Chapter 3 The Pack

"I just want answers," I replied. "Who I am. Where did this come from?"

The silver-haired woman, beautiful and eloquent - the Luna, they called her-approached me. "You may find the truth, Jules. And you might not be ready, But be prepared, no matter what. Sometimes the truth is more monstrous than the change itself."

I swallowed hard. I didn't feel like a monster, or am I a monster? And I guess I'm not a monster, all this was playing rhythm in my head -but something inside me stirred when Luna said it. Something old and powerful, I could feel it deep down.

"We'll meet tomorrow night," Mark said. "There's more to show you. But be careful. You're not the only one who's awakened."

And as I left the clearing, I felt the weight of eyes on me from the shadows.

I wasn't alone anymore, I could sense it.

I went around the woods to check very well and also confirm my instincts were right. I could hear the rustling of leaves from afar, I followed it all to find nothing.

I stood trying to catch my breath and also get to know if I could perceive or hear anything suspicious, only for me to notice something or someone is coming at my back but is already too close, trying to turn my neck slowly and get a full glance.

***

The fire crackled in the heart of the stone circle, casting flickering shadows across the gathered wolves. I sat near the edge, my legs crossed, a warm fur blanket wrapped around my shoulders. The air was crisp and biting, but the heat from the flames kept the chill at bay. I noticed you left at night, for a stroll right, Luna said to me. Yes, but i was scared because I thought eyes were on me when I was in the woods and get to find nothing, and when I thought something or someone is coming from my back, I turned to see no one, which got me scared. I replied, you don't have to be scared my dear, trust me you are stronger than you think, and you are one of a kind, she said, patting my back.

Theo, is the pack's historian, who explains lineage, traced back centuries. Willow, the youngest before me, still struggled with her transformations. And Robert, stoic and silent, seemed to always be watching-guarding.

I shared bits of my life: my studies, my isolation, my confusion during the first signs of change. I was surprised how easily the words came out. It felt like these people-these wolves-understood me in ways no one else ever had.

As the fire dwindled, Mark addressed the group. "Juliana has much to learn. She must train with us, live among us. Her strength is our strength."

Whispers of agreement rippled through the pack. But not all were convinced.

"She's untested," Robert said gruffly. "We don't know her."

"Nor did we know you once," Luna replied smoothly, eyes narrowed.

Robert didn't respond, but the tension lingered.

Mark turned to me. "The bond of a pack is sacred. It takes time, trust, and trials. Are you willing to join us fully?"

I met his gaze. Something inside me-something wild and ancient-rose to the surface.

"Yes."

Mark stood in the center, his golden eyes sweeping over the assembled pack.

"Tonight," he began, his voice deep and resolute, "marks the return of something ancient-something we've feared for generations."

I leaned forward, my gaze locked on the alpha. Every instinct in me urged me to listen, to absorb every word.

"We are bound by blood and moon," Mark continued, "and those bonds are sacred. But the world outside doesn't honor sacred things anymore. The Rogues have grown bolder, ruthless and more aggressive. A new one has crossed into our territory."

Murmurs erupted around the circle.

"A Rogue?" Luna asked, standing to Mark's left. Her voice was steady, but her brows furrowed with concern.

"Yes," Mark confirmed. "A powerful one. One who's been missing for over a decade now."

"Who?" asked one of the younger wolves, a wiry boy named Theo.

Mark's expression hardened. "His name is Ryan. He was once one of us."

My stomach clenched at the name. Though unfamiliar, it stirred something inside me-like the echo of a forgotten memory.

"Ryan was banished after he broke our most sacred law," Mark said.

Do mind telling us what was the sacred law he broke? I asked "He killed one of our own. His own brother."

Gasps rippled through the circle. I was so shocked and it surprised me at the same time how a brother would kill his fellow's own blood and what could be the reason.

"Why would he return now?" Luna asked.

"That's what we need to find out," Mark replied. He looked at me with concerned eyes, making me scared the more "But he's not here by accident. And his timing-coinciding with Juliana's awakening-is no coincidence."

All eyes turned to her.

Emily froze. "W...wha...what...what does that mean?"

Mark walked toward me, crouching to meet my gaze. "You carry old blood, Jules, Strong blood, "and how is that my business, I don't want the blood he can take I'm fine with it, we can do a blood transfusion because... in short, I have told you from the start that I never asked for this, I don't need this, a minute am...am...turning into some creature, the next minute, I'm stronger than I think and now someone is wanting me but of the old blood in me I neva asked, please... where is the part I take a break from or this to digest bit by bit." My body was shaking in anxiety.

Luna approached me with a warmth arm, "I know it is not easy but you just have to believe in yourself and trust me you will be the best, I believe in you" I could feel the warmth and comfort in her eyes but I know if I could do this, but I felt good after are words. "Your lineage has long been dormant, but Ryan would sense it. You're important. Whether you want to be or not." Mark continues.

I swallowed hard. "I didn't ask for this."

"No," Mark agreed. "But it's yours now. And that makes you a target."