When Volusius opened his eyes, he found himself in the dark. The surroundings were unfamiliar, and he looked around for any landmarks to help him find his way and bring him back to reality. He tried to understand what had happened, but everything was so confusing. 

He cautiously walked forward until a gradual flash of lightning came across the sky. Eventually the darkness lifted to reveal trees, and soon after a long line of pale white birch trees under a moonless grey sky. Then he saw tall buildings and streetlamps, amidst the fog and under a bright blue sky. 

In a moment of realization, Volusius began to realize where he was. This was the place where they had first met. He felt his heart lift as everything became bright and beautiful again. Everything seemed peaceful and beautiful, as if nothing could go wrong now that he was there. It did not matter that the sky was dark, just the thought of me made everything glow. 

He looked up at the nearest houses, with small windows carved into their facades like flowers opening their petals to the moon and remembered what it had been like to be there with me when we first met. He stood there, almost paralyzed by the beauty and mystery of his surroundings. Suddenly a voice echoed from somewhere around him, sending an icy shiver down his spine. 

“A beautiful memory, isn't it?” a mysterious voice said mockingly. Volusius whirled around to find its source, his anger rising as he shouted for the unknown figure to show itself. 

“Who are you? Show yourself?” said Volusius but drew no response but a laugh. It sent shivers down his spine. He turned in a circle, searching for the source of the voice, until he stumbled over something in his anger and was flooded with daylight. As he recovered from the sudden light, he realized he was in his apartment. A bowl of soup sat steaming on the table just a few steps away from him. 

There I was, an unwelcome guest, about to eat the warmed soup he offered me. I looked over at him and smiled at his courtesy and humanity. 

“A small gesture of kindness, an act of courtesy, and a smile as a reward,” said the mysterious voice. 

He had just enough time to turn in the direction of the voice to find himself in the forest, in the same place where we had both eaten breakfast and danced happily to the rhythm of our imagination. 

He remembered it all so well... only now there were so many more things than before: Everywhere he looked, birds sang in a joyful chorus; dazzling flowers filled every nook and cranny of the forest, as if scattered by the hand of a giant; dewdrops glistened like diamonds on every leaf and blade of grass; strings played a haunting melody that seemed to come from everywhere at once; glorious rays of sunlight shone through thick trees like spotlights, illuminating every corner; loud laughter filled the air, echoing off trunks and branches with an intensity that almost deafened him; sweet scents perfumed every breath he took... 

“What you always wanted.” The voice of the echo was softer than ever, yet as clear as anything around them: “To be a hero, and to be seen as one.” 

"But you already are," said another voice, the magic of which was its suggestive tenderness. Suddenly there was an echo in the distance, but the voice was different from the ones we had heard before. It also seemed clearer... almost as if it came from very close, and yet not at all harsh... “Volusius!” 

Volusius suddenly turned around, attracted by this new voice, the origin of which he could barely make out and the identity of which he could hardly assign to anyone in particular... 

“Volusius!” 

He suddenly recognized my voice, and I did not need to be told twice! He started in the direction my voice had come from. His feet pounded the ground as he ran towards me. A cacophony of shouts echoed in the air, but one rose above them all: “Varuclezia!” bellowed Volusius, his voice thundering through the silence. 

Volusius ran immediately in the direction of my voice, but the forest melted and twisted with astonishing speed before being replaced by a new, darker and more twisted one that kept him away from my voice. 

He continued, memory after memory: a long climb, a wraith pushing him back, a new climb and the same obstacle pushing him back. It was like an endless loop with stacks of tree-like creatures surrounding him, pushing him back into the dark abyss, no longer worth running or threatening, until exhausted he reached a lake. 

He was exhausted and just wanted to take a small sip of water before continuing his search. He knelt near the shore and stretched out his arm towards the water, where a sea creature grabbed him by the arm and dragged him to the bottom of the lake. 

“Poor noble soul. So willing, so eager to destroy the evil around him, and yet for every step he takes, new evils arise before him,” said the mysterious voice from somewhere above his head. 

Volusius broke free of the sea creature's grip and swam with his last ounce of strength to the shore, where he emerged from the water barely able to stand. 

