PENELOPE KNOW how does the Crystal lake's security system works. That's why when she found out that the series of traps laid out in front of her were unfamiliar and advanced, she didn't find it surprising. Penelope had already expected this.

Beatrix had long known about Pen coming back. She had the time to shift everything in her favor even before she even stepped inside the territory. Penelope couldn't believe how much of a fool had she became under her nose.


Irlan constantly went back and forth checking for them as they sprinted across the large expanse of crops and vegetables. He come as silent as the night and his image bursts into dust after confirming their safety.

The kid suddenly feels like a phantom guiding them out of death.

Penelope doesn't know why but he gives the impression of a ghostly creature. If only he wasn't poisoned then she wouldn't be so alarmed with her sudden thought.


"Lance, can we do something to help Irlan?" Joaquin mirrored her thoughts. She couldn't help but smile warmly at him. In turn, he held her hand tightly. Penelope was thoroughly convinced that his sight is a blessing. Now she doesn't need to be vocal about her feelings.

"I offered getting half of the pain from him. He agreed but we didn't have the chance to do the spell. With my situation, it will take at least thirty minutes. Once we get out of here, I'll see to it that he's taken care of." Lance's eyes shifted from left to right. Penelope can feel the weariness in his every move. "Pen, you two should go front. I'll watch your backs."


"Lance, did you warn Samael about this?"

"Why should I?" Lance shrugged. "I don't think he'll be a part of the scheme."

"So you did tell him."

He clicked his tongue. "Yes, fine. I sent him a letter. It's up to him if he'll believe me or not."

Joaquin smiled. "That's good. You did the right thing."

Lance avoided Joaquin's amiable face. He's not used to the way that he carried himself. His calm smile amidst the edge of a possible fight make Lance wonder if he has something in his hand to counter the enemies.

Penelope gasped when a sudden urge leaped in her heart. It was faint and familiar. "Oh..."

"Pen?" Lance paused in front of the two. Joaquin stared grimly at Penelope.

The feeling perceived for a great while before it ended. Penelope struggled to find the right word. "The alpha..." she murmured, "she's calling every pack members in the area. I was once under her leadership and I acknowledged her as an alpha before that's why I can still... partially feel her demand. She... wants everyone to prepare for war."

'What?' Lance gazed at Joaquin. He's not a wolf but the way Penelope reacts to her alpha was the same as what Lance always felt when Joaquin is in danger.

He can always hear him call for 'retreat', 'attack' and 'defend' even if Joaquin doesn't say the word.

'Does this mean... I unconsciously submitted myself as a subject to him?'

"I have more alpha power than your Beatrix. Her authority is weaker than I thought. How did she manage to call a lot of people when her will is too small that it's barely significant?" Joaquin is wearing a curious frown.

Lance seriously thought of an answer. He said, "It can be because she has a mage beside her. He can maximize the sound with the area during her howl to reach more underlings in this huge territory."

"Irlan might be in trouble right now."

"I'll find him." Lance nodded. "You two go on your way. I'll distract them. Irlan will find you after five minutes. Make sure to hold him down and bring him with you. Kids shouldn't wander when there's a storm coming."

'UNGRATEFUL.' Irlan raked the unsuspecting people with an inquiring gaze. He couldn't find Horan. The guy betrayed his words. Taking the pain for him is such a waste. Irlan will grant him double the next time they see each other.

It should be soon.

He needs to cripple the pack alpha's mage.

When a weak yet resounding call reached his ears, he knew in an instant that Horan took the path of betrayal. Irlan was wrong when he left him intact. It was a mistake of his judgement towards the guy. He thought Horan was really not into helping Beatrix. 'What a bad guess...'

Irlan didn't like meeting his father. It will always lead to a painful encounter. He didn't like dying again and again.

'But what can I do apart from this?' The madame hated his ways but in the end, she will always resort into sending him all alone when the danger is too high for the rest of the students.

'Only I can die without regret.' Irlan blinked steadily. 'In fact, it will be welcomed.'

"Damn it all to father and back!" Horan's voice boomed below Irlan. His crumpled face looked untrusting as he surveyed the sight before him. "Get out... get out..."

Irlan squatted to see him up close. His complexion is not good. The green tinge under his eye made Irlan feel satisfied. "Where do you think you're going?"

The guy's senses were now dull. He couldn't even feel Irlan's presence. 'Do I need to give it back?'

"You little!" Horan shrieked, "You! You said you'll get it for me! Why am I hurting again?"

Irlan stared at his face for a few seconds. After confirming the damage that he had given him, he smiled. "Your blood works like a double-edged sword. You think we're good after what you did? My promise broke right after you did Beatrix a favor, Horan."

Horan's eyes went wide. He couldn't believe how Irlan can take the pain and act like it's nothing. Irlan was not proud of his classified missions. He's used to accepting task that he may or may not get out alive. The guy might find his pain tolerance amazing but Irlan minded it.

No one knows he hated it.

Irlan, immortal as he may seem, feel death just like a regular human being.

'Not that it matters what I feel.'

"…that's fine, Irlan."

Irlan leaped beside him. He almost stumbled upon hearing Horan's next words.

"My father is on his way here. You know him, I think. He's a mad man. And he's going to break this curse. You, your friends... shouldn't have get in the way of my sweet vacation."