2 Anne and George

Greta sighed, "It's a risk when we're cursed with this condition. But you're not alone. We have outdone it, so you can. I'll be here to help you through it all."

Lily looked up at Greta, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Thank you," she said, "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Greta smiled warmly at Lily. "You don't have to worry about that. We're family now, and family sticks together."

They continued walking towards the park's exit, their conversation turning to lighter topics. But the weight of Lily's secret hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of the danger that lurked just beneath the surface.

As the moon rose high into the night sky, Lily's tardiness was causing her mother, Anne, to pace anxiously back and forth in their living room. Her father, George, sat on the couch, engrossed in a book, but he could sense his wife's unease. Though George was no longer afflicted by the rare genetic condition that turned him into a werewolf during full moons, he couldn't help but remember the long and grueling training he had undergone deep within the national park. It was there that he had discovered the secret society of werewolves in Nashville, who lived among humans undetected.

George had fallen deeply in love with Anne's kindness, understanding, and beauty, but he was afraid to reveal his secret to her. When he finally mustered up the courage to do so, he was pleasantly surprised by her acceptance and unwavering love. They married and had a daughter, Lily, but Anne couldn't shake off the fear that their child might inherit the same condition.

As the clock ticked, George couldn't help but wonder if Lily had inherited his affliction. He had heard whispers of other werewolves in Nashville, living normal lives in secret, and he couldn't help but wonder if his daughter would one day join them. The tension in the room was palpable, as the family waited for Lily's arrival, unsure of what the night would bring.

Just then, they heard the front door open, and Lily walked in, apologizing for being late.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" Anne asked, her eyes scanning Lily's face for any signs of distress.

"I'm fine, Mom," Lily replied, smiling reassuringly.

Anne let out a sigh of relief, but her husband could sense that something was still bothering Anne.

"Anne, what's really going on?" he asked gently.

Anne hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "I'm just worried about Lily. She's been showing some signs that she might be developing the same condition as you."

Lily looked up, surprised. "What condition?"

Anne hesitated, not wanting to worry her daughter. "It's complicated, sweetie. It's a genetic condition that runs in our family."

"I'm sorry, Mom, Dad. I don’t understand," she said softly. “I think I’m old enough to know what it is knowing it could affect me.”

Her father wrapped his arms around her. "It's okay, sweetie. We'll figure this out together."

Anne nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. "We'll do everything we can to help you, Lily. You're not alone."

"Mom, Dad, you're keeping something from me. Can you please tell me what genetic condition we're dealing with?" asked Lily, her eyes filled with concern.

"Lily, your father is still your father, no matter what," Anne replied hastily. "Please don't be afraid of him. He's harmless."

Confused, Lily turned to her father and asked, "Dad, what is going on?"

Taking a deep breath, her father spoke up. "Lily, I have a genetic condition that makes me a werewolf. Your mother is worried that you may inherit it too, and it could put your life in danger when people know. Tell me Lily, do you feel that something is strange within you at times especially when the moon is waxing?”

 Lily's heart was pounding in her chest as her father revealed his long-kept secret. A werewolf? Her Father is a werewolf? It seemed like something out of a horror movie, but her father's serious expression told her this was no joke. She understood now what was happening inside her and what was Greta had just told her less than half an hour ago. She had inherited the condition from her father.

Lily looked on the floor. “I was assuming you could be referring to a different thing. Yeah, I experienced weird things making me confused and what’s funny is that somebody else told me that I am a werewolf as though it is a common thing in the world.”

“We’re sorry about that Lily. I understand you already meet some of them.” For moments her father was silently looking in space. Then he spoke again, “You have to undergo a training so that you will be able to tame the beast inside you Lily. Do not let it tame you but you control it. This is the only way you will survive in this world.”

As she thought about her father's words, memories flooded her mind. There were times when she felt strange, like a wild energy bubbling beneath the surface. And then there was that strange encounter with a group of people who claimed to be werewolves themselves. It seemed like there was more to it than she ever imagined.

Her father's words were both comforting and terrifying. The idea of undergoing a training to control her inner beast sounded daunting, but at least she wouldn't have to face it alone. Lily looked up at her parents, feeling a sense of relief that they were there to support her.

"What do I have to do?" she asked, eager to learn more.

Her father smiled at her, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "You have to learn to control the wolf within you, Lily. It won't be easy, but with determination and the right training, you can do it. You have to be strong and remember that you're in control, not the other way around."

Lily nodded, feeling a newfound sense of purpose. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was ready to face whatever lay ahead. As she prepared for her training, she couldn't help but wonder what other secrets her family had been keeping from her. But for now, she was determined to master her inner beast and become the strongest werewolf she could be. Lily felt a sense of comfort knowing that her family was there for her. It wouldn't be an easy road ahead, but with their support, she knew she could manage her condition and learn to control her transformations.

Lily stood before her parents, her heart racing as she asked if she could go with Greta tomorrow night. But her father, George, was not so enthusiastic. He was skeptical of Lily joining a pack too early, especially with the coming full moon which was scheduled for tomorrow night.