PIERRE’S group would take off after meeting General Iljun and the trackers to really information they gathered. The deliberation did not take long. And when they were dismissed, Pierre talked with his father.Raev gazed at his son, cheering in silence. “Be careful son. Always remember everything I’ve told you. However, you and your squad’s life will be the top priority.”“Yes, Father. I will not go back until I find Lazir’s whereabouts.” Pierre was determined despite his father’s warning.“We will wait for your return, son.”“Please look after Seti while I’m away.” Pierre’s face softened. He didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to his lioness since Seti’s team was already on the move. Pierre knew that this hunt would end in an expedition.Pierre’s squad left immediately on foot. The lynx twins were unusually quiet as they tracked Lazir’s scent. Kane was at the back and checking for a possible ambush. They rested after three hours of searching nonstop. Finally, they reached the cliff ne
THE barren forest was dark and serene. The absence of the moon added the eerie around where the dead trees perfectly concealed. Even the temperature was humid, and since the altitude was relatively high, its location made it harder for an average human to gasp for air. Malaika sprinted fast so that she could no longer sense the danger engulfing her body. It had been the sixth day of her Santiguar—the sacred rite of her tribe given to children aged seven to ten-year-old. An ancient tradition which all the participants should survive seven days around the forest, alone. It was a test for survival to determine which shapeshifting attributes they could exercise at an early age. They blindfolded them on their first day upon reaching their respective locations. One more day left, and it will be over. She would survive unscathed. She knew her abilities already. Malaika could shapeshift in different animal forms. Although it required
Ten years later THE Halan tribe celebrated the appointment of the new Warrior Commander. Alleki Certus deserved the position because he trained hard to be the best. He aims to be the next Chieftain when the time comes. He was very vocal about his dream to lead the Halan people when the present tribe leader retired, and being the youngest commander made him closer to his goal. Because in Hala, the strongest warrior leads. Malaika stood at a safe distance behind Alleki. He looked gorgeous in his black uniform embroidered with gold. Although she was happy for her childhood friend, she could not stop feeling irrelevant because Alleki finally got the spot she had dreamed of when they were both kids. Back then, Alleki was just a lad with ordinary shapeshifting ability. Even he was royalty. Unlike her, at a young age, she displayed a tremendous amount of power. Anyway, those were the thing in the past. Because at this moment, she was nothing
AS Yulli watched the fire as if mesmerized, Malaika gazed at him as if he was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. The burning ember warmly reflected in his golden eyes. He had always been gentle on her, even if everyone was showing their disappointment. He played and sparred with her when Alleki was not around. Yulli always found different ways to entertain her when everything was falling apart. After a decade, he became their brilliant strategist. Their meeting place was below the massive century-old tree, where a cave lies beneath the lush forest grasses. The furrow was wide enough for at least twenty persons. Malaika accidentally found this place when she was hunting sometime five years ago. They somehow renovated the cave to make it more comfortable—the smell of fresh flowers and burning firewood mixed in the surroundings. “Now that I am the new commander, I expect more of you. We need to do our best to protect Hala. Especially these day
THE mock battle tournament took place in the middle of the Lezana forest. The massive grassland was perfect for the event; gigantic trees sprawled in the battlefield’s perimeter made it safer for the spectators watching nearby. Healers were on standby in case of emergency. Although they were less worried about any casualties, shapeshifters heal faster than normal humans as long as they do not lose at least seventy percent of their blood. Malaika scrutinized every participant as possible, measuring her capability to win just in case she would face one of them in the match. Some players seemed familiar faces. According to the insignia embroidered in the warrior’s uniform, she knew they came from a well-known clan of their tribe. Everyone looked prepared and eager to win, just like what she felt. This event would be the ultimate test to see how much she had improved from her rigorous training. This kind of two-day event happened every four years, and it w
THE team battle began. This time, the entire forest was their battlefield. They gave each team a specific flag with a number. The mechanics were simple. They must protect their flag because they would lose if another group got a hold of it. And to win, their squad should get another two flags from a different team. Winners must have three flags in total. Malaika’s team owned an orange flag with a number seven. It would have been easier if there were no time limit, but they only had to finish the task until sundown. “Princess, keep our flag.” Yulli insisted. “Are you certain about his?” she asked her teammates. “Never doubt yourself,” Yulli reassured her. Malaika nodded. “All right.” “We will attack head-on. We can’t make this easy; the clock is ticking.” Yulli tightened his black armband, where a warrior’s emblem was carefully crafted. “Understood.” They said in unison. Pierre was an excellent tracker. He
THE announcement of winners came at dusk. Malaika celebrated with her team at night, she even checked her last opponent during the team battle, and she was glad that the bison shifter was all right. She was fully healed at this point with the help of their tribe healers to hasten the recovery. There was a massive bonfire on the ground, and people started celebrating. The music and laughter echoed around. Some warriors were drinking along with their fellow fighters who were lost in the mock battle game. But for Malaika, it was not yet the proper time to celebrate. She had to prepare for the final fight tomorrow. It was announced earlier that the activity for the next day would be head-to-head. It was a relief for her. Malaika knew her capability, and she was confident that she would win. Unless if there would be an unforeseen turn of events that she miscalculated. “Princess, where have you been?” Yulli walked towards her with a bottle of halan wine at h
ALL the participants for the final battle were inline into the ground of the Ezana forest. The spectators were almost doubled compared to yesterday. Malaika observed everyone that gathered around the battlefield. Most were familiar faces coming from a well-known family. True enough, each clan had sent their best warrior to compete, and they were winning up to this stage. The chieftain expressed his high hopes to every warrior who proudly stood on the battleground. He was seated in the middle of an elevated stage along with the council of elders. “The most awaited final battle came at last. I announced last night that this is going to be a head-to-head fight. All of you are aware of the danger, and some of you might die. However, I trust in you not to reach that point. To surrender, the participant will only raise their hands….” Zuyesh Thronsden explained the simple rule of the final test. The tribe leader went on, “And with that, we will only c