As Minzy began to follow after Beta Seunghyun, she paused as her attention was pulled towards the fragrance of the beautiful garden. She stayed staring at the beautiful arch way that enticed her into its direction and called after the Beta, " Beta Seunghyun, go ahead. I will be in, in a little while." 

"And where might you be off to," Beta Seunghyun stopped to eye her suspiciously. He was startled when Alpha Jiyong had abruptly ended their conversation to head off somewhere and was caught off guard by the commander. Trying to wrap his head around the headache of a Commander, he excused himself to find the Alpha standing with Minzy in his arms. Speechless was his initial reaction, but he couldn't help but inwardly cringe at the fact that Minzy had lashed out at the Alpha. No one had talked like that to Alpha Jiyong since his coming of reign in their pack and he made a mental note to help Minzy understand for anyone else in their pack seeing such disrespect would call for her head. 

Meanwhile Minzy grinned understanding his suspicion. She had just tried to escape, "I just need some time to reflect on my actions. I'll be in I promise."

Beta Seunghyun stood weighing his options and shrugged sensing Alpha Jiyong's annoyance with the Commander, "Fine, don't stay out too late." 

Nodding, Minzy turned and was embraced by the aroma of the soft flowers. Walking through the beautiful arch way, it was like a gateway to a different world. She saw nothing but deep green and almost every flower one could imagine. Its appeal only enhanced by the soft fragrances that carried her through the garden. In this new world all the flowers seemed to shimmer and glow to the moon's light. Letting her finger tips touch intriguing petals, she imagined living in this new plush green world compared to her dry, dirt rocky one. This world was most definitely her type of living as she ventured further into the garden and found herself in the center of it. The garden opened up to a large fountain that had carvings of wolves and what looked to be what she assumed symbols the making of the Crimson Crawler pack.

Admiring the carvings, she moved to take a seat on the wide ledge and found herself staring down at her reflection in the water. She felt a tug at her heart strings as she struggled to recognize her own reflection. She knew it was due to the hard living of isolation over the past few years, but reminded herself that she was currently in a new world. Leaning down, she scooped the water in her hands to rid the reflection staring back at her and began to lett it filter through her fingers. Trying to think of this new world that the garden presented, her thoughts naturally went to the man who had demanded that she regain her health to live in this world. He had demanded her to live, yet he wanted her to live away from him. But when she had tried to fulfill his request, he had stopped her and told her that she didn't understand, which was correct. She didn't understand why she was told to live in this new world when there was nothing left for her to live for. 

"What's a beautiful young woman like you doing out so late," a curious voice called out to her. Gazing into the direction of where the voice had come from stood a young woman around her age smiling brightly. Minzy was in awe with her long flowy blonde hair and fierce yet very elegant features. She was dressed in a loose white dress, that made her look angelic.

Minzy shrugged as she placed her hands into her lap, "I'm just reflecting on my actions." 

"I too come here often to reflect on my actions," the young woman shrugged. The woman moved with such grace and seemed to be floating when she moved towards her. "What actions are you reflecting on?" 

"Let's just say that I have found myself mindlessly saying things before thinking them through," Minzy found herself openly talking to a stranger about her situation and figured maybe she would have the answer. 

The blonde woman hummed and nodded as she stood next to the fountain that Minzy sat at. Bending down, she dipped her hand into the water and scooped some into the palm of her hand before letting it trickle out and repeating the motion. There was a peaceful silence between the two as Minzy sat quietly watching the woman continually repeat the motion of filtering the water through her hand. "There once was a woman full of so much grief and pain that even the Gods frowned upon her misfortunes. So to ease her sufferings they blessed the waters just for her, Nivea."

Minzy grinned as she watched the water being filtered through the woman's hand as she could of sworn it began to glow, "I know this story, I was told it when I was a child." 

The woman chuckled lightly as she gazed over to Minzy while she continue to let the water filter through her hand, "Oh yeah?" 

Minzy nodded as she too reached in and mimicked the woman's actions, "The waters of Nivea possessed the powers of health and well being. By drinking the waters she was able to possess the powers of healing while the decendants thereafter were blessed and fortunate enough to use its powers while they were in it as a gift." 

"Very good," the young woman smiled. "Do you know what waters are used on this lovely garden?" 

"The waters of Nivea," Minzy gave a questioning look trying to follow along with the young woman. 

