The Huntress Omega

INGRID.

As I made my way through the dense forests of South Arathia, I could feel the tension in the air. The land itself seemed to shudder under the weight of that man's presence. I had heard tales of him—how he commanded not just respect but a primal fear. He was more than a werewolf; he was a force of nature.

 Days turned into nights as I traveled, each one colder and darker than the last. The deeper I went in search of Enigma, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. It was as if the very air was charged with danger. Sleep eluded me as his name echoed in my mind, relentless and taunting.

 Vesarius Rage.

 And finally, after weeks of traveling, the Blackwood Forest loomed ahead, its trees twisted and gnarled, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching for the sky. My black cloak and attire blended perfectly into the shadows, every sound amplified, echoing through the trees.

 My senses were on high alert, every muscle tensed for the inevitable confrontation. I moved silently, my footsteps barely audible on the forest floor.

 The deeper I ventured, the stronger the oppressive presence became, the unmistakable sensation of being watched creeping over me. Every rustle of leaves felt like a warning, whispering for me to turn back. But I couldn't—not when I was so close.

 I tightened my grip on my dagger, its blade glinting faintly under the scarce light. My breath misted in the cold night air as I moved with silent determination. I was no stranger to danger, but something about this forest made my skin prickle.

 "Keep moving," I whispered to myself. My voice was steady, but my heartbeat wasn't. "You have to keep moving, Ingrid."

 I stopped at a towering wall, its surface wrapped in curling black veins. Shutting anyone out who tries to break in.

Using my dagger, I cut away enough of the thick growth to slip through. And when I finally stepped into a clearing—there it was.

 Beyond the towering stone wall, covered in those dark vines, lay a sight I had never expected. Enigma was nothing like the crumbling ruins I had imagined. Instead, it was a grand, ominous castle—vast and imposing, its stone walls eerily pristine despite the encroaching forest.

 At the front of the palace stood two enormous lion statues, their stony eyes unblinking. Between them was a large fountain, its water clear and sparkling—a stark contrast to the gloom outside. The palace itself was a strange blend of beauty and menace. Its tall spires clawed at the sky, its windows gleaming faintly, as though they watched me in return.

 Though magnificent, Enigma carried an undeniable air of danger, like a treasure with a hidden curse.

 But before I could take another step, the feeling hit me—a cold, sharp sensation racing down my spine. The distinct feeling of being watched.

 Slowly, I turned, dagger in hand, ready for whatever lurked in the shadows.

 My breathing quickened, not from exertion, but from the weight of dread pressing against my chest. The air was thick, and oppressive, carrying a chill that wormed its way beneath my skin. My hand instinctively grazed the hilt of the dagger hidden beneath my cloak.

 I had faced death before, but something about this place—about this man, this beast—made me doubt myself for the first time in years. Then, I froze in my tracks. I quickly looked down at the ground. It was trembling. A low, heavy thud echoed from behind me.

 Another thud followed, closer this time. The ground trembled beneath my boots, the stones rattling as if they were afraid too. The first sound was a deep, resonant thud. Then another. And another. Each impact sent tremors through the ground beneath my feet, rattling my bones.

 Then it happened. Before I could react, a blur of dark motion exploded from the shadows behind me. The force of the attack knocked the air from my lungs as I hit the stone ground, my dagger clattering uselessly away from my reach.

 The creature was massive, its weight pinning me in place. Sharp claws pressed against my chest, just shy of breaking skin, but firm enough to make escape impossible. A guttural growl rumbled through the night, vibrating through my body like a warning bell.

 My wide eyes locked onto the creature towering above me—a werewolf, who was thrice the size of me. Its fur was as white as the snow, absorbing the light of the moon. Its eyes, golden and piercing, bore into mine with an almost sentient rage.

 Shit. An ambush attack from behind?!

 It growled low and deep, a sound that seemed to rumble through the earth. My breath hitched, my body frozen and shaking with fear. "P—Please," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. 

 "Don't hurt me. I. . . I didn't mean to come here. I got lost in the forest. Someone. . . someone was chasing me, and I just—I just found the castle by accident. Please, let me go."

 The beast didn't move. It just stared at me, its eyes cold and unblinking. Then, it growled again, a sound that made me flinch. Just as I thought it was the end, the pressure on my chest eased. The claws pulled back, and the werewolf tilted its head slightly as if it were studying me.

 And before I could even catch my breath, it nudged me roughly, forcing me to lay flat on my stomach.

 "Hey! W—What are you doing?" I gasped, trying to push myself up.

 The beast didn't answer—not that I expected it to. It clamped its teeth around the back of my cloak and lifted me off the ground like I was a rag doll.

 "Hey! No! Stop! Put me down!" I cried, kicking my legs in the air like a little kid throwing a tantrum.

 However, the werewolf didn't listen. It snarled, then dropped me on my feet, shoving me forward with a strong nudge from its nose. I stumbled, catching myself before I fell. The beast huffed impatiently, a sharp exhale that ruffled my hair. 

 Then it pushed me forward with a deliberate nudge, the force of its snout propelling me a step closer to the castle's dark doors.

