Chapter 7 "The Ever Green Pack"

Yuri’s POV

“What are you, Mikhail?”

“I am a werewolf.” 

The “Hidden Greenery” sure holds the biggest secret in the world.

I looked at the man who claimed to be a beast – something I only heard from my friends who lived with their fantasies in books.

Never did I try reading a werewolf story because I never believed they existed, nor did I want to convince myself of it? But here I am, sitting before an open book of mystery.

“Don’t tell me you’ll be taking me to the Pack because I’ll be eaten?” I managed to crack a joke to hide my bewilderment.

“We don’t eat humans,” Mikhail said. “If we do, then I should have eaten you before. Because you tasted so sweet, Yuri.”

The smile on my lips vanished. This man perhaps did not know he was a female swooner. He looks innocent but dangerously sensual because of his sincerity.

I forged a cough and looked away from this beast.

“I did not cry because you did something wrong,” I confessed. “It was only because I remembered bad memories of Chase. That’s why. So, you don’t need to apologize at all.”

Mikhail turned silent. Wondering if my words sufficed him, I took a glance. He was only nodding while staring at the bonfire.

I wanted to ask him how his experience was when I taught him how to kiss.

Was it worth it?

But since I ruined everything in the end, I had no courage to ask him at all.

** **

The next morning, after staying all night in the cave, Lanceil carried me on his back and continued our journey on the way to the place he called “Ever Green Pack.”

We did not talk to each other and kept our mouths shut like clams. Suddenly, Mikhail spoke.

“I regained my strength,” Mikhail said. “So, hold on tight.”

When he said those to me, I guessed he might run quickly. But I was wrong. In a swift movement, Mikhail jumped through a tree.

“…!”

I was so surprised I couldn’t utter a word and only screamed inwardly while wrapping my hands around him.

I belatedly understood everything. If I had let go, I would have floated!

Mikhail effortlessly leaped from tree to tree, and we were zipping through the treetops in no time.

His movements were fluid and graceful. Despite holding me, he showed no signs of strain or difficulty.

As we soared through the tops, the wind whipped past us. The world around us blurred as we moved at a rapid pace, the scenery a mere blur of colors and shapes – green and brown, round and long.

‘Wow.’

It was exhilarating.

If it weren’t for him, I would not have been able to see the forest from such a high vantage point. I knew what kind of place a forest was, but it was even more amazing.

It might be too selfish for me to wish that this ride could last forever. However, the thrilling ride ended, and we arrived at our destination.

Ting! Ting! Ting!

Bells rang as soon as I set my foot on the ground.

There was a good smell wafted out. The thick scent of the grass and flowers.

I looked around, and a marvelous sight unfolded before my eyes – a green village.

There were a lot of trees that were much thicker and bigger than the trees that we had just passed through the forest.

The tree trunks extending from the huge tree were so thick that they completely covered the sky. The sunlight pouring through the branches gave the feeling of sanctuary. The green of the forest and the golden light pouring from the sky gave off a warm atmosphere.

It looked like a place where people lived, but it seemed to create a dwelling place in harmony with nature rather than providing space by offloading nature.

In fact, houses were nestled between the trees. Their wooden frames blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Some of the trees themselves had been transformed into living spaces, with platforms and bridges connecting them to the rest of the village.

At the entrance to the village, we were greeted by a river that flowed gently through the forest, its surface covered in a thick layer of moss. An archway made of stone and vines marked the beginning of a well-worn path that led deeper into the village.

Despite the beauty of the place, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled over me.

‘But I could not quite put my finger on.’

It was then that several men gathered around Mikhail and me.

Rustles.

Steps.

Murmurs.

I observed them and their long raiment with tapered hemlines.

My eyes widened because, just like Mikhail, they had unusual hair colors, which were so bright. And their eyes weren’t monotone. Not only that, but they were all beautiful in different ways.

Of course, Mikhail was the most ethereal for me. But to see a bunch of handsome fellas was unusual. It was as if I entered an entertainment building and saw celebrities packed together.

However, their eyes looked malevolent at Mikhail. However, when they stared at me, it felt as if they were so amazed.

‘Is it because I am a human?’

Hoping that I would not get eaten, I raised my hand and greeted, “Hi?”

All of them gasped in surprise and stepped back. Then, they started talking in the language Mikhail spoke when we first met.

No matter how much I tried, I could not understand anything, so I leaned closer to Mikhail and asked him.

“Did I anger the werewolves? We don’t look welcome at all.”

Mikhail, with a sad expression on his face, answered, “There are two things why. First, it was because of me. Second…” he paused for a moment, looked at me, and continued, “…because it might be the first time, they saw a female species like you.”

A female?

In haste, I looked around and realized one thing.

‘There were no women in this village.’