Married To The Alpha

Mariyah Aragon's only goal in life was to give her family a better life. In order to achieve this goal, she needs to study and work hard to pay off her parents' sacrifice for her. And she achieved it.

One night, she was ordered by her mom to return a white handkerchief and pay a sum of money her mother borrowed to her Aunt Helen, she obeyed her thinking it was just the only order to her

But she was deceived by the person she least expected to do it. Her mom literally paid her debt. Neither a money nor a letter of extension for the payment was given, she was the payment. She is the payment.

She swallowed hard as she stared at those pair of dark gray eyes. Shels standing alone with him in his open balcony, doesn't know why she was there and how she got there.

But her mind can't seem to perceive what is happening after hearing those words to him.

Did she hear him right?

Was she really married to him?

And what really shook her world, was she really married to the Alpha?

"Daughter, please pay the debt we owe to Manang Helen." mom ordered me one night. She handed me the white envelope and a handkerchief.

I looked at it, there was something engraved on the very end of it, I looked at Mama who was surprised

"Mom, what's the handkerchief for?" I ask. She didn't look at me, her trembling hand didn't escape my sight.

"T-Take that to Helen my child.. They'll take care of it.." The last thing she said was almost a whisper.

I held my breath. I know the mama well, she likes to borrow money from people she knows, I don't even know where she gets the payment from, but I just let it go.

I followed what she said, thinking that I would really pay off Mama's debt. I didn't look inside the envelope, thinking that it was the money that mom owed me. I was carrying the handkerchief, thinking that mom was just returning it to Manang Helen, who was guarding a mansion not far from us.

But everyone really dies of delusion. Because of the thought, I will just pay the debt, it means something else. Mama will literally pay off the debt, and I'll be the one to pay it. Payment to a man I just saw in the face of life, staring hard at me, and that's when I found out, I'm married to him.

Chapter I

"Daughter, please pay the debt we owe to Manang Helen." mom ordered me one night. She handed me the white envelope and a handkerchief.

I looked at it, there was something engraved on the very end of it, I looked at Mama who was surprised.

"Mom, what is the handkerchief for?" I will ask. She didn't look at me, her trembling hand didn't escape my sight. I raised my eyebrows because of that.

"T-Take that to Helen.. They will take care of it.." The last thing she said was almost a whisper.

I held my breath. I know the mama well, she likes to borrow money from people she knows, I don't even know where she gets the payment from but I just let it go. I missed the trembling of his hand, maybe it was just panting.

I came out of our little shack made of bamboo, it was quite old, and it was obvious that it would only take a few blows of the wind and it would fall down, but now, we are going to build a new house again, but it is made of stone. I don't know where mom got the money for that, the important thing is that our house will be replaced.

Even though it's dark, I'm walking on the edge of

road, there were small street lights, which somehow lit up what I was passing by.

I'm also grateful for the help of the moon, it's full circle now, and it's beautiful to look at.

I continued walking, more than a kilometer away from Manang Helen's workplace. Because it works in a mansion, and I don't know who owns it.

I just arrived last month, from the city. I studied there, I don't even know where my mother got funding for my education, she just sent me to an exclusive school in the city. She doesn't send me home, I stay in a boarding house because our barangay is more than three hours away from the city.

I only come home every semester and summer, because it's a waste of time and I finish too much at school. But all the sacrifices paid off beautifully. At least now, I am a psychology graduate. The only thing missing is work and I can repay what mom did for me.

I could see the gate of the mansion before my eyes. With 100b a month, I already memorized the way to it, because mom always accompanied me. I didn't know that someone lived here, because in the past, whenever I stumbled upon this very place, and looked at the huge house, I didn't notice anyone living there. All entrances are closed, even the window. I thought

it used to be a haunted house because it had been neglected.

I reached the front gate of the mansion, a Lancaster was carved above it. But my eyes widened when it suddenly opened. I heard the sound made by each steel scraping against each other. I stayed where I was because of the sudden shiver that came over me.

