The Void Wolf

“My decision will remain as it is, I will stay in this world.” Kara’s remained steadfast in her choice which Ira seemed to expect.

“Mother…” And Kara seemed to take it just how he expected.

“Then we have decided to remain with you.” The Valkyries who held no relation to the Thynne Family all decided to remain.

Of course, to the Valkyries, Kara was a figure that they viewed in a similar manner as the Dark Elves viewed Ira. Though, they didn’t overtly worship her but none of them would go against her word.

“Then should I give all of you divinity? It’ll still be useful in this world at least.”

“You can do that? No, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised anymore...If you grant them divinity I would be eternally grateful.”

“There's no need to be.”

“Mother, this doesn’t have to be the end...There is another world to explore, why must you-”

“Lauren.” Kara cut her daughter off with pure determination emanating from her entire body. “The mortals and the remaining Gods need to be guided, now more than ever. I wish to repair the effects of the last one thousand years. I can’t just leave this world behind like this.”

“I…” Lauren closed her eyes and gathered herself. “I'm sorry, I understand your decision now and I will respect your wishes.”

“Lauren,” Kara said warmly as she embraced her daughter.

“I don’t want to interrupt but I really have other things to do, so take these.” Ira lightly waved his hand and a pristine metal box appeared in his hands. “Each orb will grant the person of your choosing divinity. Also…”

Ira pointed toward the black sigil on Kara’s wrist and it changed into the symbol of two black wings.

“With that, you should be able to move between realms easily enough and you can even gather some of the Origin Force to use should those remaining Gods decide to revolt.”

“Thank you, Ira. Please, take care of my descendants.”

“I always have. Now, where is it that you would like to go? We’ll be moving soon.”

“There’s no need, we will find our way outside the city to see you off.”

“Well then, this is goodbye, Kara Thynne.”

“...Be well, Ira.” Kara bowed her head just as Ira vanished from sight along with Lauren.

…

The Red Moon illuminated the streets of the city and spread over the citizens who were gathered in their entirety. The number of humans brought to the city had gone up noticeably but it was nothing compared to the growth of the native races.

The attention of the people was all gathered on a single spot, at the top of a massive temple built in Ira’s honor. It was there that Sylun stood with a large contingent of guards, priestesses, and scribes.

“For those of you who remember our lives after the collapse…” Sylun began to speak and the echo of her voice stretched to all corners of the city.

“No, that isn’t right.” She shook her head before realization filled her eyes.

“Those of you who survived that wretched war and stand here with me now. You are aware of our history, our desperate and painful history. We were nearly wiped out after the Collapse and those who remained journeyed across the continent only to settle in a miserable stretch of land. We lived in- I lived in constant fear as a leader. I survived hundreds of years living in fear that the other countries would stop tolerating us and attack. Before the Red Moon gave us life again, before the Godsteel made us valuable, we were nothing but a pitiful people. But now…”

Sylun drew a deep breath in order to reign in her emotions.

“Now look at what we’ve become! A proud people who can live without complete fear as we have the ability to fight for what is ours. It is only through the Keeper’s grace that we have come this far and now, I ask, how will we repay that debt? Through worship or through action?”

A different type of silence fell upon the people as the question was repeated in their minds.

“Our journey is not yet finished and the path ahead will not be an easy one, the Keeper has told me himself. We may suffer greatly and I cannot promise that there will not be death, but think of how far we have come.” Sylun clenched her fist tightly and let her nails tear into her palm.

“Think of those who died so that we can draw breath as we do now. So I ask you, will you end it all here while knowing all the sacrifices it took to get us here?"

Sylun gave everyone time to think of whatever answer they had in mind before she went on.

"...For those of you who want to stay in this world, we will give you adequate supplies so that you may find your own way to live. For those who will follow me, I will not thank you. I refuse to further insult your faith by praising a decision that you made the moment you received my message.”

Sylun loosened her fist and stared down at her people. “That is all, tend to whatever unfinished matters you have and then prepare. May the Keeper’s grace guide you.”

Sylun turned on heels after she finished speaking with her guards following close behind.

