Chapter 11 - Makeup

Selena approaches the weathered door of Demika's house, her heartbeat quickening with every step. The events of the previous night still gnaws at her, a relentless reminder of her failure. She hesitates for a moment before knocking, a silent prayer on her lips. When the door creaked open, she is met not by her friend, but by Granny Minama, the venerable matriarch among the remaining African-Americans left in Clovis City. Her eyes holds secrets as deep as the forest that surrounds the entire Laketown.

"Selena, dear," Granny Minama greets with a warm, shrewd smile, her voice laced with the wisdom of countless lifetimes. "Come in, dear. Demika is upstairs, but she hasn’t been herself since last night."

Selena steps into the sitting room, the air thick with the scent of dried herbs and the crackling energy of ancient magic. She is almost paralyzed by the scent of mistletoe, a natural herb that is most poisonous to werewolves.

Even though Grandma Minama had hurriedly put them away, she sti