Prologue
Since the sudden death of the Chancellor of the Republic of Ashford (the name of the planet on which most of my characters live), who unfortunately suffered a heart attack in the middle of a speech, the population became deeply worried and did not know what to do. It caused a minor crisis within the government...
But fortunately, the new elections were organized on time, and a new trustworthy president, Lindsey Tyler Storm, was elected to serve the people and reassure the population. The Republic of Ashford then seemed to quickly regain its balance.
However, everyone was so preoccupied with this good news that they did not even notice the disappearance of the candidate who had failed in the elections, because many had considered him an extremist...
Chapter 1
It was the month of May, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. Nature was at its peak, the birds were singing their loveliest songs—it was paradise on Earth.
Angelly, a small-framed 21-year-old black she-wolf, and her companion Nick, a young German Shepherd with blue eyes and violet fur, were both on their way to the Fox Forest.
Nick’s older brother, Strips, who lived in the Fox Forest with his fox wife Jessika, had invited them to visit in honor of the birth of their daughter. Nick was incredibly excited about the idea of meeting his little niece for the very first time.
The two had decided to make the journey on foot so they could also enjoy the wonderful beauty nature offered them that season. It filled them with excitement and joy.
Of course, the trip would take them three days, but they still greatly preferred it over the train ride, which would have only taken a few hours.
A gentle breeze brushed through the blades of grass and against Nick’s fur. He shivered and complained :
“Oh, how I hate it when grass touches me!”
Angelly laughed and pointed toward the thick brush separating the plain from the forest.
“Look over there—the vegetation is even denser. These blades of grass are nothing compared to brambles, so stop complaining, you little softie,” Angelly teased.
“What?! Little softie?! We’ll see which one of us is the real softie!” Nick replied as he gently pounced on Angelly.
The two ended up cuddling right in the middle of the meadow and fell asleep like that for the night.
But during her sleep, Angelly was disturbed by dreams so vivid they became nightmares. They made her believe that everyone hated her. That she was worthless. Strange voices echoed through her mind…
She felt that something inside her was awakening. On one hand, it seemed like it could be incredibly beneficial to her… but on the other, it threatened to ruin her entire life.
But what could it possibly be…?
Chapter 2
At daybreak, she slowly opened her eyes. Nick was curled up a little farther away than where they had fallen asleep together the night before, and the strange thoughts from her unsettling dream were still circling in her mind.
She sat up and asked Nick.
“Why did you move away from me?”
The German Shepherd rose slowly and turned toward her.
“If you’d been in my place, you would’ve done the same. You were a little too restless last night, and you wouldn’t let me sleep. I would’ve put up with it if we didn’t still have a long road ahead of us, but I needed sleep to regain my strength,” he explained.
“It’s true that… my dreams really stressed me out last night. They were terrible. You’re the reason I live… that’s why I need comfort after all those nightmares…” Angelly’s words tangled together as she spoke.
Nick walked over to her and wrapped her in his arms. He gently stroked her cheek and comforted her.
“Come on, they were only dreams. We’ve only got about twenty kilometers left.”
He quickly checked the map copy and brightened her mood again.
“There’s a little village not far from here—we can stop and fill our bellies!! Oh, I’m starving!!!”
And so, the two of them set off on their journey once more.
Chapter 3
Nick and Angelly had finally arrived in the Fox Forest. The woods here were unlike any they had known, with their own distinct character and scent. The first foxes they encountered were remarkably welcoming toward the dog and the she-wolf.
Old wooden signs, with directions carved into them, helped the two canines find the right path to Strips’s family home.
As they followed a narrow trail lined with trees and dotted with little white flowers, they suddenly spotted a cheerful dog running toward them, full of warmth and excitement.
“There you are!! So, how was your journey?”
“Ohhh, Strips, my big bro—it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other!!!”
Overjoyed, Nick rushed forward to greet his brother, touching noses with him.
“And you must be Angelly, right? Welcome to the Walker family!” Strips declared enthusiastically.
“Thank you, thank you!! I’m so happy to finally meet you!!”
“Follow me—I’ll take you to my den!”
Strips moved to the front of the group, and they continued along the woodland path. As they walked, he and Nick talked.
“Don’t you ever feel out of place living among foxes? You remember what history says—they settled this forest because, back in the Middle Ages, dogs drove all the other species out of their ‘kingdom.’ Shouldn’t they hate you for that?” Nick asked curiously.
“But that was a very long time ago. The newer generations of foxes have forgiven dogs for all that, and they’re super chill about our species now. Besides, everyone here knows me because I learned their customs and how to live their way. They respect both me and my wife.”
When they arrived, Strips showed them his den. It was covered in moss, and the surrounding nature made it feel like a peaceful hidden paradise.
It was the first time Nick and Angelly had ever visited a fox den.
“Go on, get in!”