From where I was standing stood a towering mansion. Behind it are tall trees that look like a forest. I swallowed while just staring at the mansion. I noticed someone standing on the second floor, on the open balcony directly facing where I was, but when I blinked, he suddenly disappeared. I swallowed, am I right in thinking that the mansion is a haunted house? I shook my head, maybe it was because of the darkness.

Even though I was scared, I saw myself walking towards the mansion, I could clearly see from its entrance that there was an old man standing, his hands folded and he was smiling widely as if he was waiting for someone. It didn't take long for me to arrive in front of the mansion. I can't help but be amazed at its beauty. Especially because it was illuminated by the light of the moon which made it more vivid.

"Welcome, dear." Manang Helen greeted me with a smile.

"Manang Helen.. I would just like to pay

I didn't finish what I was going to say all of a sudden

turned around and headed to the mansion door, it disappeared into the shadow of darkness then a door opened. From where I was standing, I could immediately see the luxury in the 100b of the mansion.

"come in first." she invites.I immediately shook my head as I walked towards her.I showed her the white envelope and the handkerchief that mom was giving her.Manang Helen looked at it. Her smile disappeared.

"Mama gave it to you. She said she was going to pay off her debt. And this handkerchief, it looks like Mama is returning it." I said while handing the envelope and handkerchief to his two hands. He just stared at it for a moment and looked up at me.

"Is she sure?" she asked. I could hear something in Manang Helen's voice but I couldn't name what it was. I nodded to her question, then Manang Helen sighed, as if a new problem had come to her.

"I hope Marlene is doing it right." I heard Manang Helen whisper then turned and walked into inside of the mansion. I just shrugged. I'm going home, it looks like it's getting late.

"Manang Helen, I'll go first--"

"Dear, come in first." she said as we faced each other, it's just that she was in inside of the mansion while I was outside.

"No need Manang, I'm going home.. It's getting worse

it's also the nightâ€""

"Have dinner here first, can you join me for a while?" I heard it as if Mother Helen was begging me. I turned behind me, the way out of the mansion gate and the way home were revealed to me, I looked back at Aunt Helen.

When I got home and was about to have dinner, I sighed. Maybe Manang Helen just wants someone to eat with.

I know how it feels to eat alone. I looked at Manang Helen who was still looking at me. I smiled and nodded, then walked into the mansion. Her smile widened.

When my slippers stepped on the shiny marble floor of the mansion, I couldn't help but be amazed. When I looked up, the luxurious design of the staircase was revealed to me, it was right in the middle of the mansion, and each handle seemed to be made of gold in color. Its design is so beautiful, I looked at every corner of the mansion, and every thing you see there screams beauty and luxury.

"You sit in the living room first, I'll just prepare dinner." she said happily then walked somewhere and was eaten by darkness. I walked to the other side of the mansion and looked for the living room. I didn't have a hard time because I immediately saw a table surrounded by an elegant sofa. There was also a mattress on the floor and it looked very clean.

I was embarrassed that the slippers were garnit, so I took them off and walked to the sofa and sat there. I felt like I wanted to fall asleep in its softness when I sat down.

While sitting I observed the surroundings, I can't quite imagine that no one lives in such a beautiful house? I remembered what I saw earlier on the second floor of the house, right on the open balcony. Someone stood there, but immediately disappeared? Maybe it was with Manang Helen? Or is it the owner of the mansion? Maybe I'll just ask Helen later.

While waiting for Manang Helen to call me, I could only look at what was on display. There are pieces of furniture there that are so unique, I can't help but touch them. Until I was staring at a picture frame. I stare at you hard. There are two men standing and a woman sitting. I immediately assumed that the two were married and one had a child. I stared at the youngest man. It looks like it's still in elementary school based on the picture. It wasn't smiling, its silver eyes were just staring at the camera. It's like I'm suddenly conscious because it's like the man is really staring at me.

"Maria, dinner is ready." I almost jumped in shock when I heard Mother Helen's voice.

"Manang Helen!" I shouted in shock when she appeared behind me,She laughed at my reaction. My chest was tight because of the strength of my heart beating because of the shock.

