Chapter 2 Shadows of the Past

The days leading up to the full moon flew by in a tense blur for Ethan. The peaceful veneer of Silverwood clashed violently with the chaos roiling inside him. Each night, he delved into dusty tomes and forgotten manuscripts in the town library, desperately searching for answers to his curse.

One evening, after another frustratingly fruitless search, Ethan found himself at the forest's edge. The moon, not yet full, hung low in the sky, casting long, eerie shadows. The forest was where his nightmare began, and despite his fear, he felt an irresistible pull to return to the scene of his transformation.

As he ventured deeper into the woods, memories of that fateful night flooded back-how a strange, magnetic force had lured him until he stood face to face with the beast that changed his life forever. Determined to uncover more, Ethan pressed on, his senses heightened by the approaching full moon.

He soon arrived at a small clearing, the very spot where the attack had occurred. Kneeling by an ancient tree, he noticed markings he hadn't seen before-symbols etched deep into the bark. They seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. As he traced the lines with his fingers, a voice shattered the stillness.

"Ethan."

He spun around, heart pounding, to see an old man standing at the edge of the clearing. His appearance was almost as ancient as the forest itself, with long, white hair and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through Ethan.

"Who are you?" Ethan demanded, taking a cautious step back.

"I am Gabriel," the old man replied, his voice a gravelly whisper. "And I know what you seek."

Ethan's heart raced faster. "You know about the... the werewolf?"

Gabriel nodded slowly. "I have lived in these woods for many years, watching over those touched by the curse. The markings you see here are wards, placed to protect this place and contain the darkness."

"Can you help me?" Ethan's voice trembled with a mix of hope and fear.

Gabriel studied him for a long moment before speaking again. "The curse is ancient and powerful, but it can be controlled. You must learn to harness the beast within, to make it a part of you rather than an enemy."

Ethan listened intently as Gabriel explained the ancient rituals and meditative practices that could help him gain control. It wouldn't be easy, but it was his only chance to protect those he loved-especially Lily.

As the old man spoke, Ethan felt a glimmer of hope. Perhaps there was a way to live with this curse, a way to remain himself even under the full moon's influence.

"You must also be honest with those you care about," Gabriel said, his gaze intense. "Secrets have a way of growing darker the longer they are kept."

Ethan nodded, knowing he was right. He had to tell Lily the truth, no matter how much he feared her reaction. With Gabriel's guidance, he might just find a way to survive the coming full moon without losing himself-or her.

The walk back to town felt shorter, the weight on Ethan's shoulders a little lighter. As he emerged from the forest, the lights of Silverwood greeted him warmly, a stark contrast to the shadows he had left behind. He was determined to follow Gabriel's advice and find the courage to share his secret with Lily.

That night, as he lay in bed, Ethan rehearsed the words he would say to her. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but with the full moon just a day away, time was running out. He needed Lily to understand, to stand by him through the storm that was about to break.

With a deep breath, Ethan closed his eyes, clinging to the hope that love and truth would be his salvation.