Stop Running Away, Alpha Emric!

I fell silent for a moment. Only the sound of the midnight air can be heard. But if you focus and listen carefully, countless of steps can be heard hitting the ground.

They are following me.

This is something that can’t be heard by a mere human’s ear. Even their figure as they run as fast as light can’t be seen by a naked eye, not unless you are a vampire or… a werewolf just like me.

‘This way, I can smell him going this way’

‘Sniff, sniff, Yes, we are getting closer’

‘The smell is getting stronger’

‘I will kill him for the humiliation my sister had gone through!’

‘Max, calm yourself. He may have his reason’

‘Reason your ass, I will fucking shred him into pieces with my bare hands!!’

Their thoughts are clearly rushing to my brain. Indeed, it is one of the skills I acquired as soon as I get awakened. Although this is a thing they are not aware of. Wolves can communicate telepathically. Still, it have a limit in the place it covers but for me, the area is wider a twofolds, no, tenfolds? I bet it was hundred times more wider compared to the average area that an normal wolf can acquire. I sigh and close that skill. As expected, my head hurts after using it.

“Max, I already apologize to Lianna for what I did.”

I use my other skill to communicate with them. I can sense that their pace slow down but it only last for a couple of seconds. So they still insist of following me huh.

Turning my self back to its original form, my deep dark black hair revealed itself. Thankfully, there are scattered clothes hiding under every tree bush.

They are getting nearer and nearer. I can sense it. Not completely locking the button of the pants I wear, something caught my attention.

I look at the fence in front of me. To be true, this part of the forest is a mystery to us. We just followed the rules, never pass through the forbidden wall or it brings chaos to the one who dared.

Is that even true? I bet it is just a fable to threaten small little cubs. Taking a deep sigh, I pick up a leaves. Creating a small wound cut in my finger, I use my teeth to drip some blood in the fresh leaves of ‘erhelena'. The leaves of the sacred tree that can be found covering and creating this whole forest. I also cut a couple of hair strand and knot it in the leaves edge.

And before the mad werewolf even have his chance to give me a heavy punch, the only thing that is left was my piece of goodbye. A leaf that serves as wish and farewell for the pack he left. A ritual that makes a wolven be treated as if they are never been part of their Wolfpack. As is they are never been born in the first place.

‘Yah Vegi Yma Ellwafare'

( I give my farewell )

I whispered soft enough for my homeland to hear. This may be the last time I will see this place for a long long journey awaits for me as I cross this forbidden wall. A path to the unknown world that are yet to discover.

I sometimes wonder… do I really belong in this place? In this a family I can call mine? I also wonder why do I always have doubts and question? Hah…

Looking at the area surrounding our house, I sat in the roof of are simple and humble home. Looking up in the sky I raise my hands…

It is as if I am a dog being caged… it’s like… the world is a big ocean yet… I am here… wandering in a small and shallow pond…

I am Emric Damen. Born as the eldest son of an honorable alpha who protected our back and lead the wolves to its most golden era, I am well aware of how heavy my responsibility is. I know too well that compared to other wolves, I am someone who is special. Although that reputation of being blessed means that I must show that how worthy I am to be my father's son.

He is a great leader, he lead a whole army and make unity among all his men. A good leader is someone who just does not order his people around but also guides them and fights with them through thick or thins, that is his character. He was the one who carve braveness in every wolves whose some are now 'Primordials'.

Strong, Dominant, Charismatic, Confident, and have a strong will...I always doubt that all of those characteristics are something that is present in me.

"Son, I am proud to say that the day would come and you will be the one to lead all the Primordials of our pack"

Primordials are the most powerful werewolves in existence and no werewolf can match their power, they possess some abilities that normal werewolves don't. Their abilities are at their peak during a full moon. Heightened Senses Primordials have extremely enhanced, keen senses of hearing, sight, smell, and taste and I will not deny the obvious fact that my father is the strongest among all of the Primordials in our pack.

"Ha aha, Ilha Nalu, Esh Nerev Avesle Su. Elphe Sidi Umblehu Resavantesu"

[Ahh, hail goddess, she never leaves us. help these humble servants]

I was standing beside my mother who was bearing a small little cub in her womb. We thought that it was just an ordinary day to hear the words of the elder who can talk to the goddess of the moon. Little did we know that the path of the young me will soon be changed by her words.

