Amidst this charged atmosphere, Michael's attention was drawn to a young boy seated just one table behind them. His small frame and swollen mouth exhibited signs of illness, his sickly appearance tugging at Michael's heartstrings. The boy's eyes remained fixed on Michael, a mixture of curiosity and longing in his gaze.Suspecting the young boy might be one of the lone wolves Finn previously mentioned, Michael felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility towards him. The realization that he could be a potential pack member only intensified the determination within Michael's heart, compelling him to reach out and offer the comfort and belonging the boy desperately craved.As they settled into their usual seats and started to eat, Michael's mind couldn't help but wander to the boy, the wheels of his mind spinning with thoughts of inclusion, support, and a safer future for all those who had yet to find their rightful place within the pack. " Mike, that kid is the Aswang, glad you noticed him, you are sharp" Finn said with a grin on his face. Michael knowing that he had been lost just nodded quietly.The young boy, his eyes wide with fear, continued to steal glances at Michael from behind the Astaros table. The apprehension in his gaze was palpable, as if he harbored deep-rooted fears that only added to his already challenging existence.Suddenly, the boy's attention was diverted as the Astaros bloodline called him over to their table. Reluctantly, he rose from his seat, his body language betokening trepidation. The Astaros vampires glanced in Michael's direction, their gazes lingering with a mix of curiosity and something more sinister. It was Kiora, the newest addition to their bloodline, who seemed particularly fixated on Michael, her eyes filled with a combination of intrigue and an underlying menace.A surge of guilt engulfed Michael as he realized the effect he was unknowingly having on the young boy. He understood that his presence and the attention he garnered inadvertently put the boy in a position of danger. Determined to rectify the situation, Michael stood up, his gaze locked onto the trembling boy.Michael's heart swelled with empathy as he recognized the fear etched across the boy's face. He knew he had unintentionally compounded this fear, and it weighed heavily on his conscience. They were supposed to be the protectors, the ones who offered solace and security to those in need. Yet, in this instance, he had become the source of terror.Witnessing Michael's realization, Finn rose quietly from his seat, following his friend's lead. As they walked away from the dining hall, Finn's voice carried a mixture of concern and understanding. "Mike, that was the Aswang, wasn't he?" he asked.Michael nodded, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Yes, Finn," he replied, the weight of guilt still heavy in his voice. "I never intended to scare him. We need to find a way to make things right."Finn cast a quick glance back at the dining hall, his expression filled with determination. "From the books I've read, and what I was taught," he continued, "if an Aswang loses its tongue, it dies, there is nothing anyone can do."Michael's eyes widened with both surprise and contemplation. He kept quiet for a bit realizing the gravity of the situation, he had killed two vampires in three days. As Michael and Finn walked from the dining hall to the classrooms, they engaged in a lively discussion about the Aswang. They exchanged tales and knowledge gleaned from books and teachings, determined to understand the threat that loomed in their vicinity.Lost in conversation, they moved with purpose through the school class rooms until they reached the towering tree nestled amidst the classrooms. Its thick branches spread out like protective arms, providing shelter and shade to those seeking solace.Coming to a halt by the tree, Michael suddenly felt an inexplicable surge of energy coursing through his veins. His eyes, once vibrant with color, began to transform. As Finn turned to face him, his astonishment evident, he noticed Michael's eyes glistening with an intense darkness. They had turned completely black, resembling an endless void, drawing all attention to their mysterious depths.Finn's heart pounded with a mixture of shock and recognition. He knew all too well of the rare occurrence where a werewolf's eyes would be consumed by darkness. It had only been recorded once before in all lineages, an incident shrouded in mystery and mythical significance, [the beast of gevaudan].Unable to tear his gaze away, Finn watched as Michael seemed to be in a trance, his mind possibly drifting into unchartered territories. Concern etched on Finn's face, he hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to intervene or snap Michael out of his trance-like state.The campus hummed with an eerie stillness, as if even nature held its breath in anticipation of what would transpire next. Sensing the weight of the moment, Finn took a step closer to his friend, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and concern. "Michael..." he whispered, reaching out hesitantly to grasp his friend's arm. "Michael, snap out of it. We need you here."Slowly, Michael's eyes began to regain their usual hue, the darkness receding like a dissipating storm. As he blinked away the remnants of the trance, Michael took a deep breath, feeling a newfound sense of power and purpose coursing through him.Collecting himself, he turned to Finn, a mix of determination and curiosity fueling his voice. "Finn, I don't know what just happened," Michael admitted, his words laced with awe, "but we have to find out more. There's something within me, something connected to the past and the future, and I believe it holds the key to our journey. Let's uncover the mysteries together."Finn nodded, the shock gradually subsiding, replaced by a steadfast resolve. A new chapter had unfolded before them, and they were prepared to navigate the unknown with aplomb. The time had come for Michael and Finn to embark on an extraordinary quest, one that would test their strength, loyalty, and unwavering belief in the power of their pack. As soon as he returned, Michael's eyes turned black again, and Finn stood frozen, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief as he witnessed Michael's inexplicable transformation. He watched as Michael, still seemingly entranced, approached the base of the tree with an unwavering determination. Digging his fist into the ground, Michael retrieved his hand, revealing a book grasped tightly in his grip.The book, as Michael held it aloft, emanated an aura of age and ancient wisdom. Its worn cover was adorned with intricate symbols, etched in faded gold, while the pages within seemed to whisper secrets that had long been forgotten by time itself. It exuded an eerie darkness, as if the words held within its confines were intertwined with both light and shadow.Finn's surprise surged as he comprehended the significance of this discovery. The ancient book held the promise of answers, a connection to the past and the keys to shaping their future. He watched with awe as the darkness slowly dissipated from Michael's eyes, the depth of the trance receding like a receding tide.Realizing the importance of safeguarding such a powerful artefact, Finn swiftly sprang into action. He reached out, snatching the book from Michael's hand, and expertly concealed it within the folds of his shirt. Sensing the urgency that coursed through him, Finn turned and darted towards the hostel rooms, his steps quick and purposeful.Michael snapped back to full consciousness, his surprise evident as he beheld Finn disappearing into the distance. An excitement and urgency ignited within him, propelling him to give chase and catch up with his friend. With each stride, he felt the weight of responsibility pressing upon his shoulders, the knowledge that they were venturing into uncharted territory, where secrets and dangers intertwined. Behind them stood Kiora, she hadn't seen much, but she became sure these two were hiding something. It didn't matter to her, it was a full moon that night after all, in her head, Michael was going to die.As Michael reached the hostel rooms, Finn moved swiftly, closing the door behind him to ensure their privacy. Inside, he carefully withdrew the ancient book, placing it on a nearby table. The mere presence of the book seemed to cast a shadow over the room, an eerie presence that demanded respect and caution.Michael entered the room moments later, his breath heavy and heart racing. His eyes flickered between Finn and the ancient book, curiosity and anticipation dancing within their depths. The two friends shared a silent understanding, knowing that they were about to embark on an extraordinary journey, one that would test their mettle and unravel the mysteries that had remained veiled for centuries.