The late afternoon sun filtered through the thick forest canopy, casting dappled light over the pack's familiar playground lair a hidden hollow encircled by ancient trees, flat stones, and makeshift logs fashioned into seats. The atmosphere was peaceful, casual, familiar.
James sat to the side, hunched over his sleek black motorcycle, a wrench in one hand and a towel over his shoulder. The soft hum of metal rubbing against chrome echoed as he polished the machine's frame. Nearby, Jasper and Henry were caught in a playful argument, their voices rising and falling in mock combat as they debated who the strongest werewolf in the world truly was.
Sophia, however, was withdrawn into silence, her attention fixed on a thick, dusty old book resting in her lap. Her brows were furrowed in quiet focus, her legs crossed under her on a fallen log.
Then came Bella.
She emerged from the trees with a glowing smile, her long white hair tied up loosely with a thin rope. Dressed in a casual apron over her shirt and jeans, she carried a tray with clinking glasses filled with fruit juice, the scent fresh and sweet.
"Who wants some fruit juice?" she chirped.
Henry and Jasper leapt up instantly.
"Me first!" Henry called.
"I got here first!" Jasper countered.
James looked up from his bike, wiping his hands on his towel. "Count me in," he added, striding over to the tray.
The boys each grabbed a glass with a grin and sipped eagerly, their laughter echoing through the clearing. Bella walked over to Sophia, tray still in hand.
"Don't you want some?" she asked gently.
Sophia shook her head, her eyes never leaving the pages. "No, thanks."
Bella frowned slightly and glanced at the book. "What are you reading? You've had your nose in that thing since morning."
Sophia finally looked up. "It's about the Druid family," she said softly. "An ancient book. Written by our ancestors about their history, their powers... all of it."
Bella's eyes widened. She leaned in to look at the cracked leather cover. "Wow. It really is ancient." She placed the tray aside and sat down beside her, resting her chin in her palms. "I'm interested."
Sophia smiled faintly.
"Me too," James added, leaning back on a log. "We should all know more about them."
"Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt," Jasper said, joining them and sitting cross-legged next to Bella. "They are our archenemies."
Henry, sipping the last of his juice, chimed in. "Does it say how to stop them?"
"No," Sophia replied.
"Then I'm out," he said with a shrug, turning his back.
Sophia and James both laughed.
"Not good, Henry," Bella scolded. "We should know what we're up against."
James stretched his arms. "Why don't you read it to us tonight, am kinda busy?"
"Yeah," Jasper nodded. "And Tyler isn't here he'd want to hear it too."
Bella's face lit up with an idea. "Why don't we go out tonight to the waterfall? We could sit under the stars… have a mini picnic!"
Sophia's eyes narrowed. "No. It's too dangerous."
"Come on, Sophia," Henry pleaded. "We won't be caught."
"Yeah, we'll be super careful," Jasper added, whispering like a mischievous child. "Back before anyone notices."
Sophia looked to James, who stood calmly with arms crossed. He gave her a small, silent nod.
She sighed. "Alright. Just tonight. So we can all learn about the Druid family."
"Yes!" Bella jumped up, grabbing her bag. "I'll prepare snacks!"
"I'll bring the blankets," Henry added with a grin.
As the pack scattered with excitement, Sophia glanced toward the trees, a thoughtful expression softening her features.
Where is Tyler? she wondered.