Chapter 38: Tolga's Real Name

Words : 1037 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

She had been hunting the Lord of Misorn, and now, at the moment of his city's fall, he had vanished. Alix regards her impassively, his crimson eyes flickering with the glow of the burning city. He senses the frustration in her voice, the tension in her stance. "You're looking for your sister." His voice is calm. "I already told you—I will keep her safe." Tolga hesitates, her sharp expression faltering for just a moment. "I'm not doubting you, Your Majesty," she says quickly. "I just... I'm just worried." Alix doesn't reply immediately. Instead, he lifts a single hand. "Shadow." At his command, the air around them distorts. Darkness ripples, and suddenly, three figures emerge from the void—cloaked in pitch-black attire, their presence so unnatural it's as if they were never truly there to begin with. And between them— A young girl, bound but unharmed. Tolga's breath catches. "...Naira?" The girl resembles her—same sharp features, same raven-black hair, though her eyes are wide with fear. She looks at Tolga, her body trembling. The leading Shadow operative bows his head. "As you commanded, Your Majesty. She has been secured." Tolga rushes forward, grabbing her sister's shoulders. "Are you hurt?" Her voice, so often cold and calculating, wavers slightly. Naira blinks rapidly, her expression is shock. "Big si-sister...?" Tears well up in Naira's eyes, her body trembling before she suddenly breaks down into sobs. She clutches onto Tolga's arms desperately, her small frame shaking uncontrollably. Tolga pulls her into a tight embrace, pressing Naira's head against her shoulder. "It's okay," she murmurs, her voice softer than it has been in years. "You're safe now. I've got you." For four long years, Tolga had chased shadows, following every lead, but that bastard had hidden Naira too well. No matter how ruthless Tolga became, no matter how much blood she spilled, she had never been able to find her sister. Until now. She clenches her jaw, tightening her hold on Naira. The years of failure, of helplessness, of rage—it all threatens to choke her. But none of it matters anymore. Naira is here. The girl sobs into her shoulder, her fingers digging into Tolga's cloak. "I-I thought you'd never find me..." Tolga shuts her eyes, taking a deep breath. "I would have torn down every kingdom, every city if I had to." Her voice drops lower, filled with quiet fury. Tolga lifts her head, her golden eyes meeting his. Her heart is still racing from the moment she finally held Naira again. She knows that none of this would have been possible without him. She takes a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking. "Your Majesty... thank you. For everything." Her voice is firm, sincere. Alix simply smiles—just a small, fleeting curve of his lips. "You are my subject now," he says smoothly. "Your problem is my problem." Tolga's chest tightens. To hear those words from him... it means more than she can say. Alix turns, his gaze sweeping over the ruined city. The fires rage, monstrous monsters still roam freely, reveling in the destruction. He narrows his eyes slightly. "Tell them to stop. Now." There is no hesitation. Nyssara, Thurn, Veltha, and Groth all bow slightly, their voices uniting in unwavering obedience. "As you wish, Your Majesty." The order spreads instantly. The chaos, once unrestrained, begins to settle. As the fires die down and the last echoes of battle fade, Alix turns his gaze back to Tolga. His crimson eyes glint with quiet authority. "Tolga," he says evenly, "now announce to everyone that this city belongs to us monsters." Tolga exhales sharply, the weight of her role settling over her shoulders once again. She gently releases Naira, brushing a hand over the girl's hair in silent reassurance. Then, without another word, she pulls her robe from her pack, shaking off the dust before slipping it over her shoulders. The familiar fabric conceals her form, its high collar and deep hood casting shadows over her face. No one among the gathered monsters knows she is a woman. And she intends to keep it that way. She steps forward, her presence alone enough to command the attention of everyone. These creatures—beasts of the forest, outcasts from human lands—had followed her because she had given them purpose. She had united them when no one else would. They did not know her as a woman, only as their leader. Tolga breathes in, then speaks, her voice ringing clear through the smoke-filled air. "The battle is over. Misorn belongs to us now!" A chorus of growls, roars, and shrieks erupts from the gathered monsters. Some beat their chests, others slam weapons against the ground in triumphant acknowledgment. Tolga raises a hand, silencing them instantly. "This city will not be destroyed further. We will rebuild it in our image. We will make it a stronghold, a home for all who were cast aside!" The monsters stir at her words, excitement rippling through their ranks. She glances at Alix, waiting for his approval. He gives her the smallest nod. But before she can turn back to the crowd, she steels herself, then steps closer to him. Lowering her voice, she says, "Your Majesty, there's one more thing." Alix arches a brow, waiting. Tolga hesitates only a second before speaking. "My real name is Sorin." Alix doesn't react immediately. His gaze simply lingers on her, as if weighing the significance of the revelation. Tolga—no, Sorin—holds his gaze, unflinching. "From now on, I want you to call me by my real name. Only you and the others here know the truth, and it needs to stay that way." A beat of silence passes between them. Then, Alix nods once. "Sorin, then." He speaks the name smoothly, as if testing it on his tongue. Days turn into weeks. Under Sorin's leadership, the monsters settle into the city. What was once a place of ruin and destruction begins to take new shape. Some monsters bring their tribes from the forest, seeking safety within the walls. Others carve out homes in abandoned buildings, reinforcing them with whatever materials they can scavenge.

Chapter 38: Tolga's Real Name

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