She was so happy that her gums can be seen. Raising both of her hands, string fiddle circlet jade reflects the radiance of the moonlight that is brightly shining in the night sky. Everyone in the pack knew that it was a good revelation she saw.

"There's a young pair of wolves will change the path of our wolvendom. The alpha will be born with great talent, mind, and strength that surpasses the others. He is young yet his power is something even the primordials will acknowledge"

With the words of the old lady, I can feel many pairs of eyes looking in my direction. It was overwhelming but at the same time it was weird, why didn't I feel any fright. It was as if they are doing something so natural to me.

"wah!"

"Mom!"

"dad!"

You can hear how little cubs shout with full of fear. they clung to their mother and father to ease their fear and calm down.

"Stop! Enough. A mere child can't withstand that's sharp and powerful glares of yours"

I hear how my mother confidently shout those words. Even if she is bearing my siblings, a pregnant female wolf... she looks so strong to me. Just like a powerful alpha like my father, I respect and awe my mother. With that, I can feel that the pressure that is flowing in my direction slowly becomes faint.

The smile of the old lady started to get bigger as she's there for me and the other girl not far from my direction.

"and the luna is someone full of elegance, kind heart, having the attribute of hot and cold, and her mind will not be easy to trick for her abilities is not far on what the alpha has.''

I look at the girl that the old lady staring at, she is indeed pretty but I think she's frail... someone who is weak.

There is no hint of surprise when your eyes met mine. Our eyes are locked with each other as we hear the words of our parents and other elders.

"They are the said fated pair. Thee one that is blessed by the goddess of the moon. they are the pair that the prophecy talks about!''

"This is such a wonderful thing to hear."

"It was written in the old prophecies of the elders. Who would have thought that I can see it and witness it with my own eyes! The prophets never lied. Wonderful! Very wonderful! We shall have a feast and celebrate this blessing we have received"

"For the prosperity of the wolvendom"

"All hail to the goddess of the moon"

I can clearly remember how the three stars are shining brightly up above the sky. It was the only thing I am staring at the whole moment after my parents and her parents agreed to make a contract and write our fate.

As the wind blows and makes the Erelena tree create an artificial fall, the elders of the wolvendom declare that as we turn at the age of 22, we will be bonded to become one and when that fated do come true, we will bring a wonderful changes in our pack. Indeed, that marriage is between...

" I and... Lhana"

Lhana and I were raise together. It was because we are obligated to obey the instructions and rules of the elders. We are the fated wolves who will bring great changes in our pack. That is also why we are forced to play together, train together, and learn new things together.

Due to that strict regulations our parents and elders created, it is not impossible that we both find each other as an 'annoying little wolf who makes my life complicated.'

"Do not think that I wanted this to happen"

"The same goes to you"

As a childhood friends we are somehow distance to each other. I even wonder whether there are a time that I accompanied her but my own will.

"And what is the name of our sacred tree"

"Erhelena"

"Very good Emric"

That compliment is something I take as a simple goodmorning or what so ever.

"Can you tell me who is the goddess we are worshipping"

Goddess of Moon... It was the goddess of moon who is the reason why Lhana and I are experiencing things as this. The term luna was derived from the name of the goddess of moon. So basically, it was all her damn fault. Even if we must worship him for the blessings he gave for our pack... no. I would never, ever, make myself worship her.

"The Goddess of Moon"

"Very good Cressida"

"And how about the three classifications of a wolf"

"That is Alpha, Beta, and Luna"

"Teacher can I ask a question"

"What was it Cressida?"

"You said that there are three classifications of a wolf. The first one is the Alpha, who is consist of the strongest in the pack. The second one is the Luna, they are the mate of the alpha who gain the blessing of the goddess of the moon. Lastly, the Beta who is not as dominant as the wolves whose alpha. They are much like a normal person. But I saw a term called Omega. Do they exist?