"A fine dream of yours, is it not?" said the voice, this time coming from the shadows and revealing itself to be that of a man cloaked in red and wearing a silver mask. 

“You come here willingly because you know what you seek,” he continued in an eccentric and mannered way. 

Volusius jumped up, putting himself in a guarded position and ready to face any threat, but nothing, only a laugh coming from the darkness that echoed off invisible walls. He sensed movement behind him, but when he turned his eye could only make out a vague figure. 

“Do not be afraid...” said the red cloaked figure, “...I am not here to harm you. After all, this is your dream, your personal realm.” 

“Fear?” he said, remaining motionless as the figure walked around him, “I am not afraid of you!” 

“Maybe not, but you are afraid of something. Everyone is afraid of something, no one is exempt.” 

Volusius followed the figure with his gaze, constantly on the alert. 

“And what makes you think you know anything about me?” 

“People are like books; you just need to know how to read them. And you, you have never hidden your pages from anyone...” said the red cloaked figure, “...your greatest fear is that you have done wrong, that nothing you have done or will do will change the world you see around you. That no matter how hard you try, evil will always rule the world, and that you should have given up a long time ago.” 

“Shut up!” 

“Have I touched a sore spot?” said the figure, turning to face Volusius as if only then did he notice his presence. “But maybe I'm wrong, it only takes small things to change big things.” 

“And what does that mean?” 

“It means that there is someone dear to you beside you...” said the red cloaked figure approaching him, “...someone very beautiful and who is unprotected while you are here.” 

In a fit of rage, Volusius drew his sword and chased him away. 

“What have you done?” said Volusius. 

“What have I done? What have YOU done?!” said the red cloaked man. 

Volusius awoke, agitated and panting, then calmed himself in the silence of the night until he saw that in his sleep, in the grip of the nightmare, he had drawn his sword with hostile intent in the sacred area of the temple. 

Volusius rose and took up a guarded position, keeping his senses alert, waiting for the consequences to come, ready to face them. 

At first, nothing seemed to have changed. The place was quiet and still, not a leaf or blade of grass moved, and the bright, full moon chased every shadow from the place. The wind was calm, and the trees swayed with a playful motion. Their leaves did not move, the vines hung still, and the grasses were as flat as a table. The moonlight made the shadows very sharp, and the clouds were as white as sheep's wool. 

It was peaceful and quiet. Even the embers gave off enough light to keep the wild beasts at bay and a pleasant smell of well-aged wood, but Volusius felt the wraiths coming. 

The stones were not quiet, they were not still. Each one seemed to pulsate and wail, not quite words, but incoherent noises: gibberish even. 

The fire crackled and the wind whistled over the stones and through the grass. 

He looked around and saw that I was not there. He stared at the spot where I had been, his heart beating fast. Had I run away? Run away on purpose? Been captured? He couldn't help but wonder if something dangerous had happened while he was asleep. What if they had caught me first and torn me apart before I had a chance to react? He wanted to believe that I had managed to elude them, but what if I hadn't been so lucky and had been attacked instead of him? The thought filled him with dread. He could only hope. 

Volusius felt his own hand begin to shake as doubt began to tear at his soul. The soft clink of metal against stone was barely audible above the creek behind him and the wind in the trees. A cold breeze ruffled his hair, and he watched as his breath condensed before him. 

Volusius felt a cold chill run down his spine as he slowly came to realize the danger. His throat tightened and his heart pounded in his chest, until five wraiths slowly stepped out of the shadow of the forest, each one bringing with it blades sharp enough to split a hair. The starlight shone on their razor edges. At first, they moved silently, creeping closer inch by inch, but then they stood silent for what seemed like ages before finally breaking the deadlock and began to move together, forming a tight semicircle around him. 

Volusius lunged forward in a sudden burst of energy, aiming to surprise the weakest link in the circle of wraith. The wraiths' guard was caught off guard and stumbled backwards as Volusius darted past him. But before he could make his escape, a cold voice slithered up from behind him. 

He turned and saw another wraith heading towards him with his sword raised. Reacting on instinct, he backed away, but only managed to stumble to the ground. 

