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-Jarek... Jarek!

The wolf was able to hear his name beyond the flames, lost among the thunderous roar of the fire that devoured everything in its path. He tried to make out something in the middle of this hellish nightmare that had broken through into his reality, but a dense black smoke like tar made it completely useless. However, even though he could not see or smell anything in the middle of the chaos, he knew there was someone nearby.

-Father...? -he asked, with the louder voice his throat and lungs, resentful of the smoke, allowed him -. Mother? Kianu? ...?

The wolf tried to break through the flaming debris that was still peeling from the ceiling and walls. It was amazing how quickly a building appearing to be so solid and imposing could be destroyed by the voracious appetite of the flames. In just a few minutes, the house that he had always called home had succumbed to the destructive force of the flames as if it were a simple structure of paper. Nothing remained of the beautiful mahogany doors he and his father had polished years ago, when he had tried to instruct him in his carpenter's trade. Nor did the fire leave any remnants of what he and his brother had grown up with, sincerely cared for their parents and Nina. The tables, chairs, cabinets and drawers had been an excellent fuel for the fire, and now they were no more than ashes.

The wolf knew that if he did not do something fast he would end the same way.

-Jarek! -he listened again, this time more closely.

Trying to stop coughing and covering his muzzle with one arm, the wolf tried to approach the place that the voice seemed to come from, the sound drowned out by the incessant crackling of the fire. He just had to move a few steps before he could barely distinguish, not far from where he still stood, a figure that was half-buried under the rubble.

A figure that, even now that the smoke seemed to distort reality, had little to do physically with him.

-Jarek! -the Human said with an obvious tone of desperation in her voice -. Jarek, here I am! ...Help me!

At that moment, the wolf was caught in a complicated internal dilemma.

The figure that was in front had caused the flames that were consuming everything right now, all that he had come to love. If not for her, his father never would have had to close the doors of his house and hide from the rest of the population of Frostmoon, he never would have had to give up his public life. And all for what? In the end, their efforts to keep that Human safe in his home for so many years had proved useless.

Fire would consume them all. The fire that the Human had lit when she had hidden in his house.

At that time, his father's words echoed in his head. <<She is not to blame for being born like that, Jarek>> he told him a hundred times, in some of his disputes over that subject. The wolf knew he was right, but could not help thinking that having tried to hide in his house such a dangerous threat to the whole family was not a wise idea.

She was different. Although he had practically grown up with it, Jarek could not help but think for a second that she was different.

Minutes later, the wolf tried to advance through the flames, carrying on his back a weak and dying Human who kept coughing and crying silently. Despite his doubts, he knew he could not leave her behind at the mercy of the fire. After being separated from his family in the midst of that inferno, he needed something to hold onto his old life, something that fire could not snatch away.

-Father...? Mother? -he continued screaming, trying to find them in the middle of the flames, while struggling to carry the Human -. Brother!?

Failing to get any response filled him with terror.

That's when he stumbled upon some of the rubble and lost his balance, collapsing on the floor. The Human behind cried out, falling not far from him. But the wolf had no time to pay attention at the time.

From the ground, where the smoke was not as dense, he was able to have a more detailed overview of what was around, and not far from where he had fallen, he was able to make out two bodies that were resting side by side, in a strange position...

-No... -he whispered, in a quiet voice -. No...!

His mother had placed her paw on his brother's shoulders protectively, and the young wolf had hidden his snout into the breast of his mother, perhaps trying to take refuge from the nightmare that hung over them. However, none of these gestures had prevented both end up buried in the rubble, and at that time, both remained in that final position, protected from the flames by the same rubble that had ended their life.

The wolf felt tears come to his eyes as he tried in vain to approach the resting place of both bodies. However, as soon as he lifted a paw a sickening crunch shuddered through the house and something fell between the two points, raising a thick cloud of smoke and dust that got into his eyes and lungs. It took a few seconds to stop coughing and reopen his eyes, but when he did, he was unable to see anything beyond the rubble that had just collapsed. Unable to contain himself any longer, the wolf let out a howl of pain and rage, his fists clenched tightly as the tears he had tried to hold back for so long began to flow from his eyes.

He could not tell for how long he sat crying in frustration as his world crumbled around him. He finally came back to reality when, behind him, he heard a voice calling his name, just a faint whisper in the middle of the noisy chaos.

It took him a moment to react, but he turned and discovered the Human, watching from the ground with tears in her eyes, which had reddened by the smoke.

-Jarek... -she said, with a voice broken with despair -. You have to... go...

-Tania...

-Save yourself, please -she asked urgently, while choking back a sob -. Your family... has already given me enough...

-Bu... but what are you saying, Tania... -muttered the wolf, trying to get up -. We have to get out of here... both of us.

-I told you to go -the Human shouted almost angrily -. Go...! Leave me here, please...

-But...

-Go!

The wolf stood staring a few seconds, not knowing how to react, until finally he decided by instinct.

During the next few minutes, he wandered around the house trying to find a way out and survive the flames as the rubble slowly collapsed on him. The house, consumed by the fire, began to sag in upon itself and the walls, which seemed increasingly less secure, groaned dangerously. Despite the circumstances, Jarek tried to think quickly. If he could not escape from the building, then he would be burned and die; if he survived, the situation was not much more encouraging. He knew the people who had set fire to his house would find a way to finish him if they saw he had escaped alive.

There would be no peace, not even if he managed to get out. But he could not give up.

Not at the moment.

At that moment, one of the walls close to him finally gave way under the weight of the debris and fell, again raising a huge cloud of dust that was mixed with the smoke from the room and caused him to cough violently. The wolf closed his eyes, convinced that this was the end and that he would never escape from that house.

However, he could not help but to open them as he noticed a slight breath of fresh air brushing his cheek. His eyes scanned hopefully, over the newly fallen rubble on the ground and felt a twinge of excitement upon discovering a hole large enough for him to pass through. Without wasting any time, the wolf dropped to the ground and began crawling towards the opening, trying to hold his breath to avoid breathing the harmful smoke.

Outside, there was no more fire. Out there waiting for him was freedom and...

...cold.

That was the first thing that Jarek thought as he regained consciousness.

He felt every numb muscle in his body and he could barely give any meaning to the sounds he could hear, but after a few seconds of confusion, he tried to collect his thoughts to get an idea of what was happening. He had the horrible feeling that he was in danger and, although he could not react at the time, wanted to know what he was facing.

Finally, after a few desperate minutes while his mind danced on the verge of unconsciousness, he began to make sense of the voices that he was able to hear, even with his eyes closed:

-...we took charge of that part. There is only what remains in the back of the cave.

-Soak it as well. Once we finish with this, there will be nothing left for the Kara's Cubs Order to recover.

