Still in Denial?

Meanwhile, Scott, Lucas, Cory and Christina have been travelling on the rough terrain for several hours now. It was still dark when they arrived in the Valley of the Falls, and until now, there's no signs of Diana. The blazing sun is now at its peak, and the group is running in circles up to this time.

"We're lost", Lucas smirked at Cory through the rear view mirror. Earlier, they were fighting over which way to go. Since Cory's behind the steering wheel, he navigated the way trusting his own impulse.

"We all sensed him here, so how come they're gone", Cory scratched his head as he grin back at Lucas.

"We're just running in circles", Scott said as he look out the window seeing the same yellow tree a couple of times now.

"You bet", Lucas replied. "Hey, I thought you know this place?", Lucas scoffed at Christina who's sitting with him at the backseat.

"I said, I know how to go to the Valley of the Falls. I didn't say I know the way around", Christina rolled her eyes at Lucas.

Driving in the seemingly endless terrain of the enchanting forest, the pack saw a group of bloody and skinny men who looked like they're done hunting. With a lifeless gazelle and wild boars hanging on their shoulders, they looked ominous as they stared fixedly at the wolves driving in a black truck.

As much as possible, the four young wolves refrain themselves from giving off awkward stares and gestures that would provoke the creatures of the Valley of the Falls, the home of the werewolves and other mythical creatures. Scott nodded in one of them as he mindtalk, 'Just passing through'.

"Werewolves. How come they are frightening even if they are in their human forms?" Cory asked as he slowly drive. "Ughhh.. I hate their smell", he pinched his nose and squinted his eyes at the disturbing scent of the werewolves.

"It's their aura, and their strong smell covers the entire land. That's why Roman went all the way here. The scent of the werewolves stink so much that not a single creature can be easily sensed. He can hide without being tracked", Scott replied as he lit a cigarette. "Turn back. We'll split up at the junction point, much easier for us to locate Diana", he ordered.

"And much dangerous, I'd say", Christina disagrees to separate.

"Any objections?", Scott asked as he gritted his teeth as he pounded Cory by his shoulder.

Cory grinned and immediately maneuvered the car to turn back. "Oh I love to live a dangerous life, Alpha! I love blood.. killing and beating.. did I mention mention blood?", Cory laughed nervously at Scott.

"I guess there's no other choice", Lucas replied as he sighed sharply.

From the junction point, Scott and the rest of the pack combed the forest separately marking their way in case they get lost. The forest is green all the time, where the herbaceous plants and tall trees everywhere looked the same. Also, the strong distinctive adamant scent scattered all over makes it hard to sense creatures drawing near. Hence, each of them went on the perilous journey with much courage and caution.

Scott trailed through the thick bushes and large trees carefully. He didn't want to disturb elves and fairies. He then leaped from one tree branch to another to see the area from the higher ground. He passes by a stream and walked by the streamline as he sensed someone following him. He stopped, picked a pebble, and flicked it directly to the creature lurking on the tree branch.

"Ouch! That hurts!", a tiny voice blurted out as he went down and walked closer to Scott.

"What do you want?", Scott stared at the tiny man with black round eyes, skin as white as the clouds and pointed ears who suddenly appeared from the dark bushes.

"I should be the one asking you that. This is my forest", he answered.

"The forest belongs to all beings, not just elves.", Scott said as he furrowed his brows.

"CORRECTION, I'm not just an elf. I'm a Lythari Elf.", the creature rubbed its forehead from where the pebble hit. "And No! The forest belongs to the ones who takes care of them.. I'm Wren by the way, guardian of this forest", Wren gave Scott a charming smile showing his teeth.

Lythari elves are the rarest kind of elves which can transform into wolves. They are called tiny lycans who were naturally brought into the world without a curse. More than usual, they are only friendly and companionable among elves of their own specie.

Scott shrugged off the suspicious tiny creature as he proceeded walking by. "You're not just passing by aren't ya?", Wren asked as he followed Scott with his tiny steps.

"I'm looking for someone", Scott replied as he gave a side eye to the inquisitive lythari.

"Who are ya looking for?", Wren asked as he tugged on Scott's shirt. "Maybe I can help ya",he added.

"I don't need help", Scott rejected at the disturbingly friendly lythari.

"You've been circling the forest for quite a while, lycan. Aren't you tired?", Wren asked.

"What did you just call me?", Scott knitted his brows when he was called a lycan.

"A lycan. Despite you're cursed, you're still like us.", Wren smiled at the confused Alpha. "You need my help in so many ways", Wren added.

"You're mistaken. I'm an Alpha wolf", Scott turned away and walked up ahead.

"Still in denial?", Wren clicked his tongue as he shook his head in disagreement. "Alright Scott.. Call me, if you change your mind", Wren winked at Scott as he walk away.

"Hey wait!", Scott watched Wren disappear in the bushes. 'Did I gave him my name?', he wondered. Scott pursed his lips as he exhale. He then continued trailing the stream. At some point, he wanted to get some help since he didn't want to stay in this dangerous valley for the night. While trudging the streamline, he noticed Christina coming.

"Scott! Any luck?", Christina asked as she aproached Scott.

'Was she following me?', he thought. Scott shook his head and walk ahead, walking past her. "Go that way, then I'll go this way.", he ordered as he pointed the direction where Christina will go.

"Hey Scott", Christina suddenly ran grabbing Scott's arm as she faced him. "Scott.. I.. I still… love you. I lied about the imprint, I haven't met my mate.", Christina said as she looked at Scott with eyes full of affection.

In the intervening period of time where Roman and Diana were hidden under the bushes, the latter widened her eyes seeing the man she has been thinking of every minute. "Scott..", she whispered while her heart skipped a beat as she can finally be with him. She gazed at Scott who seemed like he's speaking with someone.

Seeing what Diana isn't saying in her eyes and feeling her happy and contented heart leaping for too much joy at the sight of Scott, Roman loosened his grip on Diana. 'She's genuinely happy with him', he thought.

He suddenly felt defeated even if the fight against Scott haven't even started yet. It seemed that Scott have filled Diana's heart with no more space left for him. At this moment, Roman have no plans of stopping her if she chooses to go to Scott. As heartbreaking as it can be, Roman thought of giving Diana's happiness even if it means she'll be with Scott.

When Diana was about to show herself, she caught a glimpse of who Scott was speaking to. She then lowered her head as she watch Christina converse with Scott. 'Why are they together?', Diana thought.

"Scott, please. Let's go back to how were used to be.. I've missed you", Christina plead. Diana was left with her mouth open as she hears Christina's sentiment.

"Christina, I..", Scott said but was interrupted when Christina snaked her arms around Scott's neck and reached for his lips to kiss him softly. Roman slowly turned his gaze at Diana whose smile faded away.

Shocked, Diana removed her gaze abruptly and squeezed Roman's hand tightly. With one more look at Scott and Christina kissing, Diana was stunned as her face went numb and eyes starting to swell.