We woke up with the first light of dawn. The beauty of the lush greenery and dew droplets mesmerized me. After a quick breakfast, we set off. About two hours into our journey, we entered a dense, dark forest. It looked like a frightening place. Who would want to live here? Alvin and Luna were looking around as if searching for something.

Violet: "Could you tell me exactly what we’re looking for?"

Alvin: "Uh, a door?"

Luna: "That’s exactly what we’re looking for. Once we find where it’s hidden, we can enter."

Violet: "Oh, so we’re searching for a hidden door."

Alpha: "What does this thing even look like?"

Alvin & Luna: "A fox head!" They shout.

Alpha: "Of course, what else was I expecting?" He complains.

Violet: "If it were a fox head, wouldn’t we have seen it by now?"

Luna: "That’s the problem, V. We’re looking for a hidden door with a fox head as the handle."

Violet: "I think I’ve found it, come here."

Alvin: "Yes, that’s it. Press it, V."

I pressed the fox head carved into the tree, and the barrier in front of us, which looked like a dense forest, split in two. It seemed like an energy shield, and it closed behind us as if confirming it was made of energy. We entered and saw a beautiful and large treehouse standing before us.

I was truly looking at a magnificent structure. We climbed up to the door, Alvin knocked, and then stepped back.

Digital Voice: "Where is the rabbit hole?"

Alvin: "In the forest?"

Digital Voice: "Incorrect password. Two attempts remaining."

Luna: "Let me try. In the burrow?"

Digital Voice: "Incorrect password. One attempt remaining."

Alpha: "Why would you install such a stupid system?"

Violet: "This is our last chance, don’t say anything stupid."

Alvin: "Wanna give it a try, genius?"

Violet: "Haha, step aside and watch." (She says the first thing that comes to mind.) "Alice in Wonderland?"

Digital Voice: "System verified, door opening. Welcome, Great Merlin."

Violet: "I am indeed a genius, Alvin."

Alvin: "Oh, here we go again."

Alpha: "You egotistical maniac, you even made a door that compliments you."

Alvin: "I’m a bit disappointed that you figured it out before me."

Luna: "We’re definitely not installing anything like this in our home."

Alvin: "We’re definitely installing something like this in our home."

As we entered, a large hall greeted us, along with a staircase leading up to a library-like area filled with massive bookshelves. There was also a railing and a fireplace below. Everything was magnificent, looking like a place out of a dream. A tall, fair-haired, blue-eyed man was descending the steps; this must have been Merlin.

Merlin: "I heard that, you wolf wannabe."

Alpha: "Watch your mouth, wizard boy."

Merlin: "Oh no, I’m so scared. What will you do, seal me in a dungeon too?"

Alpha: "Shut your damn mouth." (Alpha punches.)

Just as Alpha was about to punch, Merlin suddenly turned to dust and appeared behind us.

Merlin: "I thought you could fight better."

Alpha: "That’s enough!" (Getting angry.)

Alvin: "Hey, we didn’t come here for this. Stop the fighting already."

Luna: "He’s right, we’re here for Violet. Get a grip."

Violet: "So, you’re Merlin?"

Merlin: "And you’re the girl those two lunatics are obsessed with."

Alvin: "Take it easy, Merlin."

Merlin: "I was just joking, my friend."

Alvin: "It’s all good, partner. But I wouldn’t say no to a good stew. What food do you have?"

Merlin: "How about some bone broth?" (He laughs)

Alvin: "Haha, those are my jokes."

Merlin: "Come on in, let’s set a nice table for you."

If they had warned me why I shouldn’t trust him, I wouldn’t have found him so endearing. On the contrary, he didn’t seem dangerous; he was funny, smart, and extremely friendly.

He was quite handsome too. The table was full of all kinds of delicious food, almost like a feast. Everyone took their seats and started eating. To be honest, the food was quite delicious, and I could get used to it quickly.

Alvin: "Hey, wolf wannabe, can you pass the salt?" (grinning)

Alpha: "You’re asking for it, Alvin. Or should I call you chicken?" (Everyone at the table laughs)

Alvin: "Haha, Alpha, how hilarious. That’s exactly the kind of performance I’d expect from you."

Merlin: "Why say that, Alvin? I think the old man’s doing well for his age."

Alpha: "You shut up, wizard boy."

Violet: "A wizard?" (smirking)

Luna: "Yes, you should’ve figured that out from the disappearing act earlier."

Violet: "I thought it was a hologram."

Suddenly, he teleported behind me, placing his hand under my chin and lifting my head.

Merlin: "Can a hologram do this?"

Violet: "N-no."

Merlin teleported back to his place.

Merlin: "Good, so you can distinguish between a hologram and the real thing. Now, which genius among you cracked my code?"

Luna: "Actually, Alvin and I made some logical attempts, but it was Violet who solved the puzzle."

Merlin: "So it was you."

Violet: "Why are you so surprised?"

Merlin: "I specifically designed that algorithm so that only foxes could open it, meaning your instincts made you say the first thing that came to mind, which makes you a fox."

Alvin: "Dude, you have to give me those codes."

Violet: "What do you mean, how could a program know anything about me?"

Merlin: "We have our own technology too."

Alpha: "And when guys like Victor use that technology, weird things happen."

Merlin: "Kidding aside, he’s got a point. But if you want, I can show you my secret someday."

Violet: "Of course, I’d love that."

Merlin: "Then let me show you to your rooms. You must be tired and want to rest, especially you, Violet. Tomorrow is your training day, so a good night’s sleep will help."

Alpha: "Take it easy, wizard boy. You’ll keep your distance from her, and you won’t approach her."

Merlin: "Hey, okay, calm down, old wolf. I have no intention of harming her."

Luna: "I’m staying with Alvin tonight, thanks to you, we slept apart last night."

Alvin: "True, they always separate us." (Hugs Luna)

Alpha: "As if we separated you for fun. Go to bed, tomorrow will be exhausting."

Luna & Alvin: "Good night, everyone. Please, no one bite anyone."

Merlin: "He’s just joking, right, old wolf?"

Alpha: "Definitely. I’m off to bed."

Merlin: "Yes, you’re the last one. Follow me."

Violet: "Where are we going?"

Merlin: "I don’t want to give you a room on this floor. You can stay in the room right next to mine."

Violet: "Why are you so interested in me?"

Merlin: "Victor’s after you, so I’m just trying to protect you."

Violet: "Alright, we’ll see."

He placed me in a room adjacent to his bedroom and continued:

Merlin: "If you need anything, tap on the wall or read my thoughts. I always keep my mind clear for communication, and I’ll hear you."

Violet: "Thank you for everything."

Merlin: "Go to bed. Tomorrow will be a tough training day."

Violet: "Good night, Merlin."

Merlin: "Good night, V."

I truly felt like he was staying close to protect me. I’m not sure if this is just for me, but it didn’t feel like he was lying or playing games with me. On the contrary, as I said, he was so funny and sincere that I could sense a pull towards him from the gestures he made at the table. Just as much as I was interested in him, he was interested in me too, but I wasn’t planning on trusting him right away. I’d test how much I could trust him tomorrow anyway. I closed my eyes and fell asleep under the pressure of exhaustion.

Hi, how was the chapter? Did you like it?

• Would you like to see more of Luna, Alvin, or Alpha?
• Don’t forget to vote and leave a comment, your opinions are very valuable to me ❤ 🥰
• Do you think Alvin’s jokes are funny?
• Do you enjoy the dialogues between Alpha and Merlin?
• What do you think of our villains