Jarek heard these words around without understanding what their true importance was, still too stunned to react. Moreover, his noise tickled as he perceived scent of a strong odor that he was not yet able to identify. Restless, the wolf tried to move, struggling to open his eyes and regain some clarity of his thoughts.

-Well, well... look who just woke up...

Jarek opened his eyes with effort, trying to find out who owned the voice he heard, even though he had a feeling that he already knew. He had to close his eyes and open them again repeatedly until his eyes were adapted to the light in the room and focused the image that stood in front of him.

The only thing he was able to see were two piercing red eyes that glittered dangerously in an enigmatic face of a snow white fur.

-Just in time for the show, little Link.

At that precise moment, Jarek's thoughts stopped as he identified the strange odor that seemed to flood the entire room.

It was alcohol.

-It's something that goes beyond simple affection. I could not explain it... it is as if, somehow, we both knew each other before we were born, as if we were both two ends separated from the same rope and now we had come together after having been waiting for centuries. Sometimes I feel that I can perfectly understand what he thinks or how he feels and I think he feels exactly the same way. Sometimes it is... confusing.

Rukj nodded silently, as he took another sip of water and directed his gaze to the entrance of the canvas tent, as if he was waiting for someone to enter.

-I would find it strange if it was not -he said after a moment.

Raon smiled at the circumstance.

-Yes, it is... and sometimes, especially when we touch, it almost seems as if... as if the linkage was closing completely. I am almost afraid of that sensation in those situations. It's something that has been inside me since I was born, it is an old and wise union, much more than either one of us, but until now it had never manifested. I have often wondered what kind of person the Mother Kara was, if she was able to establish this link between us... over a century before we were both born.

Rukj observed him for a few seconds and felt tempted to say something that until that time he had not shared with the young Human, even though there was nothing to stop him. It was an observation that he had only shared with Loki until now. Finally, he gathered his courage and decided to say it:

-Not even someone as powerful as Mother Kara could have created what exists between you two today.

Raon took a few moments to understand what the wolf meant, but, could not help blushing to the roots of hair as he did.

-You... you know? -he asked, looking away.

-Yes. It was not too difficult to see, anyway.

There was an awkward silence, in which Rukj observed changes in the face of the Human with obvious interest. He never had imagined that he would have to be in that situation.

-And what... do you think about it? -Raon asked, after a long wait.

Rukj shook his head.

-I'm not the one to decide who you should love, Raon. I guess everyone has absolute freedom in that regard. And knowing that at the moment you're staking your life to complete the mission assigned to you from before you were born, I believe, at least on that topic, you're free to choose for yourself. Nor do I have any problem with the fact that a man loves another man -he went on to clarify, before Raon's questioning look -. If love, as they say, knows no bounds of any kind, I do not understand why it should distinguish between genders. Moreover, since such relationships do not harm me in any way, why should I criticize them?

Raon could not help but smile slightly. Even in this type of situation, Rukj was still analyzing everything rationally and objectively, without letting his opinions get in the way.

He silently thought that he still had much to learn from him.

-The only thing I regret is not ever having talked about it -the wolf finally whispered, looking down -. I suppose that it have been very confusing for you.

-Yes, it was -replied the young Human, almost laughing -. But thankfully, I could talk to Loki about it.

-That's good. Loki surely was much more helpful than I could have been under any circumstances. He understood you much better.

Raon nodded, and a shadow of sadness came to his eyes.

-I am going to miss him a lot -he finally said.

-As will I.

Again, there was a long silence in which they both saw the face of the young lynx pass in their memories. Finally, Raon tried to change the subject:

-And what about you? Have you ever been in love, Rukj?

The black wolf remained silent a few seconds, scratching his neck with a paw and frowning with a thoughtful gesture.

-I guess I had no time for it -he eventually answered -. When I was fourteen, the Last Vindicator's troops stormed our village and killed everyone they found. My friends, my family... only a few managed to survive and even so, there were also many regrettable material losses -the black wolf paused -. From that moment I was only able to think of revenge. My thirst for blood was the only thing that kept me going. I just wanted my revenge against the Humans and to make them pay for what they had done to make me suffer, for me and for everyone. Then...

Raon watched him intently, waiting for him to continue.

-Then one summer night, in which rivers of blood were spilled too, I found the revenge that I craved. I cut off your father's head -the wolf's voice trembled for a few moments before going on -and was about to do the same to your mother. But she, instead of fearing death or considering me a monster, asked for my help. At that moment I realized how wrong I had been.

Raon nodded silently. Rukj cautiously analyzed his face for a few seconds. Eventually, with a dry voice he let out one of the questions he had most feared to ask the young Human since he had gathered him up in his arms.

-Do you hate me for killing your father?

Raon did not immediately respond.

-I suppose -he began, after a few moments -that I cannot blame you for what you did. Moreover, that man was not my father. I never had any memories of him, nor am I able find his face in my mind -he paused -. Rukj, you are the only father I've ever known. And I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you have done for me.

After saying this, the Human looked up and stared into the amber eyes of the wolf. He returned it with a look of surprise, as if he had never expected to hear those words from the mouth of the boy who he had brought up over all these years. Finally, Raon approached him and embraced him with strength and affection.

Rukj was even more astonished, took a few moments to return the hug and flashed a hint of a smile. <<He certainly did not learn this from me>> he told himself. In silence, he closed his eyes and thought after all, how ironic it was that this was the first sign of affection he had shared with anyone in the last twenty years.

Soon after, the two separated and shared a look filled with respect and fondness.

At that moment, someone pulled back the canvas door and hurried into the tent. Raon turned quickly, without wasting a single second, although he already knew who had just burst in and, if he was impatient, it was because in silence he was hopeful for what he was going to be told.

His gaze was on Ailec, who waited breathlessly, at the entrance of the tent.

-Did you find anything? -asked the youth, unable to restrain himself.

-Yes... -replied the bull, trying to catch his breath for a few seconds -. I tried to come as quickly as I could... Apparently, someone from the camp was able to see Jarek in the middle of the mess and knows where he is.

-Yes? -Raon asked hopefully -. Go on!

The bull, however, did not seem very happy and after a few seconds analyzing his expression, the young Human realized that the news he brought them was far from being as good as he had hoped.

-Jarek was not alone in the camp -explained Ailec, still panting -. Apparently, they saw a long white furred lynx that, together with other men, overpowered him and took him outside the camp.

-Ronod -Raon said quietly, suppressing a shiver.

-We have to go and search for them -Rukj replied, jumping up and heading for the exit -. Ailec, go and organize a large group of men and prepare them for travel. We must find Jarek as soon as possible.

That said, the black wolf left the canvas tent and ventured into the camp, not expecting an answer. Raon watched him go, his heart pounding. He knew well what had the wolf in such a hurry.

