Araia's P.O.V

"Let's go."

Freya pulled me towards the direction of the house. As we ran non-stop, we heard a massive explosion which made us get on our knees.

"What was that?!" My head was spinning a little because of the explosion.

I am catching my breath while covering my ears. My ears are ringing!

"It must be the HEADS… Let's go!"

What heads is she talking about?

Freya didn't cover her ears, she looks like she's used to this!

After recovering a little on what happened, Freya pulled me again and we started running again towards their house.

While we were running, I noticed that the village was empty like a ghost town.

You will not see anything moving outside, there's no people playing and talking outside like before.

In a blink of an eye this lively village now looked like a deserted place.

Where did the people go?

Just what is happening…

We ran towards their house and as soon as we got there, the door opened.

"Come in!" Elder Baster is the one who opens the door.

He pulled us to get inside as soon as he saw us, he immediately closed the door after we finally got in.

"Freya, get your weapon!"

"Yes elder."

Free run towards the kitchen, when she comes back she is holding a sharp log with a thickness that fits perfectly in her hands.

She gave me one and told me to point it towards the door.

"What should i do with this?"

"You need that to protect yourself!"

Wait, why do I need to protect myself here in the house? don't tell me those monsters will come here?!

"Will the monsters come here?!" I didn't realize that I was shouting.

Both of them gestured for me to hush.

"Lower your voice, Araia!" Freya faced me.

"I'm sorry! But will they really come here?" I am trembling in fear, my mind's still occupied by what happened a while ago and because of the explosion.

"We are not sure but it's better to prepare ourselves." Elder Baster places another sharp log on the door.

Oh my goodness…

What is happening here…

"Get on your knees, Araia." Elder said.

Freya helped me when she noticed that I couldn't move my body.

"You don't have to worry, I'm sure that they'll not go here since Alpha Alejandro is already there."

Who's Alejandro?

"He's there?" Elder asked her.

"Yes, elder, so you shouldn't worry too much, Araia."

She tapped my shoulder to assure me but I still couldn't get myself to not worry since what I've seen earlier is worrying.

It's my first time seeing a monster like that, he looks like a zombie but he's incredibly strong! Does the government know about this?!

Why's there no news about those?!

I can feel my whole body trembling, my mind couldn't forget the face of that monster I saw.

Those red eyes, sharp fangs, body that's full of a combination of dirt and blood…

Goodness, what did they do to their own bodies?!

Are they drug addicts?!

Wait, that's right! We need to call the police!

"Cellphone! Telephone! We need to call the police!"

Why didn't I think of this earlier!?

"What are you talking about?" Freya and Elder faced me.

Both of them looked confused, what's with that face?

"We need to call the cops, they'll help us to arrest those monsters!"

"Hurry! Where's the phone?!"

Why are they still standing?

"Hey?!" What's with them?

Can't they hear me?

"What's wrong?" Freya's eyebrows raised.

"What phone are you talking about?" She asks me.

What, why are you asking me about the phone?

"The phone! We need a phone to call the cops so they'll take care of the monsters!"

"I'm not sure if I know what you're talking about, you're saying uncommon words again, Araia…"

What uncommon words? What's uncommon with that?

"Come on, don't you guys have a phone or something we can use to contact the cops?"

It's impossible if they don't have a phone or telephone here, this place looks like it isn't that far from the city! And even the countryside has a means to contact someone- they have phones!

"We neither have a phone nor a policeman here, Araia."

"..."

My eyes widened, is she for real?!

"How come- Ahh!"

A huge bang echoed through the whole house .

"What was that?!" Why's there a loud sound again?!

"It must be them, get on your senses." Elder Baster points his log to the door.

Who's them? Don't tell me…

"Are those the monsters?" I glanced at Freya.

I am praying that she'll tell me that it's not but my heart beats faster when she nodded.

D*mnit.

What should I do?

"Relax, focus on your surroundings."

I did what she told me but I couldn't stop my body from trembling.

This is the first time I've encountered this event in my whole life, I can't help but to be scared.

Is this the end of me?!

Oh Lord, please help us…

Everyone's focus on the surroundings, their stance and their gaze is shouting like they are used to these kinds of situations.

I feel like this isn't the first time they encountered this event, looking at the ready sharp objects and the way they handle the situation, I can tell that they know really well how to do this.

