"When Chefung turns eighteen," Shen Louchen said calmly, "I will hand the pack over to him. He must learn self-control first. Power without restraint brings ruin."
Shen Luoyu smiled warmly. "Our son will become the youngest Alpha leader strong, brave, and respected."
Behind the door, a young boy froze.
Eighteen… leader of the pack?
Fear gripped Shen Chefung's chest.
I haven't even discovered my powers… What if I lose control? What if I hurt someone?
His wolf stirred uneasily inside him.
I can't do this.
Later that evening, Wen Lilly approached him. "Young Master, dinner is ready. Your parents are waiting."
"I'll join soon," Chefung replied. Then, lowering his voice, "Bring two bags. Clothes in one. Food and water in the other. Quietly."
The maid hesitated. "Are you… going somewhere?"
"That is not your concern," he said firmly.
Shock crossed her face. "Y-Yes, Young Master."
At dinner, he smiled, laughed, and ate as usual. He hugged his mother tightly longer than usual.
His father spoke again. "Tomorrow, we begin your training."
Chefung nodded. "I'll be ready."
I won't be here tomorrow, he thought.
The Night He Ran Away....
Night fell.
When the castle finally slept, Shen Chefung moved.
The gates were sealed. Guards patrolled below.
Then a whisper echoed in his mind.
The window.
He tied thick cloth into a rope, tested its strength, and secured it to the bedframe. One by one, he lowered his bags and then himself.
His heart pounded as his feet touched the ground.
No alarms.
No shouts.
He disappeared into the forest.
Branches scraped his skin as he walked, sword drawn, senses alert. His wolf growled softly, urging him forward.
Hours later, exhausted, he spotted a cave.
Inside, the air was cold and ancient.
Too deep.
Too quiet.
Unease crawled up his spine.
He lay down, staring at the stars beyond the cave entrance, wondering how vast the world truly was… and how small he felt within it.
As sleep claimed him, something stirred deep within the darkness.
Something had noticed him.