Strips gestured toward the entrance and followed after them.
Inside, it wasn’t nearly as cramped as they had expected. In fact, it was surprisingly spacious and perfectly suited to dogs their size—after all, a German Shepherd lived there.
Their burrow was cozy, warm, and inviting, made up of several rooms.
A white vixen with reddish spots welcomed them. They greeted her warmly, and Angelly was delighted to meet her.
She seemed incredibly kind, with a soft and gentle voice.
The married couple then led them to the cub’s room.
“Her name is Laika!”
They pointed proudly to a tiny ball of fur lying in a moss nest. Her eyes were already open—and they were blue.
“She looks like a miniature version of both of you—it’s incredible how much she resembles you at the same time!” Nick said in amazement.
“I’ve never seen such an adorable fox-dog baby… Can I pet her?” Angelly asked.
“Of course you can! Here, let me place her in your arms…” Jessika replied.
As Angelly held little Laika in her paws, she was completely overwhelmed by cuteness.
“And what about you two? Planning on having pups anytime soon?” Strips asked curiously.
“Well, actually… we’re not even married yet! So, not anytime soon,” Nick admitted a little awkwardly.
“Well, that’s probably for the best—I can’t picture you as a dad yet!” his older brother joked.
Jessika then turned to all of them and suggested:
“We’re planning to go to the village festival tomorrow evening. It would be wonderful if you stayed with us for a few days, so we can spend more time together as a family. Your journey was long, and you deserve a proper welcome.”
Everyone loved the idea.
Chapter 4
The four canines, along with little Laika, were gathered around a wooden table for dinner on the terrace of a small village restaurant.
All around them, the celebration carried on—foxes danced, sang, and played unique instruments. Joy and noise filled the air from every direction.
Strips held his daughter on his lap as she played with the silverware while waiting for the food to arrive. They were all chatting together, sharing stories and anecdotes, while the two brothers laughed at their own terrible jokes.
Angelly and Jessika exchanged knowing glances, silently pointing out to each other just how ridiculous their jokes really were.
At last, the server arrived with the evening’s special. He placed before them delicious plates of pasta with mushroom sauce made from ingredients gathered in the Fox Forest.
They were all thrilled to finally have their dinner, and the moment they were served, they began eating like starving wolves.
It was Angelly’s first time tasting such a dish, and she found it absolutely delicious.
However, she noticed that someone had discreetly slipped a small note to her while her plate was being served.
She unfolded it and read the strange message written inside:
“We’re waiting for you tonight at 3 a.m. on the shores of the Dange Zone.”
Angelly frowned, completely confused.
She glanced around at the others, but none of them seemed to have noticed she was reading anything—they were still eating, laughing, and talking as usual.
So she decided to act as though nothing had happened, not wanting to worry anyone. She threw the note away and continued enjoying the meal.
Chapter 5
The next day, Angelly had completely forgotten about the strange message.
They were all going out together to explore the surrounding area, since it was the last day before Nick and Angelly would have to leave.
They spent their time playing by taking turns giving Laika “horseback rides” on their backs, which made the little pup laugh with delight.
There were trees everywhere, and the wind often sent leaves and branches drifting down—but Angelly certainly hadn’t expected a pinecone to fall right on her head!
“Ow!” she complained.
“Ahh, those squirrels again… never leaving us alone…” Strips explained while continuing to play with his daughter.
Angelly picked up the pinecone and was startled to see that a small piece of paper was attached to it.
“Oh no… don’t tell me all these messages aren’t just a coincidence…”
Out of sheer curiosity, she decided to read it.
“We waited for you all night, but you never came. This is the last time I ask you—or someone close to you will die. We’re waiting for you tonight on the shores of the Dange Zone.”
A chill ran down Angelly’s spine.
She froze in place as countless questions began racing through her mind.
Why was someone threatening her like this?
What had she done?
She had never harmed anyone…
Who wanted to see her so badly?
And why in such a distant place…?
Nick noticed immediately that something seemed terribly wrong.
He walked over to her, concerned.
Angelly clung tightly to him and asked:
“What’s in the Dange Zone?”
“Uhh… forests and mountains. That region’s uninhabited… Why?”
Angelly gave him no answer.
Chapter 6
The following day, very early in the morning, Angelly and Nick were awakened by little Laika’s painful cries.
They rushed into the room, where her parents looked utterly exhausted and deeply worried.
“We’ve tried everything to calm her down, but nothing works. She’s usually so peaceful and almost never cries,” Strips explained anxiously.
Angelly approached the tiny pup and gently placed her paw on Laika’s forehead.
She immediately felt an intense heat.
“I think she has a fever…”
“A fever?! That could be deadly for a baby pup! Her body is still so fragile—she might not be strong enough to recover…” Jessika cried out, nearly in tears as she held her daughter tightly in her arms.