We are standing next to each other and Elder Baster is facing the door while I and Freya are facing both windows.

We can't hear any sound other than the sound of our breathing.

This place where you will hear the sound of the children's playing and everyone's laugh suddenly turned into a place where even a sound became illegal.

This place is deafening to the point where I can now hear my heartbeat.

We waited for a few minutes but we didn't hear any sound from outside. Later on a ring from the bell echoed throughout the whole place.

"At last."

Freya and the elder put down their weapons and sat on the floor as if relief of something.

"What is happening? What is that sound for?"

"That means the guards are now dealing with them."

"Those monsters?"

"Yes."

What a relief.

"Does that mean we can finally go out now?"

"We can't just yet."

Oh right, how stupid of me to ask that kind of question.

I assume that they're still dealing with those so I will not push for it anymore. Besides, it's better if you're inside the house at this moment.

I don't really know if I can still roam around outside after what happened today.

"Can you call the others Freya?"

"Yes Elder."

"Thank you."

Freya called for the others while we were cleaning the surroundings. We placed the logs on a big box. I never imagined that there would be more logs here in this box. The logs that we used are enough already to surround the whole house but there's still a lot inside this box.

Just how many sharp logs are there?

You're almost done cleaning the place when Freya's family comes.

"That is terrifying!"

"I know right! I really thought that we would be eaten!"

The twins exaggerate and exchange their thoughts.

That seems exaggerating but I also felt that I would be eaten earlier by those monsters. it's a good thing you that i'm not the only one who felt that way.

"Are you ok Araia?"

Freya's mom patted my head.

"Yes, I am. Thank you for your concern."

"We should prepare our food now, twins, help me!"

"Yes mom!"

The twins ran towards the kitchen.

"Araia can we talk for a minute?" Elder Baster appeared beside me.

He is not holding sharp logs anymore, looks like he finished cleaning the whole place.

"Yes, elder."

We went to the room where they first talked to me. It's just me and the elder inside the room.

"Have a seat."

I sat on the chair where I sat the first time I came here.

"Can I ask you something?"

The elder buster stared directly at me. I'm not sure why but i am getting this chill on my body.

What is he going to ask that it needs to be just the two of us?

"Where did you really come from?"

"I actually came from manila but me and my friends decided to go on a vacation and we went to Sky's vacation house in Bicol."

His gaze became sharper.

Did I say something wrong?

"You know what, there's no such thing as manila and bicol here and I have never heard of it."

What?

Oh, maybe it's because they're far from the city that is why they don't know such a thing, no. That is impossible.

My head's hurting because of what's happening!

"Can you tell me more about the place where you came from?"

I told him what it is like in Manila and other things such as the government and that but everytime I say something his gaze sharpens more.

I don't like the case that he is giving me because it feels like I am saying nonsense and he can't understand whatever I am saying.

"Araia, what you have said are the things that we don't have here."

What?

I refuse to believe that they are just far from the city, that's why they don't know such things about what I grew up with but how come even a government is not a word here?

"How about a swimming pool?" I had the urge to ask the first thing that came to my mind.

"Never heard of it."

What…

This is confusing me, is there a place on Earth where they don't know such words?

at this time, i don't know anymore, i am not even sure if i am still on Earth-

Wait, is it possible that I am not on earth anymore?

Maybe it's possible? Not to mention that-

"There is no such thing as werewolves in our place!"

His eyes widened.

"How could that happen? Werewolves are the only species that is alive…"

"..."

"No…"

"I'm telling the truth, Elder, werewolves are just superstitions in our place…"

We went silent for a while.

"Then that does mean that you are not a werewolf?"

"Of course I'm not, I swear I'm not a werewolf!"

His eyes widened.

"Hush!"

Wait,why? What's wrong?

"Lower your voice."

I nodded, and he gestured to me to come near him.

"What's wrong?"

Elder looked everywhere before he set up his gaze on me.

"I don't think that we can just talk about it here but I want you to know one thing."

"What is it?"

"We're not sure if you are really a werewolf or not and if you really came to another place, but you have to keep your identity a secret."

"Why?"

"As I told you before, werewolves are the only beings that are alive here, and as you said, there is no such thing as werewolves in your place and you yourself are not a werewolf. So I think telling others that you are not a werewolf will put your life in danger."

