Chapter 38

(Hello, I hope you're doing well! I'm back (confetti noise)! As you know, the story continues. This message is mainly to inform you about the management of my posts. I plan to publish chapters on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. So, that's the update from your author.)

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Geralt and I arrived at the entrance of the cave after following the trail. Geralt stopped, looked at me, and said seriously, "Listen, Aiden, I don't know what's in this cave. In all my years, I've never faced a situation like this. So, keep your emotions from taking over your actions."

Sighing, I replied, "I know, Geralt, but I can't understand how you stay so calm."

Geralt turned his gaze and said with a melancholic tone, "I've done things in the past that I regret, and that earned me the nickname 'the Butcher of Blaviken.' Sometimes it's better to calm down and avoid certain actions because more often than not, they will mark you for life. So believe me when I say to be careful about your actions."

Then Geralt drew his sword, took a thunder potion, and moved forward with a serious look. I unsheathed my sword too, took a deep breath, and stepped into the cave, ready to save the girl.

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In the dark corridor of the cave, where only the sound of dripping water accompanied the heavy atmosphere of tension, the noise of our boots echoed. We didn't say a word, knowing that danger could strike at any moment.

As we continued, we caught sight of an area lit by torches. Geralt and I exchanged glances before moving much more cautiously.

Upon entering this area, we were greeted by a massive circle of demonic summoning. Above, there was a cage where a girl was crying. Only the sounds of her sniffles and the crackling of the torches filled the air.

Suddenly, a deep thud reverberated. Turning our gaze toward the sound, we discovered a giant werewolf sitting on a throne. It looked at us with a disinterested expression, and at its feet lay the corpse of a man along with two werewolves grinning in death.

Geralt stepped forward and asked, "Who are you?!"

The wolf, which had only been staring at me, turned to Geralt and said, "So here's the famous White Wolf, or rather the Butcher of Blaviken, a renowned and accomplished witcher, and yet…" The wolf finished its sentence by standing up and vanishing in an instant. It reappeared right in front of Geralt and delivered a brutal blow to his stomach, sending him crashing violently against the cave wall.

"Geralt!" I shouted before conjuring a wall of ice to separate us from the wolf and rushing to Geralt's side.

Geralt, spitting blood, pulled a swallow from his pouch before lightly spitting it out.

"Damn, I've got several internal organs messed up."

"Here." I was about to give him my swallow, but before I could, the wolf appeared before us, took the swallow, drank it, and spat out the contents.

"Disgusting, your potions. And also…" Then, looking at me, it struck me, sending me flying away before grabbing Geralt by the head and saying, "Do you really think you have time to leisurely drink potions?"

Landing harshly, I coughed up blood before rushing and gesturing with my hand, casting an Aard to push him back. He merely waved his hand to dispel the Aard before tossing Geralt aside, who landed hard on the ground, likely passing out from the pain. The wolf grabbed my sword and looked at me with a dominant air.

"You call yourselves witchers, yet you're so weak, pathetic."

Ignoring the anger that was building inside me along with our weakness, I cast the signs Yrden and Igni to slow him down and burn him before retreating with an Aard and raising a wall of ice. I created several spikes and, gesturing to bring them closer, sent the spiked walls directly at the center where the wolf stood. Then, I threw two bombs a Dragon's Dream and a Hive accompanied by an Aard and an Igni, which exploded in a massive detonation that shook the cave.

Breathing heavily, as casting several signs is usually not possible without using my magic.

"I hope I at least hurt him," I said, still focused on the smoke that was starting to clear. But suddenly, I heard a noise behind me, freezing me in place. I turned to see him watching the smoke, saying disinterestedly, "Hope, a big word you mortals love to throw around." Then he looked at me and struck me in the stomach, making me spit blood and grabbing me to drag me toward the center of the ritual.

"For years, we werewolves have sought peace. We simply wanted to thrive," he said, shaking his head. "But mortals, blinded by greed and arrogance, have caused a conflict. I lost friends, my family, and my beloved Selina, who was human, killed by her own kind."

He threw me into the center of the circle and crushed me under his foot, damaging several of my organs. He fixed his gaze on me and declared, "She always held hope for humanity, or at least for this world. So show it to me, Aquila, or I will have to change this world myself."

Then he opened his arm, letting blood flow onto the circle. The little girl let out a heart-wrenching scream that chilled me to the bone. My heart raced, but my vision blurred, and a metallic taste filled my mouth. Blood trickled from my lips, immobilizing me with pain and fear. None of my limbs wanted to move. It was as if my body refused to obey me, trapped in a numbing terror.

In that darkness, all I could see was the wolf, sitting on his throne, staring at me intently. His eyes were full of judgment, as if he was waiting for something from me. I was scared, yet deep down, a small voice wondered if I would measure up. His deep voice resonated:

"Aquila, show me that Selina was right, that you are truly who she believed you to be."

