Chapter 2 HIDDEN TRUTHS

I forced a calm tone, trying to conceal the turmoil brewing inside:

"Ava, thank you for walking with me. But I think I'll stop here, at the forest edge."

Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, concern etched on her face:

"Elijah, what's wrong? You seem... distracted."

My heart racing faster, I glanced up at the moon – now a silver glow hanging low in the sky. Time was running out.

"I'm just tired from traveling," I lied, taking a step back into the shadows. "I'll rest here for the night."

Ava's gaze lingered on mine, as if sensing the untruth. Then, she surprised me:

"Elijah, I live just across the street –" she pointed to a cozy cottage behind her "– would you like to rest there instead? It's safer than the forest."

My instincts screamed warning – being alone with her in closed quarters would be disastrous with the full moon rising...

But Ava's kindness and gentle smile put me at odds with my monster self.

My resolve weakened by her warm smile, I hesitated – a fatal mistake for a werewolf on the brink of transformation.

"Ava, that's incredibly kind of you," I said slowly, "but I don't want to impose."

She took a step closer, her eyes sparkling with persuasion:

"It's no imposition, Elijah. My grandmother always said our home was for sharing with those in need. And you seem... in need of rest."

My heart raced faster, senses heightening – the moon's pull intensified with every passing moment. Yet, Ava's words touched something deep within me – a longing for connection, for trust.

Before I could stop myself, I nodded:

"Thank you, Ava. I'd be grateful for your hospitality."

Ava smiled brightly and turned towards her cottage, expecting me to follow. I trailed behind her, my mind reeling with impending doom:

* The full moon was rising.

* I was about to be alone with a mortal in closed quarters.

* My transformation was mere minutes away...

We reached her doorstep, and Ava pushed open the creaky door, inviting me into her cozy world – and potential slaughter.

I stepped across the threshold into Ava's warm cottage, surrounded by comforting smells of baking and wood smoke. The contrast between this cozy scene and my looming monstrous transformation was surreal.

Ava closed the door behind me, her eyes sparkling with kindness:

"Make yourself at home, Elijah. I'll get you a blanket and some water."

As she walked towards the kitchen, I scanned the room frantically – searching for a place to hide or escape when the transformation hit. But every window and door seemed too close to Ava.

My heart racing wildly, I spotted a small bathroom door near the fireplace and made a split-second decision.

"I'll... uh... wash my face while I wait," I called out to Ava, already moving towards the bathroom.

I slipped inside just as my fingers began to twitch and nails sharpen – the transformation accelerating.

Ava's gentle voice came from the other side of the door:

"Elijah, are you okay in there? You look like you were in pain outside..."

My response caught in my throat as a low growl escaped my lips.

**CHAPTER 2: HIDDEN TRUTHS (continued)**

My growl was barely suppressed, but Ava must have heard something – her voice outside the door turned cautious:

"Elijah, answer me... is everything alright?"

I clenched my jaws, fighting the beast rising within. My body began to contort, bones shifting painfully – the transformation accelerating rapidly.

With immense effort, I forced out a strained reply:

"I... I'm fine. Just... dizzy from travel."

Ava's concern was palpable even through the door:

"Okay, Elijah... but if you need help, please call out. I'll be right outside."

Her kindness twisted my heart – I was deceiving this gentle soul, putting her life at risk.

The bathroom mirror reflected my horrifying metamorphosis:

* Eyes glowing yellow

* Skin stretching into fur

* Jaw elongating into a snout

I was fully transforming – Ava was mere feet away, oblivious to the monster emerging...

Suddenly, the doorknob turned – Ava was coming in to check on me!

My heart racing with terror for Ava's safety, I lunged towards the shower curtain and ripped it down – wrapping myself behind it just as the door creaked open.

Ava's gentle voice called out:

"Elijah, I brought water... are you still dizzy?"

The curtain trembled in my clawed hands as I struggled to remain silent – my werewolf voice would betray me instantly.

Through a small tear in the fabric, I watched Ava step closer, water glass held out cautiously. Her eyes scanned the room, narrowing slightly as she sensed something off.

Suddenly, her gaze locked onto the mirror – where my reflected eyes glowed yellow behind the curtain.

Ava's breath caught sharply. The water glass slipped from her fingers, shattering on the floor.

She whispered a single word:

"Monster..."

My curtain shield was futile now. Ava backed away slowly, eyes fixed on me with a mix of fear and – surprisingly – curiosity.

I slowly emerged from behind the curtain, my werewolf form towering over Ava. She stood frozen, eyes wide with fear yet still sparkling with curiosity.

I raised a clawed hand, palm facing her – a gentle gesture amidst monstrous appearance – and took a step back, giving her space.

Ava didn't run. Instead, she whispered:

"Elijah... is that still you in there?"

My voice was low and rough, barely recognizable:

"Yes... Ava, I'm still here."

She took a cautious step forward, eyes locked on mine:

"The eyes... they're still Elijah's eyes."

I nodded slowly, hope flickering within my chest – maybe, just maybe, she could accept this monster.

Ava's gaze roamed my transformed face, then dropped to her feet before rising again to meet mine:

"I've seen things like you in old stories... my grandmother used to tell tales of shape-shifters."

My ears – now pointed – perked up at this revelation.

Ava took another step closer, voice barely above whisper:

"Elijah, what happens to you during full moons?"

I swallowed hard, relieved to share my secret with someone – finally:

"I lose control... become this forever unless someone accepts me – both halves."

Ava's expression softened, eyes shining with unexpected tears:

"I accept you, Elijah."