My eyes widened at realization.

"Is it really dangerous for me to reveal my identity?"

"Yes, you can also be a meal of other werewolves if you tell them that you are not a werewolf."

I got goosebumps all of a sudden.

"It is also dangerous for all of us if someone finds out about your true identity, it would be the end of us- Omegas, if that happens."

"Yes, I understand,Elder."

I understand what he's saying, it'll be really dangerous if people- I mean werewolves find out that I am a human.

"But what do you call yourself in your place?"

"We are called human."

"Ha…"

The elder scratched his eyebrows. Later on, he placed his palm on his head.

"What's wrong elder?" I am alarmed at what he's doing, is everything wrong?

"There is no such thing as a human here…"

Araia’s P.O.V

What is he talking about?

How come they don’t know the word Human?

“Are you serious?!” I was so shocked that I couldn't contain my voice.

Elder Baster nodded his head.

“I’m telling the truth.”

My jaw dropped, I couldn’t bring myself to ask him anymore.

I tried to organize my thoughts. Is this for real?

My eyes roam the place, it's hard to believe that I'm not on Earth anymore, but from what I saw…

The wolves, attacking humans, those monsters like people, this place…

No…This can’t be happening!

I collapsed on my seat, my eyes widened in fear.

"What am I gonna do?"

I don't want to be here…

"Bea…Joseph…" My tears started to fall.

How I wish that this is all just a dream…

"Shh…I'll help you, I'll help you find a way to go back to your home…" Elder tapped my back.

I reach for his arms and hug him.

"Elder…" I cried in his arms.

I don't know how I could get back on Earth, or if I can even go back there…

I don't even know where I am! How did I even get here in the first place?!

"Mom…"

Elder keeps on caressing my back, but instead of calming down, because of the warmth that his hug is giving me, my heart seems to be touched by it. I couldn't stop my tears from falling.

My tears fell down even more.

“I want to… home…”

I don’t want to be here, I want to go back to my friends, even though mon and I aren’t that close, I still want to see her, to be with her!

I held Elder’s hands.

“Elder, please, help me get back to my family…”

If I need to plead with someone just to get back home then I will gladly do it! I am just desperate to come home…

I want to go home…

**

“ARE YOU AWAKE NOW?”

I open my eyes, I search for who’s talking.

“Elder…”

I sat down.

I’m on my bed… It looks like I’ve fallen asleep while crying… Did he carry me?

“Thank you Elder, I’m sorry about earlier…”

I am so ashamed that I cried in his arms.

Elder came to me.

“It’s okay, but I think we need to talk about how you will go back to your home.”

My eyes landed on him.

“Yes elder, I’m listening.”

He nodded.

“So…”

Elder told me that since it isn’t certain yet the exact location of where I came from, he will consult a friend of his that can help us to find the truth. He told me that he has a friend that is knowledgeable about sorcery, we’re not sure if that can help me but he will still try it.

“When can we meet your friend, elder?”

We need to meet that friend as soon as possible so I can go home.

“He’s not here, it’ll take weeks to get to his home.”

“...”

Then, we still need to wait for a week…

“It’s okay elder, when will we depart?”

“I’ll tell you about that after I finish my job here.”

Elder stands up.

“Since there’s a commotion not long ago, everyone’s still in shock and there’s areas that’s surely damaged, we still need to fix those for now.”

“Okay elder.”

That’s right.

Elder told me that he still needs to fix things outside so we’ll talk about it some other time.

When he’s finally out of the room, I lay myself on the bed again.

“I still need to wait…”

Ha…

Alright, I don’t have to be like this anymore as Elder Baster will help me. Although I still need to wait for a week- no, because of the attack of those monsters, I think it will take a week to organize and fix things in this village so it’s possible that we’ll get to leave this place the week after next week.

I don’t have to be impatient as there’s already a way to get back home.

“Let’s just hope that Elder’s friend knows how to transport me back to Earth…”

Please…

I wonder what my friends on Earth are thinking right now, are they searching me?

How about my mom?

“I bet she doesn’t even know that I’m missing…”

But if she ever finds out, will she care?