"I didn't saw that question coming to explain to you about it circumstance. Omega do exist. They are those who is the rules of the wolf pack and was forced to ascend to way by the elders some circumstances of megas are the one who choose to break their connection to the pack. It's been a long time since there was a name reported to be a omega"

"But teacher don't find it weird that there are no records that says how many wolves become a omega"

"It is just my opinion but i guess one so we come on the mega there will be no longer part of the tribe that being said all the records and remembrance who be thrown or burn"

"You two are really bright kids even I haven't notice such law in our teachings. Do not worry I should speak this words to the elders"

"Let's move on to another question. What was the name of our pack. Don't tell me you don't know this it is the most easiest one to insert"

"Erhendem"

"What about the thing that we must avoid to not get poisoned"

"Flowers are poisonou for us but Wolfsbane are the most lethal poison ever discoveres"

"Very well and what is the thing that everyone of us must avoid"

The flower... It is a poison for us wolves. It can give many disadvantages in our ability.

"It is so nice to know that you are all listening to what I am discussing. Very well. With that I should tell it to your parents that you are listening and being attentive in my class"

Finally, this boring class is done.

"For now would you mind if i speak with the others for further instructions that they might have to you?"

We both shook her head to inform our teacher that it is alright for us to be left in this teaching grounds.

As soon as we saw that our teacher is nowhere to be seen, we both distance our selves. It is also part of our schooling that we must be close to each other for it will be a good thing to do for us to have a better relationship. I sometimes wonder if it was really good for us because i think it is also one of the reason why we are not that comfortable to each other.

"You know what you said earlier is something that interesting to hear. I have friend all the books in the library but none regards about an Omega."

"That is something that I really thought that it was just a myth or a fable that is never been a part of the reality for it serves as a threat for those who wish to be alone and he separated in our pack"

"Yes, indeed. Omega are those who are Lone Wolf. Their abilities are far inferior compared to us"

"Well then, everyone is"

"Because we are born different"

"Still, we are just mere child... who is not completely different to others..."

"Yeah, I hate the fact that for them we are but a small tools, a materials to make the prophecy into reality"

With what i said she fell silence.

Many years past and we are still acting the same way we are treating each other for the past few years. We talk if someone talk. There arent much changes in our relationships as you can see. It is typical for us to be seen together for that is what we always do.

"I assume that is the place"

"All right step back"

As soon as she point the ground I started to dig a hole on it using my bare hands I am in my wolf form for it will be much easier for me to dig the ground.

It only take few seconds for me to finally reach a ten feet tall hole that is rectangular in shape. We are assigned to find a treasure chest with the order of the elders. The chest that contains a piece that will create a big symbol of our wolf pack. That symbol is something that we can use to make a wish that the great elders will grant.

At first we thought that it was just a silly game that a teacher was telling her students to motivate them in their study. But then as soon as we talk about it together with father, he said that there is a instances where the great elders grant someone's wish.

That is only when All the requirements needed was done.

With that being said...

"I think I hit on something"

"Is it a chest?"

It was the very first time that i and luna agreed into something that needs both of our cooperation. And that is to make the elders agree to annul the decision of us marrying each other.

"I think so"

It has a thick wood box who is hiding under the thick roots of the tree. I do wonder how it was placed there. Going back in my normal form, my fur disappeared and was replaced with somewhat hairy skin. The roots was completely removed, it was me who did it. Lhana pick the wooden box whose covered with dirt.

I quickly dress up using the chothes I have. I make sure that I am hiding behind the thick bush when I transformed.

"What was inside?"

I asked Lhana to know what she got in that box.

"I haven't opened it yet"

After I finished putting in my clothes I went back on where Lhana is. Sitting as she bend her knees, she look at me.

"I cleaned the box, how was it"

"That's... fine"

"Yeah"

The box she is holding is so different compared to the box I remembered in my mind. It was... clean. Absolutely clean as if it wasn't filled with dirt a while ago.

"How"

"Water and towel. I used your water. Sorry about that"

"No worries, it's fine"

That is why I somehow hate that girl. Hah...

"Should we open this?"

"Sure"

Before we open the box, a very odd figure of carving was embedded on the top of the box. Still, with that small part of it... there is no use to think of what it symbolizes. Maybe that is just a random carvibg who have no meaning at all. I let my hand caress the wood.

"Emric, What is it ?"

I was stunned in some moments. Something feels... off.

"No, it's... nothing"

We both open the box revealing a piece of rolled paper.

"It looks... old"

What Lhana said is indeed true. The paper used are much older than those whose displayed in the library. I wonder how long it's been here...