"You're very smart," the young woman grinned as she gracefully sat down next to Minzy. "Like the waters were a gift to Nivea, this garden was a gift to Alpha Jiyong." 

"What a beautiful gift," Minzy gazed all around in amazement. 

"And now I have come to give you a gift," the young woman said as she scooped a handful of water and held it in front of Minzy. "Drink," she nodded. 

Minzy was unsure of what was happening, but the look on the woman's face told her to trust her. And maybe she was foolish to do so as she slowly leaned forward, opening  and letting the cool water enter. It was like a rush of electricity that ran throughout her body as she finished the last drop. She felt something she had not felt in so long as her wolf purred in satisfaction. Taking the woman's hands in hers, Minzy smiled gratefully. "What happened?" 

But the woman in turn took Minzy's hands and gently squeezed them, "It hasn't happened yet." Withdrawing a hand, she brushed it against the mark on Minzy's neck, "The Gods feel like you were dealt a horrible hand and have sent me to intervene. You will receive a three part gift. The first is for you and your wolf Amethyst." Her touch made Minzy's mark burn like it was being lit on fire as she quickly placed a hand on it. "Now sleep and let its powers take hold of you." 

"Wha..." Minzy tried to ask what was happening until suddenly her surroundings began to fade into complete darkness as the angelic woman smiling down at her was the last thing she had seen. 

Minzy heard soft whining as she gazed over to see Amethyst in such a lifeless state. She lay panting as if it was hard just to breathe in front of the fountain. Moving next to her wolf, the guilt weighed heavily on her as she hesitated in reaching out. But when Amethyst's eyes laid upon her it was like she was begging for Minzy to let her live. She wanted to live even though life had been nothing but horrible to them.

Amethyst was quick to remind her of the promise of Alpha Jiyong. But Minzy knew better than to fully trust in such a promise that he would take care of them. It would be childish of her to believe fully in such a promise when she barely knew him. The one person that she could truly rely on was herself and understanding the predicament of her poor wolf, she knelt before it and gently scooped her in her arms. Raising the wolf up in her arms, she moved to step into the fountain where she slowly eased into it. Holding Amethyst in her arms, she could feel her wolf trembling as the waters started to blanket all around it. Thinking about the angelic looking woman she had just met, she mimicked the woman's action of scooping water into the palm of her hand and presented it to Amethyst.

"Drink," she encouraged her wolf, who shifted to let its tongue give short . Once the water was consumed from her palm, she moved her hand back into the waters and began to gently bathe the wolf. Hearing her wolf whimper and whine, she couldn't help but frown. She felt like a complete monster for neglecting her poor wolf, who was also suffering from losing their mate. The realization had her hugging Amethyst in her arms tightly as her eyes watered. Nuzzling the fraile wolf, she breathed into its fur, "I'm sorry Amethyst. You have a weak and selfish hostess. How could I not see that it's always been you and me? I've never been alone, please forgive me and heal. And I too will try to heal for you," Minzy softly whispered as her salty tears fell into the waters lighting it up with each touch of a new tear drop. 

Minzy gasped as her wolf jolted her awake, Minzy... Finding it odd, she mumbled for the nurse to not have a response. Had the nurse on shift fallen asleep? It wouldn't be the first time, as she pushed herself up and moved towards the direction of where the bathroom was to smack right into a wall. Groaning as she rubbed her nose, she slowly opened her eyes to see that there wasn't a door to her bathroom. In fact as she gazed around she found herself standing in a foreign room. This room appeared more cozy and more like it belonged to part of a home rather than a mansion. The room was larger and wasn't as sophisticated looking. The decor was simple and elegant as she noticed a full body mirror in the corner.

"Where am I," she mumbled. Shaking her head, she figured this had to be a dream as she heard sounds of a city. Finding herself at the window, she gasped seeing that she was in fact within a city. It was the Crimson Crawlers city, she noticed the sigils proudly waving on flags. Gasping in shock, her thoughts led back to her conversation with Alpha Jiyong. Had he moved her away from the mansion while she was asleep? But how did she not wake in the process? So many questions were running through her mind as she sensed someone nearing the room with the footsteps sounding as proof of it.

