Bab 2: In the Wolf Den
When I finally woke up, the pain was the first thing I noticed. It surged through my body, making every breath a struggle. My head was spinning, and I couldn't remember where I was or how I got there. The last thing I remembered was the griffin, the fall, and then… darkness.
I forced my eyes open and realized I was in a cave again, but this one was different. It was warmer, cosier. I was surrounded by something soft and warm. I blinked a few times, trying to clear my vision, and saw that I was lying among a litter of wolf pups. They were cuddled up against me, their tiny bodies providing a surprising amount of warmth.
As I tried to move, a sharp pain shot through my side. I winced and settled back down, not wanting to disturb the pups. They stirred slightly, one of them nuzzling closer to me. Despite the pain, I felt a small smile tug at my muzzle. These pups weren't like the dragons I had hatched with. They were innocent, welcoming.
I looked around the cave, taking in my surroundings. The den was smaller than the previous cave, and a faint light filtered in from the entrance. I heard the soft padding of paws and saw a large wolf enter the cave. She was different from any wolf I had seen before, larger, with a beautiful silver coat that shimmered with a blue tint. Her eyes were a piercing blue, intelligent and kind.
She approached me, her gaze gentle.
"You're awake," she said, her voice soft but firm. "I'm glad. You were in bad shape when I found you."
I was surprised I could understand her barks and other wolfy sounds.
"Where am I?" I managed to ask, my voice barely more than a whisper.
"You're in my den," she replied kindly. "I'm Lorish Alba. I found you after you fell from the sky. You've been unconscious for days."
I nodded slowly, taking in her words. "Thank you for saving me."
She dipped her head with a smile reaching her eyes.
"You're welcome little one. Rest now. You need to heal." She touched my cheek with her nose. A motherly gesture that made me feel safe and loved.
Over the next few days and weeks, I gradually recovered. The wolf pups were playful and kind, treating me like one of their own. They would nuzzle me, bring me scraps of food, and even curl up next to me when I slept. The warmth and care they provided were unlike anything I had experienced before.
Other wolves would occasionally come into the den, their eyes filled with curiosity and caution. They kept their distance, but I could sense their unease. I was different, an outsider in their pack. But Lorish always reassured them, her presence a calming force.
As I regained my strength, the wolf female and I would talk. She taught me about the forest, its dangers, and its inhabitants.
"You must be careful of the humanoids," she warned one evening as we watched the sunset from the mouth of the cave. "They can be unpredictable and dangerous."
I nodded, absorbing her words and knowing how true they were. In my old world I remember how humans devasted nature...
"Why did you save me?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.
"You're a rare creature," she said. "A dragon without wings. I've never seen one like you. But more than that, I saw a child in need. The forest is harsh, not a place for a child. I cannot imagine leaving my babies alone there... So when I saw you, I just had to act."
Her words resonated with me. I was a rare dragon? More like a defect... but I didn't say it out loud. As the days turned into weeks, I grew stronger. I hoped I could prove to be useful and help to be able to call this place my home, and the wolves my family.
I knew I still had much to learn and many challenges ahead, but for the first time since my rebirth, I felt a glimmer of hope. I was not alone.
When the pain wasn't troubling me anymore and I was able to think clearly, I've spent lots of time thinking about my situation. I knew I was rebirthed here. That was obvious. I even remember reading some stories like that. But those characters always had some kind of super skills, abilities or other cheats... What about me?! Any system or options I could use?!
I sighed annoyed and lay down with the pups.
Sometime later...
Most of the wolves were out on a hunt, and the den was quieter than usual. The remaining wolves were busy with their own tasks, leaving the three pups and me in the den. I lay among them, enjoying the warmth and comfort of their small bodies when a sudden movement at the entrance caught my eye.
A fox slipped into the den, its fur a striking shade of purple, with a small horn on its forehead. It moved silently, but with a predatory intent that made my blood run cold. In a flash, it grabbed one of the pups by the scruff and bolted towards the entrance.
"No!" I roared, leaping to my feet. Without thinking, I launched myself after the fox. The pup's terrified yelps spurred me on, adrenaline surging through my veins.