Lhana opened the paper roll and to our surprise...

"It is a... map"

A map? What should we do about this?

"So, we look for a long time just for this map?"

"It is... our wolvendom"

"Huh? How come?"

"This word here, if you look closely... it is the reflected word of ERHENDEM. This is the E and then the R, and then the H... next to it is..."

"Yes I know. I now see it"

"..."

Looking at the big map that shows the whole land of our wolvendom, it seems just like a irregular circle. I never know that our pack covering this big space. Wait, is that a cressent mountain?

Even the fence of the forbidden wall is said in here. This is my first time seeing a map as precise and accurate as this. All of the words described in book about our wolvendom... it's as if it give figure or image about the words it says.

'The forest of Erhendem was enormous, clear, and prospering. Its canopy was marked by the leaves of the sacred tree, the erhelena. That leaves scathered covering the ground. Even the twinkling lights bursting through their crowns allowed for colorful wolfhook to dominate the stony grounds below'

Just like what it says... the whole erhendem truly is... a paradise covered with dangerous places.

'Thin climbing plants drooped from the tree of erhelena, and an array of wolfhook, which grew in a sprinkled and disorderly fashion, protruded from the otherwise monotonous forest grounds'

"Ha... how funny. There is also a place that is full of wolfhook? I never heard of that"

"Emric, you acts so weird. What are you talking about?"

Lhana look at me as if I am reading something weird. As if what I did was... out of the ordinary.

"I am just reading the words written behind this map"

Now, she look at me full of confusion.

"Isn't it just an empty... piece of paper?"

"What do you mean?"

"There is no words written behind the back of that paper. Even the map itself is just like the map in the library. Why do you look so amazed?"

"Oh..."

I didn't said any words for her to know what I saw. I may be selfish but if I tell her what I see, she wouldn't believe me.

"Wait, I'll just go in the lake"

"For?"

She look at me with a disgusting face. As if I did something bad. Hah, we do hate each other to some point

"Yeah, whatever"

"Call if you need help"

"As if I needed you to protect me"

"Sure sure"

I continued reading the words written behind the map.

'A variation of wild noises, which were caused by birds and insects, added life to the forest, and were in harmony with the occasional howl of a large pack of wolf as they declare the dominancy of their wolfpack as the ruler of the erhendem'

When he says pack... he means us... right?

'The country's landscape is dangerous; wild rivers, cold, windy mountains and depressing fields are just a sliver of the dangers that the path to the Erhendem borders has to offer, which is why I ordered the wolf king of the pack to not cross beneath those places.'

"Emric..."

I heard Lhana call my name.

"Yes?"

"Just as I thought, there is a hole in that wall. The wall near the lake"

"We can fit?"

She nodded her head and lead me to the palce she said. The place we can freely roam is covered with walls who is not that tall but for us who is not yet fully grown up, there is no possibility for us to walk pass that wall. Not unless there is a hole where we can fit.

With that being said, it is I who first entered the hole. It is dangerous to went on the other side especially of we are not sure about what will welcomed us.

"Lhana, Are you sure about this? You can step back if you don't want to"

I can now see her. She slightly tap her clothes to remove the dirt that is in her dress.

Still you can see that there is a hesitation in the Lhana's face. Indeed, it is her first time to disobey the rules of their pack. But for me, it is not exactly the first time I did. Not attending classes or skipping it because I think it is a waste of time, not attending the meeting that the elders created to make Lhana and I meet, and lastly... this. To went up on the hill that is the tallest place among this wolvendom is a grave sin. It is but a major offense that a wolf can make.

"We get this far, why would I turn back? That would just be a waste of my time if that happens"

Removing the vines that covered the complete view of the other side, a new place welcomed us.

I see it with my two naked eyes. It is just described by the books that the library offers. Added with the information I got from the map, I feel like my knowledge and comprehension about this place becomes more... bigger.

"Emric..."

"Yes... it is... wonderful"

I look at her as I bring my hand to reach hers. She didn't hold it and crossed her arms.

"Emric, I am not a baby you need to protect. We promised to each other to not be the burden, right?"

A promise to not be a burden to each other? Did we had a promise like that? I... don't remember.

