Rory soon discovered that the stranger, named Lyrien, was a Lycan. And she was transforming into one herself, courtesy of a bite from Lyrien during their encounter.
Rory woke up in her bed, her mind foggy and her body aching. She looked down at her hands and saw they were back to normal, but the memory of the transformation lingered. She knew what was happening - she was becoming a Lycan.
Panic set in as she scrambled out of bed and stumbled to the mirror. Her eyes were still yellow, and she could sense the wolf lurking beneath the surface.
Just then, a knock at the door broke the silence. Rory hesitated, wondering who it could be. She opened it to find Lyrien standing on her porch, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity.
"You know what's happening to you, don't you?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
Rory nodded, her throat dry. "I'm becoming a Lycan."
Lyrien nodded. "You are. And I'm here to guide you through it."
Rory felt a mix of emotions - fear, anger, and a hint of gratitude. She stepped aside, allowing Lyrien to enter.
"What do I need to do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lyrien's eyes locked onto hers. "You need to embrace your new form, Rory. And I'll be here to help you every step of the way."
As he spoke, Rory felt the transformation taking hold again. Her body began to shift, her senses heightening, and her mind clouding with the primal fury of the wolf.
This time, she didn't fight it. She let go, and the wolf emerged, its fur gray and sleek, its eyes blazing with a fierce inner light.
Lyrien smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Welcome to the pack, Rory. You're one of us now."
Lyrien led Rory deep into the woods, the moonlight casting eerie shadows on the trees. They arrived at a clearing, where a group of Lycans gathered, their eyes fixed on Rory.
"This is the pack," Lyrien said, his voice proud. "We're a family, bound by blood and loyalty."
Rory felt a sense of wonder and trepidation as she scanned the gathering. There was Kael, the Alpha, his eyes piercing and commanding; Akira, the pack's healer, her hands gentle and soothing; and Jax, the pack's enforcer, his muscles bulging and intimidating.
Lyrien introduced her to each member, explaining their roles and responsibilities. Rory listened intently, fascinated by the pack's hierarchy and dynamics.
"We live by a code," Lyrien said, his voice serious. "Loyalty, honor, and protection. We defend our own, and we never betray each other."
Rory nodded, impressed by the pack's unity and dedication.
"We also have rules," Lyrien continued. "We don't harm humans, and we keep our existence secret. We live in harmony with nature, and we respect the balance of power."
Rory felt a sense of belonging, despite being a newcomer. The pack's way of life resonated with her, and she knew she had found her place among them.
As the night wore on, Rory learned about the pack's traditions and customs. She participated in their rituals, feeling a deep connection to the land and the Lycans. By the time the sun began to rise, she knew she was home.