Chapter 2

I couldn't get the dream out of my mind. It kept replaying in my head, haunting me with the weird things I saw. As I lay in bed, tossing and turning, I realized that sleep was eluding .lme. But I knew I had to rest; otherwise, I would be too exhausted to carry out my duties at the pack's forgery the next day.

Reluctantly, I dragged myself out of bed, glancing at the clock. It was already past midnight, and I needed to wake up by 5 am. The thought of a few hours of sleep seemed like a fleeting luxury. I walked to the bathroom, splashed my face with cold water, and shook off the remnants of my troubled thoughts.

Refreshed by the brief contact with water, I dressed quickly and made my way to the forgery. It was still dark outside as I stepped into the cool morning air, my mind focused on the day ahead. The blacksmiths were always early risers, ensuring that the swords were ready before I arrived. My task was to add the finishing touches, design the swords, and safely store them.

The clanging of metal and the scent of hot iron welcomed me as I entered the forgery. One of the blacksmiths, a burly man with calloused hands and a perpetual scowl, nodded in acknowledgment as I approached. I wasted no time and began working diligently, my fingers dancing across the weapons, adorning them with intricate patterns and symbols.

Hours passed swiftly, and I found myself engrossed in my task. I lost track of time, wholly consumed by the rhythm of my work. But eventually, the persistent rumbling in my stomach reminded me of the passage of time. I excused myself, leaving the blacksmiths to their forge and other designers, and headed towards the nearby woods to relieve myself and find a moment of solitude.

As I walked deeper into the woods, I felt a sense of calm washing over me. The sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. I found a secluded spot, hidden from view, and settled myself on a fallen log. Nature embraced me, offering solace and respite from the relentless demands of my daily life.

Just as I was about to leave, a sudden noise shattered the tranquility. It was a sharp, unfamiliar sound that echoed through the forest. My heart raced, and a cold shiver ran down my spine. Panic gripped me, and my mind conjured up images of lurking danger. I looked around frantically, trying to discern the source of the sound.

Unable to see anything out of the ordinary, I cautiously approached the area where the noise originated. My footsteps were hesitant, my hands trembling with fear. And then, amidst the rustling leaves and my racing heartbeat, I spotted a small creature. It was a rabbit, innocently munching on grass, its oversized ears twitching in the sunlight.

I let out a nervous laugh, feeling foolish for allowing my imagination to get the better of me. The rabbit seemed not bothered about the commotion it had caused, and I couldn't help but smile at its innocence. I turned away, ready to leave the woods behind.

Returning to the forgery, I resumed my work, determined to make up for the time I had lost. The hours ticked by, and the familiar clang of metal accompanied my diligent efforts. As evening approached, exhaustion settled into my bones, and my stomach growled louder, reminding me of how hungry I am. 

Finally, as the sun began to set, I closed for the day and went back to my house. 

On my way home, I saw Papa Josh. Papa Josh is a farmer and he was on his way home from the farm. He was holding some firewood.

Papa Josh was one of the kindest people I had ever known. He had been there for me when my father passed away, offering comfort and support during those difficult times. His presence always brought a sense of solace and familiarity. As I approached him, a smile lit up his weathered face, and his eyes sparkled with joy.

"Leonora, my dear! It's so good to see you," he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine warmth. I reciprocated his smile, feeling an immediate sense of comfort in his presence.

"Papa Josh, it's wonderful to see you too," I replied, my voice filled with gratitude. "How have you been?"

He chuckled softly, his laughter carrying a hint of mischief. "Ah, my dear, you know an old man like me is always up to something," he said, his eyes twinkling. "But I can't complain. I've been keeping busy and taking care of myself."

We exchanged pleasantries and caught up on each other's lives as we continued walking together. Papa Josh inquired about my health and how things were progressing with my design work for the pack's forgery. I shared my experiences, expressing my excitement and challenges along the way.

His face beamed with pride as he listened intently to my stories. "You're a talented young woman, Leonora," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "Your father would have been so proud of you."

His words touched my heart, and for a moment, I felt the weight of my father's absence. But Papa Josh's presence reminded me that even though my father was gone, there were people like him who cared deeply for me.

As we reached Papa Josh's humble abode, he invited me inside. The aroma of cooked yam and bush meat filled the air, making my stomach rumble with anticipation. Mama Josh, his loving wife, was in the kitchen, adding the final touches to the meal.

"Mama Josh, look who's here!" Papa Josh called out, his voice filled with excitement. Mama Josh turned around, and her face lit up with a bright smile.

"Leonora, my dear, it's been too long," she said warmly, embracing me in a warm hug. "You've grown into such a beautiful young woman."

Her affectionate words brought a rush of warmth to my heart. I felt a sense of belonging in their presence as if I were part of their own family.

Papa Josh and Mama Josh treated me like their own daughter, showering me with love and care. They had prepared a feast fit for a king, and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by their generosity.

After enjoying a delicious meal together, Papa Josh insisted on packing some yam and bush meat for me to take home. "You need to keep your strength up, my dear," he said with a smile. "Mama Josh's cooking is the best in the whole village."

I graciously accepted their offerings, grateful for their kindness. "Thank you, Papa Josh. Thank you, Mama Josh," I said sincerely, my voice filled with appreciation. "I'm truly blessed to have you both in my life."

Papa Josh's eyes welled up with tears, and he embraced me tightly. "You're like a daughter to us, Leonora," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "We'll always be there for any time you need our help. 

After a lot of emotional talks, I bid them goodbye and went back to my house. When I got home, I felt exhausted, and the only thing that was ringing in my head was to sleep. I relaxed on my bed and slept off.

*********

A full moon night is here again. A moment when we as werewolves take on our true selves. It's a time when our wolf side is in charge and we wolf out and worship the Moon goddess and she blesses us. It's a time everyone has been anticipating, especially werewolves whose age range is 11 to 16 years old because this is when werewolves first wolf out.  

  

 I was also happy that it is another full moon but I didn't know that this full moon would change my life.