Akira is laying on the cold floor of the dark cell, groaning in pain. His entire body felt exhausted and overwhelmed. Terrakula had manipulated the flow of his blood, making it rush so fast that he felt like he was about to explode. Two hours had passed since that incident. When Akira finally regained consciousness, his eyes were empty, showing nothing but despair, as if the whole world had abandoned him.
He looked around at the dark, cold walls surrounding him, feeling completely isolated. There were no windows in the cell, only a faint light coming from outside. He glanced down at his hands and realized he was completely bound, unable to move.
Akira (whispering weakly, struggling to breathe): "Why… why am I still alive?"
21 Years Ago in Darkova, on a dark and mysterious night in the city of Darkova, the dim streetlights barely illuminated the foggy streets. A young woman, seemingly in her twenties, walked alone. She had long brown hair and glowing red eyes. As she walked through the empty streets, she unexpectedly encountered someone who would change her life forever.
It was a young man with black hair and hazel eyes, also in his twenties. He was just an ordinary citizen of Darkova, returning home after a long day of work. When he noticed the woman, he sensed that she might be lost or in need of help.
Man: "Excuse me, miss, do you need any help? A beautiful lady like you shouldn't be walking alone at night."
Woman: "Thank you, but I don't need any help. I'm just going through a tough time."
Man: "I'd be happy to help. Just tell me—what can I do for you?"
The woman gave a small, kind smile. There was something about this man that felt different from others.
Woman: "Actually… I'm not from this city. I was looking for a place to stay, but I have no money."
Man (smiling warmly, looking at her with kindness): "Don't worry about money. There's always a place to rest in this city. If you need a safe place, you can stay at my home until you find a job or some money."
The woman hesitated for a moment, then looked into his eyes carefully.
Woman: "Are you… really sure?"
Man (confidently stepping closer): "Of course. I can't leave a lady like you out in the cold. You need a place to stay, especially on a night like this."
The woman lowered her head slightly, her cheeks turning pink with slight embarrassment.
Woman: "You are very kind, but… I don't want to be a burden to you."
Man (smiling gently): "Don't think like that. I'm just doing what's right. I won't leave you alone out here."
As he smiled, his gaze met hers—those red glowing eyes. They gave him a strange feeling, yet at the same time, he found them mesmerizing. Something about her was different, and he suddenly felt an urge to know more about her.
After a brief silence, she lifted her head and gave a soft smile.
Woman: "Ah—I apologize, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Mira."
Man (offering his hand with a warm smile): "Mira, that's a beautiful name. I'm Filippo. Nice to meet you."
Mira took a deep breath before hesitantly placing her hand in his.
Mira (smiling shyly): "It's a pleasure to meet you, Filippo."
They exchanged silent looks, filled with curiosity. Each of them was trying to understand the other. There was something strange but comforting about their meeting.
Filippo (smiling even more): "Let's go now. My house is not far from here."
Mira felt a sense of relief in Filippo's presence. She nodded quietly and followed his steps. As they walked toward his home, something in Mira's heart grew stronger. She wasn't sure what it was, but for the first time in a long while, she felt safe.
Filippo (opening the door for her): "It's not a fancy place, but I think it will be comfortable for you."
Mira (smiling as she steps inside): "That doesn't matter. What's important is that I found a place to stay."
Filippo (pointing to a room with a red door): "That's the guest room. If you need anything, Mira, don't hesitate to ask me."
Mira hesitated for a moment before looking at him with a soft smile.
Mira: "Thank you, Filippo… I'm more grateful than I can say."
Filippo (warmly smiling): "No need to thank me, Mira. I'm just glad you're comfortable."
Filippo walked her to the room and opened the door for her. She stepped inside and took a look around. The room wasn't luxurious, but it wasn't bad either. She quietly began unpacking her small belongings while Filippo left the room, giving her privacy and gently closing the door behind him.
After a month of living in Filippo's home, Mira started to feel like this place was her new home. Their relationship grew naturally—slowly but steadily.
Time passed, and every day, Filippo showed her a different side of himself—his kindness, patience, and respect. Mira could no longer ignore the emotions creeping into her heart. At first, she resisted them, but now, she had begun to accept them.