I’m just a desperate daughter, now, I don’t want her attention, but later, I still want her to care for me, even just asking if I’m alright or asking where I went and how’s my day…

I guess that's how a child is to their parents…

Even how many times a parent has already abandoned them, their child will still ask for their attention.

“I thought, it’s the same for the parents?”

But how come my mother isn’t like that?

She’s acting as if she’s not my real mother…

Ha…

I want to go back…

“Raia?”

A knock on the door snapped me back to reality.

“Yes?”

“Can I come in?”

It’s Freya’s voice.

I sat on the bed and fixed my face.

“Yes.”

Freya peek through the door.

“Are you alright?”

I nodded. She looked concerned.

I ask them to come in.

“I’m alright, thank you for asking.”

She gave me a flower crown made of red flowers and yellow ones that I don’t know the name of.

“Wow, thank you…”

She puts it on me.

I am touched by her kindness, I wish I had a sister like her.

She hugged me then lay on the bed, using my lap as a pillow.

“I thought, something bad happened to you… Elder carry you when you pass out.”

Her voice changed, it became the voice of a 10 year old.

She’s really funny.

“I’m sorry to make you worry, Freya, but I’m okay now.”

I caress her hair, the assorted colored hair pins are still there in her head.

“You’re not going to pass out again?” She looked at me like asking me to promise her.

“Yes.”

How could I resist those bright eyes?

“Yey!”

We both giggled.

She, then, played with the skin on my lap.

She’s so precious, I want to tell her about myself but I promise the elder that I wouldn't. I want to tell her badly, I don’t want to keep something from her but she’s still a child. She might have a slip of the tongue, even though it’s not on purpose, that can still put my life in danger.

I’ll tell her some other time…

I kept on caressing her hair. We stayed like that for a couple of minutes when Shoyo asked for our presence at the table.

I was shocked to know that it’s already morning, I slept that long?!

But then I helped them arrange the plates on the table.

“Are you alright now?” Mui asked me.

“Yes.”

They all asked me how my condition was, they thought that I collapsed because of the sudden uproar yesterday.

Thankfully, Elder said it like that as I don’t know what to tell them if ever they asked me what did the Elder and I talked about that causes me to collapse.

I hadn't thought of it before going out here.

While eating breakfast, I couldn’t stop thinking that this is what it feels like to have someone eat with you.

I have never experienced this before. All I’ve experienced is eating alone at our dining table.

I want to stay here just a little bit just to experience this kind of feeling everyday but I know that I can’t. I don’t belong here, I’m not a werewolf.

After breakfast, the twins wanted to play with me but I had to reject them because Elder asked for my time.

He asked me to help him clean the underground.

“Where should I put these, elder?”

I showed him the mini sharp logs on my hand.

“You can put those there.”

He pointed to the corner of this room.

I placed the logs there and went back on cleaning.

This place is spacious underground, and it’s really underground, you can’t enter this place if you’re from outside because the door is pretty tough as well as the roof. Attacks won’t reach this place if ever one occurs.

Although it’s dark because there’s no ventilation, you can still see each other because of the torch.

How will they get out of here if something bad happens and the main door is blocked?

“Actually, I called you because I need to discuss something with you.”

Elder suddenly said.

Oh, is that so…

“What do you want to tell me?”

Although we’re still cleaning, the elder kept on explaining everything that I need to know while I’m staying here.

“I understand Elder, then, is it better if I don’t go outside?”

Since it’s dangerous if someone finds out the truth, Elder limits my time going out.

“You can go out if you want but I suggest that you will just go where we can save you anytime. If it’s possible, you should stay away from other wolves.”

“I understand.”

“It’ll be better if you stay low for now, before we go to my friend and ask for his help.”

“Yes elder.”

I don’t want to cause any trouble for their family, I’m lucky enough to meet them. If I met someone with bad intentions, I don’t know what would happen to me now, so I will do my best to stay away from danger so that they won’t be in danger too.

Also, I’m lucky enough that Elder Baster knows someone who knows sorcery, so my chance of getting back to Earth isn’t impossible now.

We continued cleaning the underground but we paused because it’s already lunch time.

I feel like we just ate and now we’re eating again.

Freya’s family is happy, I’ve noticed that there’s no rice here, all we've been eating since I came here are either vegetables or some bread, and there’s no electricity here, like I'm living before humanity… Kidding.