The group of wraiths advanced, swords glinting in the light, and Volusius found himself surrounded with no way out. With no choice left, he mustered all his strength and blocked the blades that flew at him from all directions, each hit pushing him closer and closer to the centre as they tightened their grip. Volusius jumped backwards, putting as much distance as he could. 

He took a deep breath and brought his arms to his chest, remembering the feeling he had experienced when he had fought under the lake. He remembered the feeling of me speaking inside him and through him casting a spell. He took a deep breath and uttered the following words. 

Iuppiter ianuam novit. Iuppiter ianua est. Iupiter ianuae est clavis et custos. 

Ianus est et Summanus. 

Volusius was sure his heart was going to explode in his chest but, with passing time, he felt some sort of power surging through him. It seemed to him that a god was passing through him and, as he stretched out his arms, it was as if two large hands were pushing the wraiths away, far away. All but one remained before him. 

The remaining wraith seemed almost hesitant at first, but then advanced with fierce steps toward Volusius. Volusius stared straight into its eyes and spoke softly but firmly. "Leave me alone." 

His words hung heavy in the air until finally the wraith stopped in its tracks. 

The figure stood before him, wrapped in a cloak that billowed out behind it like wings. A black cloak with a dark, immense and menacing aura. It wore a helmet crowned with plumes whose shape resembled the mane of a wolf, but beneath it and between the edges of the cloth there was nothing but shadow and the deadly glow of cruel eyes. The figure’s eyes radiated cold, the hand holding the sword was icy and hard. 

Volusius was surrounded by a menacing wraith that blocked any hope of escape or entry. The small bell clanged against the still night air, its eerie chime penetrating deep into Volusius' heart. He felt frozen in place as the wraith drew closer and closer, until he stood alone in the clearing, in the middle of the forest, at the mercy of the wraith. The hum of an eerie small bell echoed off the looming tree trunks around them. Fearful and alone, Volusius was trapped in a circle of nightmarish creatures, awaiting his fate. 

Volusius watched as the wraith raised one arm and brought its amorphous form to life. Frost enveloped that side of the forest. A long, curved blade glowed in the moonlight. The blade shimmered at him mockingly in the moonlight like a part of the cold body of death itself. 

Volusius stood motionless and looked at the blade's mirror-like surface, noticing the length of the wraith's weapon. He shifted his gaze at what was left of the blade of his sword, noticing how short it was, then at the empty bed where I should have been. 

He glanced at the wraith one last time and saw that under the moon shone a silver-plated ring armour to which he had nothing to oppose. Evidently there was little that stood between him and fate. 

He lowered his arms, dropped his broken sword and let fate take its course, knowing that there was little that could close the weapon gap. 

The wraith then carried out the sentence. He raised his weapon and, as swift and terrible as the winter wind, he quickly consumed the space that separated him from Volusius, who seized the hilt of his weapon, twisted the wraith’s arms, and beheaded the wraith himself with his own blade. 

So Volusius stood victorious, while the wraiths, robbed of their leader, attacked him from all sides to avenge their comrade. 

“Enough!” cried I 

As if swept by a hurricane wind, the wraiths vanished in a flash of green light. At my command, they left Volusius alone. Silence felt in the forest. 

I approached Volusius and, to my surprise, he took me in his arms and hugged me. “I am glad you are well,” he said, tears streaming down his face. 

At first, I didn’t know how to react. His embrace was warm and gentle as the world seemed to shrink around us. Then I gave him a smile and returned his hug. I took his white handkerchief and wiped away his tears, saying, “I'm sorry for pulling away.” 

“It's all right. I'm glad you're OK” said Volusius. 

I gave him another smile, then walked over to where what was left of the defeated wraith stood. I was... impressed. I mean, it was impressive indeed how he was able to pull that trick off. 

“I guess this is good material for your book,” said Volusius, anticipating my thoughts. 

I smiled at him, then went back looking at what the wraith left behind. 

There was nothing left but the weapons and armour that gave his shadow some form. Volusius looked at the weapon: it was strange, a long blade with a slight curve that tapered to a point, yet the hilt was huge, designed to be wielded with two hands, like a scythe or a spear. 

Volusius recognised it as a rhomphaia, an ancient weapon used by the peoples of Dacia, but could not explain why it was there. The blade looked new, as if fresh from the forge, its surface smooth as glass, yet it gave off an eerie blue light along its edges. A deep cold emanated from it, which interested Volusius greatly, and its sharpness was as nothing he had never seen before in a blade. 