One evening, as Filippo was preparing dinner, Mira watched him from across the room.
Mira (smiling as she watches him cook): "You're really a great cook, Filippo. I never imagined I'd live in a home like this."
Filippo (smiling as he stirs the food in the pan): "Thank you. I'm happy that you feel comfortable here."
Mira's face turned slightly red, and her voice became softer.
Mira: "Filippo, there's something I need to tell you."
Filippo looked at her curiously, his usual gentle smile still on his face.
Filippo: "What is it, Mira?"
Mira took a small breath, then stepped a little closer to him.
Mira: "You're a good person, Filippo. You mean a lot to me. But… I think I'm starting to feel something more than just gratitude."
Filippo slowly turned toward her, looking into her eyes.
Filippo: "Are you saying that you…?"
Mira lowered her gaze shyly, avoiding his eyes.
Mira: "Yes… but I don't know if this is right. This feeling is new to me. But every time I spend time with you, I realize… I don't want to lose you."
Filippo (bends down slightly, gently taking her hands, then looks directly into her eyes): "Mira, I feel the same way. I never thought I would meet someone like you in my life. Every day, I discover a new side of you, and I've realized that you've started making my life better."
Mira (whispering softly, feeling the warmth of his hands on hers): "Do you think this is the beginning of something real?"
Filippo (with a warm smile, moving his face closer to hers): "Yes, and I believe that together we can build something beautiful, if you're ready."
The two of them stared at each other, feeling both shy and happy, and with every second, they moved closer.
Two months after living with Filippo, Mira's life took a new turn. Their love grew stronger each day, and Filippo was always by Mira's side, supporting and cherishing her. But one morning, Mira discovered something unexpected.
She had missed her period, and when she took a pregnancy test, the result was clear—she was pregnant! Sitting in the kitchen, she stared at the test in her hands, unable to believe what she saw. Suddenly, Filippo entered the kitchen, smiling as he approached her, holding a cup of coffee.
Filippo (with a calm smile): "Good morning, Mira. Did you sleep well?"
Mira (in a low voice, unable to hide the shock on her face): "Filippo… there's something I need to tell you."
Filippo (standing in front of her, looking at her curiously): "What is it?"
Mira (looking at him, sighing, then placing the test in front of him): "I… I'm pregnant."
Filippo (freezing in place for a moment): "Really?"
Mira (nervously): "Yes… I'm scared, Filippo. How are we going to handle this?"
Filippo (gently taking her hand, looking deeply into her eyes): "You're not alone, Mira. We'll face this together, and I'll be here to support you every step of the way. This child will be a part of us, a part of our love."
Filippo's reassuring and comforting reaction eased Mira's fears. And after nine months, the long-awaited day finally arrived. Mira was at the hospital, ready to give birth, while Filippo waited outside, filled with excitement.
The moment the doctor announced the baby's birth, Mira was breathing heavily, but something felt strange. The atmosphere was tense and filled with surprise. Everyone in the room sensed that something unusual had happened. When the baby was finally delivered, everything changed in that instant.
The child, who was supposed to bring them their greatest joy, was anything but ordinary. The big shock came when the doctor revealed small wolf ears on the baby's head, along with a tiny tail extending from his lower back. The nurse stared at the baby in disbelief, and the doctor tried to remain calm, but his nervousness was clear.
Filippo (stunned, looking at the baby): "What is this? This… this isn't normal!"
Mira (in shock): "But… how?"
Doctor (trying to keep his composure): "This is unusual. This child seems to have non-human traits. There might be a biological explanation for this, but I can't say for sure at this moment."
Filippo's face was filled with confusion, shifting between disbelief and frustration. He looked at Mira, then at the strange child crying in her arms.
Filippo (in a low voice, but filled with anger): "Mira… what is this?"
Mira (nervously): "What?"
Filippo (staring at the child, his eyes clouded with doubt): "You… how do you explain this? How can this child have… why does he have those ears? And that tail? He's not human! Mira, have you been hiding something from me?!"
Mira (looking at Filippo, her eyes welling up with tears): "Filippo… I… I'm not human…"
Filippo (his eyes widening in shock, unable to believe what he was hearing): "What? What do you mean?"
