RUN

"How did you know where to go anyway? I mean, nagualli don't show themselves that easy right?", Matt wondered innocently as he looked back at Roman. Hearing each other's perceptions, they only have come to realize that Roman may not be himself. With nothing but grunts from the terribly long journey, they all waited for Roman's response as they all shifted their eyes on the suspicious Alpha.

Roman stood by on the tall grass with his hands resting on his waist. Trying to catch his breath, he had this twinkle in his eyes and smile playing in the corners of his mouth that got the Grayback pack ooze with cautious distrust.

"Care to explain that, Alpha?", Lucas asked as he gritted his teeth on the superior name. "Your boy just asked you a damn good question", he said as he frown at Roman.

Roman exhaled sharply as look into the eyes of the marveled pack. "I have trust in Diana, as simple as that.. like how all of you chose Scott over her.", he said confidently. Then he pointed to the mountains as he explained, "It has been known that the rocky mountain ranges on the borders of Valley of the Falls and the Mystic Forest is the home of the nagualli.. all wolves know that".

"Alone? I wouldn't even try to do that to my mate", Troy mumbled wondering how could Roman put so much trust to the Luna to face an original vampire when she couldn't even use her maximum strength as a wolf. It's a good thing that Gunner took the initiative to follow Diana. However, the young wolf thought that Gunner wouldn't be enough to single-handedly win a fight over the most invulnerable vampire.

"I didn't know that", Austin whispered to David who seemed unconvinced with Roman's reasoning. Nagualli do not let themselves be tracked and so they never stay in one area, much more leave signs of where they dwell. But since, Roman is unequivocal on the path to the nagua, with high hopes and caution, they followed his lead.

"Diana didn't go alone, one of us looked after her. We wouldn't want to let our Luna end up dead when Scott comes back", Lucas replied. Scott's pack decided to make it look like Diana will be going alone. This is to make Claudia believe that the Luna will be appearing unprotected by the wolves, as per the original vampire's condition in exchange for Kate's safety. Besides, they were certain that there's nothing Sebastian couldn't handle, not even an original vampire who's the ultimate foe of the wolves. As for Roman, they couldn't put into light what his intentions are. Especially now, he's acting strange and different.

"So that's the plan? Then, I don't need to be more worried for my Luna", Roman gave a sigh of relief as he nod.

"If you say so", Cory replied refusing to believe Roman. As a matter of fact, the pack of the Grayback Clan doesn't trust him at all. If there's a wolf that would want Scott dead to keep the Luna for himself, that's Roman. Despite their hesitations to let Roman come along, they needed him to lead the way through the valley. On top of that, they needed an Alpha to fight the spells of a nagua.

The Grayback pack just nodded in agreement as Roman tried to make sense. They fully trust their Alpha, knowing he'd never break their trust or put them into harm. However, it's hard for Troy to believe Roman's words as he force a smile at their Alpha.

"Let's go. We'll rest when we reach the falls", Roman walked further into the grasslands followed by the wolfmen who clamoured their way out.

After half an hour of walking through the woods and climbing down cliffs, the pack have finally arrived in the series of short steep drops lined up beautifully at the side of the mountain. Roman eagerly roasted a meal for the pack after he hunted a wild gazelle. Camping by the falls, the wolf men took their time to catch their breaths and rest for a bit before they continue their exhausting journey.

Once cooked, Matt, Flyn, and Aaron nonarguably ate their share of meat. Troy, who does not have any appetite for meat, just watched them enjoy their meal. Allen, Austin and David refused a bite, but eventually, they gave in with the sumptuous aroma of roast meat. They all happily shared the healthy roasted gazelle while Roman watch them eat the meat to the bone.

Suspicious and with no appetite as well, Lucas and Cory decided to roam around. They couldn't hide their annoyance at Roman, so instead of hanging out with him and his pack, the two wolfmen preferred to wander. "This place is usually filled with werewolves", Lucas sensed the dry air as he lift his chin up. "There's just nothing", he said.

"Hey, ya hungry?" Cory asked as he sees a butt of a boar sticking out of the bushes. "Got a boar here", he whispered as he grab it with his two large hands.

"Watch it, perv!", the creature shouted angrily as he wriggle his body out of Cory's grasp. Cory didn't let him go as he squinted his eyes staring at the two-feet creature with a human upper body and a paire of goat's legs.

"That's no boar.. that's a satyr", Lucas chuckled as he sees how confused Cory was. After hours of travelling, this is the first time that they will be encountering a mythical creature.

"Put me down this instant!", the satyr demanded

"Okay okay", Cory said

"Hey", the satyr stared at Lucas and Cory. "You're wolves", he said.

"Uhh yes?", Lucas replied assuming the satyr seemed like he's expecting them.

"You're here to save the Alpha wolf and the lythari?",

"I knew more wolves will be coming over. And war has come upon us.", he whispered with caution with fear seen in his eyes.

"Is that why everyone went into hiding?", Cory asked.

"No", the satyr said. "Most creatures are afraid of becoming the nagua's marionette. I'm actually on my way out, I just got stuck from the bushes", he added.

Cory had more questions, yet he was interrupted when they heard the bushes rustled. The two wolfmen stood on guard, while the satyr fearfully hid behind Lucas. Walking out quietly, the satyr decided to get away before something evil happens. "I'm out", he said.

In a moment, Troy suddenly jumped out from the bushes and said, "GUYS, RUN!".