The Risen HODWII

Chapter 55 : The Alpha

"Claire!!" I called louder. I looked like a madman, sacrificing myself for a slim chance. "Oh, please, Claire... come back to me. I'm sorry... I love you so much," I muttered to myself, feeling her presence.

Suddenly, I heard a growl from behind. I immediately turned to see where it was coming from, but instead, I saw two golden eyes staring at me from the darkness.

My heart started beating rapidly. What the heck is that!?

It growled again and began walking toward me. I stepped back, drawing my gun and pointing it at the creature, but then another growl came from behind. I quickly turned back to see another one approaching, and I aimed my gun at them one by one.

If any of them try to attack me, I'll shoot.

Oh, damn! I heard another growl from both sides. How many of them are here!? Too many to count! Damn it, I'm surrounded!

They crept closer, wearing predator expressions, ready to devour their prey. Holy crap! These wolves are enormous!

If they all attack at once, I'll be eaten alive. I scanned the area, desperately searching for an escape route, but I was already surrounded!

I have to escape or become their feast. Just then, I spotted a small gap where I could squeeze through and make a run for it. I took a deep breath and-

*Prrrit!* What was that??

I froze when I heard a whistling sound from somewhere, and even the wolves paused in their tracks.

In front of me, two large wolves made way, and there I saw a silhouette of a person. But because of the darkness, all I could see was a shadow. What is that person doing here in the forest in the middle of the night?

The figure walked closer, and I stood frozen, watching as the person drew nearer until the moonlight illuminated them. The moment I recognized who it was, my heart leaped with joy and relief... in that moment, I knew my heart had come back to life.

My angel... "Claire," I almost whispered. She stared blankly at me.

After a while, she petted the fur of a black wolf, which wagged its tail. "Go back to the pack; they need you there," she said. Her voice... it was so soft. Oh, how I wished to hear it every day, every second of my life.

The black wolf obeyed, walking off, and the rest of the wolves followed.

"Why are you here?" she asked, her voice now cold.

"I was looking for you." I stared deeply into her eyes, but she looked away and turned, walking somewhere I didn't know. I followed her.

Claire never fails to amaze me. She always shows up when I'm in danger. How does she always have such perfect timing?

"Why would you look for me?" she asked after a while, her tone completely blank.

I walked faster and grabbed her hand, stopping her.

"I already told you, I love you, Claire..." I said, not taking my eyes off her. "I'm sorry if I was a fool before, but I will never let you go again."

I'll never forget the sudden change in her eyes-they glimmered for a moment but then immediately dulled. "I also told you, I don't love you." She pulled her hand away and continued walking. "Go back now, Xenon."

"No, I don't care if you don't love me, Claire. I can wait. I'll wait, no matter how long it takes." I insisted, determined to have her back.

She stopped and faced me. "I am a monster, Xenon. I live in the Dark World, but you... you've already avenged yourself. You should live the life you want. I don't belong... in your world."

"I don't care! If I have to enter your world, then I will. I can't live without you, Claire... I just can't. These past few weeks have felt like hell!" I walked closer to her, taking her hand. "Claire, please, you are my oxygen. Don't take it away from me... I'll die."

Her eyes softened. "You'll die with me, Xenon. I am the Heiress, and my father is a devil. He will... kill you."

"Is- is that the reason... you disappeared?" I asked, and she looked away.

So, that was it. I was so blind not to see that!

"Tell me the truth, Claire... do you... love me?" I asked, full of hope.

She shook her head. "He will hunt you, Xenon. Please... stay away from me. My father is a devil. I don't want to get you too involved... my life has already been set by him." She was avoiding my question.

"I don't care about your father's will! I'd rather die at his hands than let my heart be buried alive. That hurts too much!" I exclaimed in anger, but when I saw the sadness in her eyes, my heart sank. I softened my tone. "I'm sorry. Claire... please, set yourself free. If I leave now, my heart will die. You own it. Please, give me a chance." My voice was barely a whisper, and my heart was aching as it beat rapidly, needing her.

"Oh, Xenon, please... I can handle watching you from afar, but I can't lose you. A monster lies within me... being with me means losing you." She pleaded, her eyes filled with sadness. I couldn't bear to see her so sorrowful, knowing that I was the cause. But wait-what did she mean?

"What do you m-mean?" I stammered.

She pulled her hand away, looking down. "I don't have full control over my body, Xenon. Every time my eyes change, my behavior changes too, and sometimes I lose control and kill anyone in sight. I didn't kill Ryan... that day, it was her... the monster inside me."

As she said those words, memories flashed through my mind. At the clinic, I saw the Silencer... her eyes were red, and she had a cold heart that killed without mercy. It was Claire, but it wasn't really her... the aura was darker. Now I understand.