"You're a nervous kid." she said with a laugh. "Oh hey, have dinner first. The food is ready in the kitchen.." she didn't finish what he was going to say when she suddenly turned around and took something from the coffee table on his side. I frowned because I only noticed it now. "..I'll follow right after I deliver it upstairs." she continued.

"Is there... anyone living here besides you?' I asked in shock. It nodded in response. So I wasn't blind when I saw something on the open balcony of the mansion earlier?

"Alright iha.. you go first. Or you can just wait here for me so we can go to the dining room together." here. I nodded absentmindedly.

"I'll just wait for you." I almost whispered. Helen nodded again and turned away from me.I just followed her as she walked towards the stairs.Only the sound of her footsteps echoed through inside of the mansion. When it finally went up and I couldn't see it anymore, I just sat back on the sofa and stared at the wall in front of me now.

I just stumbled upon a painting hanging there.I thought Helen was the only one living here, but there are others.I don't know how many minutes passed before Helen returned. Now I followed behind her to the dining room.

I almost gasped as a long dining table opened up to me. More than 100 people could sit there. I slowly approached and observed it.

I saw that the food was ready on the table, she made me sit in a chair facing the food, and so did she. she gave me a plate and spoon then she also put my food.I was immediately surprised that she didn't join me.

"Manang Helen, are you not going to eat?" I ask her. she just smiled then sat in front of me.

I started to have dinner.It's a shame, but Helen looks happy that she has someone with her now. But, isn't she with someone?

I just shook my head.Maybe the owner of the house is with her here. And based on the food it served earlier, that is singular.

"Manang, I thought you were alone here. You have someone with you." I said. I looked at her who was now just looking at me and smiling. I stopped eating.

"You're not going to eat?" I asked. The plate in front of her was empty. she shook her head. "Huh? I thought I was going to have dinner with you?" but she didn't answer me.

"Eat more." she just said. I was really wondering because of that, I suddenly felt apprehensive. I finished my food quickly. I am no longer with Helen now sitting. It's in front of the sink and looks like it's doing something.

I simply looked around, I'm not going to lie, because anything I look at every corner seems...weird.Maybe I have to leave.

"Manang Helenâ€""

I didn't finish what I was going to say when I suddenly heard something break and crash.I almost jumped out of my seat.I looked at the ceiling, because I felt like it was coming from the second floor of the house.But something broke above again, and it seemed to grow stronger than before. That's why I stood up from my seat because I suddenly felt worried.Something strange seems to be going on up there.

I looked at Helen, who was looking at me worriedly. When the third time something broke again. We looked at the ceiling together, but I also looked back at Helen. I swallowed.

"Manang Helen, it looks like .. I'm about to go firstâ€"" "Don't" she stopped suddenly. I was surprised because of that.

"W-what?" I will ask. Why would she stop me?

"A-ahh." she was suddenly worried. I was even more surprised because of that. "Later. 1-I'll take you out, just wait. I'll go to my boss upstairs first. I'll let you know, he knows as well as you're here." I just nodded at him as she said it's his.

"A-alright, just wait for me in your living room."

We walked out of the kitchen and headed to the living room.Manang Helen sent me straight to the living room while she ran to the second floor of the house. I remained standing between the stairs and the way out of the house. I looked at the door. I can just leave without saying goodbye. But I'm embarrassed to leave right away. Manang Helen fed me, and received me as a guest of the owner of this mansion. It would be disrespectful if I left.

I looked at the second floor of the house, I couldn't see anything because it was quite dark there.

But I was followed by another broken look. Wait, what's going on upstairs?

"Son.. calm down." I heard manang Helen's comforting to another person. I felt like I wanted to help Helen. Something broke again. I closed my eyes tightly.

"Son, she's not leaving. Calm down." I heard Helen comforting him again. I only hear grunts in response to manang.

Something broke again, that's why I decided to go up to follow Manang Helen, it looks like they need help, maybe I can help someone.

When my slippers touched the second floor of the house, I suddenly felt what.. aura. Like, weird. My hair stood me up, I hugged myself. But I quickly put that out of my mind.

I walked towards where the noise came from earlier.