 My eyebrow frowned. I turned to face the creature. Don't tell me it wants me to go. . . inside?

 "Okay, okay! I'm going. . . inside," I pointed to the castle's entrance, my hand shaking. "Just don't. . . don't hurt me." I started walking toward the castle.

 The werewolf followed close behind, its heavy steps a reminder that running wasn't an option. As I reached the towering castle doors, their iron surface was cold under my trembling hands. 

 I pushed it lightly, and to my surprise, the doors creaked open with a low groan, as if it was expecting me to arrive. It revealed a dimly lit hall.

 The werewolf nudged me again, this time harder, making me stumble forward. It growled softly, its glowing eyes never leaving me.

 "Okay, okay. I'm moving," I whispered, swallowing hard as I stepped into the castle.

 The hall was massive and eerily quiet. The stone walls were covered in dark banners, and faint candlelight flickered from iron sconces, casting long shadows that danced across the room. 

 My boots echoed on the cold floor, each step hesitant, my heart pounding in my ears. The werewolf's steps were heavier behind me, a constant reminder of its presence. I didn't dare turn to look.

 "Where are you taking me?" I asked, my voice shaking.

 The werewolf didn't respond—of course. Its sharp exhale brushed against my back. My mind raced with thoughts and questions. I'm already in the lair of the enemy's territory, led by a creature that could rip me apart in seconds. My fate is uncertain, it's either I'm making it out here alive or just the opposite, I'll be dead before I can even execute my plan.

 Suddenly, the werewolf stopped in front of another huge door.

 Its claws clicked on the stone floor as it stood still, its growl fading into a low rumble. I turned slowly, my hands raised in a gesture of surrender.

 "What now?" I whispered. But the wolf did not answer, his gaze on me as if he was telling me to go in.

 I then pushed the door with such ease and when the door opened a large throne hall lay before my eyes, it was dimly lit, and black satin draped every surface. At the far end, a massive black throne loomed above a short flight of stairs, its presence commanding and impossible to ignore. Its jagged edges gleam faintly in the light.

 Behind it, a towering window stretched nearly to the ceiling. Through the glass, the full moon hung in the sky, perfectly framed, casting its silver glow across the room. And then my eyes caught something—someone. . .

 A figure on the throne sat motionless as if carved from the same stone as the seat itself. His face was hidden in shadow, save for his eyes—two burning pools of blood-red light. They pierced through the darkness, locking onto me.

 I froze at the sight, my feet rooted to the ground. My pulse thundered in my ears, drowning out all other sounds. Bullets of sweat began to form on my forehead. What—What is this tremendous power I'm sensing?!

 The werewolf behind me pushed me lightly for me to get inside the chamber but this time, for some reason my legs wouldn't move.

 "Ah!" I flinch as I press my hand over my chest, right over where my birthmark is. The pain there felt strange, unlike anything I'd ever felt before. It wasn't just a sharp ache. It was a burning sensation like something inside was being scorched.

 The figure leaned forward slightly, the faint movement enough to make my heart skip a beat. His voice cut through the silence, deep and commanding.

 "You dare step into my domain?" His tone was calm, yet it carried the weight of an unspoken threat.

 There's no room for doubt. It's him. It's Vesarius Rage. The Alpha.

 "I—I didn't mean to," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "I was being chased. I got lost in the forest, and—"

 The figure raised a hand, silencing me instantly. His fingers were long and veiny, the tips glinting faintly in the moonlight. The movement was small, but the power behind it made my knees weak.

 "You've wandered far beyond where you belong," he said, leaning forward just enough for the moonlight to catch the sharp angles of his face. "And yet, you're still alive. Interesting."

 I could feel my knees weakening, but I stayed standing. I had to. I couldn't let them see fear—not now, not ever. I swallowed hard, the weight of his gaze pressing down on me like a physical force. I dared to glance at the figure beside me, but it remained silent, its golden eyes watching my every move.

 "Tell me," the figure continued, his voice dropping lower. "What is your name, and why should I not end your life where you stand?"

 "I—Ingrid," I managed to say, my voice trembling, convincing. "My name is Ingrid. I'm. . . I'm not here to cause trouble nor bear harm I swear. I just. . . I needed to escape."

 The figure's eyes narrowed, the red glow intensifying. For a moment, the room felt even colder, the shadows creeping closer around me. Then he laughed, a low, rumbling sound that sent shivers through my body.

 "Escape?" he repeated, almost amused. "Fate has a cruel sense of humor, it seems. Do you know whose territory you've stumbled into, little girl?"

 I shook my head, my throat was too dry to speak. I must play along and let him think I'm weak, defenseless, and in need of rescue. I can't let them, let him sniff out my motives. 

 The figure stood slowly, his towering frame emerging from the darkness. His face remained partially hidden, but his presence filled the room, dominating everything around him.

 "Good," he said, his voice like a growl of thunder.

My knees buckled slightly, but I forced myself to stay upright. For some reason, my instincts screamed at me to run, I already disturbed the sleeping lion in his lair. I knew it would be useless and futile to escape. It's too late to run now.