"In our third meeting, you said it to me. To not be a burden for you. Remember?"

Ah... that day.

'Emric, the elders asked me something about you and Cressida. Do you know your responsibility?'

My father asked me that question. It was as if I am some old warrior, or a king who needs to take care of his people... this blessing of the moon... this prophecy ...

'You are born different. Take hold of that responsibility you had'

It was the day I lose my belief in the goddess of the moon. So many burdens to carry... So many tasks to accomplish... Don't they know? I am but a simple child who just wants to live like any other normal kid. I want nothing but a simple life that every normal kid has.

'Yes... Father'

I kept silent. Maybe, I really said it. Thinking that it would be the best for the both of us. I can not exactly remember the words I speak of that moment. The only thing I am sure of is that... That day was truly...

Unpleasant

'Emric Damen!'

My father shouted out of his anger. He heard that I speak ill towards Lhana. That girl...

As much as I want to defend myself, I knew that it is I who was wrong. I knew that I have no right to defend myself. I did say those words out of anger. Speaking ill to your fates one is... Not tolerated in this pack.

My eyes turn dull. Hah... Is it really good to be me?

Some children feel jealous about the life I am living. Even my friends, no, even the other children I talk to feel that towards me. They hated the fact that I am part of the oracle. That I look like a hero or a prince in the prophecy. That is something truly wonder if it is indeed a blessing or a curse that will make my life fall into miseries.

I was welcomed with a great punch that makes me fly to the other corner of the wall. Father is truly wonderful. No wonder why many people admire him. His strength is domineering. A real alpha indeed.

'Emir! Calm down!'

My mother shouted as her voice is trembling in fear. She is a calm and collected woman but when it comes to my father... mother can do nothing but feel worried. Father loves his family as much as my mother wants our family to be happy. But then... She feels helpless especially when it comes to my father. His authority is making us hard to breathe.

"Emric, you seem lost in your thoughts. Are you even listening to me?"

I heard Lhana call my name. With a bored look in my eyes, I tried to hide the bitter feeling I find in myself.

"Yeah"

"You really are weird"

I look at the surrounding. It was... Ordinary. Still, I can't erase the way I am feeling right now. Something feels off.

"Lhana..."

"Yes, I sense it too. Thank goodness you are finally back"

"..."

Ahh, so that is what she is talking about.

"Let's keep moving"

"Alright"

We walk carefully. Analyzing the surrounding that is somehow new for us. I can not help but feel like things are going smoothly. It looks so easy that it feels suspicious.

"Ouch"

I heard Lhana growl in pain. She receives a small scratch from a sharp thing that almost pierces her skin. Thankfully she has good reflexes that she avoids it but not completely.

"Are you alright?"

I asked

"Yes"

A glowing light that is a hue of royal blue escapes her palm.

It is my first time seeing her use that power she obtained from her first awakening.

That is the power to heal.

Part of the blessing given by the goddess of the moon.

"Be careful next time"

"Yes, I know. Even so, I can just heal myself if I get hurt right?"

Fool. Even if she can heal it is not that she doesn't feel pain. Even so... It is not that I am in the place to tell her what are the things she needed to do.

"Look over there"

I mumbled as I look at the place where a large cliff is waiting for us. There is a bridge that is worn out. If you look closely at it, the wood and planks used to build that bridge are nowhere from being sturdy. I assume it would collapse the moment some force was placed upon it. Even a small piece of stone that drops on that bridge would surely make that thing collapse.

How old is it? I do wonder.

As I look at the surrounding of the place, the vicinity looks as if it was allnatural. As if there is nothing wrong with the whole are. Still, it looks so natural that it feels so weird.

"Don't let your guard down"

I mumbled as I continued to leave marks in the area we pass through. I make sure that there is a thing or two that will guide us back to where we came from.

"You are drawing?"

She asked me. I nodded in response and let myself continue drawing a map to remind me of the places and sides we went through.

"Do you know what place will we go?"

I can't answer her question. Even I do not know what lies beyond this place.

"Whatever happens... I promise to not be a burden"

Shut it. I hate...

"Do remember that the promise also includes you. So do not be a burden to me too. Okay?"

