There’s something about the smell of old books that I’ve always loved. It’s comforting like a hug you can breathe in. Tonight, I needed that comfort more than ever. The library was quiet, just the way I liked it, with only the sound of my footsteps echoing in the aisles.I ran my fingers along the spines of the books, stopping now and then to read a title. Some of them looked like they hadn’t been touched in years, their covers faded and dusty. That was fine by me. Books didn’t judge or expect things from you. They just… existed.The clock on the wall chimed softly. Almost closing time. I glanced out the tall windows, the moonlight pouring in like silver. Beyond the glass, the woods surrounding Black Hollow stretched endlessly, their dark shapes swaying in the breeze. They were beautiful but eerie, the kind of place you’d hear about in ghost stories.I shouldn’t have stared at the woods for so long.“Elara, you don’t get paid to stare at nothing,” Mrs. Hawthorne’s voice rang out, shar
I squinted, trying to make out the figure stepping through the trees. He moved with the kind of grace you’d expect from a predator, tall and broad-shouldered, his silver eyes glowing faintly in the dark.He stopped a few feet away, his gaze locking on mine.“You shouldn’t be here,” he said, his voice low and steady.“I… I wasn’t trying to…” My words trailed off as I struggled to make sense of what was happening.The man’s expression was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes—something familiar, like I should know him.“Who are you?” I managed to ask.He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, like he was deciding whether or not to tell me.“My name is Kael,” he said finally. “And you’re not safe here.”“I’m not safe?” I repeated, my voice rising slightly. “What does that even mean?”Kael stepped closer, his movements so smooth they barely made a sound. “It means you need to leave. Now.”The heat in my chest flared again, and I stumbled back, my breath
Kael didn’t waste a second after I took his hand. He pulled me to my feet, his grip firm but not harsh, and we started running again. The forest seemed darker now, the air thick with tension. I stumbled, still disoriented by what had just happened, but Kael kept me moving.“Don’t stop,” he said, his voice sharp. “We’re not out of this yet.”“What’s happening to me?” I asked, my voice shaking. My claws—the claws that were somehow mine—gleamed in the moonlight as we ran. “Why do I look like this?”Kael glanced back at me, his expression unreadable. “You’re changing. Your wolf is awakening.”“My wolf?” I echoed, my mind spinning.“There’s no time to explain.” He yanked me to the side just as a shadow darted past us, narrowly missing my shoulder. A low growl followed, and I saw another set of glowing eyes watching us from the trees.Kael growled back, a sound so feral it made my stomach drop.“Stay behind me,” he ordered, his voice a low rumble.“No,” I snapped, surprising even myself. “I
Kael slowed his pace once we reached the clearing, his eyes darting around like he was expecting another attack. The moonlight brightened his features, revealing fresh scratches across his face and arms. Despite the injuries, his focus remained sharp.I, on the other hand, felt like my body was about to give out. My legs trembled, my breath was ragged, and my claws still unfamiliar and terrifying itched with an unnatural energy.“Do they always come after you like that?” I asked, my voice hoarse.“Not me. You,” Kael corrected, turning to face me.I flinched at his bluntness. “Why? I didn’t even know… whatever this is about myself until tonight. How could they know more about me than I do?”Kael’s gaze softened, just a little. “Hunters can sense power. They’ve likely been watching you for some time, waiting for your awakening. Tonight, when your wolf surfaced, it was like sending a beacon into the night.”“A beacon,” I repeated, my stomach twisting. “You mean they’re going to keep com
The forest was darker, quieter. The air was thick with tension as we moved deeper into the woods. Every step I took, I felt like something was watching us, lurking just beyond the trees.Kael led the way, his steps sure and confident. I, on the other hand, was still shaky. My heart hadn’t stopped pounding since the fight. It wasn’t just the adrenaline. It was the fear, the realization that there was no going back. My life had changed in an instant, and now, I was being dragged into a world I didn’t understand.“Where are we going?” I asked, my voice rough.“To the pack,” Kael replied without looking back.The pack. My heart skipped a beat.I wasn’t sure what that even meant. I had heard stories, of course everyone had. Werewolf packs, secretive and dangerous, living under the radar of human society. But those were just stories. I never thought I’d be caught up in one.“How much further?” I asked, hoping he’d say we were almost there.“We’re close,” he said, his voice steady but with a
I had no idea what that meant, but before I could ask any more questions, we arrived at a large clearing. A massive cabin stood in the center, surrounded by other smaller structures. Wolves were scattered around the area, their eyes glowing in the moonlight.“This is where it all begins,” Luca said, his voice low.I stepped forward, taking in the sight of the pack. There was power here—raw and untamed. It was nothing like anything I had ever experienced.Luca turned to me, his expression serious. “This is your new home now. You’ll need to learn quickly. The full moon waits for no one.”The minutes felt like hours as I sat there in the cabin, the air thick with anticipation and uncertainty. The shadows in the room seemed to stretch longer with each passing second, and I could feel my nerves tightening like a noose around my chest. My mind raced, trying to make sense of everything. Werewolves. Shifting. The pack. Kael. Luca.And the full moon.I wanted to scream, to ask a thousand quest
