Chapter 3 The Warning in the Woods

The day of the full moon arrived, bringing with it an undercurrent of tension that Ethan couldn't shake. The hours seemed to drag as he went through the motions at school, every second bringing him closer to the inevitable. His mind raced with the words he needed to say to Lily, rehearsing them over and over.

As the final bell rang, Ethan hurried to their usual meeting spot by Silver Lake. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the shimmering water. He spotted Lily sitting on their favorite rock, her silhouette outlined by the golden light. Her presence, usually a source of comfort, now heightened his anxiety.

"Lily," Ethan called out as he approached, his voice betraying his nerves.

She turned, her face lighting up with a smile that quickly faded when she saw his expression. "Ethan, what's wrong?"

He took a deep breath, steeling himself. "There's something I need to tell you. Something important."

Lily's eyes widened with concern, and she reached out to take his hand. "You can tell me anything, Ethan. You know that."

He nodded, the weight of his secret pressing down on him. "You remember that night a few weeks ago, when I went into the woods?"

Lily nodded, her grip tightening on his hand.

"I encountered something... something that changed me." He struggled to find the right words. "A were-"

Before he could finish, a loud rustling came from the nearby bushes. Both of them turned towards the sound, hearts pounding.

"Did you hear that?" Lily whispered, her eyes wide with fear.

Ethan nodded, his senses on high alert. "Stay here. I'll check it out."

"No, I'm coming with you," Lily insisted, her voice firm.

Reluctantly, Ethan agreed, and they cautiously approached the source of the noise. As they parted the bushes, they saw a figure darting away into the forest. Without thinking, Ethan chased after it, Lily close on his heels.

They sprinted through the dense woods, the trees becoming a blur around them. The figure ahead was fast, but Ethan's newfound agility allowed him to keep up. Finally, they reached a small clearing, and the figure stopped, turning to face them.

It was Gabriel.

"Ethan, you shouldn't have brought her here," Gabriel said sternly, his eyes flickering with concern.

"What are you doing here?" Ethan demanded, his heart racing.

Gabriel's gaze softened. "I came to warn you. The full moon is rising, and you need to prepare."

Lily looked between them, confusion and worry etched on her face. "Ethan, what's going on?"

Ethan felt his chest tighten. He was so close to telling her, but now was not the time. "Lily, please, go back to town. I'll explain everything later."

"No," she said, her voice trembling. "I'm not leaving you."

Gabriel stepped forward, his expression serious. "The transformation is starting. If you care about her, you need to go."

Ethan felt the familiar, terrifying pull begin. Pain wracked his body, and he fell to his knees. "Lily, please," he gasped. "Go."

Lily hesitated, torn between staying and leaving, but finally, she took a step back. "I'll be back, Ethan. I promise."

As she disappeared into the forest, Gabriel knelt beside Ethan. "Focus, Ethan. Remember what I taught you."

Through the haze of pain, Ethan clung to Gabriel's words. He channeled his fear and agony into control, fighting to stay himself. The beast within him roared, but he held on, determined not to lose control.

Minutes felt like hours, but finally, the pain subsided. Ethan stood, his senses sharper, his body stronger, but his mind clear. He had done it. He had controlled the transformation, but only just.

Gabriel nodded approvingly. "This is only the beginning. There is much more to learn, but you have taken the first step."

Ethan looked towards the direction Lily had gone, worry and determination in his eyes. He knew he couldn't keep the secret much longer, but for now, he had to focus on mastering the beast within.

As the full moon shone brightly above them, Ethan felt a mix of relief and apprehension. The road ahead was uncertain, but with Gabriel's guidance and the hope of eventually telling Lily the truth, he felt a renewed sense of purpose.