Mira: "I'm a wolf shapeshifter. I can transform into a human. I was afraid you'd find out and hate me."
Filippo (suddenly furious, raising his voice): "You're what?! A wolf?! You've been lying to me this whole time? How could you do this?!"
Mira (deep sadness in her voice, looking at the baby still crying in her arms): "I was afraid of losing you, Filippo. I was afraid you wouldn't accept me if you knew the truth. That's why I hid everything from you. I never wanted to betray you or lose you. I thought the baby would be born human as long as I stayed in this form. Filippo… I'm sorry."
Filippo (looking at the baby with a mixture of disgust and frustration): "And now you're telling me that this is our child?! This thing will never be my son!"
Mira (tears streaming down her face): "Yes, he's our child. He is the result of our love. And he… he is not at fault. He's just a baby, like any other."
Filippo fell silent for a moment, staring at the crying baby, before anger took over him again.
Filippo (stepping away from Mira): "You don't understand how much this has shaken me. I can't stay with you anymore… How could I live with a creature like this?!"
He turned and walked toward the door, leaving Mira alone with her child in the room, her eyes filled with sorrow and tears. After Filippo left, Mira looked down at the baby, who had finally drifted off to sleep. He looked beautiful, yet he belonged nowhere.
Mira (whispering as she wiped her tears): "How will I be a mother to this child alone?… How will I raise him in this world, especially after his father rejected him?"
She placed the baby in his crib, and suddenly, a name crossed her mind—one she had thought of many times before.
Mira (smiling sadly): "Akira… Yes, his name will be Akira."
She closed her eyes for a moment, thinking about her future with Akira. How would she raise a child who was entirely different from others? How would she face the challenges of life alone?
Mira (determined): "I will do everything for Akira… I won't abandon him, and I won't let the world reject him."
After some time, Mira returned to her family, deciding to face the truth. Her family lived deep in the Darkova Forest, far away from humans. But they weren't just ordinary wolves—they were highly intelligent creatures with advanced minds, living similarly to humans, unlike regular wild wolves.
As Mira reached her old home, her heart was heavy with fear and anxiety. She didn't know how to tell her family about this hybrid child—he looked human but had wolf ears and a tail, making him a completely new being. Mira was in her wolf form, carrying Akira on her back as she ran through the forest until she reached the family cabin she had been searching for. When she entered, her family came to greet her, including her parents, whom she had been away from for a long time. Both her parents had the same brown fur as her.
Mira (with a sigh of surrender): "Mother, Father, I'm back."
As soon as Mira's parents saw her, their eyes immediately focused on Akira, who was sleeping on her back.
Mira's Mother: "Mira, why are you carrying a human baby on your back?!"
Mira's Father (in shock): "He's not human… Look at his ears! How strange."
Mira (looking at them with sad eyes, trying to stay calm): "He's my child. His name is Akira, and he is the result of my union with a human… I'm so sorry, Mother, Father…"
Mira's Father (his voice filled with shock, his eyes burning with anger): "What did you say?! You… how could you?! How dare you do something like this?! You have broken our laws! We are wolves, not creatures mixed with humans!"
Mira (her voice low, her eyes full of tears): "I know it's hard to believe. But I love Akira, and he is part of me. Please, don't turn your backs on me now. He needs all of us!"
Mira's Mother (her voice filled with fury, her eyes filled with doubt): "Did you think about us? About our family? What will happen if the rest of the wolves find out about this child?! We cannot allow this abomination to exist among us!"
Mira's Father (his anger growing): "You have brought disgrace upon us, Mira. Take him away and get rid of him immediately!"
Mira (fear in her voice): "I will never do that!"
As Mira defended her child, Akira, the anger in her parents' eyes intensified. At that moment, something unexpected happened. From behind them, Mira's younger brother emerged—a powerful and intimidating wolf named Calix. His gaze was cold, and his glowing red eyes looked as if they had come straight from hell.
Calix (in a detached tone): "If you're determined to keep this child among us, then we will have to correct this mistake ourselves."
Calix looked at Akira, who was still just an infant, sleeping on Mira's back.