-Where are they now? -Raon asked, unable to contain himself, looking towards Ailec a pleading expression.

He knew full well at the time that the answer that the bull would give would be very important, because that place would be the final stage where they would face Ronod... and where they would finally resolve things, once and for all.

-For what I've been told -Ailec said frowning -they saw the lynx taking the wolf to the southeast, beyond the hills and in the deepest part of the Moors.

Raon paled in understanding. He remembered well what it was like in that direction because he had already made the journey twice before.

The mountains opened like daggers in to the depths of the moorlands.

The cave in which they had found the last vestiges of the ancient civilization.

And finally, the key to completing their mission once and for all: the message that Aron the Vindicator had left for them all.

-You know? It's funny. Perhaps if you had kept still and resigned yourself to your execution with some dignity instead of escaping like a rat, you would not be in this situation, Jarek. The death that waits for you is a far more horrible fate than your previous one would have been, you know?

The young copper furred wolf tried desperately to get free from the ropes that bound him to one of those big black boxes of metal and glass. Now that he knew what he was facing, adrenaline had shot through his body and pushed him to escape from there, anyway out, regardless of his mission or what this would entail. Fear clouded his senses and he felt a constant throbbing in his temple which grew worse the more he thought that if he didn't do something, he would soon be engulfed in...

-Fire -Ronod spoke softly -. Undoubtedly, being burned alive is one of the most horrible execution methods I have witnessed throughout my life, and believe me, I can assure you that there have been many. The fire not only has a symbolic character, but also creates a horrific torture for those who are condemned to burn at the stake... like you are, tonight -. He paused -First, it will burn away your fur gradually and slowly turning it into ashes, leaving your skin bare like a roasted chicken. -Ronod licked his muzzle -. Not to mention the slow suffocation... smoke will begin to fill your lungs and you will soon barely be able to breathe... only just enough to keep you alive. Secondly, your skin will begin to be slowly singed by the sweltering heat... Then you'll start to notice an unbearable stinging while all over your body pus filled blisters begin to rise. When these blisters burn and explode, spreading the burning pus through your skin, if you're not howling in pain by then, I will consider you the bravest wolf I've had the opportunity to kill in my entire life.

>>After that, your skin will crack and will begin to slowly flake off just like peeling an apple, leaving your meat exposed to the flames that continue killing you slowly, so slowly... likely you will loose consciousness in this point due to the horrible pain involved, but if you are still conscious, you will notice how your whole body ends up catching fire and burning like a torch. And after that, you will linger for a few more minutes until your body is completely reduced to ashes.

His words were lost as a whisper barely heard among the recesses of the silent room.

Jarek had lowered his head and trembled violently as he tried to calm his breathing. He felt an intense tightness in his chest and was unable to think clearly; only a single thought kept steadily repeating over and over again in his mind: escape, escape, escape...

-Are you scared, Jarek? I know that fire and you are old acquaintances, but I was not sure this was going to affect you so much. Look on the bright side: this will only make the show even more enjoyable... for me.

Those words seemed to have an unintended effect on the mind of the young wolf.

Suddenly he raised his head and, still gasping and shaking hard, his eyes seemed to regain some sanity, while he fixed his eyes on the lynx in front of him.

-Maybe it would more entertaining if Raon was here to keep me company, don't you agree? -he asked acidly.

The lynx suppressed a grimace of disgust.

-I would also like to see that Human burn, but I have to admit it was a personal whim. By simply removing one of the two Links, I will make sure that Mother Kara's prophecy cannot be fulfilled. So, as you will understand, I'm not so affected by the fact that your beloved Human is not here to join us -. Just then the lynx raised his head high with ears alert and smiled at Jarek, giving him goosebumps -. Oh, well. Perhaps we're rushing things, don't you think?

The wolf listened and after a few seconds, turned pale.

He also had just heard some sounds coming from the mouth of the cave.

Raon felt as if his heart was about to tear out of his chest.

As he moved stealthily along the rocky corridor leading to the cave, in which only one day earlier, he had discovered the wonders of the past world and the source of the conflict between Humans and Beasts, he tried to hold his breath and make little sound as possible. Rukj, in front of him, was staring straight ahead. Ailec and Raizac, however, remained somewhat further behind, watching the rear. Some other men from the bull's camp moved along between them, with their weapons in hand.

Raon swallowed. He knew with certainty that they faced a powerful enemy and although his party had a few allies, they still had to tread carefully. This was not the first time that Ronod had deceived them and he already knew from experience that the deranged lynx always had an ace up his sleeve. Silently, he shared an anxious look with Rukj, advancing with a frown. Possibly, at that moment the black wolf was thinking the very same thing.

They soon reached the point of the corridor where it widened and opened into the large cavern filled with the relics from the past. However, not everything was as they remembered it.

Many of those black boxes of glass had been reduced to pieces, and had a large number of ropes and black colored ropes writhed on the ground like snakes in agony. The small black boxes had also been reduced to rubble and piled up with the rest of waste chaotically. Everything had been destroyed and the remains were now piled in heaps of different size, distributed throughout the cavern.

However, Raon had no time to analyze all of the disaster and understand the losses. At that time, the only thing he could think of was finding Jarek amid that dunghill and unfortunately for him, he did not have to look far.

-Jarek! -he cried, seeing him tied to one of those black boxes on top of one of those huge piles of waste.

He made as if to move towards him, but stopped just a millisecond later, only to discover a familiar figure next to the copper furred wolf.

Ronod, from the top of that makeshift pile of garbage, gave him a twisted smile.

-What a nice surprise young Human. We were just talking about you at this moment. Would you like to join Jarek tonight?

Raon clenched his teeth, trying to suppress his anger. From his position, Jarek gave him a look mixed with sorrow and repentance. It was then the Human discovered that Ronod, in addition to having bound him to several of those boxes with black ropes that seemed to stretch on the ground in all directions, had also gagged him. Simply seeing the young wolf so helpless and vulnerable made his heart cringe.

-What are you waiting to respond, Raon? -Ronod then asked, advancing a couple of steps -. We do not have all night. And, as you can guess, it doesn't matter if I kill one or two Links -he paused -. In fact... I was commenting at this very moment, with your dear friend here, the great desire I have to see you suffer.

Raon tried not to give in to attempts by the lynx and tried to analyze the situation coolly, as Rukj had taught him.

There was no sign of any other Beasts around the room and Ronod still showed too much confidence to have been abandoned to his fate. On the other hand, Raon doubted that the lynx could cause all this mess by himself.

Something did not fit.

-Can you tell me, why am I so important to you? -asked Raon at that time, trying to restrain his impulses and closing his fist around the shaft of his spear, making a great effort to try to remain as calm and resolute as possible.