The pack let out a collective howl, their voices rising to meet the full moon. The sound echoed through the forest, a powerful anthem of unity, strength, and belonging. I joined in without thinking, a deep, primal sound rumbling from my chest. It was exhilarating—freeing. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone. Kael’s gaze lingered on me, a mixture of pride and something I couldn’t quite place. “You’re stronger than I thought,” he said, his voice brushing against my mind, not my ears. I flinched at the sensation, my mind linked but the words calmed me in a way I hadn’t expected. Luca stepped forward, his towering wolf form commanding attention. “Your first run as a wolf is significant. It will define your connection to the pack and the land. Are you ready to join us?” I hesitated. The forest seemed darker now, the shadows more alive. The human part of me wanted to ask a hundred questions, but the wolf inside was already stirring, eager to chase, to run, to hunt. I nodded, my wolf
The cold stone walls of my chamber bore witness to the ambitions that burned in my soul. The flickering torches cast shadows across maps and plans spread over the wooden table before me. For years, I had hunted her. The Lunar Alpha. The embodiment of power that could either solidify my place at the top—or destroy me.It wasn’t just the stories of her abilities or the legends of her bloodline that drove me. No, it was the threat she posed to everything I had built.A sharp knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Enter," I barked, my voice echoing in the room.One of my scouts stepped in, his face pale and his clothes caked with blood and dirt. "My lord," he stammered, lowering his head. "We’ve confirmed it. She’s awakened."I leaned forward, gripping the edge of the table. My heart quickened, though I kept my expression calm. "And the men I sent? The hunters? Where are they?"The scout hesitated, his silence speaking louder than words."Speak!" My tone cut through the air like a bl
Elara’s POVThe gentle sound of the stream did little to soothe the storm inside me. They said I shouldn't be hard on myself. But my best wasn’t enough for me, not for anyone.I twisted my fists, my nails digging into my palms. The pack had already questioned my identity when I got injured badly in a fight. Now I had to remain strong and capable. I wasn’t going to let my emotions hold me back. I wiped the tears that threatened to spill, I stood and marched back to the training ground.Luca was still there, pacing, his back turned. He turned around at the sound of my footsteps, his brows furrowed. “Elara,” he began, but I cut him off.“I want to try again, Another training.” I said firmly, my voice edged with determination.“Are you sure?” he asked, his tone cautious. “You need to be calm in order to learn.”“I’m ready,” I interrupted. My eyes bore into his. “I need this, Luca. There's no time.”He hesitated, and stared at me. Then, with a resigned sigh, he nodded. “Alright. This tim
We journeyed back to camp silently. I glanced at Elara occasionally, her face unreadable, I wondered what she had on her mind. Her steps were quick and determined. I wanted to say something, but words felt I shouldn't, after what she had just endured.Suddenly she missed a step and was about to fall but I caught her immediately, like I had expected it.“ Please be careful,” I pleaded, but instead she got on her feet and continued without giving me a response. When finally got to the camp, Luca, who was addressing some young werewolves lifted his face and saw us, but his expression quickly shifted to concern.I guess he had looked around for us.“Where have you two been?” he asked, sending away the young ones and walking toward us.Elara didn’t even glance his way. She walked past him without a word, her shoulders rigid, and disappeared into her cabin.Luca frowned, turning to me. “What’s going on? Did something happen to her?”I sighed, “It’s a long story, but... Miranda, her guardia
We took a taxi back to Miranda's. I only hope she wasn't the victim. Could they have referred to my biological mother? So many questions whirled my mind.I heard Kael whisper my name. I looked at him and he gave the expression of letting go of my worry and staying positive and I felt relieved as he held my hands and continued our journey. As we got down from the taxi, I let out a sigh of relief, trying to do away with my unease.When we arrived at the house, I could feel my heart sank. The door was slightly open, Miranda would never leave the door open, she was too careful. Kael held my hands and pushed the door open. “Stay behind me,” Kael said, his voice steady.I didn’t argue. He stepped inside first, his body tense, ready for anything. I followed closely.And then I saw her.Miranda lay sprawled on the floor, her body unnaturally still. Blood pooled beneath her, staining the wooden floorboards, and her lifeless eyes stared at the ceiling. A lump rose in my throat, choking me.“