Another thing, there’s no vehicle here, they’re riding the ones that can transform into wolf form if they’re traveling, and if they don’t have someone who can transform, they will just walk even if their destination is far.

Elder Baster told me everything that I need to learn while we’re cleaning, thanks to that, I’ve known other things about this world.

There’s a lot of things that I grew up with that can’t be seen in this place, so I know that it’ll be hard for me to adjust that easily in this place. But I’ll try my best.

“Can we play?”

Vin, one of the twins, clings to me after lunch.

“Of course!”

I already rejected them earlier so it would be hard to reject them again. Also, I don’t have to be cautious of the wolf inside this house and this village because mostly, omega wolves are weak and won’t cause trouble that would end up finding my true identity.

Although there’s Betas here, Elder assured me that it’s safe as long as they don’t find out who I really am.

Vin and Xin happily clung to me, we went outside the house. Freya’s walking behind us, looks like she also wants to join.

“What should we play?” Vin asked his twin.

“I don’t know!” Xin happily said.

Vin sighs.

“I can’t believe you.”

Vin is the one who thinks of the game that we would play but since it’s for the young ones, I thought of telling them a game that I know.

“How about we play rake?”

They focus their attention on me.

“What’s that?”

I told them what rake is and now they’re looking for a rock that they’ll use as a basis.

After they found a chalk like rock, I started to draw the pattern on the ground.

“Goodluck everyone!”

“You’re not playing with us?” Freya asked me.

I shook my head.

"I'll play later."

She nodded and they started playing.

When other kids saw them playing, they joined them and everyone was happy while playing.

I enjoy seeing the happy faces of these children.

When I couldn’t keep on just looking at them playing, I joined them.

“I’ll go last!”

There’s a total of ten kids playing here, then me and Freya.

Everyone’s laughing when they pass us and see us, particularly Freya and I, playing.

I think we're too old for this, but I can’t stop playing!

This is just the first time that I get to play like this. I’m old enough but I still enjoy these kinds of games.

It’s pretty fun.

It’s like, I am now experiencing the youth that I haven’t experienced before, and I’m happy for that.

We kept on playing until the sun was about to set.

“We’ll see you tomorrow!” Xin said his goodbye to his friends.

“Yes! We’ll play again tomorrow!”

“Bye!”

“Bye!” Xin replied.

He still has a lot of energy after playing that long…That’s incredible, I guess, that’s because he’s a wolf.

“How did you learn that game? That’s so fun!”

Later on, he asked me.

Oh… What should I say?

Hmm…

“We’re playing that on where I came from!” It’s not a lie…

“Really? Then it’s fun there!”

Not really…

“Yup!”

We enter their house and take our rest.

I couldn’t tell if it’s really fun where I came from, but I guess, it’s just me who’s lonely, not like other children my age, they must be having so much fun that time…

Mui and Shoyo are preparing our dinner, while the four of us, who played outside, are just sitting here on the sofa. Calming ourselves.

Later on, we’re called to help on preparing the table. We ate happily together.

That night, we all watched the sky before we slept.

ARAIA's P.O.V

"Give me the flower!"

"I don't want to!"

Vin and Xin are arguing over a flower.

"Here, you can use mine."

I gave Vin the flower that I'm holding, he gladly accepted it and continued making a flower crown.

We’re now here at the backyard of their house, we’re making a flower crown for fun.

“I didn’t know that you could do something like this using a flower!” Freya said.

She’s doing great making a flower crown, so far, I noticed that Freya is smart. She caught up to the things around her easily and she can decide for her own, not like the other girls her age.

"Freya, how old are you?"

"I'm 15.”

She answered me while still doing her flower crown.

She’s only 15?

She’s quite mature for her age, to be honest.

She acts like a seventeen year old girl although she tends to have these colorful hair clips around her head and she’s always in a ponytail. If you observe her inside the house, she’s a reliable sister to her two brothers.

Her cheerful personality makes her look like she’s a child but her mature side makes her look like a girl that’s becoming an adult.

“Why’d you ask?”

“Nothing, how’s your crown?”

“Look!”

She showed me what she’s doing, it’s beautiful.

“Wow! It’s so beautiful, Freya, you did great!”

She’s so happy that I complimented her work, the same as the twins.

“But what are you doing?”

Vin asked me.