Ronod stared at him with those disturbing eyes as red as coals. It almost seemed like he was analyzing him.

-I do not usually lose any of my prisoners -. He spoke those words with a chilling coolness without looking away -. I must admit that the fact that you've managed to do it not once, but twice, has me quite intrigued. And not only that: I dislike it intensely. I hope you understand that you are not only escaping from the Commissioner Sek, but you're also giving me bad publicity. What kind of state torturer allows their prey to escape?

-Maybe one that has run out of luck -Ailec then spoke up, intervening in the conversation.

-Luck? Oh, there is no luck here, my friend. There are only the circumstances... and by appropriate means, anyone can manipulate them at will.

-Crap... -Ailec snarled, returning a hateful look.

Raon glanced at him, trying to understand the bull's attitude. From his expression, he deduced the simple fact of having the lynx in front of him was causing to him a feeling close to revulsion, but in that moment, Raon also had a feeling that Ailec was holding back trying not to kill Ronod here and now. He understood that the bull's rage had been accumulating against the torturer, but he was not able to explain why that was coming to a head. Had anything happened that he had overlooked...?

-What do you want to do, Ronod? -Rukj said at the time, trying to return their attention to the issue that concerned them -. You are alone. Your men have fled. And Sek is dead. Who are you going to manipulate now to play along with you?

Raon frowned. Manipulating?

-Very astute, Rukj -Ronod replied, letting out a short laugh -. Sek was nothing more than a pawn. But what good would it do to have him act under my orders? For what dark reason would I risk taking power from high places? What drives me to try to prevent, in any manor, the reconciliation between races that Kara's Cubs Order had planned? -. As he spoke, he made numerous gestures with both paws, smiling grimly -. Now, Rukj. Enlighten us all.

Raon glanced at the black wolf, full of questions.

-I could not do it if I didn't know you, Ronod -Rukj explained with the same serious and expressionless tone that characterized him -. But after all, it's difficult not to hear about you in Frostmoon. Everyone knows Ronod, the great torturer of the city, facing day after day and night after night the horrible Human threat ravaging our lands since time immemorial. Even senior city officials admire you for being able to fight them, so much so that you even receive special treatment that few members of the Police can boast. -He paused -. That allowed you to achieve almost complete control of the city, manipulating to your whim all its leaders and important figures.

>>What would happen if all of a sudden, the citizens of Frostmoon discovered that they have been living a lie? In the worst case, your reputation would be in tatters, but in any case, you would lose a good will that you have always enjoyed and you don't want that. This is what has driven you to try to keep the war going for all these years... constantly manipulating reality to increase the hate that the Beasts of Frostmoon felt toward Humans.

Rukj finished speaking with the same tone of voice with which he had started, surprisingly, did he not appear to express a single nuance of anger, hatred, or even reproach. However, his chilling coldness was the best demonstration of what actually happened at that moment in his head.

Ronod's smile widened.

-Very good, Rukj. I see that you aren't misguided.

-Not at all -Rukj continued, frowning -. Moreover, I would say that you were the one who ordered Jarek's house burned.

Raon was stunned as he looked at the black wolf, unable to believe his ears, and then turned back to the lynx. Jarek, meanwhile, seemed to have calmed down a bit and, instead of continuing to try and unsuccessfully untie himself, remained staring at Ronod's expression.

-Is that true? -Raon asked, fearing the answer.

Ronod just looked back at him and then laughed again.

-Yes, well, who cares really who the culprit is? There's not much to regret, don't you think?

-How... dare you? -wondered Ailec at the moment, in shock -. You burned down the house of a family... only to preserve your position of importance in the city!

-It cannot be... -Raon said weakly, stepping back, unable to believe his ears, but could not say anything more, since Ailec interrupted.

-How can you be so despicable? Don't you have any principles? Have you no... no respect for anything!?

Ronod smile disappeared from his face and a chilling seriousness came over his expression.

-Do not be so hypocritical -he said, coolly, as he frowned -. At the end of the day, you have done the same. Or haven't you just fought a whole camp that has blindly been following the orders of their Commissioner? Did you not have the same Sek killed when he attempted to fight following his convictions? Is it that they do not deserve to be regarded as innocent as you are? -He paused -. Yes, I acknowledge that I have killed. I've killed hundreds of human prisoners; I killed whole camps of trackers, I killed your young messenger lynx, but... aren't you as much a killer as I am? You speak of stopping the war, but at the moment of truth, you have the same bloodlust that all of us do.

-That's not true... -Ailec replied, clenching his fists, livid with anger.

-That it isn't true? Look at you and tell me it is not. Are not your hands stained with blood? Did you not enjoy it while you were also killing everyone who was in that camp?

-Stop it...

-You say I have no heart, but at least I assume that I don't -continued Ronod, while a hint of victory peaked out of the corner of his mouth -. You, however, you try to pretend that you are better than the other side hiding behind your "reconciliation." I wonder if in truth, you are not all a bunch of hypocrites and narcissistic liars. Even you, Rukj. Even that little bastard lynx!

-I said stop it, you son of a bitch! -Ailec yelled at the time, beside himself.

The bull let out a cry of rage and, before anyone could stop him, he ran towards Ronod waving his huge ax, his face distorted in a grimace of hatred and rage as an insatiable thirst for blood and vengeance flashed in his deep mahogany color of his eyes.

-Ailec, no! -Rukj shouted, reaching out a paw towards him in order to stop him, but it was already too late.

Suddenly, something whistled through the air and, before either of them could react, a flurry of arrows came from an undetermined point in the cave, crossing the room in just seconds and digging into their target with amazing speed.

Ailec, was unable to react in time, and yet remained standing for a few moments.

-Son! -Raizac cried in horror, making a feint to advance towards him. However, this time Rukj reacted in time and stopped him by the arm, hard.

The young bull did not respond.

The rain of arrows had pierced his body at various points and, like the quills of a hedgehog, they stood out from his flesh now letting out only a slight trace of blood in the places that had been stuck. His face flushed a terrible expression in the most genuine surprise mingled with sincere horror, seemed to bear no trace of the anger he had felt just a few seconds ago.

-No... -Raizac whispered, pale as wax, trying to escape from Rukj's paw, which nevertheless did not let him go -. Damn it, no!

Ailec let out a low, guttural sound, trying to remove one of the arrows from his stomach, to no avail. The arrow broke in his hands and just seconds later, the young bull fell to his knees, still convulsing and throat full of blood. Without making any other sound, he gave a final look of his eyes to the lynx had taken his life, before suffering a last gasp and collapsed on the ground.

Dead.