Panicked and not knowing how to handle whatever was happening, she rushed over to the bed and flung the quilt over herself. Holding her breath she was surprised that she was able to instantly slow her breathing and heart rate. Shutting her eyes, she listened to the jiggling of the door handle. Staying completely still, she heard the door slowly creek open and after a few seconds it creeked close once again before the footsteps retreated. Hearing the retreating steps, she snapped her eyes open and rushed over to the window. She had no idea what was going on but she had no time to think. Pushing it open, the gust of air had her stumbling back before she steadied herself and slipped out. Seeing a small ladder, she climbed down and found herself in an alley way. Taking a deep breath, she called out to her wolf who surprisingly took over and instantly shifted. Take us back to where we're supposed to be, Minzy called out to her wolf. She didn't have to be told twice as her wolf sprug forward into a dead sprint. 

Rushing down the streets, Minzy placed complete trust in her wolf that carried her towards the towering mansion. But she came to a stop as a woman stepped into her pathway, halting her as she stood with a smirk. She appeared slender, but had a dangerous look about her, "Where are you off to?" 

"I...I'm not supposed to be here. Please..." Minzy huffed as she gazed around becoming even more confused at all the tall buildings. 

"You're right, you're not supposed to be here," the woman grinned darkly as she shifted. 

"," Minzy quickly turned to take her leave before the woman could fully turn. Honning in her full attention, she encouraged her wolf to move faster and faster she went. That a girl, take us home, Minzy couldn't believe she was saying that but the fear of being caught by that crazy woman was more important at the moment. Rushing outside of the city, she grinned as she saw the towering mansion over the rolling hills. Picking up the crazy woman's scent catching up, it only made her wolf run even harder. Keep going, Minzy was so impressed with her wolf as she neared the mansion. Beta Seunghyun, if you hear me I need your help, Minzy called out through her mind to hear no response. Huffing out of frustration she tried yet again as she felt the hairs on the back of her neck begin to stand with how close the crazy woman was. 

"Get back here," the wolf woman snapped. 

"Beta Seunghyun," Minzy panted as she neared the mansion, leaping forward as the woman attempted to pounce. Barely missing the canine teeth, Minzy rushed towards the door and was surprised as Alpha Jiyong swung open the door. 

"Dara," Alpha Jiyong growled as he stood in front of Minzy as the crazy woman had tried to lunge at her once again. The crazed look in the woman's wolf eyes, faltered as she quickly turned to go tumbling onto the ground. "What are you doing?!" 

"She's a trespasser," the woman now known as Dara snapped as she eyed Minzy. 

Beta Seunghyun walked out and stepped to the side of Alpha Jiyong, "I will take care of this Alpha." 

Alpha Jiyong turned and softened his gaze as he stared down at the wolf form of Minzy. Her fur was a beautiful raven black with glowing lavender eyes that glistened like she was a mysterious force to be reckoned with, "Come." Minzy gazed over at the wolf who stayed with her head bowed to the ground in submission, and then looked to Beta Seunghyun who grinned and nodded for her to follow. Slowly stepping into the mansion, she stayed in her wolf form as she followed quietly taking in her surroundings. Though she had been living in the mansion for the past few months it was still a foreign place to her. Following the Alpha, she watched as he moved to sits upon his throne. Quickly bowing her head, she awaited his words. "Why have you returned?" Confused by his words, she gazed up at him not fully understanding.  "You've been gone for three days." 

"I...have," his revelation made her even more confused. "All I remember was passing out in the garden..." 

"You mean to tell me that you've been asleep for that long," Alpha Jiyong looked at her curiously.

She nodded, not knowing how else to respond, "I...I woke up in a place I had never been before." 

Alpha Jiyong sat up a little taller as he gripped the arms of this throne, "Really?" 

Minzy nodded as she thought about it, "I woke up in a new place and found myself escaping when that woman started to chase after me." 

"So you woke up and the first thing you thought was to return here," Alpha Jiyong asked curiously, somewhat touched that she would think to return back to the mansion knowing that their last conversation didn't end so well. 

She nodded, "I...I apologize Alpha, if you sent me there I can return..." 

"No," he cut in feeling a sense of urgency to have her understand him better but he didn't know why. "I'm glad you returned. You will always be welcomed here, don't ever be afraid to come back home." 

His sincere words touched her deeply, "Thank you." 

