CHAPTER 38
As the helicopter hovered over the mountains, the silence inside was suffocating. Only the sound of wind hitting the windows filled the space. No one spoke… until Vlad suddenly stood up.
"I can't do this," he muttered to himself. "Not with this face... I can't go back there. I had to leave them behind, but... this is all my fault." His breathing became erratic. "Breathe... just breathe..."
Mike glanced at Svetlana. "What happened to him?"
Svetlana kept her eyes steady. "When our father died, he attacked that creature. It struck him down in a single blow. After that, he believed he couldn't face anyone again. He took me and fled here. For centuries, we built a system, made the city our new home, lived like ordinary people. But I guess he still carries the weight of the past. I thought he'd moved on… why is he still in pain?"
Mike sighed. "I know. During the claw ritual, I entered his mind. His memories, all the things he buried... they're starting to rise."
Vlad clenched his eyes shut. Then suddenly shook his head. "Enough. We have a long road ahead. Volgravia... our home awaits."
One Week Later
Beyond the ice, in a forgotten valley, they arrived at a settlement the size of a small town. Smoke curled in the distance, and wind swept the snow.
"From here on, we walk," Vlad said. "We need to be seen. Maybe someone still remembers."
As the helicopter landed, two men in dark coats approached, weapons in hand.
"Hey! Who are you? This is restricted territory. You can't just walk in!"
Vlad's expression changed. "Still the same stupid jokes, Marcus."
The man squinted. Then suddenly shouted: "HEY! Everyone! Look who's back!"
"Marcus," Vlad said, "We need to get inside."
Marcus's face grew serious. "A lot has changed since you left. Your uncle was removed. Whoever's left of your family either fled or died. The current ruler… we don't even know who they are. Only insiders hear the name."
"Damn it..." Vlad muttered.
"But don't go all gloomy just yet," Marcus added. "Come on. Let's talk inside. Everyone grab a drink."
Mike looked around and smiled. "Nice place..."
"It used to be nicer," Marcus sighed. "Since your uncle fell, everything's been harder."
Vlad nodded. "I didn't come back for comfort. I left my people behind. If I can do one last good thing… maybe I can make it right."
Marcus paused. "Then why, Vlad? After all this time, why now?"
Vlad closed his eyes and replied softly: "You remember the legend… the power of the first werewolf. The Alpha's highest form. The ritual that demands you leave your humanity behind…"
Marcus's face went pale. "Don't tell me... you're here for that ritual. Are you going to kill your uncle?"
"No," Vlad said. "No... never."
Mike chimed in, curious: "But the third offering... it has to be your father, right? If he's already dead, how will you complete the ritual?"
Vlad shook his head. "A father… doesn't have to be by blood. It's not the blood it's the bond. The love. The one who guided me. For me... that was my uncle. But I didn't come here to kill him."
Marcus's expression turned blank. "Then why?"
Vlad told them everything. The ritual. The missions. Jessica. And why they were here now…
Beneath the ice of Volgravia, the past was beginning to stir. And this time… nothing would ever be the same again.