Chapter 3: Encountering A Human

Lyra’s POV

As I transitioned into my wolf form and darted into the woods, contemplation seized my thoughts.

Every onlooker cast a glance filled with shock and disdain, except for my brother, whose expression reflected satisfaction, yearning for nothing but my happiness.

My wolf, too, echoed my fear, tearing through the woods with swift urgency, disturbing dry leaves and snapping sticks in the obscurity of the night.

She halted before the mountain standing resolute, a forbidden boundary I dared to cross. Resuming control, I shifted back, fixing my gaze on the formidable peak. Moments lingered in contemplation. 

The heat at home was oppressive, and escaping seemed a tempting choice.

What's the worst that could happen? I preferred confronting the unknown beyond the mountain to facing Maximus and my father.

Returning to my human form, my wolf skillfully ascended the mountain, and after what felt like an eternity, we emerged on the other side, greeted by dense woods.

"Are you sure about this?" My wolf inquired.

"Yes, we'll be fine."

We walked the forest for an extended period, weariness settling upon both my wolf and me. Finding a snug spot amidst the bushes, I shifted to my human form and lay down.

The consequences of my actions weighed heavily. The cold air induced shivers, and I curled up. Sleep eluded me until the early hours of the morning.

Awakening to a distant sound, a sense of presence to something significant lingered.

"What is that smell?" I questioned my wolf, met with silence. An unfamiliar scent extended throughout the air.

Intrigued yet uneasy, I shifted back to my wolf form and approached the mysterious fragrance.

Before us emerged a man, terror etched across his face as he gazed at my wolf. In an instant, he let out a piercing scream. Terrified, my wolf and I let out a collective howl. 

Swiftly regaining control, I shifted back, witnessing the man's eyes widen in awe before he crumpled to the ground.

Concerned, I approached and bent down for a closer inspection. His features were strikingly handsome, his physique well-built.

"He is a human," my wolf pointed out.

"Obviously."

Tales of human wickedness and danger echoed in my mind, yet encountering one was bizarre. Humans and wolves had never coexisted. I used to believe they were mere myths.

Torn between leaving and aiding him, I paced a few steps away, repeatedly drawn back by an inexplicable force.

He didn't exude the danger described in stories. My wolf remained undisturbed as I lingered, studying him. 

Slowly, he opened his eyes, widened in awe once more. Hoping he wouldn't faint again, I prepared to retreat, but he called me back.

With a shirt in hand, he gestured I should wear it. Fixing his gaze into the woods. Hesitant, I recognized my nakedness was unsettling him.

I accepted the shirt, realizing it was generously sized, given his huge stature. The fabric draped down to my thighs as I wore it.

"Who are you? A human? Some kind of werewolf? Do you have a name?" He bombarded me with questions.

Amid his unending questions, I maintained a stoic expression, my contemplation visible in the subtle furrow of my brows. 

"Can you even hear me?" he asked again. I scoffed, arching an eyebrow with a hint of amusement, my eyes revealing a glimmer of indifference.

"So, you can hear me!" His joy-filled exclamation prompted genuine laughter from me, the sound unexpectedly softening the atmosphere.

"I've never seen anything like you," he admitted hastily, a mix of curiosity and bewilderment in his gaze. 

In response, I raised an eyebrow, silently prompting him to elaborate.

"I'm sorry. I'm just overwhelmed by these emotions," he confessed, a vulnerability surfacing in his expression. Momentarily breaking the rhythm of his questions.

"I'm George. Can you please tell me your name?" he pleaded, his eyes holding a sincere request for connection. 

After a moment's hesitation, I relented, revealing my name with a subtle softening in my tone.

"What are you doing here? Where do you come from?" The barrage of questions continued. 

Standing there, undisturbed, I mused over the ceaseless chatter, observing the flow of emotions in the human before me. Are humans always this noisy? I thought to myself. 

My stomach growled, a reminder of the hunger lingering since the disastrous dinner. Suppressing the discomfort, I held my stomach.

"Are you hungry?" he inquired, but I remained quiet.

"What type of food do you eat? Do you hunt or something?" he persisted. Frustrated, I decided to put an end to the interrogation.

"Yes, and I only hunt humans," I deadpanned.

"Wait! What?" He flinched, and I sighed, rubbing my temple unenthusiastically.

"I was just joking," I retorted.

"heh" he exclaimed. 

Realizing the joke, he brought up a suggestion. 

"You seem far from home. Can you come with me? I'll get you something to eat.”

Having nowhere else to go and nothing to eat, I agreed. We walked for a while until we reached a cottage.

Entering, I observed its modest size. Though not comparable to my home, the prospect of a meal and rest comforted me.

"Have a seat," he gestured towards a cushion in what appeared to be the sitting room. 

While he retrieved a shirt from another room, I couldn't resist but asked. 

"Is this your place?"

"No, well yes. It's a getaway cabin owned by my late grandfather, but my family hardly visits, so it's mostly in my care," he explained with a nostalgic gaze, as if recalling memories of the place.

Making his way to the kitchen, he turned back, the subtle play of sunshine accentuating the outline of his face. 

"What would you like me to fix for you?" he inquired, genuine curiosity etched across his features. I shrugged in response. 

As he swiftly prepared a meal, the rhythmic dance of his movements unveiled a quiet strength, and I couldn't help but notice the way his muscles moved beneath his skin. 

His hands, skillfully navigating the ingredients, hinted at a familiarity with the culinary arts.

Caught in this unexpected moment, I found myself mesmerized by the variation of his appearance. 

He caught me looking at him, I shifted my gaze swiftly, now he'll think I'm weird. I sucked my teeth in embarrassment.

The play of sunlight revealed the warmth in his eyes, and I became acutely aware of the forbidden nature of our encounter.

Yet, in this cabin, I allowed the unfolding of fate, a delicate dance between worlds.