"Why are we still pretending like this particular area is still valid?" Yuri yawns as she slips her file into her backpack, watching Sera crouching beside an old big tree.
"Shoosh", Sera hushes her friend, focusing on her mobile phone, reading something that was sent from the main office.
A sudden twig of a branch has both of them turn around at the same time, a flash of worry on their eyes but their expression quickly morph into confusion as they see the man walking towards them.
The Alpha.
"Good Morning", he says in a deep voice, his sharp eyes laser focused on Sera.
"Are we in trouble, Alpha Kim?", Yuri steps forward.
"No," he replies, but his gaze remains fixed on Sera. "I have something very important to show you. Both of you."
Sera frowns slightly, a mix of confusion and surprise crossing her face. "Which is?"
"It pertains to your research," he explains. "There is a secluded cave that both of the professors frequented while they were conducting their studies here. It's an area not mapped in the books nor documented on paper."
Yuri and Sera exchange a glance, each sensing the gravity of his words, before turning their attention back to the Alpha.
"With all due respect, sir, we are not following you into a cave," Yuri jokes, trying to lighten the tension.
Taehyung finally turns to Yuri, an unreadable expression taking over his face.
Yuri grins and lets out a laugh as she pinches the side of her own cheek. "Can't take a joke, can you? I'm sorry. It's just in my blood. But yes, we're delighted to visit this cave."
Sera sighs, fighting the urge to laugh as well. She's fully accustomed to Yuri's antics, but seeing the tight expression on Taehyung's face makes it even harder to hold back her amusement.
The Alpha looks like he is torn between laughing and strangling her.
"Please follow me, closely," Taehyung says, his tone firm. He then turns around abruptly, not even waiting for a response or checking if they are following him.
Yuri and Sera exchange another glance, a mixture of curiosity and trepidation evident in their eyes, before hurrying to catch up with him.
The walk takes about 10 minutes, each step filled with an air of anticipation and unease. The group trudges quietly along a narrow path that winds through dense woodland. The only sounds are the rustling of leaves and the distant call of birds, creating a serene yet tense atmosphere.
As they push forward, the trees begin to thin out, and the path becomes less defined, giving way to a muddy walkway. With each step, their shoes sink slightly into the damp ground, leaving a trail of footprints behind them. The scent of moist earth and fresh foliage fills the air.
Finally, they arrive at a small clearing. It's a secluded spot, partially hidden by the surrounding trees. In the center of the clearing is a cave opening, almost camouflaged by a curtain of vines, overgrown grass, and creeping ivy. The entrance is shadowy and mysterious, with faint tendrils of mist curling out from its depths.
"You can come here whenever you like. I have notified the pack not to be alarmed by your presence," he says, with no hint of friendliness in his voice.
"Thank you," Sera replies, taking in the sight before her eyes.
Taehyung turns around and flinches when he realizes how close Sera is to him. He retreats hastily, gasping as if Sera has just burned him with the air that looms around her.