A few moments of complete silence went by before someone within the crowd shouted.

“Praise the Keeper!”

It was a small spark which ignited a fire of praise.

“Praise the Keeper!”

Fervent shouts filled the air as people let their decision be known to all with a short phrase.

“Praise the Keeper!”

For those within the crowd, it felt as the very ground was shaking due to all the cheering.

…

A few hours later, as the city became abuzz with activity, the Valkyrie Fortress stirred as it became filled with familiar faces. Ira’s family remained the closest to him followed by the Valkyries, Lauren and Casey who stood near them. Next to them, Sylun, Sylvia, and Saren were gathered along with the youngest princess of the Dark Elf Empire, Suvi, who was busy attempting to gain Valeryn’s attention. And behind them stood Aldis and Amy who brought a face Ira hadn’t seen before, a young boy who shyly hovered next to his parents.

Then, the leading figures of the Dark Elf Empire were at the very back if the Juliana and Zella were to be excluded. The two women always seemed to prefer standing in the darkest corners of the room while keeping their presence barely noticeable.

“So, this is it? Is there anyone who wants to stay?” Ira asked a silent room before continuing with a satisfied nod. “Good.”

“Then, I should be the first to tell you all that everything you gained through the Origin Force will be completely lost with our journey. I will do as much as I can to replace it, but you need to know that it still won’t be easy for you.”

“I think it is safe to say that everyone is prepared, Ira.” Avery chimed.

“It’s an important decision so I have to make sure, you know? In any case, we will be leaving within moments so this is your last chance. If you wish to remain here, I can make you a God or a King or whatever you wish.”

Although the offer would tempt many if any other situation, no one accepted it.

“You all should go to your quarters and wait.”

Ira dismissed the room until only those who directly related to him remained.

“I’m ready, Ira!” Harper bounced on her heels enthusiastically.

Although she had definitely aged in the past few years, she still carried hints of childishness.

“I’m sure you are.” Ira smiled as he realized Harper was the only living sibling of his.

Even though she was originally a human, she still carried traces of his bloodline and he saw her as his sister.

“When we arrive…Um...” Liliara mumbled in an uncharacteristically shy manner. “Can I have my own Kingdom, Papa?”

It was surprising for her siblings to see as she usually remained cold and unreadable while making occasionally rare displays of affection, but never so blatantly.

“If that’s what you want, sure,” Ira said while letting out a chuckle at his daughter’s lofty demands.

“I want a kite!” Nephele added her own desire.

“I want a sword, Father.” Valeryn joined in.

“A...pet...wolf?” Zephyr muttered as if she was unsure.

“I don’t want anything.” Whether it was true or not, Raveria spoke like a stoic older sister.

“You all get what you want and more.” Ira made sure to memorize everything they asked for and made a few guesses as to what Raveria wanted.

“Now, all of you should go to your own rooms. I have to make a few preparations and it’ll be hard to concentrate if you’re all watching.”

Rhys grabbed Nephele’s hand and gestured toward Zephyr who quickly began following them.

“Be careful Ira,” Avery said as she led Raveria, Valeryn, and Liliara out of the room.

“Sure, sure,” Ira replied, waving them away with a warm smile.

After everyone departed and Ira was alone, his eyes turned completely black. He raised his hand and began to make strange gestures while a faint tremor spread throughout the city. It felt foreboding, but it didn’t progress and remained as a light quake that was barely worth fretting over.

…

From outside the city, Kara and the other Valkyries watched as the entire city began to float into the sky. Underneath its foundation, black tendrils formed from mist slowly danced, causing the city to resemble a living creature.

As the city rose higher, a dark opening formed in the sky and began to swallow the entirety of it. It was a hauntingly silent and sluggish event that Kara had no way of comprehending.

“Goodbye,” Kara whispered to herself as the city vanished.

The only sign of the city ever existing was a gaping crater where it last stood.

“Come on.”

Kara took flight along with the other Valkyries who occasionally looked back due to their sheer disbelief. The city of the Dark Elf Empire and the Red Moon which hung over it completely vanished.