Strange World

XIMUN

While Aysu retreated to the bathroom of the unfamiliar house, Nirel and Ximun found their way to the living room of the man who once shared a bond with Aysu.

Once Ximun settled on one of the comfy couches that came with fluffy throw pillows, he started to slowly observe the layout of the room. He knew that he would be able to decipher a thing or two about the man named Nirel just by staring at how he arranged his space.

And, from the array of books about archery to books about understanding the psyche of wolves, Ximun was able to tell that Nirel was not just a scholar but most probably a military official. That led Ximun to wonder what rank Nirel was when he left the Tarmish Pack.

“It is indeed surprising to see Aysu again,” said Nirel, his voice dragging Ximun out of his deepening thoughts. “I always thought the day I regretfully had to reject her would be the last day I would see her. But I guess fate had other plans.”

“Why would fate have other plans?” Ximun retorted without holding back. There was something about the man that was ticking him off. Perhaps it was the dubious look in his brownish eyes or the weird, calm demeanour the man carried. Whatever it was, the man was not one to be trusted.

“Uhm,” Nirel laughed, “Mister… Ximun? Is that right?” Ximun didn’t give a response. His face was very unwelcoming so Nirel continued with his statement. “I am getting the sense that you hate me.”

“I don’t see a reason why I shouldn’t.”

Nirel nodded. “You are right. If I were you, I would never let Aysu stand a few metres close to her ex.”

“I am condoning this moment because we don’t have a place to stay right now and we are still very confused about what this pack is meant to be.”

Aysu’s ex went on to have his seat opposite Ximun. “It is truly simple, Ximun. This pack is the pack that existed before any other. It gave birth to other packs. When the incident involving the Goddess’s daughter happened, a lot of people left and they went on to form new packs. Those that remained here chose to be sealed away, they cut off all contact with the outside world.”

“None of these are in the History books. And trust me, I read a lot of those.” After the goddess chose him as the next Alpha King, Ximun who was not born with a significant rank had to learn a lot and that included the duties to the pack which involved learning how the other packs outside their border operated. And not once did The Moon Guardian Pack sprout during his numerous learning times.

“It was well erased. But I was lucky enough to have found the last few copies that were left in The Tarmish Pack. My guess is that one of the ancient members of this pack decided to create documents and memories about his time in the Pack of the Goddess herself.”

“So, is the Goddess still here?”

“No. Her presence left the pack the moment things went wrong. But there’s been a prophecy flying around since then.”

“I heard about that.” Ximun was now more relaxed. “Will there really be a reincarnation of the Goddess?”

“I would not call it a reincarnation.” Nirel smacked his lips. “The Goddess will find a vessel to settle in. We are hoping it happens soon. This pack is currently not as fruitful as it’s meant to be.”

“Isn’t it weird staying locked up in this world?”

“There’s a way out actually.”

“There is?” Ximun’s brows jerked. He hoped to get more information that would help should there be any need for him and Aysu to escape that strange world that also found solace in weird prophecies.

“Yes. It is at the far end of this land. Getting there sounds easy, but it’s not.”

“I see.”

Nirel adjusted his position and his eyes formed a solid contact with Ximun. “I have to ask, are you a mate that is waiting to reject Aysu? Or are you the one?”

“Your curiosity is interesting,” said Ximun. “It is very amusing.”

“Well, Aysu always feared not finding her true mate.”

“I am her true mate. We found each other because I was also cursed.”

Nirel appeared a little disappointed by that response. “I see. You were also cursed.”

“Are you curious about any other thing?” Ximun was almost sneering.

“No. I-”

“Is it taking a bath meant to be this long?’ Ximun got to his feet while a small part of him suspected Aysu’s lengthy bath. Before she went in, she told him that she wouldn’t take long, so it was indeed weird that she taking longer than usual.

“I am sure she is just enjoying the bliss of a good bath after a long journey. Were you two coming from The Tarmish Pack?”

Ximun didn’t return to his seat. “I have to check on her.”

“But that’s invading her-”

Ximun shot the man with a sharp glare as he said, “I am her husband.” And that was enough to shut the man up.

Ximun then approached the bathroom, his soul hoping that something wasn’t wrong somewhere.

“Aysu?” He could feel the heat of her bath from a distance, but no response reached his ears. “Aysu, are you done? We have to get-” The moment he opened the door to the bathroom, he found nothing.

Aysu was nowhere in sight. And Ximun’s soul immediately flared while his footsteps rushed to the living room.

Nirel was on his feet and he approached the fuming man, saying, “I was wondering how you know about the prophecy. If-”

Ximun swiftly gripped the collar of Nirel’s nightwear and with gritted teeth, he said, “She is gone.”

“Wh-what?” Nirel nervously responded while one of his fingers adjusted the way his glasses sat on his nose.

“Aysu is gone. Where is she? Speak a lie and I will make you watch every second of me smashing every bit of your skull.”

Ximun’s threat was strong enough to make the man’s eyes flutter in fear.

“I-”

“Are you trying to lie?” Nirel shook his head quickly but that only agitated Ximun who found a way to swiftly pin the man to the wall. “Tell me. Where is my wife?”

“H-he took her.”

Ximun narrowed his eyes. “Who?”

“The Lycan King of this pack. He has been terrorising this pack for centuries.”

“What does he want with Aysu?”

“I-”

“Speak clearly!”

Nirel shivered. “He keeps them as trophies.”

“He keeps who as trophies?”

“The women of the pack. Every woman in this pack belongs to him.”

Ximun released the man’s collar. And while that one coughed to ease himself of the pain that he had to endure, Ximun fumed within his soul.

“I don’t care who this Lycan bastard is.” Ximun made sure his eyes were drilling holes into Nirel. “You are going to take me to him and we will bring Aysu and every other woman trapped with him back to safety.”

Nirel cleared his throat. “But we have tried. The men of this pack have tried to fight him. We only end up injured and a lot of us die. That’s why this pack is very empty and-”

“Where does this Lycan King stay?”

“His palace is located in the heart of the land.”

“Then, lead the way.”

“O-okay sir,” Nirel timidly replied and soon, they were out of the room, Ximun’s strides filled with determination to save his mate from the claws of the unknown beast that dared to lay his hands on his wife.