Chapter 7: Chapter 7: I Mean You No Harm
Tanya and Zoe stared in disbelief.
"You're... human?" Tanya asked cautiously.
"In a manner of speaking," Luke replied. "I mean you no harm. I brought you here to ensure your safety."
"Safety?" Zoe echoed. "But you... you captured us!"
"I apologize for startling you," Luke said sincerely. "The forest is dangerous, and I didn't want either of you to be harmed by other demons."
Tanya studied him carefully. While the situation was unusual, his demeanor seemed sincere.
"If that's true, then... thank you," she said slowly. "But why go to such lengths?"
Luke considered his words. "Let's just say I have a responsibility to protect those who are important."
"Important?" Tanya questioned.
"Yes," Luke affirmed. "Both of you have significant roles to play in the times to come."
Tanya and Zoe exchanged glances, uncertainty still evident.
"Please, rest here for now," Luke suggested. "It's safe, and you can decide your next steps without fear."
After a moment, Tanya nodded. "Very well. But if you try anything—"
"I understand," Luke assured her. "You have my word."
After Luke transformed into his human form, he found himself standing fully exposed before Tanya and Zoe, with no clothes to cover him.
Tanya and Zoe exchanged stunned glances, their eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
"Teacher Tanya, is it possible… are we dreaming?" Zoe asked, rubbing her eyes vigorously as her mouth dropped open in a big "O."
Tanya wasn't any better off. Her expression, as if she'd seen rolling mountains, showed her shock matched Zoe's.
A demon transforming into a human? Such a thing was unheard of, even in ancient legends. Not even the most human-friendly totem creatures possessed this ability.
"Who… who are you?" Tanya forced herself to ask, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves.
"This is no dream," Luke replied with a calm smile. "I'm the Skywing Wolf."
"What nonsense!" Tanya exclaimed, taking a step back. "How could the Skywing Wolf become human?"
"Why not?" Luke said with a shrug, stepping closer to them. "There are many kinds of demons. Some are naturally humanoid, and a few rare ones can transform into human form. It's not as strange as you think."
"That's impossible!" Tanya shook her head vigorously. "There's no record of such a thing in human history. You must be with the Black Church, using dark magic to impersonate the Skywing Wolf!"
Luke sighed, realizing her skepticism. "Think for a moment—why did I attack Silvercrest City? The Black Church killed my cubs. Do you really think I would work with them?"
Tanya hesitated. His reasoning was hard to refute.
Luke pressed on. "And don't forget the old stories. Tales of mythical beings who could transform—like the nine-tailed foxes turning into humans, or even werewolves and other creatures shifting between forms."
A flicker of doubt appeared in Tanya's eyes. "You mean… those old myths might be true?"
"Exactly," Luke nodded. "Over time, many demons lost these abilities, but some of us still retain them. I'm one of the few."
Beside her, Zoe unconsciously nodded. The legends Luke mentioned weren't entirely unfamiliar, and his explanation made a strange kind of sense.
"So… you're really the Skywing Wolf?" Tanya asked cautiously.
"Of course," Luke said confidently.
Tanya exchanged a wary look with Zoe. As unbelievable as it seemed, Luke's words were starting to add up.
"Then why did you capture us?" Tanya asked, a trace of fear creeping into her voice.
Luke grinned and stepped closer. "Isn't it obvious? I have my reasons."
Tanya's unease deepened. The most absurd and terrifying thought crossed her mind, and she quickly tried to push it away. "No… it can't be…"
Luke chuckled softly. "Don't worry," he said, his tone oddly soothing. "I mean you no harm."
Despite his reassurance, Tanya and Zoe tensed. Luke's calm demeanor only added to their unease.
"Relax," he said. "You'll understand soon enough."
He stretched out his hand, and with a sudden burst of power, Tanya found herself immobilized. Zoe, a beginner mage, was too overwhelmed by the situation to react. Her fear soon overtook her, and she fainted on the spot.
Luke glanced at Tanya. Her fire element flared weakly, but she was no match for his strength.
"No, you can't!" Tanya cried out desperately. "I'm a member of the Inquisition! My uncle is Zack Reed, a super-level mage. If you harm me, he won't let you go!"