"Manang Helenâ€"t

I didn't finish what I was going to say when Helen suddenly came out of nowhere. And his eyes almost widened when he saw me.

"God Maria, what are you doing here?" Helen's mother asked in shock.

"Maybe you need help-

she didn't let me finish what I was going to say as she supported me.

"Manang Helenâ€""

"You shouldn't go up!" she said very scared. When we both got down, I looked at the second floor before looking back at Helen. I stared at her, worried, she was constantly clapping her hands. That means something, a secret. Even if I wanted to ask, I wasn't in the place to do so. I am not in the place to interfere.

I held my breath. Maybe Manang Helen can handle what is happening here. Maybe it happens every day. I can't help but feel sorry for Manang.

In the end I decided to go home. It seems like it's getting late.

"Manang Helen, I'm just going home." I say goodbye but manang was surprised by what I said.

"Huh? B-But it can't be!" it panicked. I frowned at that.

"Why?" I asked a little nervously. He quickly looked away. I held my breath.

i'

"Manang, ill go ahead "NOBODY IS GOING HOME!!"

I jumped from where I was standing when I heard the roar of the voice throughout the house. With wide eyes, I looked again at the second floor of the house, that's where it came from. I looked at Manang Helen, her face was full of fear. Even I was scared because of what I heard.

"Manang Helen, who is that? What does he want to.. say?" I'm secretly scolded for my stuttering. I felt fear because of that scream, I was taken back but I stopped myself from being afraid.

Manang quickly reached for my hand. I felt his hand slightly tremble.

"Mary.. Be patient with himâ€""

I did not let her finish what she had to say. I immediately shook my head.

"What does that mean, manang helen? Why can't I go home?!" I almost shouted the question. Tears are forming in the corners of my eyes, my heart is beating fast because..

fear That's right, it's eating me right now because it's happening.

Something broke again above. My heart beat faster.

Who's up there? Why will it suddenly scream that no one can go home? It is not possible that he is referring to me because I am probably the only guest today.

"Maria.." Manang Helen repeated my name. Her face looked like she was sorry. she seems unable to speak.

I quickly grabbed my hand from Manang. I backed away and turned my back on her. I headed for the door. But to my surprise when I turned the doorknob it was locked. I looked violently at Helen.

"Manang Helen.. I'm going home. Maybe..."

"Maria, you can't go home." she said directly. I was a little surprised by that. She just confirmed it. But why?

"Manang..

She let out a deep breath before staring at me intently.

"The agreement is over, dear. It can't be taken back."

I raised my eyebrows at what she said. Agreement? What does this mean?

"W-what's the deal?" I was very surprised

question

"You are the one that your mother paid for her debt. That's why you can't leave. That's the agreement."

My jaw almost dropped from what I heard.

Nope. It can't be.

Chapter Il: Wolf

"W-what are you doing here?l" Mom asked in shock when she saw me appear in the kitchen. My jaw dropped. wow So, she doesn't want me here? It is removing the dining table.

I followed her every move. They didn't even wait for me or if they had a plan to wait for me.

"I-is it true?" stuttering question . I am now standing in the passage that separates the living room from the kitchen. She was the only one left there. My brothers and father were not in the living room. They seem to be in the room.

"W-what do you mean?" it asked back to me. she turned herattention to the Plates she was putting away, then turned her back on me and placed the plates in the sink. she just turned her back on me like nothing happened.

"Is what I heard from manang H-Helen true?"

My throat felt like there was a lump while swallowing. I saw that mom stiffened when I said that. I was secretly cursed.

It is true?

I want mom to deny what I heard from Helen. I want her to say that I was just delirious, I was dreaming, so I didn't understand what Helen said to me. I want her to tell me that.

"Mom.." my voice was almost pleading as I mentioned it. I want her to confirm what I heard. But why doesn't she speak?

she let out a deep breath. she started washing the dishes as if she didn't hear me. That's when I decided to approach her to talk to her. But I hadn't even gotten close to her when she faced me.