And that was when Angelly understood.
This was all because of those messages… those threats.
She hadn’t gone to the meeting, and now this illness might kill her boyfriend’s little niece.
She didn’t know how to handle any of it.
She could no longer bear keeping it all bottled up inside, so she made the decision to tell them everything—from the nightmares she had a few nights ago to showing them the proof of the last message she had received the day before.
To her great surprise, Laika’s parents seemed heartbroken for her rather than angry.
“I know all the foxes around here very well, and none of them would ever threaten anyone with letters like these. Especially not the people from the restaurant! Besides, none of them have ever been particularly drawn to the Dange Zone. This has to be someone strange… someone who’s been following you for a long time and holds a grudge against you…” Strips thought aloud.
“And if this person managed to harm Laika even from far away… then maybe they could heal her too? What do you think?” Nick suggested.
“Either way, whoever this is must be malicious! No good being would ever hurt a child…” Jessika protested.
They all fell silent for a moment, thinking it over, until they finally reached a conclusion.
“We’re going to call for the fox healer—he’s always known how to cure our kind. He’ll know how to help our daughter. And as for you…” Strips said, turning serious, “like you suggested earlier, I think you may have no choice but to go and find out what they want from you in the Dange Zone. We have no idea what other horrors they might inflict on you otherwise…”
What was supposed to be a joyful journey had turned into a nightmare.
Poor little Laika, who had only just been born, was now facing death.
The responsibility now rested on Angelly’s shoulders.
They had to find the source of all this.
This time, the two of them left by train—they had no more time to waste.
Back in the Fox Forest, Laika’s parents could only hope they would soon find answers… and that their daughter would regain her health.
Chapter 7
After several hours of travel, their train arrived at Estortson Station, the final Western stop in the Nix region.
This small town is known for its massive dam, which supplies electricity to half of the Nix region. The great river that runs through the town flows into Dodjer Bay, where several small islands can be found. But on the other side of that bay lies the great island—almost like an entire continent—known as the Dange Zone.
“There are no official boat routes going to the Dange Zone,” a local captain from Estortson’s port told them.
“And in other ports, do you think they have direct routes to that region?” Nick asked.
“Nope. That place is uninhabitable. There aren’t any ports that allow easy access by boat. It’s dense forest—a jungle, really. What’s drawing you there, youngsters?”
“And by plane?”
“If there’s no port, there’s definitely no airport. I mean, maybe some lunatics have fun crashing their planes over there, but that’s not my problem. Anyway, keep believing in your adventures—I’ve got things to do.”
The old captain shut the door to his office, leaving them outside.
Nick sighed. Then suddenly, he remembered:
“But your parents—they’re sailors, right?”
“Yeah, I thought about that. But you know they live in Beauport? That’s completely on the other side of the planet! Besides, this stranger seems to enjoy hurting people around us… you never know what he could do to my parents after what he has done to Laika…”
“True…”
They didn’t really know what to do. They approached the river and stared hopelessly at the water.
Then a small boat caught their attention. A strange-looking animal, resembling a squirrel, was waving them over. The two exchanged glances and rushed toward the boat.
“Interested in a little boat ride? I’m in, if you pay well!” the sailor suggested.
“You’re alone on this thing? And are you sure that this dinghy even looks like it floats?” Nick criticized.
“What did you just call me?! I’m the captain of this vessel, and it’s not a dinghy. It’s a BOAT!!!”
“Yeah, sure…” Nick muttered.
“Then again, I might just be your last chance to get to the Dange Zone. I know the guys over there pretty well… they pay nicely…”
“Wait, wait—you think you know people on that island?” Angelly asked curiously.
“Yeah, but… I won’t say more than that. If you want to visit them, you’ll have to pay me.”
“Name your pri—”
Angelly couldn’t finish her sentence before Nick cut her off and pulled her a little farther from the shore:
“You seriously think we should trust this bum?”
“Nick… what if he’s right? What if this is our last chance to save Laika? You can stay here if you want, but I have to stop all this!”
“We’re one, which means I’m not leaving you alone. I’m coming with you.”
They eventually returned to the squirrel, who seemed delighted to have customers:
“Arrr! You made the right choice! All aboard!!”
Chapter 8
Fortunately for them, the weather was favorable and there weren’t too many waves in the gulf.
But Nick and Angelly still stayed close to each other, just in case one of them fell into the water.
They were beginning to see mountains in the distance—it was probably the start of the Dange Zone. Neither of them knew this region at all; they were going there for the first time. No one knew exactly what was on that large island.
When the coast of the region was only a few kilometers away, they noticed that the boat’s “captain” was sailing along the shore instead of heading toward it.
Well, maybe he’s trying to find the perfect place to approach, Angelly thought.
But it had already been more than an hour that he had been following the coast westward.
