his existence would continue to spread until he addressed them.

…

The largest black circle on Harper’s forehead began to glow red as she hopped to her feet. The contingent of Dark Elves around her had their eyes turn red, but they were focused on Harper and didn't notice it meant Ira was near.

“Ira!” Harper ran toward the source and hugged him.

“I was only gone for a few moments,” Ira smiled as he stopped channeling the Red Moon.

“...Keeper, the Queen would like to speak to you at your earliest convenience.” A servant approached and spoke meekly.

“Then let’s go...come on, Harper.”

The servant led Ira and Harper toward the throne before departing, leaving them standing in front of Sylun and Eloise who was standing near her throne.

“A portion of God Steel is ready for you,” Sylun gestured toward two guards holding a large chest. The chest was placed down in front of Ira before they opened it to show the contents.

Large pieces of unrefined metal that emitted a dim light filled the chest completely. Ira furrowed his brows as he recalled the Dwarves saying that God Steel was incredibly rare.

“I can guess what you’re thinking, Keeper. God Steel is indeed rare, but we are in possession of a large vein of it. We’ve kept the news quiet as the more people who know the exact size, the bigger the target we place on this city. As of now, only a select few know about it.” Sylun explained.

“I see.” Ira waved his hand over the chest and stored it away.

“The real reason I have asked you to come was to tell you we have gathered a group of three birth companions. If you have no objections then my daughter, Sylvia, would be the leader of the three. I assure you I made sure she was tested more vigorously than everyone else.”

“I believe you, just make sure they’re ready to leave when it’s time,” Ira said nonchalantly.

“Yes, Keeper...Do you still plan on attending the temple opening?” Sylun asked carefully.

“Yeah, I’ll even say a few words.” Ira grinned.

“That’s wonderful to hear, Keeper. Upon receiving some...recent information, we had to make some last minute preparations, but we should manage.” Sylun clasped her hands and spoke happily.

“Oh yeah, before I go I think I should show you before the scribes come to you…” Ira took distance from Harper.

“Show me…what...” Sylun trailed off as she watched black mist cover Ira’s figure until he couldn’t be seen. A black heart formed and then the body of a wolf covered in black fur.

“You may want to add this to your plans, just in case,” Ira laughed as he lowered his head toward Harper.

“Woah! Ira!” Harper climbed onto Ira and sat atop his head, “It’s so soft.”

“By the Moon,” Eloise fell to her knees unconsciously as she looked at the Black Wolf standing tall in front of her. Her bloodline urged her to surrender and to avoid gaining its hostility at all costs.

…

Avery was sitting in the sunlight of her garden with a calm expression. Her eyes were closed and it seemed as if she was sleep. Her abdomen had become very swollen in a short period of time and it seemed as if she would give birth within another week or two.

Valkyries stood behind her and were focused on Avery’s surroundings instead of her. Every day the flowers would turn into seedlings before blooming, wilting, and repeating the process all over again. The grass and shrubbery had grown out of control and climbed to knee length as if it had been unattended for months.

Lauren entered the garden and looked around before speaking to one of the Valkyries at the side, “How long has it been?”

“A few hours,” The Valkyrie responded.

Avery had told Lauren and Casey about her dream that didn’t seem to be a dream. In those “dreams,” Avery formed a mental connection with her daughter and could interact with her. Although she couldn’t speak and could understand even less, Raveria was able to recognize Avery as her parent. It meant she was on the level of a child of one or two years old already, she just had no way of communicating verbally. Ira’s genetic memory, his bloodline, and Raveria’s own abilities were the most likely cause of her development.

Avery opened her eyes reluctantly while holding her stomach caringly.

“Avery, how are you feeling today?” The waves of energy that were emitted from Avery had become nearly undetectable save the visual indicators that accompanied them.

“I’m fine, Grandmother. She keeps me company while Ira is away.”

Lauren moved toward Avery and placed a hand on her head before attempting to send a pulse of energy toward her that was blocked and sent back.

Lauren’s face showed surprise as she didn’t expect an infant to be so defensive, “Raveria seems to be quite protective of you.”

“It’s instinctive,” Avery wasn’t surprised seeing as she spent most of her time holding her daughter.

“In any case, Ira should be here soon with someone to assist with your birth. If you feel anything strange tell us immediately.”

“I understand, Grandmother,” Avery replied sincerely.

Lauren nodded in a satisfied manner before she turned around to leave.