I was more interested in what else had been left behind. I looked at the cloak, as well as the rest of the items he had left behind. 

The armour was made of silver steel rings with long sleeves that slid down to the hips. An intricate pattern of leaves and vines twisted around it in a spiral design, as if they were growing from the metal itself. It was elegant, but what caught my eye more was the fur-lined cloak with the wolf-like helmet. Although it was not worn, it seemed to be surrounded by an aura of terror, and I am not ashamed to say that even I was afraid to touch it, although there was nothing to indicate that it was alive or dangerous. When I lifted it, it cast a dark shadow that disoriented me and made me feel small and weak. The air itself made me feel sleepy and fragile. 

“Here!” I said, putting in his arm cloak and armour. 

“Huh?” 

“Put it on!” 

Volusius asked no questions and put on his armour and cloak. He tightened the belt at his hips and slipped the rhomphaia into its scabbard. Finally, he put on the helmet with the wolf's mane, and indeed, in the moonlight, he looked like a real wolf. The cheek pads and nose guard were closed, giving him a wolf-like appearance, while the gloves, reinforced with metal plates, resembled claws. 

Volusius was as imposing and terrifying as the wraith he faced, yet I did not feel fragile or afraid in his presence. I could not tell if it was because I knew the man beneath the helmet, or if Volusius had already imposed his will on the armour and learned to master its powers. 

What was certain was that his eyes and his smile made him shine in the middle of the night, and that the armour seemed to have no power over him, though I kept an eye on him in the days that followed, just in case. 

“Ahu?” exclaimed Volusius jokingly, imitating a wolf's howl. “Is there a reason for this, or do you just like to see me in armour?” 

“If you have to face a dragon, armour always comes in handy...” said I, scrutinising it from top to bottom, “...and besides, it gives you a more poetic appearance. You know. Readers like a good description with vivid images.” 

Volusius laughed. 

“And anyway, you can do nice things with that cloak, if you know how,” said I. “You told me you were a priest of Soranus, right? With the jumping into the fire and all.” 

“More like walking over hot coals than jumping into the fire, but yes,” replied Volusius. 

“Well, it should still be fine.” 

“...?” 

I whispered some instructions in his ear, then Volusius took a deep breath and said the following words: 

Summus Soranus, tu es ille qui per ignem ambulamus. 

And so, in the dark night, Volusius felt something animal grow within him, as his cloak began to shake in a wind that moved neither leaf nor blade of grass, but it. I was silent and withdrawn as he became a wolf, tall and black like a shadowy stain against the darkness. 

Despite his frightening new wolfish form, his eyes retained the gentleness that had always characterised him. He approached me and began to lick my cheek, tickling me until I giggled uncontrollably. Tears streamed down my face, glistening in the light and flowing happily on my cheeks. 

“Enough, enough,” I said, laughing until I fell to the ground. I took him in my arms and began to caress him until Volusius decided to return to human form. 

“Well, I think you've had your fair share of fun...” he said, holding out his hand to help me up, “...but I'm afraid it's time to go.” 

We both looked up to see the dawn rising in the distance. The dawn had taken its beautiful golden mirror and started to move across the sky. 

“You know, you have quite a talent for learning certain spells...” I said, walking towards my backpack, “...but I suggest you don't abuse it too much if you don't want to lose yourself. Oh, and if you ever get the urge to drink blood, haunt houses, or whatever it is that ghosts do in their spare time, just let me know.” 

“Actually, I just feel powerful, if that's what you want to know,” said Volusius, looking at the gloves that looked like claws. Then he watched me pick up my backpack and said: “What exactly are you?” 

“I'm a terrible pain in the neck,” I said cheerfully. “Come on, let's go while the sun is still low.” 

Volusius looked at me with some wariness, then shifted his gaze back to the armour he was wearing. 

We walked away, disappearing silently into the twilight. We walked slowly along the long, steep, winding path that nature had carved out of the deep valley near the temple. 

After a farewell glance at the temple that had sheltered us, glittering behind us, we walked far into the dawn. 