The other two looked at me curiously so I showed them what I was doing.

"It’s also a flower crown.”

“But what are these?” Full of curiosity Xin asked.

“These are locks, so the flowers won’t fall off.”

Their faces look amaze, what a funny reaction.

“But why do yours look amazing while ours doesn't?” Xin said while pouting.

What does he mean?

I observe my flower crown, it’s just average looking. Oh!

“Are you talking about the color combinations?”

They look confused again.

I explained to them what color combination is and gave them an example on how to combine colors. Later on, I helped them to create a flower crown while combining the colors so every flower will suit each other.

“Woah…”

“It looks completely different from before!”

“That’s right, because color combinations are important also.”

“You’re really great!”

“Nah! I just know how to combine colors.” It’s no big deal.

“No, you’re really great! You’re so smart sister Raia!” The twins said.

Aw…

“Well, thank you…” It’s kind of awkward to receive compliments as I’m not used to it but they’re so cute to just avoid it.

I teach them some more and Xin seems like he’s really enjoying what we’re doing, he caught up faster than I thought.

We continued playing until the snacks that Mui made arrived.

“Take a break, kids.”

The twins greet their mother while Freya and I prepare the carpet for the snacks we're going to eat here.

“You’re smart…”

Hmm?

I glanced at Freya, did she say something?

“Pardon?”

She’s looking at the snacks we’re preparing so I couldn’t see her face clearly.

She didn’t answer me so I just continued preparing the snacks.

I swear, I heard someone…

“It’s okay now!” Freya shouted after we’re done preparing the snacks on the carpet.

“Yey!”

The twins are happy while eating the snacks.

It’s a sweet potato. It’s drying my throat but the snacks were accompanied by juice so it’s alright. Besides, this is the only snack that they’re making everyday so I don’t really have a choice.

Should I tell them some snack recipes that I know?

Maybe next time…

“Did you make this?” Mui asked me. She’s pertaining to the flower crown that I made.

I nodded my head.

“Wow, you’re so good at making these.”

I can feel my cheeks burning from what she said. Why do I feel shy all of a sudden?

“T-thank you…”

Shoyo came to our direction, holding an ax, he must be cutting logs in the forest.

“Hello everyone.”

The twins came running to him.

“How’s my family?”

“We’re good! We’re making flower crowns!”

They boast about the flower crown we’re making.

“Wow. These are wonderful, how’d you know how to do this?” He asked the twins.

“Araia taught us!”

Shoyo looks amazed by the flower crowns of his sons. He's so proud of them, I can tell.

“You’re talented.” He said, now, looking at me.

Again!

“T-thank you.”

Why are they so affectionate? I am not used to this!

Just like before, when we’re eating, they’re so sweet to each other especially Mui and Shoyo, their family looks like they’re used to those sweetness but I am not!

It’s awkward for me at first but then I eventually get used to it.

I remember the first time I noticed them being affectionate to each other, I am so jealous because I haven’t experienced it before.

My parents wouldn’t even dare look at me. I admire their family, I wish I had one.

When it’s dinner time, hours passed like usual, we ate then spent the rest of our free time watching the sky.

We’re now in the backyard, lying on the carpet in an open space while looking at the sky.

“Do you know that there’s a star called sirius?”

Vin looked at me.

“What’s that?”

“The star, there’s a star called sirius.” So, they don’t have an idea of Sirius.

“No, I mean, what is a star?”

“...”

Oh! They don’t know what a star is.

I point my finger to the sky, in which we can see a star.

“Do you see those shining things up there?”

Vin nodded.

“Those are called stars.”

“Oh…”

“Yup, and there’s a star called Sirius, it’s the brightest star up there.”

Although it’s what it is from Earth and I don’t know if we’re still on Earth, let’s just pretend that it’s also the brightest star here.

“Wow, can you tell me more about it?”

“Sure!”

I told him what I know about constellations, he looked interested in it so I added some about the universe and such.

Looks like Vin is the type of person who likes to talk about stars and such, while Xin is the artistic type.

They’re so cute.

I wish I had brothers like them…

MY DAYS passed like that.

We’re playing when we have free time, I am helping the house and so far there’s no monsters attacking.

“Raia, can I talk to you?”

Elder asked me.

I nodded my head in response.

