In that fraught moment, the fragile balance hung delicately. The resolution of Michael's own fate and the unraveling of the secrets that bound them all now rested on a razor's edge. As Michael slowly turned around, he couldn't help but notice the contrasting emotions on the faces of the girls. Fear and trepidation seemed to consume them as they fixed their eyes on him, their expressions reflecting a deeper unease than what lay behind him. Slowly but fearfully he turned his heard as he heard deep growling behind him, closing in.But when his gaze finally met the creature standing on its hind legs, the fear on the girls' faces paled in comparison. Before him stood a werewolf unlike any he had ever imagined. It lacked the customary thick coat of hair, resembling instead a crossbreed between a hairless Doberman and a human being. Its skin was a sickly gray, stretched tightly over its bony frame, allowing the protruding ribs to become alarmingly visible.The werewolf's intimidating presence was enhanced by its large and razor-sharp claws, glistening ominously in the dim light. The sight of those formidable weapons only heightened the sense of danger that emanated from the creature. Saliva dripped from its jaws, as if in anticipation of the feast that the vampires before it might provide.But amidst its fearsome appearance, the werewolf's eyes held a glimmer of something unexpected. They burned with a fiery red hue, revealing a hidden depth beneath its primal instincts. In those eyes, Michael perceived a hint of protectiveness directed towards him, as if the creature recognized his presence as a potential ally.Closing in on the vampires, the werewolf exuded an aura of determination. Its gaze never wavered, fixed firmly on the bloodsuckers who dared encroach upon Michael's territory. Its loyalty to him seemed unspoken but undeniable, as though it instinctively understood the danger they posed.As the gap between predator and prey diminished, the anticipation grew. The werewolf's salivation intensified, akin to a primal hunger. Its crimson eyes gleamed with an intensity, unyielding and fierce. In that moment, Michael couldn't help but feel an odd sense of security in the presence of this savage yet strangely protective creature, as they faced the impending clash with the vampires together. The piercing screams of one of the girls sliced through the night, drowning out even the howling wind. The sound amplified the tension, making it almost tangible as the werewolf steadily closed in on them.In a desperate attempt to assert control over the situation, Kiora pointed an accusing finger at Michael, her voice laced with fear and defiance as she shouted at the werewolf. "He isn't part of your pack! He is our prey! Stop protecting him, unless you are planning on starting a war!". Michael stood frozen, stunned by the sudden turn of events. He was overcome with fear, rooted in place as the commotion unfolded around him. His eyes darted towards the werewolf, silently pleading for mercy, hoping against hope that it would understand his predicament.As if understanding the plea that flickered in Michael's eyes, the werewolf bent down on all fours. With a swift motion, it sunk its sharp teeth into Michael's shoulder and pulled him backwards, as if trying to remove him from harm's way. The powerful grip of the werewolf's jaws left a searing pain, but its intention seemed clear – it was protecting Michael, not allowing any harm to befall him.The momentary diversion caused by the werewolf's intervention allowed the others, including Kiora, to regroup and reassess the situation. The air was thick with tension as the vampires attempted to gauge the werewolf's response, uncertain of the consequences that lay ahead.With Michael pulled away from immediate danger, his fear momentarily subsided, replaced by a mix of gratitude and confusion. As the werewolf positioned itself between him and the vampires, its fierce gaze still fixed upon the bloodsuckers, Michael couldn't help but wonder at the strange bond that had formed between them.In that moment, the werewolf had acted as both protector and confidant. It had recognized his vulnerability, offering its own strength as a shield against the impending threat. As the standoff continued, Michael silently hoped that this unexpected alliance would prove to be the key to their survival.The vampires, trembling in fear, recognized the overwhelming power emanating from the werewolf. Realizing their vulnerability against such a formidable foe, they swiftly activated their supernatural speed, disappearing into the night in a blur of motion. The sound of their fleeing footsteps echoed briefly before silence settled upon the scene, enveloping the night in an eerie stillness.With the departure of their adversaries, the tension gradually dissipated. As if releasing its primal energy, the werewolf began to transform, its body slowly shrinking and reshaping itself. The once imposing creature underwent a metamorphosis, returning to the familiar form of a human.Michael's astonishment was palpable as he recognized the face that emerged from the transformation. The shock clouded his thoughts, making it difficult to comprehend what he was witnessing. It was Finn, his loyal friend and confidant, who now stood before him in the wake of this fantastical display of werewolf power.The realization flooded over Michael, bringing with it a mix of confusion and awe. The loyalty the werewolf had shown, the unwavering protection it had offered, suddenly made sense. Finn had revealed a secret aspect of his existence, one that had been concealed from Michael until now.Staring at Finn with wide eyes, Michael struggled to find words. The shock mingled with intrigue, leaving him longing for an explanation that only Finn could provide. It was a revelation that would undoubtedly transform their relationship, casting a new light on the dynamics between them.In the silence that followed, not even the crickets dared to chirp, as if respecting the weight of the moment. Michael's mind buzzed with questions, curiosity intertwining with a newfound level of caution. The boundaries of his reality had been shattered, opening up a world both thrilling and perilous. In that moment, Michael knew that nothing would ever be the same again.Finn met Michael's wide-eyed gaze with a mix of empathy and apology. "I am sorry for the bite," he said, his voice laced with sincerity and understanding. "It was necessary to trigger your dormant werewolf gene and prevent your demise from the vampire bite. Let's go, now."Michael, still grappling with the shock of the revelation, found solace in Finn's reasoning and the urgency in his voice. Without hesitation, he nodded in agreement, accepting Finn's explanation and the choices that had been made to ensure his survival.The two companions moved in unison, their shoulders brushing against each other as they embarked on their journey back to the safety of their room at the bottom and a ways from Bagojava mountain. The dark night enveloped them, blurring the world around them as they navigated through the shadows with a shared purpose.