"I'll leave you here for now," Reena said. "Elder Nara wants to talk to me, and I'll ask her about where we will permanently settle. From now on, this will be our new home."
I nodded at her.
"Take a walk around the village," Reena added.
"Alright," I replied.
Reena left, and I waited until she had entered Elder Nara's home before heading out on my own.
I quietly observed how the werewolves lived in this place. The cheerful laughter of children echoed through the air as they chased one another. I smiled at the sight. They looked so carefree—innocent and fearless. I wished those smiles would never fade. Silently, I promised myself that I would protect them.
As I walked farther, I saw women busy tending to their homes and caring for their children. Nearby, several men were training their bodies, clearly preparing for a possible war against the Lycans.
I watched them for a long time—until I noticed something that made my heart skip.
Their trainer was a Lycan.
My brows furrowed in concern. I worried for the werewolves, yet they seemed to trust him completely. They spoke naturally, as if he were one of them. I was so lost in my thoughts that I failed to notice a woman standing beside me.
"Miss Jane?"
I startled.
"Oh!"
"I'm sorry. I must have surprised you," she apologized quickly.
I smiled at her. "It's fine."
She smiled back.
"Reena asked me to follow you," she said while looking toward the men. They noticed her and waved—along with the Lycan. He smiled warmly at the woman beside me and waved as well.
Soon, they all walked toward us.
"Hey!" the Lycan greeted cheerfully as he approached the woman and kissed her cheek.
I froze.
A Lycan… and a werewolf?
Seeing the confusion on my face, the woman immediately introduced them.
"Miss Jane, this is my husband, Red. These men are his students. I'm Shiela."
I nodded. Red extended his hand to shake mine, but I was so stunned that I failed to respond. Awkwardly, he lowered his hand.
"I understand," he said gently with a small smile.
I knew he understood my hesitation. Everyone here had experienced the same hell I had endured—because they had lived through it as well.
In my mind, questions swirled. How could she trust him? Ally or not, he was still a Lycan.
As if sensing my thoughts, Red spoke.
"I'm not the only Lycan here," he said. "Many of us oppose the traditions of our kind. The Lycans who live here see werewolves as family. We treat them as equals."
He paused before continuing.
"I know you're cautious. My kind has treated yours horribly. But believe me—Lycans are not all the same. I fell in love with a werewolf. I chose to love and accept her people. And I sincerely apologize for everything you have been through."
I forced a smile.
I tried to process his words. Red and Shiela offered to show me around the village, but my mind was elsewhere, and most of what they said barely registered.
"That family over there is a Lycan and a werewolf," Red said suddenly.
That was when I snapped back to reality.
I turned to look at the family he pointed out. They were laughing, talking, and eating together—happy and peaceful. Living with our enemy, the Lycan. Yet there was no sign of violence, only love and harmony. Something the savage Lycans forbade, viewing such unions as disgraceful.
Tears welled in my eyes.
Red introduced me to many Lycans who lived alongside werewolves. Some of them were patrolling the area, standing guard to protect the village. I smiled through my tears.
"I wish this will be our future," I said softly, without realizing I had spoken aloud.
Red and Shiela exchanged a look. Red kissed Shiela on the forehead and pulled her close.
I watched them with hope shining in my eyes.