"Why are you here?! I wish you had stayed in the mansion? Why did you leave there? Don't you know that he might take it back from me--"

"So, is it true? Is it true that you made me pay the debt?!" I screamed in pain. I couldn't handle the heavy feeling I was feeling earlier. How many times have I denied it to myself, because I don't understand why mom would do that to me? What have I done? Does he not love me? Am I not his family? Why could he do that to me? There are so many questions in my mind, and I can't think of any answers to them.

"YES! It's true that I made those Lancasters pay off the debt! Now?! What are you going to do?l You're going to talk to me?l Go ahead, do it because I will never change my mind about what I've done

I was silent at what mom said. It's like every word he says makes my heart hurt. Shooot!!

I just cried, I couldn't stop crying. I heard footsteps approaching behind me. And then I confirmed that my brothers and father were there when he spoke.

"What's going on here?!" Dad asked in shock. I didn't look back. I don't want dad to see me like this, crying. Maybe he too, will confirm what mom said. I will be hurt even more because of that.

"Sister! You're here! Have you had dinner yet? The dish is delicious. Mom, did you leave something for sister?" Karlo, our youngest brother, said happily as he ran towards mom. Maybe he was surprised that mom didn't pay attention to him so he looked at me.

"Sister, why are you crying?" it asked in surprise. I immediately wiped my tears. At the same time, he placed a hand on my shoulder. I immediately turned around, father's sad face was revealed to me. As if it wanted to apologize. I cried again. Nope. He knows?

"Y-You know, d-dad..?"

I don't need to hear his answer. Because after I said that, he removed his hand from my shoulder and immediately looked away from me. I bit my lip. It is true.

I closed my eyes tightly. I wish. I hope this is not true. Hopefully, I'm just having nightmares. But a few moments passed as if nothing was happening. Tears continue to flow from my eyes. I'm not dreaming.

"M-Maria.. forgive us." I heard my father say.

I opened my eyes and faced my father. I noticed that my brothers were wondering what was happening. I wiped my wet cheek.

"W-why?' the only thing that came out of mouth. I wanted to ask them so many questions. But that's all I could say.

My father did not immediately answer. I saw his eyes start to water.

"Why, dad? Why?" I asked him again. It closed its eyes and then faced me completely.

I heard mom stop but I ignored her. My eyes remained on father.

"Our farm is mortgaged with them my child." father admitted. "Karlo was rushed to the hospital while you were in the city studying. We didn't harvest enough rice to pay for the hospital. We were forced to mortgage it to Mr. Lancaster for a large amount. We thought we would be able to pay right away but no, no we had a child because Karlo was going back and forth to the hospital. We had already paid the hospital for the crops we harvested from the farm that were supposed to pay Mr. Lancaster. But again, that was not enough and we owed him again. We have nothing ran away, only Mr. Lancaster offered to help. Old Lancaster was fine with us paying any time. But when old Lancaster left the country and his son was left in their mansion, it was found out he owed us to them. He immediately asked for the payment. But we couldn't give anything. Nothing. Dad was crying while he was telling the story. His shoulders were lifting because of crying.

My mind processed the words of father one by one. When I was studying in the city, I didn't know that Karlo was rushed to the hospital. yes, I know his body is weak, but I don't know how many times he has been back and forth to the hospital. I looked at my brother, that's why I immediately noticed his weight loss when he got home last month. It's not as lively as I used to be. it suffers from the hospital's. If only I knew.

"We don't want to let you know. Because I know you'll be worried when you find out Karlo is going back and forth to the hospital. We don't want to affect your studies. So... We can.. do that." Dad continued to explain.

"But.. but why did you make me pay the debt? Why me? Because I can't help but think that I'm not one of you? How did you do that? It's like I'm just an object ready to be exchanged for money?! I'm human?! Am I worth that much?!"

"It's too late for me to know! It's too late for me to know that your mother agreed to the agreement between her and the Lancaster boy. In exchange for our almost ten million debt, you are the one she is asking for as payment! I couldn't have stopped you earlier. I just found out that you went to the Lancaster mansion with the agreement. I didn't know, forgive me."

