Chapter four.

Huff.

less than thirty minutes later. I swipe the lingering hot sweat off my forehead with the back of my palm, drawing in a deep breath.

It's done. 

There is no going back now.

Staring at the secret door that has now been uncovered, I clench my trembling hand.

The fear has my heart violently pounding against my rib cage until I can feel the blood rush up my ears.

But something—just something about it—seems to wake up a part of me I never knew about.

I run my tongue over my parched lips, feeling excited.

It's now or never.

I walk over to a secluded corner of the room. Covered with an old black cloth is a small box that contained all of my most prized possessions.

Grabbing a bag, I shove the items inside, one after the other.

Most things here belong to my mother, or were mine before she died.

There are expensive jewelry and accessories that I plan on selling once I am out of here.

There are some clothes that are decent enough to be worn outside. And.....

The map.

I don't know if it's reliable, but I found it in my mom's stuff after she died.

A very detailed map of the 'NO MAN'S LAND.'

a territory owned by none but also owned by all. It is a territory where it is dangerous to roam alone.

There is never a lack of rogues. You can find all types and specialties. Especially those crazed-to-the bone psychopaths who are always ready to kill.

Those that belong to a pack always move in groups when traveling. And lawbreakers and traitors are often exiled there for a death sentence.

So this map All my hope for escaping successfully is built on this. Cause one wrong move, and it's... bye bye. See you in heaven.

Hopefully, the map isn't false. If not;

Then may God have mercy.

Steeling my heart, I throw one last glance at the door before pulling the secret door open.

It's dark inside. I squinted my eyes, carefully climbing down the ladder. The old and rusty smell has me holding my breath.

I try to limit the noise I make to the minimum. Since it's a house full of werewolves, even the slightest noise might become a red flag.

I suck in a deep breath when my feet hit the slippery ground, waiting a little to steady myself. The air is heavy and damp, and it is even harder to see compared to my room.

Clenching on the map, I adjust my bag pack, then start to walk.

Droplets of water slide on the ceiling, then fall to the ground with a low splash. Continuously, like a rhythm, it forms an ominous song that made the hair on the back of my neck stand on an edge. forcing me to hasten up.

There is this restless feeling in my stomach, and I'm sure it's because I can't see what's before or behind me.

Why didn't I think of packing a touch? I scold my past actions.

It got to the point that I had to feel the wall with my hands as I walked, praying not to trip or run into something.

It feels kind of scary—or should I say it's really scary?

Feeling the sticky and wet touch under my fingertips, I resist the sickening rise in the bottom of my stomach.

Don't think about it.

Don't think about it.

I don't know for how long I have been traveling in this tunnel, but the temperature seems to drop lower with each step.

I halt unconsciously when I am suddenly hit by a cold breeze, leaving 

Breeze!! Does that mean that I am close to the end?

I gritted my teeth, then continued to push forward, and after about ten minutes or so, I saw a dim light up-headed.

Just a little more. I cheer.

I add another layer of coat to my dress, tucking my hands deep into the pocket, then double my speed.

The tunnel's exit finally come into full view.

I close my eyes at the intense light that assaults me after being in the dark for more than three hours.

Without looking back, I step out, relishing the feeling that came with the cold air that envelopes me from all sides.

I made it.

"Hey you." An abrupt shout comes from behind me.

Shit. 

"Hey." The voice draws nearer, literally holding me in place. Stiff and cold in fear, I turn around to meet my fate, my heart dyingly fast.

"Wait up, you fuck."

A man wearing a thick, furry brown coat ran on the snow. following behind a big, bulky guy who was also wearing a bug coat. Small clouds of white smoke puff out of his mouth as he calls out repeatedly.

Realizing that I haven't yet been noticed, I quickly dive into a thick bush. Hiding my whole existence.

Thank God. Thank you so much, heavens. I place a hand on my beating chest, pressing hard to keep it in check.

"The prince will be arriving in hours. Still, you have the guts to slack off." The man in front said it in a deep, booming voice. "Do you miss the old Alpha that much? You want to go up and meet him?"

"I prefer not." The one in brown shook his head. The fear is visible on his face as he say. "He is just as scary as Alpha Luke. Hah.... I don't know what made him so angry lately; do you think it's because of the tyrant prince's visit? or did something happen to the pack business? That's right, I did hear some maids......"

While he rants on, his companion stops abruptly. Sniffing the air

Shit. I immediately held my breath.

"Do you smell that?"

"Smell what?" 

"It smells like... a human." He replies hesitantly. His eyes darted around the surroundings.

I duck lower. My eyes were fixed on the snow below me.

Damn those sensitive noses.

While I have no wolf, I don't smell like a human either. Instead, my scent is much lighter and harder to pick.

I was reckless. I should have still tried to mask my scent.

But now it's too late to regret it. I have to find a way out of here first.

I glance up only to lock eyes with a pair of light black eyes. His gaze doesn't last long, as he looks away with an indifferent expression.

Did he see me? Did he not? But... I think our eyes met.

"Quit joking." The man in the brown coat punches his arm playfully. "How in hell can a human get all the way here? not to talk about going through No Man's Land. It's impossible to get past the pack patrol."

"You think?" His companion shrugs.

Although he isn't acting like it, I'm pretty sure he saw me.

Just—let's get out of here first, Ivy.

Going on all fours, I slowly crawl in the opposite direction from where they are heading.

"It's just not possible." The wind carried their conversation in my direction.

"Well, that is true."

Successfully reaching the edge of the woods, I glance around, making sure the patrol men are no longer in view before standing up.

Ouch. 

A sharp pain hits my rib, and my knees give out.

Ouch! Ouch!! Ouch!!!

The pain erupts from every single cell in me. Like thin, sharp, and cold, metallic needles were drilled into every inch of my skin. like an itch on another level. When it hurts so bad that you don't dare scratch it,

"Hmmm...ouch." I tumble over, clutching on my stomach.

It's happening again!