IRLAN DIDN'T mind walking alone a barren path back to the bonfire party. He's worried with Joaquin and he needs to voice out his opinion to the other two about this mission. Irlan couldn't help but feel as though it is a dead track.

Causing an uproar won't help the four of them. They need to cut the pack alpha's connection and strong forces before they proceed with convincing the people to run away.


It will be his task to severe the pack territory's mage. He needs to clear the hypnosis that he casted upon the people of Crystal Lake. Those who are not keen won't be able to spot the difference while Irlan can smell the blatant threat of poison and force within every step that he takes.

Whoever made this was sure as himself that no one would try and defy his work of art. This is pure announcing his own self without being said. Irlan gladly takes this challenge and see who's more powerful in the end.

Amidst his clashing thoughts about the matter in his head, Irlan saw Lance's occupied expression when he came to find him. Nowhere was the smart eyes of an outspoken person and all there is to him is blankness and the unconscious tilt of his lips.


"Did something happen?" He lowered his voice just in case someone is listening. Irlan made sure that only Lance can hear him. Sending him a message in telepathy is a waste of energy now that Irlan knew that he will face a strong opponent in this case. "You look like you can't take a shit properly."

"Hey... watch that mouth." Lance's expression cleared up in instant. He had a defensive stance protecting his stomach with a hand. "I just ate, okay? Now you're pushing them all up here in my throat."


Irlan smiled at his ridiculous actions. "After meeting the pack's mage, you still had the urge to eat? What was he like?"

"His presence made me want to puke what I've eaten and hide in a corner. Is that bad? His authority alone can stump me, a guardian, for fuck's sake. What is he? He's not a normal mage!"

"Yeah... I can tell he's a hybrid." Irlan shove his hands into his pockets. "I have to review the things I've learnt before facing him. He seems like a worthy foe. Though, I haven't seen him up close."

"You won't be able to. It was hard to be near him. A lot of people wants to be noticed by him. Especially the unmated women who visited this pack for a chance of finding a mate. They think they can have the big shot."

"There's no harm in trying. We may never know. He could have chosen a partner then we can use them against him if the situation calls for it." Irlan would prefer not doing it but it's an option when a difficult obstacle arises.

"Now, now... come to think of it. I've never realized it before but, he actually smells kinda familiar. Like... you."

Irlan wrinkled his nose. "That's given. We're both mages. We all smell the same. Burnt flowers or burnt wood. Only we, mages themselves, can distinguish one from another."

"No... I'm from the magic kind too, and I know the concept of our magic trails. Irlan, he's really familiar. Why do I see you in him?"

Irlan didn't want to be compared to a random mage he doesn't even know. It comes off as an insult to him. He was raised to think that he is one to be regarded with respect and appreciation.

He's not one that underestimate his opponents but being compared like this... irritates him a little.

"Maybe you didn't observe enough. You look flustered a while ago. It must be Samael, right? I don't think you would act like that with Lesley."

Irlan nudged Lance to remove the uneasiness in his chest. He turned the subject into jesting Lance with his messy love life.

"… why you little—" Lance caught on immediately and poke his head. "You think you're big enough to tease me, huh?"

"Joaquin needs rest so I walk him back to the tent. It might be lonely for him since he's basically left alone earlier. And so I—"

"What?" Lance blinked and stopped assaulting his forehead. "I saw him just seconds ago while we spoke. He's walking with someone."

"Huh?" Irlan blanked for a moment. "What?"

"Yeah? He was even smiling ear to ear! I thought about going after him once we finish talking. It was quite weird though. For a moment I really thought he could see by the way his head moves."

'That can't be!' Irlan held Lance wrist. "I'm not kidding with you. I left Joaquin at the tent because he's not feeling well. He couldn't possibly walk alone. He's not familiar with the place yet!"

"Uh..." Lance eyes went wide with shock. "Then who was that man? I can swear he's Joaquin. Irlan, let's go back to the tent and check for him."

Irlan wordlessly turned and walk with Lance by his side. He eyed Lance's worried expression before asking in his mind, 'Could it be that... he's just mistaken about Joaquin earlier?'

"… I JUST know that the families were all compensated handsomely after the tragedy. It was known to every pack around this city. It's surprising you have no idea about it."

Penelope brush off the sweat on her forehead. "Well, I came from a mountain. We're secluded and news about other packs hardly come by and pass us unless we step down for buying supplies. It was interesting to know all that since... well, I do intend to stay in this pack now."

"Aaah!" A woman not too far from Penelope squealed then started to praise Beatrix. "The alpha is indeed great! She never liked having visitors because she minds our safety but since everyone wants to vote for it, she gave it a chance and now we're here! I confidently claim that Crystal lake pack is the most progressive territory in this country. I mean, I couldn't be wrong."

"The girls are having fun in this area..." A lazy drawl caught Penelope by surprise. "I wonder if I would be welcomed if I sit myself in and join you guys here?"

'Joaquin?'

The women gathered to her side whispered for a moment. Penelope was surprised when she saw Joaquin smile with mirth in his eyes.

His head spun from left to right as if looking at the women's faces before staring at Penelope for a bit longer.

"You're Lance's friend, right?" One asked while tucking her hair in her ear. "I heard you are blind? I'm sorry about your eyes. Joaquin, isn't it?"

"Ah... yes. Unfortunately," he answered all the way with his mouth still grinning. It made Penelope mute for a moment. 'Is this really Joaquin?'

"But... it seems like you can see us! Your eyes..."

"Yeah? But I am." Joaquin frowned a little before it cleared. He raised a brow mockingly before looking straight at Penelope's face. "Bern can prove that. She knows me well."

For a split-second, Penelope thought that he can see her. He's not hiding it by the way his eyes follows her movements from left to right.

'Who are you?'