Ticking Fate

I slipped into the back of the hall, scanning the crowd. My heart nearly stopped when I spotted them – hunters, just as Emilia had warned. They were dressed like security, but I recognized their stance, the way their hands stayed close to concealed weapons. Silver, most likely. My shoulder twinged in phantom pain, remembering my first and only encounter with a silver bullet.

On stage, technicians were setting up a large screen. A silver briefcase sat on the podium, and I could smell the contents even from here – DNA samples, video evidence, everything needed to prove the existence of werewolves to a world that wasn't ready for us.

Movement in the wings caught my attention. James stepped out briefly to speak with Amelia, his hand lingering on her shoulder in a gesture that was far too intimate for cousins. The pieces clicked into place with sickening clarity. No wonder he'd been so eager to blame me for manufactured infidelity – he'd been carrying on with Amelia the entire time.

My