Kael's POV The city was lively, we stood at the taxi stand, waiting for the next available cab to take us back to the Woods. Elara, as usual, wasn’t one for silence."Kael, don't you think we’re being too serious right now?" she said, nudging me with a playful grin.I raised an eyebrow. "Too serious? You mean running for our lives, fighting hunters, and figuring out how to save you from mysterious enemies isn’t lighthearted enough?"She laughed, and for a moment, the tension between us got even. “Well, if we’re going back into the forest, why don’t we explore the town first? You know, breathe some polluted air, see some humans.”I gave her a long look. “Explore the town? Elara, we barely made it out of Blackwood alive last time. Now you want to sightsee?”She crossed her arms and pouted. “Come on, I’m tired of just talking to trees. Let me be a normal person for a few hours!”That did it. I sighed, relenting. “Fine. But if we get into trouble, you’re explaining it to the trees.”She
Miranda's POV I felt relieved knowing Elara was okay and knew the truth, I didn't have to struggle with how to disclose it to her.It was strange how the house seemed quieter after Elara left. From the window, I watched her figure fade into the distance. My hands trembled as I clutched the windowsill, my heart heavy yet oddly at peace. Tears trickled down my cheeks as I whispered, "Stay safe, my child."For years, I had carried the burden of keeping her safe, holding onto secrets that weren’t mine to reveal. But now, as she walked away, I realized my role in her life had reached its turning point. It wasn’t relief I felt but it was hope. Hope that Elara would fulfill her destiny, as her mother had always believed.I stepped away from the window and reached for the phone. My fingers shook as I dialed the police station, I had to clear the air and make them stop all investigation.“Hello, Fairview Police Department,” came the gruff voice on the other end.“Yes, this is Miranda,” I said
Elara's POV I was ready to go and see Miranda, probably get a few belongings.Kael stood by a moss-covered tree, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on me. His presence was comforting, even when he was playfully challenging.“Are you ready for this?” he asked, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips.I was surprised with his question “Ready for what?” I replied, already sensing he had something up his sleeve.“For a proper race,” Kael said, stepping closer. “Unless you’re scared.”I scoffed, shaking my head. “Scared? Of what exactly? Please.”“Then prove it. Shift and race me out of the forest,” he said, his grin widening.Then I realised his mischief. Racing would get us out of the forest faster.I didn't hesitate for a moment, I got excited and agreed. And the challenge in his eyes was enough to push me past my limits. “Fine,” I said. “Let’s see who’s faster.”With a deep breath, I let the change wash over me. My body shifted effortlessly now, the once-awkward transformation was replaced by a
I paced the my dimly lit chamber, my boots striking the stone floor with deliberate force. The torches along the walls cast erratic shadows, flickering like the chaos inside my mind. “ Gregor,” I growled, turning sharply to face him.He stood as still as a statue, arms crossed over his chest, his scarred face unreadable in the dim light. I could trust Gregor because his loyalty was unshakable, and his strength unparalleled.“They have successfully defeated the previous batch of Hunters, I hope you sent more men,” I said, my voice low but taut with anger. “The Lunar Alpha walks among us, and every wolf with half a soul must have felt it.”Gregor nodded slowly. “Then the council must have felt it too. Well know soon enough. They’ll make their move.”I let out a bitter laugh. “The council? Those ancient fools will debate and deliberate until the moon itself fades from the sky. Luca hasn’t even declared her yet. And they will decide to wait until he does. But we don’t have the luxury of
I walked back to the camp. The air was crisp and cool, the scent of damp earth rising with each step.I saw Luca and decided to talk to him. I tiptoed until I was almost beside me. He turned sharply and me.“It’s just me,” I said, my voice edged with curiosity.He exhaled, “ Ohh! I didn't see you there ” He said,“I wasn’t sneaking,” I replied with a small smirk. “You were too lost in thought to notice me. And judging by that look on your face, something’s bothering you.”He shrugged, Luca’s eyes, however, were sharp, scanning me with an intensity that felt almost invasive.“I hope you're feeling better now, the herbs applied to your wounds are powerful.” he said, his gaze lingering on the bandages visible beneath my loose shirt.“Yes, I felt better after I woke up but the wounds haven't healed totally,” I muttered, turning to keep walking.“Wait, let's talk ,” he said, and took a step beside me. “Everything still feels awkward to you right?” he asked.I shot him a sharp look, and he
Elara's POV I sat on the fallen branch of an old oak tree, watching a group of young boys training. My wounds had started healing. The way my life turned around within a twinkle of an eye still left me bewildered. Miranda, my godmother must be worried, I have never left without her knowledge, I wondered if she was also aware of my wolf. The idea of visiting her popped into my mind. Just then I noticed Kael helping one of the boys who were training. Kael looked kind and gentle. I admired his kindness. The few hours I spent with him gave me a sense of longing. I hadn't realized how much time had passed until I noticed Kael glance in my direction. Our eyes met, and something stirred in my chest. He walked toward me, his movements steady and sure, like a man who knew where he was headed. My heart raced, and I became curious. As he got closer, I could see the concern written on his face."Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low and gentle, like a soothing balm to the woun