Outside the valley, in the lands near the mountain range, the landscape was far more rugged and barren. We would make slow progress but, in the sunlight, we hoped to escape the hostile gaze of the creatures that moved by night. 

Volusius walked with his head held high; at his side was I, who knew these lands even in darkness. The first part of our journey was easy and pleasant, and there was little to report except the wind. At every step the landscape was the same as in the previous valley, but the mountains were fast approaching, and with them our destination. Late in the morning we had our main meal. 

Volusius used the moment to study his new weapon. The blade was eighty centimetres long, like that of a sword, but the hilt was almost as long, allowing it to be held like a spear, or to increase the range of blows. He began to practice, trying both slashes and lunges, recognizing its use in battle. I watched him practice until he caught my eye and turned to me and said: "What do you think a wraith is doing with a weapon from Dacia?" 

"Either this wraith is from Dacia, or someone has given him weapons from that region," replied I. 

Volusius looked at the bell taken from the wraith. It was inscribed 'ramus daina', but he could not make out the language or the meaning. 

Volusius looked again at his new armour, then turned his gaze back to me and said: "Exactly how do you know all these things of an occult and arcane nature?" 

"Oh, I'm a girl who reads a lot," replied I. 

Volusius was not convinced by my words, and his gaze remained suspicious. 

“I'll tell you what...” I said, lying on my back on the floor and resting my wrists so that they could be easily grasped and held on the floor, “...if you can take me by force: I will admit that you have defeated me, and tell you what you want, alright?” she said in a mischievous tone. 

Volusius looked at me with little confidence. 

"There's a catch," said he. 

“Of course, there is a catch,” said I. 

Volusius knew he was in trouble, but he decided to play along anyway. I certainly had that mischievous grin on my face, typical of someone who is up to something, but he decided to fall into my trap anyway. He sat on top of me and cuffed both my wrists. 

“Now I have you pinned down,” said Volusius. 

“Yes, but there's nothing you can do to me apart from a few kisses...” replied I, “...so technically I'm the one who's keeping you here.” 

“And if I do this?” he said, putting his hands on my breasts. 

Look at the rascal. Have you seen him? He thinks he's got me! I looked at him with a smile that meant nothing good. I wrapped my legs around his torso, hit him on the elbow and, losing his footing on that side, he fell, and we rolled together until I was on top of him. 

Thus ended the glorious career of Isengrimus, which had never been marked by defeat. Alas, tragedy struck that day when he met the beautiful green-haired nymph! 

“What is that smile?” asked he. 

“No, nothing. I was just thinking of something funny,” I replied, before he caught me and rolled me aside. 

Now he was in charge, and I dared to say: “So, are you giving up?” 

“I don't know, I could stay here all day,” said I, grabbing him and holding on to him as if he were my prisoner. 

“Oh well. Since I'm stuck here, I might as well give you your reward.” 

Volusius leaned over me and kissed me. Then we laid together in the grass. 

When Volusius opened his eyes again, he discovered that the sun was higher than he had thought. It was neither a sudden nor an unpleasant awakening. As if he were still in a dream, Volusius heard a sweet melody harmoniously wafting through the air like a caress. When he opened his eyes and realized that it was not a dream, Volusius felt the immediate need to find out the origin of this wonderful melody. 

He stood up cautiously, his hands resting softly on the grass, and with slow movements, like a predator afraid to frighten its prey, he looked around, trying to understand where the melody was coming from. When he realized where to direct his step, he walked into the bush. 

Without stepping on a leaf, without breaking a branch, without moving a frond, he walked through the trees and made his space to observe from behind a tree. 

The melody flowed out of my mouth; a lyrical composition taught to me long time ago. It was an old song; I had been taught the lyrics when I was young but not the notes until recently. It came effortlessly to my lips; I had longed to sing it ever since, and now that I was about to bathe in the cool waters of the river, it spilled from my mouth like pearls flowing from jumbled shell necklaces shaken along with a woman's laughter. 

The melody continued, straight from my lips, which sang happily as I was bathing in the waters of the river, half of my body submerged beneath the surface. My body reflected the sun as it shone through the trees, and long rivulets of water streamed from my head to my pelvis after a downpour. 