Mira (horrified, staring at her brother with fear in her eyes): "Calix, no! This child is innocent! Please, don't hurt him!"
But Calix didn't listen to her plea. He lunged forward at great speed, his fury evident in every step. He reached her and violently snatched Akira from her back, gripping him with his fangs.
Calix (his voice rough and sharp): "You're holding onto a monster, Mira. This child is a threat to you and to our family. He must be eliminated."
Mira (her voice trembling, raising her hands to stop him): "No! He's my child! You can't kill him!"
Calix dropped Akira onto the ground, waking the baby, who immediately began to cry. He then sharpened his claws, preparing to strike.
Mira (her voice shaking, desperately trying to stop him): "Calix, you can't do this! Please, don't! He's just a baby!"
But Calix was consumed by his rage. He raised his claws, aiming to strike Akira, and in that moment, Mira couldn't just stand there and watch. She jumped in front of him, grabbing onto his claws with both hands to stop the attack.
Calix's sharp claws tore through her right hand, and the pain shot through her body instantly. Blood dripped from her wound, but she didn't let go.
Mira (her voice hoarse, bleeding as she sobbed): "Please… don't kill him… I'll do anything, anything to let him live. I will keep him a secret; no one will ever know about him!"
Mira struggled to breathe, her hands trembling and soaked in blood as she cried, her eyes filled with pain and fear for her child.
Calix (angrily, but hesitating as guilt slowly crept in): "Mira… what have you done?"
He looked down at Akira, who was crying on the ground, then back at Mira, who was still whimpering in pain. The sight of her bleeding hands made him pause. Slowly, his fury began to wane, and he stepped back.
⸻
Four years later, on an ordinary day in the forest, four-year-old Akira was playing near the cabin. He played alone, running between the trees, picking up random things from nature, enjoying his small world.
At that moment, Calix arrived, his expression as angry as ever. His hatred for Akira had never faded, nor had he ever shown him any compassion.
Calix (angrily): "You… what are you doing here?"
Akira (innocently, trying to smile): "I'm playing! Do you want to play with me, Uncle Calix?"
But Calix didn't give him a chance to say more. With furious steps, he marched towards him and grabbed him roughly by the arms.
Calix (raising his voice): "You are just a freak! How dare you walk among us?! Never forget—you are NOT one of us! You are not a wolf! That means you do not belong in this family!"
Akira (hesitantly, trying to pull away): "But… but my mother told me…"
Before Akira could finish, Calix shoved him away. Akira fell hard onto the ground, pain spreading through his small body as he struggled to understand what was happening.
Mira (stepping forward cautiously, her eyes sharp with anger): "Calix! Stop! He's just a child!"
But Calix didn't stop. He ignored Mira's words and continued to torment Akira. Then, he did the unthinkable—he started hitting Akira while he was still on the ground. The blows came one after another, and poor Akira tried to escape. His eyes were filled with tears, his small body too weak to fight back.
Mira (furious, shoving Calix's hands away from her son): "Calix! STOP! Do you want to kill a child?!"
Calix finally stopped. Akira lay on the ground, his small body covered in dirt and scratches. His eyes were filled with tears, his heart filled with deep pain. He didn't understand why his own family treated him this way.
Mira (her voice weak, carefully holding Akira's small shoulders): "Akira, I'm sorry… I'm really sorry… but I can't do anything."
Akira (his voice hoarse from pain): "Why… why don't they love me?"
Akira was an innocent child who had not yet realized that the family he belonged to was not what he thought. He clung to his mother, sobbing. He didn't yet understand the meaning of hatred and discrimination, but he was beginning to feel the weight of the world pressing down on him.
Mira (wiping his tears, looking at him with sorrow): "I will never let anyone hurt you, Akira. Nothing will stop me from loving you."
Akira (his voice breaking): "I… I'm not like them, am I?"
Mira (looking into his sorrowful eyes, wrapping him in her arms with warmth): "You… You are better than them, Akira. One day, you will become something great."
But her words weren't enough to heal his wounds. Deep inside, Akira felt that the world was cruel to him, and that he would have to face everything alone.
To be continued…