He nodded, knowing what to do, "As much as I have extended your stay here as a guest, it is probably best that you officially become a member of our pack. This way other members will not be threatened by your presence." Minzy understood that it was not Dara's fault for the way she was acting. As territorial creatures, Minzy's presence on the pack lands posed a threat. She wasn't an official member and therefore granted anyone who got ahold of her to do as necessary to keep their lands safe and protected. It is the ways of the werewolves and Minzy knew that the Alpha's words made sense as she nodded. But it didn't make complete sense, why was she going to be an official member rather than an indentured slave? If the Crimson Crawlers were truly traditional, claiming her as an indentured slave was to be expected. But instead he was going the extra mile and making her a full pledged member in their society. Somehow the dots weren't connecting as Alpha Jiyong continue to instruct her, "In two weeks time we will perform your initiation ceremony on the day of our Lunar Ball."

"Lunar Ball," Minzy gasped in shock. The Lunar Ball was one of the biggest annual events in a lycan community. This event was very extravegant with everyone invited and encouraged to attend to celebrate the full moon and birth of the first lycan. All would come dressed in formal or their best attire to dance and mingle the night away. "Maybe it is best to set my initiation for another time. I am no one special to share such a night with the Lunar Ball." And she sincerely believed it. She was a nobody with nothing to offer, yet Alpha Jiyong was making it sound other wise with making her a member and making it a big occasion at that. 

Alpha Jiyong pressed his lips tightly together as he looked at her, he had to disagree though he didn't bring himself to say why. She was pretty important, at least in his mind since he had been replaying their last interaction over and over in his mind since she left. Not to mention that he had come into information that permitted her to even be considered for such a rare privledge. "It is most appropriate seeing as you will be the first nonpack lander born initiation to our pack that is not of our own." She wasn't sure she had heard right as she stared at the Alpha trying to comprehend how she could be the first one ever to be the first. She remembered wolves from her pack marrying outside of their pack, though strenuous it still happened. After they were married, one of the wolves within the pair would choose to submit themselves to the other partner's pack and by the sounds of it this pack would force their pack out rather than accept a new. But then again Minzy was not marrying into the pack, so why was she the exception to the rule? "Minzy in our pack we keep to our own and kill the rest we don't take any indentured slaves." She felt her chest tighten as she vaguely remembered Beta Seungri describing this pack as being by the book and old fashion. 

"What makes me so different then? Why am I going to be a member of the pack," she had to ask. 

Alpha Jiyong pressed his lips tightly together as he thought of the multiple reasons why she was the exception to the rule. Whether she knew it or not, the one clear reason she could not be killed was her ties to the pack. He was unsure if it was his place to say. Should he be the one to tell her? He felt bad for her, a beauty with such a complex life. He decided against telling her the reasons, seeing as she appeared stressed to have her initiation linked with the Lunar Ball. "It is for the best that you will be initiated on the night of the Lunar Ball. As you will quickly learn we run our pack by the ways of our forefathers." Minzy bowed her head in understanding, feeling a little frustrated that the Alpha had dodged her question. 

"Alpha the Commander seeks your council," Beta Seunghyun came walking in. 

Alpha Jiyong gazed back and forth between Beta Seunghyun and Minzy, though he wanted to give Minzy words of comfort he couldn't at the moment. He knew the Commander was probably there to share some choice words about the young woman before him. "Beta Seunghyun please Minzy to her room." Standing to his feet, he gazed into Minzy's lavender eyes and felt a small grin tug at his lips. Her wolf was just as magnificant as she was in her human like form. He couldn't understand why her eyes made him feel more at ease but they did as he walked to greet the nusiance that continued to pester him.

Beta Seunghyun caught the Alpha's softened gaze, but thought not to comment on it as he walked up to Minzy's wolf, "Alright let's get you back to your room so that you can shift back." Minzy nodded as she followed behind Beta Seunghyun, as she entered she grinned seeing the familiar room. It looked like it was untouched as if they expected she might return or at least that's what she told herself. "I had them leave your room as a just in case," Beta Seunghyun smiled down at her. "I had a feeling you'd be back." Minzy smiled up at him, grateful that he would hold hope like that for her. Before leaving, he smiled brightly, "Welcome home." Seeing him slip out, she couldn't help but feel her eyes water, having a place to call home was more like a distant memory. Shaking out of such tender thoughts, she made her way towards the bathroom and felt like taking a nice long bath.

Author's Notes:
So sorry, I was on vacation last week for my birthday so I didn't update. But have no fear, I'm gonna edit and update twice this week. Don't worry I got y'all. Hope y'all enjoyed this update. Thanks for blessing my fic with your presence!