"Yeah, sure"

I can’t help but feel bothered about what she said. It is true that I speak ill to her before. Still, it is not that I feel bad saying those words. It is just like what my mother always told me… I shall hold responsibility for everything I say and everything I do…

I saw Lhana pick up a piece of rock. She clench it tightly as she smiled. I wonder what will she do about that rock. To my surprise, the rock fly in the air till it hit the old and shaky bridge.

Tak, Tak, Tak

That sound can be heard all over the woods. I look at her with questioning eyes. Why did she do that? I do wonder.

And before I even have a chance to ask her those questions, the sound of the bridge falling apart while making creek sound can be heard echoing all over the woods. That is something that I expected to happen the moment I hear the sound of the stone hitting the platform of the fragile wood bridge. And soon after. it collapses leaving nothing but an empty grip between two rock forms.

Clapping her hand she toss away all the dirt that is left in her hand.

"Now where should we go next?"

She asked me with a simple yet lively tone in her voice.

This is also one of the reasons why I hated her. She asks as if all the things she does will benefit others. Maybe she herself doesn't know or isn't aware of that fact but... her actions... it makes me be reminded of my father I hated so much.

Looking at the other side on where the bridge is connected a while ago, it makes me wonder what lies beyond that path.

"Hey what are you looking at do you want to go to that place? Although I won't advise you to since it is very far and there's no way we can get in there"

Yeah of course there's no other way to get there especially when you make the bridge collapse who's the only way that we can have our way there.

"Don't tell me you really have that kind of courage in your mind. Do you even know that what we are doing right now is against the rules? Going out secretly like this is unacceptable and yet you want to go that far? What would you do if they look for you but your presence is nowhere to be seen?"

I hate it when she speaks at me like that. Indeed, we haven't talked so much like this before but still, it makes me be amazed by the fact that what she is doing right now truly is what the elders say to her.

She is cold to others but she has a caring nature.

"It's not new for them to have a hard time looking for me so just think of it as an ordinary day"

Lhana looks at me with a disgusted face as if I said something that is not nice.

"No wonder your name is always in the mouth of the council"

What she said is indeed true. I won't have the chance to deny the fact that I have a few... records in the council. Yes, I am the son of the best Alpha in this wolvendom but maybe that is the reason why I find it boring to attend that classes.

Every time my father tells me that there are new things to learn in the classes he offers to me, it always makes my hope in vain.

Interesting? new? Things that I don't have a knowledge about? I doubt it is.

"Wait, Emric did you see that tall mountain over there?"

What she said caught my attention. Indeed it is a dead end over there. The path that lies beyond the area is something that I can't measure with my own eyes. Even if I now have the power to use the skill on where I can see things that are for on me, I still can't reckon how tall and how wide that mountain is.

Lhana heads in that direction. I rush to catch up to her. Now, who is it who is speaking to not get 'that' far?

I make sure that I remember clearly the path that you're taking so that we won't get lost in this unknown forest part.

She stopped and said why it is the dead end. Looking up our site was welcomed with a measurable height of the mountain. I wonder if I can touch the sky.

Our place was full of trees of the erhelena. It covers almost all of the wolvendom area. The only place where there are few were around our village. Since there are houses on it, it is no surprise that the trees don't fully cover that area.

Now I know why we never notice that there is a massively large mountain in this part. I look at the map that is in my hands.

Mountain... ah I now saw it.

'The Fabled Heights'

Looking at the big mountain, I can't help but be at lost. It was Lhana who wake me up from my unconscious state.

'Did I zone out?'

"There is water flowing in that area. Maybe there is a lake or pond nearby"

She mumbles pointing in the direction of the small hole on the rock wall. I nodded.

"Let's check where it came from"

I mumbled. Lake...

I again look at the paper. It is true, there is a lake behind these rocks. It is just nearby.

'Invisible Lake'

That is the name it says. I wonder why it is called like that. Invisible... I wonder if it really is invisible. A small laugh escape in my mouth.

What if the lake is truly invisible? How will we know it exists? Does it wet our clothes even though we can't see the water? I laugh in my thoughts. As of something like that would even exist.

I stopped and halt as I feel something weird.

"Lhana"

I called her to make her stop.

"Yes... I think something is not right Ahh!!"

Lhana shouted. I place my hand on my forehead. I told her to be careful! Yet... this... girl...

