The days following Elena's first transformation were a whirlwind of training and discovery. Her body felt different—stronger, faster, more attuned to the world around her. But with this newfound power came a growing sense of unease. The forest, once a place of solace, now felt alive with unseen dangers. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, set her on edge.
Kael pushed her harder than ever, teaching her to harness her wolf form. They ran through the forest at night, their paws pounding against the earth as they chased shadows under the moon's watchful gaze. Elena's senses sharpened with each passing day, her instincts guiding her through the darkness.
But despite her progress, Kael remained distant. He answered her questions with curt replies, his focus always on the next lesson, the next challenge. Elena couldn't shake the feeling that he was hiding something from her.
One evening, as they sat by the fire in the cottage, Elena finally confronted him.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked, her voice cutting through the silence.
Kael looked up from the map he was studying, his blue eyes narrowing. "I told you before. You're the last of the Silverclaws. If you die, the packs will tear each other apart."
"That's not the whole truth," Elena said, her gaze steady. "There's something you're not telling me."
Kael hesitated, his jaw tightening. For a moment, Elena thought he might refuse to answer. But then he sighed and leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his dark hair.
"You're right," he admitted. "There's more to it."
Elena's heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"
Kael's eyes met hers, and for the first time, she saw a flicker of vulnerability in them. "The pack I used to belong to—the Nightfang pack—they're the ones who killed your family."
Elena's breath caught in her throat. "What?"
"It was years ago," Kael continued, his voice low. "The Silverclaws were the most powerful pack, but they were also peaceful. They didn't believe in the Blood Moon Hunt or the constant fighting between the packs. The Nightfangs saw that as weakness. They attacked during a full moon, when your family was at their strongest. But they were outnumbered."
Elena's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. "Why are you telling me this now?"
"Because you deserve to know the truth," Kael said. "And because the Nightfangs will come for you. They've been searching for the last Silverclaw for years. If they find out about you, they won't stop until you're dead."
Elena's mind raced, her thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. She had always known her family's death was shrouded in mystery, but she had never imagined it was something like this.
"Why did you leave the Nightfangs?" she asked finally.
Kael's expression darkened. "I didn't agree with their methods. They're ruthless, willing to do whatever it takes to gain power. I couldn't be a part of that anymore."
Elena studied him, searching for any hint of deception. But all she saw was regret—and something else, something that looked like guilt.
"Do you think they'll come for me before the Blood Moon Hunt?" she asked.
Kael nodded. "It's only a matter of time. That's why we need to be ready."
Elena's chest tightened, a mix of fear and determination swirling within her. She had spent her life running from the past, but now it was catching up to her. And she couldn't run anymore.
"What do we do?" she asked.
Kael leaned forward, his gaze intense. "We train. We prepare. And when the time comes, we fight."
---
The next morning, Elena woke to the sound of voices outside the cottage. She sat up, her heart pounding as she strained to listen.
"We know she's here," a deep voice growled. "Hand her over, and we'll let you live."
Elena's blood ran cold. She crept to the window and peered outside, her breath catching in her throat.
Three figures stood in the clearing, their eyes glowing in the dim light of dawn. They were werewolves, their forms shifting between human and wolf as they moved. One of them, a tall man with a scar running down his face, stepped forward, his gaze locked on the cottage.
"Kael," the man snarled. "You can't hide her forever."
Elena's heart raced as she turned to Kael, who was already on his feet, his expression grim.
"Stay here," he said, his voice low. "Don't come out no matter what."
Before Elena could respond, Kael stepped outside, his body shifting into his wolf form as he faced the intruders.
Elena's mind raced as she watched the confrontation unfold. She knew she should stay hidden, but the thought of Kael facing them alone filled her with a fierce determination.
She was a
Silverclaw. And she wouldn't let anyone else die for her.
---