I turned to where mom was. she was sitting on a chair, her hands folded as she sighed. I noticed her wet cheek. Why did she cry? Because of what she did to me? In conscience?

she must have noticed my gaze on her that's why she turned to me. she just stared at me again then turned her gaze in another direction.

"Why Mom?" I will ask. she seemed surprised because of that. "Why did you do that to me?' I continuity ask her.

"Your father already explained to you Mariaâ€""

"That's not what I meant! Why is it so easy for you to decide to agree to your agreement with that man?"

"I don't have a choice, Maria! What do you want me to do? Just let him finish taking the rest of our land? We only get food from that land? Where are we going to live? What about your siblings' education? If I only had a choice Maria, I would never agree to the deal between me and the Lancaster boy! I would rather be alone even for a little while. when they know we have a new house, that they can continue their studies properly! I don't want.. I don't want that to happen. Even if it's your welfare, thought. If I don't agree to the deal, you can't continue your studies. No. You won't be able to graduate from the course you want. And that's what I don't want to happen." mother explained crying.

That's when I came to her and immediately hugged her. she cried on my shoulder and returned my hug. I cried again, because of what I heard. Although I can't agree with my parents' decisions, I just understand them. They were on the verge of a difficult decision, and they were able to cling to an easy way to alleviate the problem. I understand. I would also rather see the relief on my children's faces when I am actually at mom's feet. I will sacrifice.

"I understand, Mom. I understand." Mom cried even harder because of that. He apologized to me one more time. I just don't respond anymore. I don't know how many minutes we cried. We just see ourselves standing up from the floor together. Mom wipes her wet cheek. He looked up at me. "I'm really sorry." it apologizes again. I just smiled at her a little.

"I'll just take care, Mom. There's nothing we can do. It's over." that's all I could say.

she smiled mischievously. Her eyes were red from crying. I don't know if it's the same for me.

We walked towards the living room, where

father sat on the bamboo sofa and scratched his head. He woke up when he noticed that Mom and I were in front of him. He also apologized to me. Of course, who am I to hold a grudge against my parents?

"If I really had a choice.." my mother said before I could leave the house.

I smiled slightly. I want to tell her that she has a choice. I will venture to Manila. After all, I have finished my studies. I will be able to provide them with needs. But I know I'm just convincing myself. As I concluded, it's hard to find a job that pays well if you don't have connections. And we don't really have a connection. I just really like psychology because I get to study people's actions and thoughts.

"If you want, we'll take you. It's getting late." father's reminder.

"I'm fine. I can go back by myself, Dad." I convinced him. I noticed his hesitation, but in the end he nodded.

I smiled at them to make sure I was okay.

Before I left, I hugged them tightly. Very tight because I don't know when our next meeting will be.

I heard the screams of Karlo's cries.

I just started crying while walking away from our house. I forced myself not to look back, because I might not be able to take it and go back to my parents and let the agreement go.

Or

But no, I have to fulfill that, I love my family and my siblings.

I will just understand what they did to me. Even if it hurts, even if I feel, they train me. I will just fully accept what happens. I will fully accept the decisions made by my parents. Because in the end, the welfare of their children is still their first thought. Mom and dad are still thinking about our welfare.

While walking in the middle of the road, I couldn't help but think. Why does the Lancaster boy want me to pay off our debt? Why?

I wiped my tears and looked at the sky full of moon. I stopped walking and felt the silence around me. I don't even know when I will experience it again. I want to see the moon. Other than the sun, for me, the moon is enough because it can give enough light to the dark surroundings.

I continued walking. And my mind was almost filled with questions. What will happen next? Shall I serve him?

I hugged myself very much because of the coldness around. This is one of the reasons why the province is beautiful, apart from the fresh air, coolness or the surroundings caused by the trees.

I stopped walking again when I heard something. I listened to that. I turned to where it came from when I heard again another footsteps in the woods to my right. I could see nothing but a few glimpses of moonlight hitting the ground. But suddenly I was nervous when I heard the footsteps again. And with every step that happened I heard the rustling of leaves, the snapping of small branches.

"W-who is that?" I asked scared in the middle of the silence. No one answered so I decided to walk again.