"Oopsie"

She giggled as she sat on the ground. There was a soil that is not sturdy enough to handle her weights which is why she got out of balance and fall. Should I help her? But I think she would just hate me for doing so. Thinking that I am accepting the fact that she is a burden to me. That I need to move to my own accord just to help her.

I didn't move and just watch her stand up. Luckily it wasn't the pond that is named to be invisible. I thought she would fall and find it. Still, there is no use for that since it is probably a millennium or centuries ago. The said lake or pond maybe now gone.

"Hah, Luckily I landed very nicely"

Still, even if I haven't had a chance to apologize for what I did... who would have thought that she will come back to the way she used to be when we met for the third time.

"So"

"Emric! Look there is a strange stone!"

She shouted in excitement. I just look at her and follow my gaze to where she is pointing her finger. Indeed there is a strange stone placed on the spot she is looking at. What is it? A ritual stone? I wonder if it really is like that.

Walking cautiously I watch every step that I take. I don't want to be filled with dirt just like what happened to Lhana. I look at her and to my surprise, there is no dirt left on her.

"This is weird. I thought it is a ritual stone... But why is it like this?"

She thought it is a ritual stone too. I look at the stone. It was round. As if it was polished and shaped. Ornaments surround its top which is weird since the ritual stone in our pack village has ornaments on the bottom of it. Not on the top. How... Weird.

Shing

There were fireflies showing themselves. The place suddenly becomes dim. As if the sun finally set. But... I remember we left in the morning time. Why is it dark? This isn't supposed to be like this.

"Is it night already?"

Lhana thought.

"Something is not right..."

I said to her. The surrounding was now filled with...

"Yeguang"

We both mumbled in surprise which make both of us look at each other. Yeguang is a plant that is only written in the history. Who would have thought that the very same bush we saw today is the legendary bush that shines in the dark place. The most laughable part is that it was just near or pack. Everyone in the village thought that it is just a myth. A fable that is nothing but a mere flowery word to beauty the history of every origin.

But none would have ever believed that...

Yenguang, is something that exists in this world.

"Lhana, don't touch it"

"Who said I would?"

She declare even if I surely know that if I didn't warn her she will indeed touch that Yenguang.

Except for its beauty, it is dangerous for us wolves. That bush is not a flower yet if the description of this plant as a most lethal poison than the wolfsbane... then...

This...

This whole place is dangerous!

How can such a place exist right beside our pack?? The village is near yet...

Why didn't I realize this much soon?? It will just bring us to danger! I look at Lhana. She was bending her knees to seat and get some water.

"Lhana stay still!"

"Huh? What do you mean? And why are your tone like that? I am not a pet just so you know"

I rush toward the direction of the stone that looks like a ritual stone not minding what she said. Now I know, It is not a real Yenguang. If it is more lethal than the wolfsbane then the elders will surely not let it pass. Even if it was outside the boundaries, a smell of a poison will surely dissipate in the whole area. Squandering its scent to the point that no trees will be left unharmed.

Changing myself to my wolf form, I can see how surprised Lhana is. Taking a step backward I bend myself to create a heavy blow in the thing that looks similar to a ritual stone.

'The higher the ornaments, the stronger the power it takes to prepare the ritual'

Now I remember clearly how my grandmother replied to my question about the ritual stone. It was when I was so small and curious about simple matters. How idiot of me to forget that simple thing. Maybe that is also because...

Even the elders have a hard time making the ritual be a success. That is why it became common for us to see a ritual stone with ornaments that are almost touching the ground. If this ornament are placed on top of the stone...

Just... how strong is the one behind this spell.

"Emric! What do you think you are doing?!"

I didn't respond to Lhana's question and hurriedly hit the stone with my full strength.

"Emric!"

She shouted again and change in her wolf form. Majestic white with silver lines. Unlike me whose brown and black in color.

The small pieces of rocks scattered all over the area. There was a small light that almost makes us blind.

"Who are those fool who dare trespass on my grounds? Thou shall speak!"

As soon as the most started to dissipate the place, we finally saw a figure of a person who seems to have very long and pointed ears. It was as if he or she is something they called as...

"Elf?"

We both asked in unison.

The voice seems so powerful. Is it the same person as the one who created this ritual stone?