Raon's eyes clouded over as they came to rest on the lifeless body of the bull, unable to react. For a moment he stood as if in a dream, hearing only the triumphant laugh of the twisted lynx and the cries and screams of a father wracked with grief, and with his eyes fixed on the still warm corpse of the bull, that just a few minutes before, had been by his side, ready to protect him from danger. For a few seconds, the young Human was unable to accept he had just seen the last movement of Ailec, his latest attempt to change things; unfortunately, a failed attempt.

And there wouldn't be more opportunities.

-It seems that some do not like to have their eyes opened -commented Ronod, abandoning his privileged position on that pile of junk and descending to the same height in which they were, with a grin on his face -. I guess, after all, there was no choice but to close them forever... Don't you think so, Raizac?

-You... you... -uttered the bull, livid with rage -. I swear by all the stars that... I'll kill you!

-Enough, Raizac! -Rukj yelled at the time still holding him, as he motioned to the men with them for them to come near -. Don't you realize that he is trying to provoke you? Do not fall for his game.

-His game... his game? He killed my son! Let me...!

-Raizac -Rukj adopted a more serious posture, as several of the bull's men approached him to hold him -. There's nothing you can do about him now.

The bull stood for a moment with his eyes defiantly fixed upon the black wolf. For a few moments he found all his hatred for Ronod had been transmuted into an infinite contempt towards Rukj, simply because he would not let him run to the lynx and avenge the death of his son, although that meant he would sacrifice himself in a suicidal attack. However, the black wolf did not change his expression one bit.

-Raizac, he is gone. You cannot bring him back.

The bull held his gaze for a few moments until, unable to continue, he dropped his head and slumped his shoulders, he let out a long cry of pain. Rukj watched him with compassion shining from the depths of his eyes, and then motioned for two men to take him between them. Raizac barely resisted and allowed them to take him, still mourning the death of his son. Rukj tried not to pay attention but knew, deep down, what the bull had risked trusting him, and each of the tears that were spilling was a blow to his pride and integrity.

Without wasting another second and trying to forget that, he directed an angry glance at Ronod, who at that time was closely analyzing Ailec's body, as if infused with a strange curiosity.

-So much youth, so much strength... -he murmured, as if to himself, as he placed a paw on one of Ailec's horns to turn his head and see his face -. So much impulsivity... thrown away. I guess that's the worst fault of young people, but it is also their greatest strength, is not it? So much energy... wasted.

-What do you want, Ronod? -Rukj asked, without wasting more time -. Obviously you're not as alone as you had led Ailec to believe, but ultimately you are still just as lost. You know very well you will not fool us with the same ruse again, let alone now that you've been discovered. You are doomed.

-Oh, my dear Rukj, you should not underestimate me. You cannot imagine all the various methods and strategies I have in mind to kill all of you at this very moment -the white lynx murmured, licking a tusk and giving a soft kick to the body at his feet -. But where's the fun if you can rush over me like there's no tomorrow? Let's play a little before, shall we?

-There is no fun in the death of a person -Rukj replied, letting out a grunt -. Seeing death as a game only turns you into more of a monster than I thought.

-And should I be offended or flattered? -Ronod asked with a sinister smile -. In any case, Rukj, you should know that you too have lost. It is impossible for you to discover where my archers are, and if any attempt to approach should pass through your innocent little heads, they are ready to turn you into a colander. Just like they did with this trash -he added with contempt.

Rukj clenched his fists.

-Rukj... -he heard Raon say at that time, beside him -. Maybe... it might be better that we try to negotiate with him.

-We can0not yield, Raon -the black wolf answered, gently -. That would mean losing everything that...

-...but I do not want anyone else to die -Raon interrupted him, pleading -. Please. We have to try and reach an agreement with him.

-Even if it means leaving Jarek behind?

-No -Raon replied, eyes bright, while biting his lower lip -. I could never leave Jarek behind. But, I'm willing to stay here with him.

Rukj hesitated.

On one hand, Raon was right. At that moment they were in a position of extreme weakness with Ronod. They had no way of knowing how many of his men there were or in what corner of the cave they had been ordered to hide. In addition, the amount of waste at the site and how they had piled it up on top of each other made it even more difficult to locate them. If Ronod wanted to kill them, he would simply order his men to do it and they would all end up like Ailec.

But on the other hand, Rukj refused to surrender now that they had come this far. They had cornered Ronod and could finish him off once and for all. If they succeeded, then all the time they had been fighting would be worthwhile and the effort that had gone into their struggle would have been worth it. But if, on the contrary, they allowed this opportunity to escape...

His gaze slid to Raon and he could not help but notice the expression of the young Human. For a moment he was able to see beneath his skin and wonder in horror, what it would be like to live with what he was experiencing, to be faced with that situation. From the day he was born, Raon had not been more than a mere object, a symbol that could bring hope to those who fought for reconciliation between Beasts and Humans. But what had that hard life full of sacrifices and serious shortcomings meant to the young child? Where had his freedom been? Where was the peaceful life of any child that Raon would have given anything for?

In that moment, he felt like quite a contemptible creature for the simple fact of having dared to save Raon's life at that time, only to hope that he would serve in the future to stop the conflict. <<I saved a tool>> he thought, with a sinking heart <<but not a child>>.

His eyes then turned to the wolf with that coppery fur, bound and gagged against that black box, watching him with the same expression of anguish, guilt and fear as the young Human.

How had they dared to plan the future of their lives? How could they let them die now? He could not turn his back after all he had put them through. But on the other hand, they were not willing to let anyone else die.

He looked away, not knowing what decision he would make.

It was then, out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw a movement in the pile of junk that was closest to them. He could have completely ignored the movement because, although he had discovered the position of one of Ronod's men, he still had no way of killing them.

However, there was something else in that small movement that caught his attention.

-Rukj... -Raon pleaded at that time, trying to hold back his tears -. Say something, please.

The black wolf took a moment to react and returned to look again at the Human, who was still looking at him with an imploring expression.

In spite of everything Rukj gave a full smile, the first one in a long while.

-Everything will be fine -he told the youth, placing his paws on his shoulders and trying to infuse some confidence -. Trust me.

-But... -Raon whispered, managing a hurried glance at Ronod, who at that time was watching them curiously.

-Preparing a farewell Rukj? -the white lynx asked, raising an eyebrow.

-Perhaps -the black wolf answered, facing him, though without advancing a single step -. But I have a question, Ronod... approximately how many men have you brought here?

The lynx looked surprised.

-Why are you so interested? -he asked -. I guess a little over a dozen; I have not bothered to personally count them. Why is that? Could it be that you think you can find them all and kill them before they kill you? Allow me to doubt you.

-That's not what I had in mind -the black wolf replied, without showing one iota of fear in his voice -. But, you know what? I envy Sek.

-What, the Commissioner? -Ronod snorted, almost laughing -. Perhaps you would like to be just as dead as he is?

-No, I was thinking about what happened back in Frostmoon. I was hoping I could punch you to unconsciousness as he did there.

