His voice shook me to the core, but the courage of my convictions demanded that I stand my ground. He was right, I had stumbled into something I couldn't possibly comprehend. And yet, the glint of defiance still remained in my eyes.

"You can try, but you won't get rid of me that easily. Now, maybe we could start by telling me what's going on," I said, trying to maintain a level of composure despite my rattled nerves. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been able to muster such fearsome resolve, but perhaps the strange mystique of the forest and the wolves had a hand in it.

"Ugh." he sneered, dropping the crown from his head and letting his hair fall in wild, disheveled curls.

As a fierce gust of wind howled through the air, he charged toward me with blinding speed. I attempted to dodge his attack, but his hand suddenly transformed into razor-sharp claws that sliced across my cheek with searing pain and scorching heat. The impact made me scream, blood trickling down my face in rivulets.

"Run." He muttered from behind me. But I would do no such thing. Eyes wide, I grabbed my dagger out of my pocket and turned around at breath-taking speed. Adrenaline rushed in my ears as I sliced through his shirt and watched as the mesmerizing flow of blood ran down his spine. 

He gasped and turned around, face to face, golden eyes against emerald ones. Then he stopped, and his glossy lips upturned to a smile to where I could see a glimpse of fangs poking out.

"I wasn't expecting that, Reyna."

"Who are you?" I huffed. His eyes narrowed into golden slits before his refined voice bounced through the cavern.

"You may call me, Alpha Ivailo." He smirked

"Alpha Ivailo?" I echoed, feeling distinctly underdressed for the occasion. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to process this revelation. This was the same Alpha who had been controlling the wolves, and evidently, myself as well.

"Indeed," he replied, a sardonic edge to his voice. "And you, Reyna, have foolishly intruded into our sacred territory. Your presence here has caused quite the stir among my pack."

"Why don't you tell me more about what's happening?" I demanded, frustration edging my tone. "This is all very confusing, and I want answers."

His golden eyes seemed to glow in response, the shadows of the cavern flickering ominously.

"You have indeed stumbled upon something far greater than you could've ever imagined, Reyna. You seem to possess a rare gift, a connection to our world that most humans lack. I admit it your sent is very confusing, you don't smell like just a normal human."

I was utterly confused and fed up with this situation. He continued to spout nonsensical words, and whether it was magic or not, I had had enough and decided to head home.