We went to the room where we talked last time and he asked me to sit.

“Do you need anything Elder?”

“Yes.”

He showed me a map that’s made from cloth, or can you even call this a map?

All I can see is a set of lines… It’s even brown, the same as the cloth but it’s much darker.

Elder points in a direction.

“This is where we’re going to go to meet my friend.”

My eyes widened, are we finally going to meet his friend?!

“We’re going to go to his house?”

He nodded.

At last! I couldn’t contain my excitement because this is what I’ve been waiting for.

“When are we going to go there?”

“We’ll go there next week but I don’t think that I can accompany you.”

Why not?

“Why, Elder?”

He told me that there would be an important meeting regarding the situation of this village and the recent monster attack and as he is one of the elders, he needs to be there.

“Is that so…”

Is it alright for me to travel alone? What if there’s monsters again and they attack me? I don’t even know basic self defense, and they’re much stronger than me! I’m just a human and they’re still wolves!

“Isn’t it dangerous?”

Elder sat on the chair across mine.

“It is, but I will help you find someone who will accompany you when you travel.”

Is it enough? Who could it be? What if that person finds out that I’m not a wolf and does something bad to me?

I wouldn’t risk my safety, if I can go some other time, then I’ll just prefer that over this.

“I can go some other time, Elder.”

“Are you sure? You don’t have to worry about who’ll accompany you as I assure you that he is safe to be with.”

“But what if that wolf found out that I’m not a wolf?”

What will we do? It’s concerning since none of them would be by my side. I’m just feeling safe when I’m with them…

“I promise you that he won’t do anything bad to you, we can trust him, he’s my nephew and my right hand.”

“...”

My trust issues can’t cope up…

“I don’t know Elder…”

I’m not really sure if I can relax if someone whom I don’t know will accompany me on my journey, and it’s a man.

“Do you want to meet him first?”

I am so concerned about it, so I think it’s really better if I meet him first.

I agree with Elder Baster, he said that he would arrange a meeting for me and his nephew within these days.

“Thank you for doing this.”

I held Elder’s hand. I'm glad that he is helping me even though I’m not from this world.

“Don’t worry about it, I want you to be with your family again so I’m helping you.” He tapped my head.

Ha…

If only I had someone like them…

“I’ll teach you some things about what you should do when you travel.”

“Okay.”

Elder gave me ideas on what I should do and what I should remember to avoid being caught.

While he is talking, I can already feel my hands sweating just by thinking that it isn’t impossible for me to face danger while traveling.

“Can I ask you a question, Elder?”

“Sure.”

“I’m just really curious about this, do wolves have this special ability like they can smell someone’s blood like vampires?”

I’m not really a fan of vampires and werewolves so I don’t know much about them, I just know the basics that they can transform, something like that. And I’m dying to know if they can smell blood because if they can, that would be the end of me…

“What are vampires?”

Elder asked.

Oh yeah, I forgot that it’s only werewolves here.

“Nevermind that Elder, but can you really smell blood?”

Elder shook his head.

“Ha…That’s great.”

At least, they can’t smell blood, right?

I will be doomed if they can smell blood.

“How did you get the idea that we can smell blood?”

Elder looked curious so I told him what I know.

From what vampires are and what I know about wolves. Although my knowledge isn’t that great, he still wants to know what I know about them.

“What imagination you got there…”

Elder said.

I'm quite embarrassed because I know that those are just stories, but of course, since those stories were passed down generation by generation I don't know anymore what is right and wrong.

Also, I've believed in those stories since I'm a child. That's why I'm thinking like that.

"It would be dangerous if werewolves could smell blood." Elder said.

"That's my thought too."

We share the same opinion about it so I'm glad.

After we talked about important things, I helped Freya arrange logs in the underground.

While we're working, Freya suddenly bumped my shoulder.

"Ouch!"

Can't she see me? But it's not that dark here since we have three torches with fire.

I look at my surroundings, I'm not blocking the way either.

"Oh, sorry."

She continued arranging the logs after she said it.

What's wrong with her? Did I do something wrong?

She's not even looking at me when she apologizes.

"Are you alright?"

I'm concerned about her behavior, she isn't like this. Perhaps she's having difficulty with something?

"I'm okay." Lifeless, she answered.

Something's definitely wrong.