Before I could say anything else, the werewolf beside me began to shift. Its white fur rippled and shrank, and its towering frame became smaller, more human-like. The cracking of bones echoed in the room, and I stared in both horror and awe as the beast transformed before my eyes. 

 In moments, a man stood where the werewolf had been. His black hair was messy, his sharp golden eyes still glowing faintly. He wore dark pants, but his chest was bare, scarred with old battles.

 With his head lowered, he kneeled with his one knee on the floor, his hand on his chest. "Forgive me for interfering, Alpha." he began. "She's an omega, a wolfless one. I smelled no threat nor another scent on her."

 For a moment, I almost let out a breath of relief. But then Rage—Vesarius Rage, the infamous Alpha—narrowed his glowing eyes.

"An omega?" he repeated his tone sharply, questioning.

 He stood, his massive frame towering even from across the hall. "Then tell me," The shadows shifted around him, his presence swallowing the space. "Why do I smell them on you?"

 "T—Them?"

 "Vampires," he growled, his voice low and dangerous, "Their scent clings to you like a second skin."

 My stomach dropped, and I could feel my skin gone pale. How could he know I had contact with a vampire? Besides, our last encounter was a week ago! How can he still pick up Zagreus's scent?! We didn't even have contact just mere conversation!

My mind raced for an explanation, something that wouldn't betray my real purpose here.

 "I. . . I was attacked," I blurted out, trying to sound as panicked as I felt. "I'm telling the truth."

He stopped just a few steps away, his towering frame casting a long shadow over me. He tilted his head slightly, studying me like a predator deciding whether or not to pounce.

 "I—I'm. . ." I said quickly, my voice trembling but firm enough to sound convincing. "I was attacked, that's why I smell like them. I managed to escape, but they kept chasing me. That's how I ended up here. . ."

Rage's glowing eyes stayed locked on mine, his expression unreadable. I could feel his power pressing down on me as if he was peeling back layers of my soul, searching for the truth.

 "Attacked?" he finally murmured, his tone softer but no less dangerous. "And yet you survived."

"I—I was lucky. . ."

For a moment, silence filled the room, heavy and oppressive. Fuck. I didn't know what to say and I can't afford to slip out, fish is caught with its own mouth.

"You are a fool to wander this far." Rage's gaze flicked back to me. "And is a bigger fool to come to my castle."

"I didn't mean to," I said quickly, my voice barely steady. "I swear. . ."

He studied me for a long moment before turning and facing his back at us. He put his hands on his pockets and gracefully walked through the door. Despite him being a few meters away from me I still can't steal a glimpse of his face.

"You will not die here. At least not tonight," he said, his voice echoing in the vast hall as he walk away.

Relief flooded me, but it was short–lived even though he had already left the place, the ominous suffocating feeling is still here in me, lingering.

"However," The man beside me continued, his tone shifting, "You cannot leave."

"What?" I whispered, panic rising again. "Why not?"

"If the bloodsuckers attacked you once, they will hunt you again. It's not safe outside these walls," he discussed. "If you stay here in Enigma, you live under his protection. But it comes with a cost."

I swallowed hard. "What cost?"

"You will protect them."

"Them?"

He gestured and walked towards the window behind the man's throne. The full moon bathed the castle grounds in silver light and beyond the vast forest. My eyes grew. A village can be seen in the middle of the forest, warm lights showering the place.

"The Ashenfall," he said, turning slightly to gesture toward the window. "A human village hidden beyond this castle. They are under our protection, and now, they'll be under yours. If you want to stay here, you will protect them. That is your price."

My heart and mind raced. So. . .it's true. The whispers of wonder are true. These werewolves. The Enigma doesn't harm and prey on humans.

Protect an entire village? Against vampires? Did he think I was some kind of hero? Out of all that, how in the hell do humans live in a wild werewolf territory?

"I. . . I don't understand," I said, my voice barely whispering. "What do you want me to do?" I blinked, trying to process what he was saying.

How am I going to do that? I didn't come here to babysit. What could I possibly do that they, with their strength and power, couldn't?

"You will earn your place here," he said, his tone final. "Serve him and protect humans. Protect Ashenfall."

I swallowed hard, my mind spinning. I wanted to protest, to refuse, but I knew I had no choice. I can make use of that. If this is the only way to get close, to spy on him, and to stay in this place, then so be it.

"H—How am I going to protect them? I'm just a mere wolfless omega like those you are protecting!"

"Don't play with me, Ingrid Hearst. I know who you are. I lied to the Alpha so he won't kill you right here, right now. Now, whatever your motive is, I suggest you drop it." He threatened as he stepped closer. "It won't work on him."

My heart skipped a beat. "W—Who are you? What do you know?"

"I'm Asval Vortigern. A Beta. A Prime Sentinel. The Alpha's right hand and the second in command. In exchange of saving your face," He discussed, stepping closer to me. "You will serve him."

My brow narrowed and crossed my arms. "Why should I grant your request?"

"It's not a request, it's a command."

"And what if I refuse?"

"Try it. You don't have any idea the type of monster you just disturbed." Asval gaze flickered into mine. "So, think about it. It's either you serve him or you won't make it out here alive."