(Fenrir's POV) Missing Person

[Fenrir]

Today was one of his better days.

Fenrir knew he'd have to get soul energy soon. His wolf's bonds were getting weaker. Although that servant, Hyeon, had strong enough energy to sustain him for a few days by solely touching, he required much more in the long run.

A lot of his memories were missing before getting imprisoned by Odin in the southern aurora. It was a mystery why, but Fenrir didn't need them to understand that he was the antagonist. The Norse myths describe him as a fearful wolf that can grow beyond the sky's limits, and it was true that he went berserk long ago. Despite not remembering these disastrous incidences, he hoped to make up for his past wrongdoings by saving other demonic animal spirits.

Speaking of demons, a few of them were almost ready for the next stages to achieve switching to the northern aurora or reincarnation. He'd have to prepare—

The petty amount of Fenrir's soul panged, alerting him that something was awry. When a spirit or human intern worked under him, it was his custom to brand them with his name. Not only can he keep track of everyone, but there were many uses for it outside of the castle's borders. If anything happened to any of his servants, he'd immediately know.

Fenrir felt someone's insignia disappear. This only happens when a demon has been relieved of their duties which was impossible without his permission, or...

Death.

He closed his eyes and identified each person in the castle. Those who were supposed to be inside were accounted for. Focusing on the outside, he distinguished each soul except for one. The half-human boy was gone.

It seems the last place Hyeon's life was active was in or near the lake.

Fenrir could feel the wolf snarl. It angrily whispered out, That was mine!

He couldn't help but agree. Most likely, someone went astray and took what was obviously his.

Striding to the office doors, he swung them open with a loud bang. Rage flowed within his veins. The quickest way to get to the lake was through the front castle doors. Leaving his corridors, workers who saw him instantly backed up against the walls in shock.

Everyone was murmuring to each other while bowing, "Why is the Master here? What's going on?"

Halfway towards the entrance, a spark of Hyeon's insignia reappeared. The confusion about the situation was too much. Not thinking clearly, Fenrir habitually sent out a summoning signal to Hyeon's mark.

Like second nature, Fenrir effortlessly shifted into an immense, black wolf in a flurry of thick smoke. Some of the spirits who witnessed this cowered in panic while coughing from the heavy fumes. This form was much faster.

Now sprinting on four legs, he burst through the castle and past the labyrinth of gardens. The large body of water was in sight as well as two soaked individuals, one being dragged by the other in a stumbling mess. When they saw him coming, the pair stopped.

It was plain to see that the hunched-over figure was Hyeon who was reacting to his earlier beckoning. The air was permeated with pheromones even from a long distance. There was also a hint of blood. Reaching them, Fenrir recognized his deer underling who knelt on the grass in respect.

Circling them, he growled, "What happened?"

Shika answered, "My Lord, this dýr heard the siren's song. He was drowning until I fished for him."

Fenrir glanced at the lake behind them. His teeth instinctually bared. Before he could confront whoever was responsible, Hyeon toppled to the ground in a fetal position. His inner wolf howled, *You should collect its energy before it dies. All.*

Shika went to Hyeon and placed a hand on his forehead. "I think the effects of the insignia are helping him maintain his core body temperature, but he needs to go inside and dry off."

Fenrir's wolf size was bigger than normal, probably from the lack of soul energy. He stooped down, indicating at Shika to place Hyeon on the curve of his back. When in place, Fenrir rapidly but carefully retreated to a hidden castle entryway. It was better to avoid the areas where other spirits clustered. He didn't want them smelling this.

The person riding on him gripped his fur and let out a pitiful moan.

This time, Fenrir wasn't letting him go freely. It was time for him to take what Hyeon signed up for.