I feel like I want to regret not sending my parents. I fully thought that nothing bad would happen. But now, I have a strong feeling that someone is following me. Not just behind me but on both sides of the path where the towering trees stand.

It was too late when I noticed that I was almost running. From where I was, I was approaching the Lancaster mansion. Somehow I felt relieved because of that.

But that disappeared immediately when some animal appeared in my path. They came from the woods. I stopped running. I looked carefully at what those animals were. At first I thought it was just dogs, but as I got closer...

I noticed its almost glowing eyes. It was blazing yellow. I can't tell what color they are. Is it black or brown? I immediately swallowed because of fear.

I've only seen such an animal.

Even more, I can feel their anger towards me.

They slowly approach me. I also slowly walk backwards. I calmed myself down and slowly turned back the way I had come earlier. But I was very surprised to see from a distance that there was the same creature following me. I felt even more apprehensive because of that.

It's not good.

I look back and forth in front of me and behind me. I'm looking for a way to escape. But my only choice was the dark woods. I swallowed. I looked back at the animals that were several meters away from me. I swallowed because of nervousness.

Come what may. I have to save myself.

I immediately ran into the woods. Maybe because of the adrenaline rush, I didn't realize that my clothes were hanging on the small branches of the tree. I also noticed that I was running very fast. With the help of the moon's rays, I can somehow see what I'm running to.

I heard the growling of those animals. It sounds like a dog growling. But more fierce. I felt like I realized the incident. Once there was a rumor that a wolf was seen here in our village. But.. But it's impossible..

He stopped running when he reached the bright part of the forest. It is a space without trees. But in front of me were high crags, a high cliff. I looked to both sides of me, but I couldn't see where I could run. And there was nothing I could do because I noticed the appearance of animals chasing me.

That's when I confirmed what they were.

The news seems to be true. I'm not mistaken. The creatures in front of me now are wolves. But how did Red Brooke get a wolf? As far as I know, they live in cold places. How did they end up in our area?

I immediately looked for something that could be used as a defense against them. I saw a long branch of a tree so I immediately picked it up. I'm nervous, scared. But I try to calm myself because there is a big chance that they might feel my fear and nervousness.

"D-Don't come near.." I threatened them while firmly holding a long piece of wood.

But they came closer to me. There were four of them, and they all surrounded me. I stepped back as they stepped closer. That's when I noticed their color. Dark brown color. And I was right that its eyes were blazing yellow. Their mouths were slightly open because I could see their sharp fangs. Like an article I once read. I swallowed. Is this the end of me? Will anyone see my dead body? Or the question, will there be anything left of me when I become dinner for the wolves in front of me now? I winced when I felt the pain in different parts of the body 1<0. I don't have time to look at that.

I was alert to notice that someone rushed to my wolf first. I hit it with all my strength with the wood causing it to fall not far from me. The wolves around me howled again. Maybe angry at what I did.

It rushed at me one by one. I don't know how to defend myself. That's why I let go of the wood I was holding and sat down.

"Aaaaahhhhhh!!!" I screamed because I was so scared. This is it, this is the end of me. I couldn't even say goodbye to my parents properly.

Lord, you will take care of me.

I waited for the wolves to attack me. But a few moments have passed since I felt nothing. Only the wolves grunted as if in pain. At the same time, I heard an even fiercer growl of a wolf in front of me. I woke up, looked in front of me.

My eyes widened when I saw what happened. There is a wolf.. a black wolf who is now not far from me. I caught sight of the departure of the four wolves as if in fear. I didn't witness the incident but I noticed that the other wolf was shaking while running away.

My mouth dropped because of that. Wait, did another wolf save me?

I stood up from the seat. Then looked at the wolf in front of me. I was still in doubt whether to go near it or not because it might bite me. But in the end I decided to just approach it. But I hadn't taken three steps when suddenly.. Suddenly the wolf stood up with two legs. And what happened next almost surprised me.

It became.. it became a person!l

I screamed in fear, causing it to turn to me. When our eyes met, that's when I completely lost consciousness from shock.