Ronod watched him for a few seconds, even with a raised eyebrow, and after a while began to laugh.

-Seriously?

-Yes, I would have liked to have had the chance to do so earlier -the wolf said -because I know you're going to die in less than two minutes.

Raon watched him without understand anything. What did he think he was trying to do? Didn't he realize he was going to lose? Silently, he glanced at Jarek, who seemed just as equally baffled as he did.

-Oh, really? -asked Ronod, ceasing to laugh and feigning surprise -. Are you so sure about it, Rukj ?

-If you do not believe me, just wait -recommended the wolf.

The lynx stood for a moment in silence, until he finally broke out into laughter again.

-Of all the wretches whom I have had the opportunity to kill, you're the first who dared to stand up and face me in a somewhat decent manner -he admitted, still laughing -. Okay, I'll wait. If within two minutes I'm dead, you shall be free to do as you please. But if I 'm still alive, I will give the final order to kill you. Do you agree?

-Agreed -Rukj replied, nodding slowly.

A murmur ran through the group of men who accompanied Rukj, but he gave them a reassuring smile.

-Stay calm. I know what I am doing.

-I hope for your sake that you are right, Rukj Jirnagherr -Ronod spoke quietly while still smiling, as he returned to his position beside Jarek. The copper furred wolf gave him a look of hatred from his position and then returned his green eyes to observe Raon at the foot of that pile of junk.

Time passed slowly.

They were the longest two minutes that Raon had ever lived. The silence was broken only by Rukj's slow steps, who had begun to walk from one side to the other, with crossed arms and slowly drumming the fingers of his paws impatiently. Jarek had tried to free himself from his bonds and escape on more than one occasion, unable to believe the words of the black wolf were true, but finally surrendered to the reality that the ropes that held him prisoner were too tough for him to escape. Ronod, meanwhile, stood constantly staring at Rukj, as if he feared he was about to do something crazy to save his life. However, the black wolf just returned his gaze from his position and continued walking back and forth, waiting... <<What was he waiting for?>> Raon wondered.

For a few moments he was tempted to do something. The panic was about to overwhelm him as he felt the need to run to Ronod, as Ailec had done; not to let that time pass waiting in vain. But he finally managed to restrain himself and remain in place, trying to focus on the crunching caused Rukj's footsteps as he crushed the debris under his paws, again and again.

As the seconds passed, Ronod's smile was expanding more and more, until it went almost from ear to ear.

-I have waited almost two minutes, Rukj -the lynx commented after a while -. Are you sure you have not dragged all your friends to their destruction?

The black wolf did not respond, and Raon began to feel very uneasy.

-Has your pride blinded you? It isn't so difficult to acknowledge that you were wrong, you know? Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.

-Then order them to kill us now -Rukj offered with his arms crossed -. You can do that, right?

The lynx held his gaze for a moment, laughed, and finally shook his head and said with a smile:

-What the hell... you're right! Attack!

The lynx raised a paw in the air and Raon closed his eyes instinctively, preparing to be hit by the arrows. Silently he wondered if this had just been the only way Rukj had to prolong his life a bit, delaying his death. Maybe he really had no hope of saving them, after all. Maybe this was his way of saying he would rather die by his side...

However, he had to open his eyes again only seconds later, confused as he did not feel any pain or hear any screams. Startled, he glanced at Rukj, who was watching Ronod with a gleam of triumph in the depths of his amber eyes.

The lynx continued with one paw raised and his face now wore an expression of utter bewilderment.

-What the...? -he exclaimed, confused and managing a slow look around him -. I told you to attack!

Only silence followed his order. Raizac's men again let out a murmur, and this time they were not so afraid.

-Sometimes you win... and sometimes you lose -Rukj reminded Ronod, breaking into a half smile.

-What the hell do you mean...?

However, he had no time to continue the sentence.

Just then, something whistled through the air and a long spear stuck in his stomach, piercing him through side to side and rendering him mute. The white lynx's eyes widened taken by surprise, and let out a muffled yelp of pain. Terrified, he brought his hands to the spear's shaft trying to pull it from his stomach but he did not have enough strength to do it and only managed to aggravate his wound. Finally, unable to stand it any longer, the lynx stepped back, directing an intense look of hatred to all present, and tried to flee. However, he could not make more than a couple of steps before losing his balance and falling down the side of that pile of rubbish, letting escape an occasional guttural sound.

Raon was slow to react, but the cheers of Raizac's men were almost instantaneous. For a moment, the young Human feared that everything that he had just seen was nothing more than a fantastic dream or, worse, a hallucination caused by his agony, but the joys of Beasts behind him eventually convinced him otherwise.

A smile came to his face and, unable to hold back any longer, he turned to Rukj exultantly:

-You were right! He's dead!

The wolf smiled slightly.

-I told you to trust me.

-But what exactly happened? -Raon asked, confused -. And how could you know what would happen?

Rukj opened his mouth to answer, but at that time the young Human realized that Jarek was still bound and gagged on top of that hill of debris. Leaving his position for the first time at the entrance of the cave, he began to run toward the copper furred wolf, sliding over the remains of those boxes of iron and glass and stumbling over the thick black ropes that seemed to stretch in all directions along the ground.

Rukj watched him go and he could not help but feel happy for him.

Somehow, he felt that this was the way to compensate the young Human for all he had put him through and how he had treated him since that day he had found him in the arms of his dying mother. Now, it was over.

And Raon was once again free at last.

-Rukj! -he then heard Raon, from the top of the hill -. Come here... Look, please!

The black wolf took a quick look and found that the young Human had been standing, watching something or somebody who appeared to be on the other side of that pile of waste. Expanding his smile, he hastened to climb to Raon's position as well to also greet their savior. Once he had done so, he placed a hand on his shoulder, with a reassuring attitude, and a look of gratitude to the figure waiting at the foot of the pile.

-Well -he said, unable to avoid a slight smile -. I did not think we were going to see each other again, Human.

Shaina smiled back from her position.

-Me either, animal. But I was curious to know if your words were true, so I took a chance to look for Ronod after you told me.

-And you arrived at the right moment -Rukj commented, cocking his head.

-I was already watching him for a good while, but wanted to be sure. And then he was so stupid as to incriminate himself. I remained hidden in a corner of the cave and, when the archers shot, I tried to memorize the directions of the arrows. It was difficult to remember all of them, that is why I was late and it took me slightly over two minutes to kill them all.

-Very smart.

-There was no other way to do it and, after all, I still can be a Tracker.

Raon, however, did not seem to feel very comfortable. Trying to hide his displeasure as much as possible, he clung to Rukj and whispered:

-Rukj... this is one of the Humans that burned our cabin.

The black wolf nodded, but did not seem to attach any greater importance.