Those words echoed in my head, leaving me caught between doubt and a strange mix of guilt. And even though I couldn't move, I felt a spark inside me, a desire not to let him win. But before I could do anything, he closed his eyes, and the last sound that lingered in my mind was the little girl's scream, a memory I could never erase.

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Geralt jolted awake, pain coursing through his body. He couldn't move, as if invisible chains held him in place. All he could do was watch, his heart heavy, as Aiden this boy who had unexpectedly found a place in his life, almost like a son struggled.

He wanted to stand up, to rush to him and protect him, but his body wouldn't respond. A wave of frustration and anger surged within him.

He longed to leap up and save him, but his limbs felt like they were made of lead. Then a memory hit him Triss, her serious yet hopeful gaze locking onto his as she took his hand right before he left.

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Geralt approached the spot where Triss was standing. She was there, gazing at the moon, a look of serenity on her face. His heart raced as he drew closer to her.

Triss, realizing his presence, gave him a radiant smile that made his heart race even faster. "I was wondering how long it would take you to find me, witcher," she said playfully and seductively.

Geralt smiled back and replied, "Your hair on the bed led me right to you."

She burst out laughing before looking back up at the sky. "Careful, witcher; I don't like being tempted like that," she added, giving him a teasing glance.

Geralt could only admire Triss, his heart pounding; he was sure he loved her more than anything. He gently took her beautiful red hair, drawing her gaze towards him, and kissed her softly on the li

After pulling his lips away from Triss, he noticed she buried her face against his chest and said, "Geralt, I feel like I'm living in a dream." She looked up at him with a smile that charmed him every time. "I love you, Geralt, more than anything, especially since we

When they separated, Triss hid her face against his chest and murmured, "Geralt, I feel like I'm living a dream." She looked at him with a smile that captivated him every time. "I love you, Geralt, more than anything, especially because we have what all witches don't."

Stepping back slightly, hands behind her back, she continued with a smile, "I'm so happy, Geralt. I have you and an adopted son whom I also love dearly. Isn't that what everyone dreams of? A place where your family awaits you." She laughed lightly.

Geralt smiled and moved closer to her. "That's true, Aiden, even if he is a bit reckless and often juggling his emotions; he's a boy I can be proud of."

Triss nodded, an amused smile on her face. "He seems to resemble you more and more."

Geralt pulled her into his arms, holding her close. "And his penchant for emotions comes from a wonderful woman."

Triss looked at him, serious yet filled with love. "Geralt, promise me..."

"Promise you what?"

"Promise me that you'll take care of our son and that when I come back, I'll find him healthy."

Geralt fell silent, gazing at her intensely. Then, he kissed her to ease her worries. "When I accepted him as my son, I had already made that commitment. That promise means nothing because I'll do everything for him without hesitation."

Triss kissed him passionately, overflowing with enthusiasm.

She looked at him with a loving and sensual gaze. "I love you, Geralt."

Geralt smiled back and replied, "I love you too, Triss."

The wind blew softly between the two lovers as they gazed at each other, filled with love. Then, Triss lowered her head, clearly embarrassed.

"Geralt?"

"Yes?"

She looked at him, excitement shining in her eyes. "I'm excited."

Surprised, Geralt smiled and took her back into his arms. "I know a nice spot. The others won't mind if we slip away for a bit."

"Hmm..."

The two lovers walked away, as a soft sound echoed through the forest, causing nearby deer to flee, convinced that a predator was lurking.

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Geralt straightened up, pain tearing through his body as he dragged his sword along the ground behind him. Each step toward his son felt like a battle, but his heart burned with an irrepressible desire. He had to get closer and save Aiden, moving slowly, suffering in silence. "I have to save him."

"I must save our son." The thought of losing him terrified him, giving him a newfound strength.

"I made a promise." Those words echoed in his mind, strengthening his resolve. He recalled all the moments spent with Aiden his laughter, his dreams. He knew he would do anything to protect him.

But suddenly, the wolf stepped into his path, its gaze shifted, less threatening, almost soothing.

"I see Selina was right," it said, fixing him with an intense stare.

Geralt was puzzled. "What?"

The wolf turned toward the spot where Aiden lay and explained, "I'm sorry, witcher. I would have preferred to remain in eternal slumber with my beloved, but I must fulfill my duty as a guardian."

"A guardian?" Geralt asked, intrigued, but his mind remained focused on a single idea.

The wolf looked him straight in the eyes. "Yes, a guardian. If your son is unable to overcome this trial, then the world is doomed."

Geralt shuddered. He couldn't let that happen. Aiden's fate, their family's, and perhaps even the fate of everyone, rested on him.

"No matter the cost, I won't let my son fail," he declared, a burning determination in his voice. "I am his father, and I will do everything to save him."