Chapter 1 - Welcome to Briarwood

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The Briarwood Village- the largest Lycan enclave region. A sanctuary nestled up north, deep within the wilderness, far from the prying eyes and the busy city.

Far from the tendril of human civilization.

Briarwood Village is more than just a cluster of old cabins and greens ; it's a fortress, a haven for those of their kind. Ancient trees loomed above, their gnarled branches woven together like protective arms of a guardian angel. This village is strategically hidden, cloaked in the mystique of the forest, a place where the air was thick with the scent of pine and earth, and the whispering winds carried tales of old.

Seri and Yuri, both geared in their traveling clothes - look at each other as they approach the well-trodden paths become visible, a testament to the countless paws and feet that had traversed them. The towering wooden gates, intricately carved with the symbols of their ancestors, stood vigilant at the village's entrance, both a warning to uninvited guests but also a warm embrace to those who are.

Sera's heart pounds with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. She has heard countless tales of Briarwood's grandeur - a place where the Lycan community thrived in harmony, where strength and unity prevailed. Beside her, Yuri's eyes are bright with excitement, the promise of adventures and camaraderie filling them.

Their mission is not to seek refuge; it is to delve into a scientific mystery that had remained unsolved for the past five years.

Both Sera and Yuri are trainee scientists from the Lycanthrope Specialist Taskforce, handpicked for their remarkable intellect and relentless curiosity. They are assigned a classified task of incredible significance; to continue the research that had been tragically discontinued half a decade ago. The work, initiated by two of the most renowned professors in Lycan History, had halted abruptly when the scholars were brutally murdered during a rogue attack.

"This village is huge", Yuri says, wiping the sweat off her forehead. "And I need a long cold bath"

Sera chuckles lightly under her breath and motions her to turn to the right.

A tall, dark brown-haired man approached them with a confident stride, his smile lighting up his features. His eyes were bright and welcoming, shaped into crescents that gave him an almost mischievous look. The warmth in his expression instantly put them at ease, making him seem approachable and genuine despite the intensity of their surroundings.

"Welcome to Briarwood", he says, giving them a polite nod. "I am Park Jimin, the Beta of Briarwood Clan. I apologize but the Alpha is not available to welcome you personally but he extends his regards. I shall show you to your cabin"

"Do we introduce ourselves?"Yuri nudges Sera's shoulders. "Or he can read out names just like that?"

"I think he knows", Sera whispers lowly, making sure Jimin would not hear her.

Another figure appears out of nowhere - a tall, dark haired with round big eyes that exude warmth and welcome.

"Hello, ladies", he smiles, too charmingly. "Jeon Jungkook, at your service. I am not from Briarwood Clan but I cannot help but to welcome you here. I have read a lot about your research"

Yuri blinks at him, confused. "What?"

"Stop flirting", Jimin sighs as he looks at Jungkook. "This is Jungkook, the Alpha of the neighboring village and clan - Goldleaf Clan"

"Jimin, don't spoil the mood," he said, winking at Yuri and Sera.

Sera smiled politely, though somewhat awkwardly, while Yuri struggled to hide her mild disgust.

"To answer your question," Jimin interjected as he led them to the cabin, "I've reviewed the files your superior provided, so I know your names."

"Interesting," Yuri exhaled. "I must assure you, I look much better than that outdated photo in the file."

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