-This Human has also saved our lives too -he finally said, after a few seconds.

Raon was not sure that that would be enough, but finally decided to leave the whole matter in Rukj's hands and focus on what really mattered most: Jarek's release. Without wasting any time, he crouched next to the coppery furred wolf that was giving him a long gaze filled with love and murmured, smiling:

-Jarek it is all over. I'm here. We made it.

He gave him a look of gratitude and infinite happiness and though still gagged, tried to pronounce some words, although all of them turned into a string of incomprehensible noises. Raon laughed softly and removed the gag, while Raizac met with Shaina and Rukj behind him, as they began to talk about what had happened during these past few days.

-Thank goodness -protested the wolf with the copper fur, once he had freed his muzzle from the tight gag -. I was beginning to think that you would never again remember me.

-That I would never again... what? -Raon asked indignantly -. You idiot! We came here for you!

-Really? I would say that you just came to talk cheerfully with Ronod for over ten minutes until, finally someone had the pleasure of killing him.

-How can you be so ungrateful? -Raon asked, unable to believe his ears -. Are you aware of the huge risk involved when we came here just to save you...?

-You know? -Jarek interrupted him at that time -. I'm still tied up so I can't do it, but if I had my paws free I know exactly just how I would silence for you so that you could understand that I was only joking.

Raon blushed deeply.

-Really? -he asked quietly.

-Yes -the wolf replied, grinning widely.

The Human smiled back and closed his eyes, leaned over and gave him a long kiss, enjoying every second of its duration and every nuance and the feelings awakening within the link that existed between them both. When they separated, panting, the copper wolf gave him a funny look.

-Actually -he said, with a note of sarcasm -I was not referring to kissing you, but to putting a paw in your mouth to see if you would stop talking...

-Idiot -Raon repeated, trying to sound indignant, but could not help laughing.

-Well, are you going to release me now or what? I'm tired of being in this position and my paws are getting tired...

-I'm coming, I'm coming -Raon snorted, drawing a small dagger from his belt and starting to cut those strange black ropes -. Do not ask me why I am doing it, but I just took off the gag and I'm starting to wonder why I bothered to come and save you...

-Seriously? -Jarek asked, raising an eyebrow.

Raon smiled.

-Of course not, silly.

During the next few minutes, he tried to break Jarek's shackles as best he could, but it was not as easy as he had thought. The ropes were covered by a thin layer of black, soft and flexible material that was easy to cut, while inside they were full of small cords of reddish iron. The young Human wondered exactly what the purpose of these ropes was in the ancient world of their predecessors, but finally just shook his head.

He was probably never going to find out.

Finally, he managed to free the coppery wolf and stroked his wrists, letting out a grunt of pain.

-Thank you. I thought I was going to remain here tied up my whole life.

Raon laughed softly.

-By the way, I want to talk to you about something I've seen -the wolf muttered, taking a more serious tone -. I think I found something that might be...

Just then a piercing cry of pain made him go silent.

Startled, Raon turned towards Rukj and Shaina, who in turn had just moved towards the foot of the pile of rubble with a worried frown. Jarek joined them and stood behind the Human, glancing over his shoulder at whatever had attracted their attention.

Ronod staggered not far from there, with something in his arms, which the Human initially had identified as something from the remains from the sea of garbage. However, he soon realized his mistake.

-What is he doing with a bowl? -he asked in doubt after a moment.

Shaina was frowning with worry.

-You... you idiots! -Ronod yelled at the time. His voice, broken by the pain and the blood that escaped his throat sounded more terrible than ever -. How... how dare you... believe that you could escape alive... from here!

-Ronod, let's face it. You're dead! You have lost! -Rukj exclaimed.

The lynx's twisted smile grew from ear to ear as he poured the contents of the bowl on himself and a substance similar to water soaked him completely, while a long cry of pain escaped from the effort.

-What is he doing...? -Rukj asked with a faint voice.

-I do not know exactly, but stay alert -Shaina recommended, taking her spear in hand.

The lynx, now with his fur all soaked and matted, seemed much smaller and younger. In fact, if not for the hate that oozed from his red eyes and his inhuman expression of hatred, Raon would have almost said he seemed like a different Beast.

-No... no one escapes from Ronod... -the torturer gasped, with a great effort, directing one last look at them filled with absolute rage mingled with a last gleam of triumph.

That said, he started to run to a nearby place, as fast as he could, still carrying the spear that had pierced his stomach while laughing wildly.

-Where is he going? -Raon asked uneasily.

However, Rukj was frowning with concern, and Shaina seemed to feel increasingly worried. It was at that moment that Raon realized where the lynx was going, having discovered a small red glow in the corner of the room where the lynx was going.

A torch.

All the pieces of the puzzle fell into place in his mind and, terrified he turned to Rukj, who also seemed to now understand what was about to happen.

-Hurry! -cried the black wolf, beckoning to all present so that they would run towards the cave entrance -. We have to get out of here!

-What is happening? -asked one of Raizac's men.

-He is going to burn the cave! -he yelled at the time to Jarek's horror -. With all of us inside!

Raon soon understood completely.

He had not noticed it before, but to the keen nose of a wolf, it was obvious that a strange odor hung in the air, above the scent of dirt that had filled room.

What Ronod had soaked himself with was not water; it was alcohol. Not only was he drenched with it, but also the entire room.

-Come on! -Shaina shouted, starting to run towards the entrance of the cave, giving them one last look of warning.

All of them began to flee towards the exit, and just at that moment, Ronod, with hate filled eyes and a throat full of blood immolated against the torch that only minutes ago his men had placed on the wall. That was the end of Ronod, that lynx with a dangerous mind, who until the end, had struggled to maintain his reputation and retain his position, even at the expense of lives of others.

His body was consumed completely in just seconds, and a devilish laughter mixed with the haunting sound of howling, full of pain, rage and terrible agony, that was amplified by the echoing of the cave, forming a sinister cacophony.

Unfortunately, his body was not the only thing that caught fire. The fire spread rapidly to all the waste, which had been previously soaked in alcohol by his men, and began eating slowly the remains that were left there. Raon tried to ignore the crackling of the fire and gripped Jarek's wrist, who hurried as he ran with him, panting violently.

Rukj and Shaina, who were in front, led the other men towards the exit. Raon and Jarek, were somewhat delayed due to the condition of the latter after his captivity, tried to reach them accelerating their pace. However, Jarek suddenly seemed to notice something.

-Raon stop! -he exclaimed, trying to contain his trembling -. We have to go back!

-Are you crazy? -Raon asked, giving him an incredulous look.

However, the wolf failed to respond.

Releasing his hand, he turned and plunged back into the cave, heading straight into the flames.

-No, Jarek! -Raon screamed, unable to comprehend what he had in mind.