The water slithered down my forehead onto my face and then slid over my back and down between my breasts like ice on fire. 

I bent my head forward, let my hair down, scooped up some water to wash it out, and then suddenly pulled my neck back, splashing drops of water like a string of silver pearls. Then I sang again. 

Volusius stayed to listen, and no matter how rude he thought it was to disturb me while I was bathing, that melody... that melody... little did I have a body that would arouse desire in the driest man, before that voice everything became invisible. 

Volusius took a step forward, oblivious to everything and its consequences, until he was discovered and awakened from his altered state. 

“Ah! Forgive me,” said Volusius, stepping back and lowering his eyes. 

“Forgive you for what...” I said, covering my chest with my arms, “...for spying on me, or for letting me discover you?” in a tone that Volusius did not know whether was one of malice or reproach. 

“I... I... forgive me, it's just that your voice was so wonderful that for a moment I thought I was meeting a nymph.” 

I did not know how to answer. It may sound strange, but it is not normal for an mere mortal to pay more attention to my voice than to my body. I looked at him in surprise, then smiled. 

“Look, you might as well turn around...” said I, “...I don't have anything you haven't already seen.” 

“No, no...” said Volusius, staying turned around, “...that is not behaviour befitting a gentleman.” 

I smiled again. Volusius really is a good man, perhaps you would have preferred someone else, but now you understand why I chose him. 

“You do well, you do well. Everyone knows what happens to someone who spies on a goddess while she is bathing,” said I before other thoughts crossed my mind. I flushed my face again and said, “By the way, you who can compare, who has the most delicious body, me or the lady you met at the lake?” 

“Who? The one with the scales and tentacles?" said Volusius, then he thought about it. "She had the biggest breasts.” 

“...!” 

“Much bigger.” 

“...!!” 

As if sensing my reaction, Volusius laughed with relish, then said, “If it pleases you to know. If someone were to make a statue of you, they would say that your forms are too ideal to be the creation of nature and not of an artist." 

“...♥“ 

“Although the same could be said of the creature in the lake.” 

“...!” 

I went a little too far. Such an answer was to be expected. Men! All incompetent, I thought, holding back my laughter. 

I wrung the water from my hair and my eyes grew pensive. I thought of the dragon, the dragon that had sacked Rome before Volusius' eyes when he was a child. I had not expected this journey together to change so many things. I looked up at Volusius, but he was still turned away, unaware of my thoughts. 

I was sitting on a jagged rock, water droplets cascading down my hair and onto my skin, a chill running through me. I reached for my shirt first, the rough cloth sticking to my soaked skin as I pulled it over my head. My fingers fumbled with the laces of my trousers before finally managing to tie them tightly around my waist. 

“Do you have a comb?” I asked Volusius, my teeth chattering slightly. 

“In the top drawer of the bedside table in my room...” he replied, his voice trailing off, “...but this forest is definitely not a hotel.” 

“...!” 

“Don't worry...” he continued quickly, “...I'll get it for you right away.” 

As Volusius dug through his rucksack, I came up behind him and wrapped my arms around him in a hug. 

“You know? You don't have to face the dragon,” I said softly into his ear. 

“Eh, what is this sudden change of heart?” he replied, surprised by my statement. 

“No, nothing...” I shook my head slightly, “...you've found the nymph now. It is not necessary to risk everything to slay a dragon.” 

Volusius turned and hugged me. "Take it easy. If the dragon is beyond my reach, I will return." 

“Promise?” 

“I promise.” 

We stood there for a few minutes, enjoying each other's warmth and presence in the cool forest air. Finally, feeling encouraged by our promises to each other, I whispered something in his ear that made him raise an eyebrow. 

“Something tells me I should have expected such a request,” Volusius chuckled as he turned to me and saw the little girl's pleading smile on my face, impossible to deny. 

Anyone in the woods at that hour of the afternoon would not have seen a young couple climbing the hills, but a regal green-haired witch riding a wolf through the forest. 

Merchants, shoppers and passers-by alike would have stopped to watch the rider make her way down the avenue. They would flinch as I passed: a green-haired noblewoman on the back of a noble (and quite exotic) steed. 