Suddenly, I feel as if something cold is covering my feet. Looking in the ground I saw how water with a luminous color started to circulate in my feet.

I look at Lhana, even she is mesmerized by the water.

"Who are y you???"

I asked in surprise as I saw a small elf. Not an elf. A very small elf. It was as if she... is some kind of a flying mosquito. Well, that is an exaggeration but... he is tiny. I look at the wide rock wall. The very same spot where I saw that figure just a while ago. Indeed. This... Small elf is really the owner of that shadow.

"Wow, what a cute little fella"

"Who did you call as cute and littl! ehem who dare call me as cute and little? Thou shall speak!"

I was so excited to know who was the person behind that voice it sounds as if that very person possess something that even the elders don't have. Still, the voice speaking right now is nothing compared to what we heard just a while ago.

Is she perhaps... Trying to mimic that very same voice?

Lhana walks in the direction of the wolf whose fur is brown and black which is basically me.

"Emric, If my calculation is correct... she "

"Yes Lhana, she is not the owner of the voice before"

The little elf gasp as she heard our claim. How funny, is she surprised that we knew her act?

I look around. As much as I wanted to change back in my form, I can't. My clothes are torn into pieces. Putting my head on the other side, I let a deep sigh.

If not for that damn rock and this elf.

"Who are you?"

"Who are you! Why did you trespass in this place, are you a thief? A hunter? A..."

She gasps while putting both of her hands in her mouth.

"Are you perhaps the demon lord?!?!"

Right now, even Lhana let out a deep sigh.

"What is wrong with this elf? Is she insane? Whose the demon lord by the way? Emric... Does that even exist?"

Lhana looked at me with her deadpan expression. If I do tell her that this elf in from of us is insane, I wonder if she would believe.

"I bet she is nuts"

"What?? I am a high elf! You dare see me as nuts??! I'm wait..."

She mumbles the last part and talks to herself.

"A nut is fruit consisting of a hard or tough nutshell protecting a kernel which is usually edible. In general usage and in a culinary sense, a wide variety of dry seeds are called nuts, but in a botanical context 'nut' implies that the shell does not open to release the seed... Yes... That is what it says in the book"

She then landed her gaze to the two wolves.

"I am not nuts! I am a high elf!"

The two wolves look at each other.

"She sure is nuts"

"Yeah, high elf with low height and low IQ if I may as"

The elf stumps her feet and there is a small shimmer glims on the path she walks.

It makes Lhana be amazed. They then look at the water. The scenery I surely caught their attention.

"So, as I analyze the two of you... I assume you are a fox"

We both look at each other and let out a sigh. A... fox she says.

Lhana have a small stoic face. How can she tolerate being called as a fox.

A fox and a wolf are different. Yes we do belong in the same origin but to call a wolf as a fox... is she really making me loose my sense?

I am not aware that some dark aura is now being release from my body. if not for Lhana talking to my mind I would have eaten that thing already.

"Little elf, We are not a fox. They are a lot more smaller that us. We are..."

"Ahhh, you are a dog? Is that it?"

Right now, a small faint aura can be seen in her face. Letos see how long can you last in this stupi elf.

"Just kidding. You are wolves. Am I right?"

Now, we look in her direction. She is sitting on one of the rocks nearby. Playing with a flower that is bigger than her hand... wait what? a... flower?!

I growl as I stretch my feet ready to attack and defend.

"Ooops, the wind blows"

She mumbles even if there is no wind to be feel. The flower fly and before it even landed on our fac, it vanish.

"Fu fu fu, that was... hilar"

Before she even finish her words I jump into her and make her face the ground using my feet.

"You..."

"Um..."

"Shut oup or I'll left you here torn into pieces"

I growl in anger. She is really getting into my nerves. This small idiot fry... do elves always act so mighty like this?

"Emric, you shouldn't hurt her"

"What?"

I franktcally said without realizing that I almost shout at her.

The elf look at Lhana as if she is her savior.

Tch, how annoying if se would act like a good wolf saving somone in need.

"What I mean is, you should't hurt her like that. Drowning her in that water would be nice. With that we can know how long an elf I mean high elf can last in water"

I chuckled. Her Idea is not bad. As soon as I look back in the small little elf that is cornered in my gasp, she fainted.