For a moment he stood at that spot, not knowing whether to advance or go back. Finally, it was his heart that decided for him and he ran after Jarek, trying to control the urge to follow everyone else. Behind him, Rukj was screaming as he called out to him, but he completely ignored him trying to not to loose sight of the copper wolf.

Soon he arrived at the scene where the flames had begun to consume everything with thick smoke, darker than any smoke Raon would have ever had a chance to breathe, causing him to cough violently.

-Raon... Raon!

The Human was able to hear his name from beyond the flames, almost lost among the thunderous roar of the fire that devoured everything in its path. He tried to make out something in the middle of this hellish nightmare that had replaced their reality, but the dense black smoke was like tar and it was completely useless. However, even though he could not see anything in the midst of the chaos, he knew there was someone nearby.

-Jarek? -he called out, in a higher voice as loud as his throat and lungs, resentful of the smoke, allowed him -. Where are you...?

The youth tried to break through the flaming debris that continued to fall from the ceiling full of strange objects that illuminated the waste at his feet. It was amazing how quickly a cave so wide and rugged in appearance could be destroyed by the voracious appetite of the flames. In just a few minutes, the cave where they had found the last vestiges of the first race had succumbed to the destructive action of fire as if it were a simple structure of paper. Little remained of those big black boxes of iron and glass, and judging by the state in which the flames were leaving them, they could not just be made of one material or another. Nor were strange bars on the roof of the cave resisting the fire's effect, they had illuminated everything before and now were leaving, and suddenly everything plunged into an unsettling darkness lit only by voracious flashes of red from the fire. The small black boxes that Jarek had encountered not so long ago had been an excellent fuel for the fire, and now they were no more than ashes.

The young Human knew that if he did not do something fast, he would die the same way.

-Raon! -he listened again, this time more closely.

Trying to distinguish who was calling to him, he turned in all directions, putting a hand over his mouth to stop coughing. At that time, a figure as black as the night stepped half way through the smoke and urgently grabbed his shoulder.

-What is happening? -Rukj asked, looking him straight in the eye -. Where is Jarek?

-I don't know! -Raon answered unable to stop coughing -. He said that... he said we had to go back!

Rukj frowned, probably trying to suppress any kind of insult that had come to his mind.

-I'll go get him. You return to the entrance!

-No! -Raon exclaimed, trying to shake off the grip of the black wolf -. I will not let you go alone!

Rukj seemed about to reply, but finally seemed to think it was not worth wasting time on something like that, so he beckoned the youth to follow him into the flames and began to run over the debris on the ground. Raon could not help but notice that most of it had a viscous appearance, almost as if it was melting from the heat of the fire. Unable to find an explanation for this phenomenon, shook his head and went on, trying not to lose sight of Rukj this time.

They trudged through the remains of the room and, with some sadness Raon could not help thinking that no one would ever see all that they had discovered in this place. The existence of the ancient civilization and the origin of war would always remain like a secret whispered from ear to ear, a legend lost in the middle of the flames without any basis to support its existence.

It would be forever, a mystery that only they had managed to discover.

-Raon, he is here! -Rukj exclaimed.

The youth hurried to catch up and did not take long to discover something in the middle of the smoke.

Jarek had collapsed in the middle of the flames, curled and probably seized by fear. Raon already knew about how the wolf was so terrified of fire and could not believe that the he had been so crazy. However, he tried to remain calm while Rukj took him in his arms. The copper wolf did not abandon his fetal position at any time.

-He must be terrified -Rukj whispered, shaking his head. He also seemed surprised by Jarek's decision -. We have to get him out of here.

Raon nodded and started running towards the entrance, unable to avoid occasionally throwing a look back, unwilling to lose sight Rukj again and advancing the flames with Jarek in his arms, trying not to lose his balance.

They were the most agonizing seconds of Raon's life. The fire seemed to shift over them again and again, unleashed against them trying to burn their skin and ignite their bodies, and again they were forced to retreat and find another way. In addition, much of the residue on the ground was becoming a strange doughy mass that made it impossible to move forward. That coupled with the abundant smoke, as dark as a bottomless pit, which not only reduced visibility but also made them cough constantly, and did not improve things.

Finally, he was able to spot the entrance of the cave in the distance, and quickened his pace, desperate to escape from there. He stumbled several times and had to get up again, and on more than one occasion he thought he would never reach the exit.

However, after stumbling one last time, arms held him before he fell. He looked up and discovered that it was the redheaded Human, watching him with a strange expression on her face. For a few seconds, they exchanged a slow look of recognition, trying to analyze each other. But after a while, the gaze of the Human shifted above Raon and her face turned to an expression of alarm, while letting out a cry of warning.

Raon turned, not understanding what was happening.

Rukj was still struggling awkwardly through the rubble of that universe lost in the middle of flames, with Jarek still in his arms, showing no signs of life. The claws of his feet sank into the debris of the cave and caused him to lose his balance again and again, although he managed to keep going, even while holding Jarek. Nevertheless, his expression was a living mask of suffering.

It was at that moment when everything happened.

The heat had melted several roof structures and many of the panels of that lost civilization had placed there as cover and support were falling one after another. One of those huge structures riddled with bars to illuminate was hanging dangerously over Rukj and Jarek's heads and, just at the moment when both made their way through the sea of fire and smoke, it finally broke away and fell to the ground.

Raon wanted to shout something, but his vocal cords were exhausted and his lungs could hardly absorb any air after breathing so much smoke.

A huge amount of rubble fell on the two wolves as the ceiling began to collapse virtually all throughout the cave, burying everything beneath it with a thick layer of debris, dust and rubble from those past human remnants. The impact lifted a huge pall of smoke that forced Raon to close his eyes and cover his mouth, unable to breathe. However, as soon as it had dissipated, he opened his eyes and desperately tried to find the bodies of both wolves in the middle of that ocean of dirt and debris, where the flames had already completely disappeared.

But to his dismay, he found nothing.

Unable to give up despite the evidence, the Human broke free of Shaina's grip and ran to the place that the roof had collapsed upon, calling both wolves by name, screaming, with a broken voice and painful anguish. He tried to lift the debris, but it was too heavy for him, so he continued desperately shouting their names, unable to hold back tears as he ran from one side to another, hoping to find them safe, somewhere.

From the entrance, Shaina and Raizac's men observed him for a few seconds, with a heavy heart, knowing that there was nothing they could do for him or for the two wolves. But Raon did not share the same opinion and kept trying, with a steely determination, without surrendering to the possibility that everyone else believed in at the moment.

Only when he realized that he was crying, he collapsed upon the rubble and continued to whisper their names, again and again; using what little breath he had left his throat, with the hope that one of them might hear him...

...but he did not hear any response.