I clung to my wolf pelt on his back as he maneuverer carefully between trees and around roots. My hair flowed freely in long waves of bright green, making it look as if I was moving underwater. 

Volusius couldn't help but give a happy yowl when he felt me clinging to his soft fur. He turned to look at me as I giggled, gave him a smile and patted his shoulder affectionately. 

Seeing the admiration of the passing animals, Volusius couldn't help but feel the desire to see himself there. He looked around for a body of water or a reflective surface, but there was nothing he could do. If there was such a thing, it was covered by the immense greenery that surrounded them. 

We both liked being the centre of attention, but not everyone seemed to be interested in us. After a while, the forest animals began to snub us and go about their business. I patted Volusius on the shoulder and whispered in his ear to stop. 

“It's not good to abuse this spell...” I told him, “...I don't want you to really turn into a wolf.” 

I got off his back and waited for him to return to human form. 

"To be honest, I wouldn't mind being your wolf cub..." said Volusius, "guaranteed shelter, a few meals a day and most importantly, daily cuddles. Besides, you're a very tempting morsel. The perks of having you around are great."" 

“Oh, unfortunately I think Sofia would prefer you that way,” said I. 

“And you?” he asked, looking into my eyes as if trying to read my soul. “How would you prefer me? Not that it changes much for me. I'll always be by your side.” 

“Exactly!” said I, putting my hands proudly on my hips. “Nothing changes for you. I have you on a leash either way!” 

“Maybe! But it sounds to me like you're the one who can't let go of me.” 

“Maybe, maybe.” 

Night fell over the forest in a heavy, black curtain that dimmed the moon and swallowed the last rays of light. The dew turned to frost, and the air turned to mist as it drifted slowly through the trees like steam from a swamp. 

Deep in the darkness, seven silver blades flashed through the forest, glittering coldly as cold steel could. As surely as a wolf's eyes catch the light of the full moon, seven wraiths seemed to glow with blue fire as they were struck by a scattered beam of silver light from the moon overhead. 

Protected by the mist, they moved in a semicircle, step by step, towards our camp. 

They made no sound except for their slow, determined steps as they approached their target. But a more terrifying creature could be seen: a large, dark wolf, silently climbing a boulder. It watched them, casting menacing shadows. 

Volusius clung to the Rhomphaia with his claw-like lights, his wolfish cloak moving in the darkness. An unnatural cold enveloped his form. 

As the darkness lifted and the moon emerged from behind the clouds, a huge, menacing silhouette of a wolf engulfed the wraiths in a state of sheer terror. 

"Cerberus! Cerberus!" their cries filled the air as they realised their second death was imminent. Panic and fear spread, the source of which was the towering figure above their heads. 

An eerie blue light shone from Volusius' rhomphaia as he leapt onto the clearing in a savage frenzy, giving out an ear-splitting howl. The wraiths ran about in panic, but it was too late; with every lunge and snarl, destruction and chaos ensued until the only thing left standing was fear. 

Februus, Ghandharwos, Mh'ithrha and other names of gods unknown to Volusius filled the air as the wraiths screamed in terror. Words of archaic language mingled with the terrible shrieks. 

One of them slashed a flying blade across Volusius' shoulder, but he did not feel its touch. His will pierced through their defences and into their bodies, which then swirled away from him on a night wind that obliterated their forms until only a dark hole remained where they had stood, and then it closed like a tear in the night. 

Volusius stabbed the last of them with his fairy blade, and his terrible scream convinced every other unnatural creature to take refuge in the forest and stay hidden. Volusius let out a ghostly howl, then silence fell over the clearing as the cold of the ghosts gave way to the cool of the night. 

Heart pounding in my chest, I emerged from my hiding place and walked towards him. I stood by his side and touched his arm to make sure he was real and not a ghost. 

“Did you just... frighten wraiths?” said I, surprised and amazed. “Are you sure you are a mere mortal?” 

“Look who's talking,” he replied. 

I grabbed my notepad and began to write, despite the low moonlight. 

“Are you serious? You're honestly writing this down now?” he said with a hint of a smile on his face. 

“Someone has to put this adventure down on paper,” replied I. 

A sarcastic clap filled the air. 