I chased the fox through the dense forest, dodging trees and leaping over fallen logs. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing with a single thought: Save the pup. I could see the fox ahead, weaving through the underbrush with the pup dangling from its jaws.
Hold on little one! I'm gonna save you no matter what!
I pushed myself harder, closing the gap between us. We were almost the same size with me being only a bit smaller. When I was close enough, I leapt, tackling the fox to the ground. The pup tumbled free, and I quickly nudged it aside, out of harm's way.
The fox snarled, its eyes glowing with malice as it turned to face me. I bared my teeth, a growl rumbling deep in my throat, instincts taking over. This was the first time I had to fight for my life and the life of another. There was no room for hesitation and I knew it.
Kill the intruder. Kill the threat.
I was repeating it like a mantra, my vision turning almost red with fury that his beast dared to take my little friend like that.
And then... We clashed in a brutal, bloody fight. The fox was quick and vicious, its claws and teeth tearing at my flesh. But I fought back with everything I had, driven by the need to protect the pup. Each strike was a struggle, every bite a reminder of the desperate fight for survival.
Blood stained the forest floor as we fought, our growls, yelps and snarls filling the air but I couldn't tell which one of us made which sounds as they blurred into one huge noise. The fox's claws raked across my side, and I responded with a powerful bite to its throat. It yelped in pain, but I didn't let go. I couldn't. I didn't have any more strength and the wound in my side was bleeding and hurting a lot... If I let go... It will be the end of me and the little pup who was whimpering from the back as if to cheer on me.
If there's a God here... please... Give me strength to protect this little one. I prayed.
With a final, savage bite, I crushed the fox's windpipe. It went limp, its eyes glazing over in death. I released my grip, panting heavily, my body aching from the battle and hurting like hell. I had done it. I had killed to save a life. I felt nauseous seeing the death stare of the fox, but then I fell to the ground, the wound on my side hurting a lot and bleeding.
The pup whimpered nearby, walking over to me, and I gently nudged it with my nose, checking for injuries. Aside from a few scratches, it seemed okay.
Thank you... thank you Gods or whatever gave me strength...
I lay down beside it, trying to catch my breath feeling weaker and weaker. I think I went far over my own power and possibilities... especially after being so heavily wounded not so long ago. Soft, comfortable darkness was trying to lull me into its embrace.
It seems the wolves returned from their hunt or at least found out something was off. They rushed over, their eyes wide with shock as they took in the scene—the dead fox, the blood, and the pup huddled beside me. Lorish Alba stepped forward, her gaze full of concern and pride.
"You saved my baby," she said softly, her eyes wet with gratefulness meeting mine. "You protected our family little brave dragon." Her voice was so full of love and so warm that I felt my own eyes gathering tears.
I nodded, too exhausted to speak. The wolves gathered around, their eyes filled with gratitude and acceptance. They tended to my wounds, cleaning the cuts and bites I had received in the fight, licking them without any sign of disgust. Despite the pain, I felt a warm sense of belonging wash over me.
Finally... I became more than just a guest in their den. I became part of their family, part of their pack. And though my body was battered and bruised, my heart swelled with a newfound sense of purpose and connection.
[Titles Unlocked]
W..what is this voice?
["Member of the Wolf Pack" title unlocked]
["Son of the Wolf Queen" title unlocked]
Who... what...?
Those were my last thoughts before I lost consciousness feeling safe and protected.
-----AUTHOR'S NOTES-------
MC: ...
Author: *sigh* What again?
MC: I'm starting to think that you hate me...
Author: Not true! Look... I found you a new family! Cool right?!
MC: I guess but I'm worried you're planning something bad... If the next chapter will also contain violence, blood and death I'm outta here...
Author: Nope you're not. You're stuck here with me. And bear with it. Don't you wanna see the ML?
MC: ... Go to hell >.<
Author: I already am.. since you came -.-
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PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
DragoAMI
DragoAMI I had debated with myself for a long time... Do I want "system" options or not? But then I decided it gives many nice options and aside of my other novel, I never wrote about it sooo... why not ^^
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone