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 all-natural. 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"