“Not bad! I mean it!” the red-clad figure said theatrically before spinning his staff, and between one spin and the next, the air filled with the sound of bells. The red clad figure let out a malicious laugh as he spun his staff, sending an eerie chime through the air. The wraiths around him shrieked and clung to his shoulders like vultures, their cold fingers piercing him. 

“Your fairy sword may wound the wraiths, but it cannot protect you from their blades,” said the necromancer. 

Volusius took a step forward and the wraiths scattered, retreating like mist in the wind. 

“Leave this place and leave us alone...” said Volusius, growing more dreadful, “...you have no power here and you are alone.” 

Volusius took another step forward and the wraiths dissipated like snow in the sun as the necromancer also began to retreat in fear, before anger overcame him. 

“Don't think I'm the type to give up one of my preys,” said the necromancer, raising his arm in a desperate attempt to overwhelm Volusius with his spells. But fate was no longer in the necromancer's favour, for he was no longer the only one who knew certain secrets. An invisible force rose from within Volusius. He would give him the same crushing treatment. A prayer rose to the night sky from both sides. 

Iuppiter ianuam novit. Iuppiter ianua est. Iupiter ianuae est clavis et custos. 

Ianus est et Summanus. 

I cannot tell you whether it was because the gods had made their choice or because the necromancer was taken by surprise, but Volusius overpowered the invisible grip of the necromancer and with an unnatural dash closed the space between them until his blade was at his throat. 

The red-cloaked figure clenched his staff tightly, a stark contrast to the trepidation I could see in his eyes. 

“Enough, this war between us is over...” I said, “...get out of here and don't let me see you again!” 

“Do you really care so much for this man? Do you really think this man can spare you from your own destructive wrath?" 

“This is none of your business, isn't it? Throw down your staff and leave!” 

The silver-masked man looked down at his hand and gave an intense stare to the staff in it. Finally, he dropped it to the ground, where it fell heavily onto the earth and waited until someone would come for it. He took one last look at the staff and slowly made his way away, into the depths of the thick forest. 

“I hope yours is the wisest choice...” said the masked figure, turning to me, “...for if it is not, he will die, killed by your own deadly bite,” and with those words he vanished into the shadows. 

I tried to show strength, but those words shook me. 

Volusius asked: “Are you sure it is a good idea to let him go?” 

“Yes...” replied I, picking up the staff from the ground and putting it on my shoulder, “He won't dare attack us again. The dragon's lair is nearby. Once we have killed the dragon, we can go home.” 

Volusius frowned. “Perhaps it would be wise to keep watch all night.” 

"When prudence commands, it is opportune to obey," said I, hopping towards the camp. 

Volusius's gaze lingered on me, and he asked: “How can you remain so cheerful after all we've been through?” 

I stopped, my gaze turning sad. 

“When eternity is filled with darkness, as it has been for me, you just learn to shut off your emotions,” murmured I, sitting down on my bedroll. 

Volusius was silent as he followed me into the camp. I couldn't tell if his frown was one of sad understanding or suspicion. We woke up at midnight, ready to exploit a sleepy dragon. 

The slope was steep, and although the rock was rough and jagged, it looked stable enough for our journey. But as we made our ascent, I couldn't shake the feeling in my gut that something bad was going to happen. It was as if the mountain itself was warning us not to proceed further. 

Finally, we reached a huge crevice in the rock, large enough for a dragon to pass through, and I couldn't help but feel like this was a mistake. 

Long and narrow, it looked like a long wound in the mountainside, with a grim, icy wind coming out of it. Volusius held his rhomphaia confidently as he slowly moved towards the entrance until I grabbed him by the arm. 

“Listen,” said I hesitantly. “Maybe we should turn back now while we still can.” 

Volusius raised an eyebrow at me, clearly confused. “What's gotten into you?” he asked incredulously. “You were the one who wanted to write about my adventure in the first place!” 

“I know, but...” my words stumbled over each other as I tried to express my feelings, “...please be careful,” said I, jerking forward and embracing him. 

Volusius sighed and lowered his weapon, his eyes softening. He dropped the weapon to the grass and turned to return the hug. 

“Don't worry, I'll be careful.” 

I felt encouraged by those words and let him go. Volusius turned towards the gaping mouth of the cave and slowly disappeared into its depths.