Then Nick stood up and spoke to the little animal:
“It’s fine, drop us off here. We’ll manage on our own after that.”
“Be patient. I know very well who’s waiting for you over there. I just need to drop you off at the right place.”
Nick pinned his ears back:
“What do you mean, you know who’s waiting for us over there? Are you part of this whole thing too or what?”
“Nah, I’m just making some pocket money. Besides, they only hire people like me—those who don’t care about the law. I’ll finally be able to upgrade my boat, hehe!!!”
The two canines’ eyes went wide. They had no idea what to expect anymore.
A few moments later, the boat finally approached the shore, but to their great surprise, for once the island showed signs of civilization—far too modern, even. They could see enormous hangars made of brutal concrete blocks, resembling shelters for huge submarines under construction.
As they got closer, they could make out flags bearing a symbol they didn’t recognize, and armed dogs were guarding the area.
“Do you see the symbol on the flag? It reminds me of something. I think I’ve seen it somewhere before, but I can’t remember where…”
“So it’s not completely unknown…” Angelly replied.
The squirrel moored his boat and got out with them. Several armed dogs and wolves immediately approached, alerting someone through their radios.
Angelly and Nick stood frozen, trying to understand what was happening while looking around.
Suddenly, the armed guards seized them by force, separating them—two held Angelly on either side, and the same for Nick.
“Hey! Easy! I want to stay with my wife—what’s going on?”
“Nick, try to stay close to me! Don’t leave me, please!” Angelly struggled against the soldiers’ grip.
These people were taking them far from the shore, deeper into what looked like some kind of military base.
From a distance, Angelly saw the squirrel receiving his reward… and then sailing away in his boat.
Chapter 9
Suddenly, an order came through the soldiers’ radios, and they released the two lovers while making sure they didn’t try to go back.
“Phew, I was so scared for you, Angelly!”
She clung tightly to him as the armed guards escorted them toward what looked like a large open area.
As they got closer, they realized it was a helicopter landing zone.
But there were no helicopters in sight.
“I had no idea there was an entire military base in this region! Maybe that’s why no one was allowed to come here!” Nick whispered into Angelly’s ear.
“What surprises me most,” she replied, “is realizing just how different our Republic really is. Yesterday, we were in the Forest of Foxes, where everything is rustic and people live the old-school way… and now, there are these enormous modern structures. Such unimaginable power!”
“Armed power… But why would our Republic even need that? To defend itself against whom, when we’re all one nation? Okay, I can understand police forces to fight crime, but this… this is on a completely different scale…”
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of rapidly approaching rotors, growing louder and louder. Soon, some kind of massive drone landed in the zone. They could no longer hear each other over the deafening roar of its four huge propellers, which whipped through their fur.
The soldiers grabbed them from both sides and rushed them toward the aircraft.
They were forced inside, and the large machine lifted them high into the sky.
Nick and Angelly sat pressed tightly together in the passenger seats, surrounded by guards. They exchanged silent glances now and then, holding hands tightly so they wouldn’t be separated.
It was the first time either of them had ever flown.
They had no idea where they were going, since every window inside the drone was sealed shut.
But before long, they felt the aircraft descending.
The door opened with a loud mechanical hiss, but the guards still wouldn’t let them leave on their own. They escorted them all the way outside.
Once outside, the environment had completely changed.
They were no longer on the coast, but deep within mountains and forests. This new military base looked far larger than the previous one—and fully built, unlike the other, which had still been under construction.
They stepped out onto a vast asphalt landing area, clearly reserved for aircraft.
In the distance stood several enormous concrete buildings, all surrounded by one towering fence.
The strangers signaled for them to follow, and soon they found themselves on the ground floor of one of the buildings. To enter, they had to be scanned one by one.
Angelly went first and passed the checkpoint.
But when it was Nick’s turn, the guards blocked his way.
“You are not on the authorized access list. You will remain outside,” one of the armed dogs stated.
Angelly grabbed Nick’s paw and tried to pull away despite the soldiers attempting to restrain her.
“I’m not going in without him. If you need me that badly, then you’ll let us both pass.”
“I repeat: protocol does not permit the entry of unknown individuals.”
Angelly glared at them and struggled as best she could to move closer to Nick.
“Do you think we can trust them?” Nick whispered into her ear, never taking his eyes off the guards, who seemed to be calling someone over the radio.
“Even if we can, I refuse to let them separate us!” she replied.
“Then come on. Worst case, we try going through together—maybe they’ll accept it.”
The moment they tried to move forward side by side, the guards immediately stopped them.
“Due to your refusal to follow protocol, we will have to use force!” the largest one threatened.
They seized Nick and forcibly dragged Angelly into the building.
The two didn’t even have time to say anything before the massive automatic door slammed shut between them.
For the first time in this story… Nick and Angelly were no longer together.
To be continued…
