LUCAS'S POV
The woods were quieter than usual tonight, though the silence wasn't comforting. It was the kind of stillness that pressed against your ears, leaving you hyper-aware of every crunch of leaves beneath your boots. I kept close to the shadows, moving silently through the underbrush, my senses on high alert.
Elena's house came into view just ahead. The light from a window flickered, and for a moment, I paused, watching her silhouette as she paced back and forth in the living room. She was still here, still stubborn, still vulnerable.
I sighed and stepped into the clearing, letting the soft glow of the moonlight bathe me. I hated what I had to do, hated even more that it had come to this. But she deserved the truth.
As I approached the house, I saw movement at the corner of my eye—a flash of silver darting between the trees. My heart raced. They were watching, always watching. I growled low in my throat and pressed on, refusing to let fear slow me down.
When I knocked, the sound was sharp and deliberate. The door creaked open, and there she was.
Her face was wary, her brown eyes narrowed. "You again?" She eyed me down, her tone cold.
I took a deep breath. "Elena, I need to talk to you. It's important."
Her grandmother appeared behind her, gripping the doorframe tightly. "Go away, Lucas," she snapped. "You've done enough."
I ignored her and focused on Elena. "Please. Just give me ten minutes. That's all I'm asking."
Elena hesitated, her gaze flicking between her grandmother and me. Finally, she stepped outside and closed the door behind her.
"Talk." She said, crossing her arms.
I nodded, grateful she'd at least given me this chance. "You've probably figured out by now that Silverwood isn't just another small town. There's something about this place—something ancient and dangerous."
She frowned but didn't interrupt, so I continued.
"The woods," I said, gesturing toward the dark expanse behind her house. "They're alive, Elena. Not in the way you think. They're connected to creatures that exist in the shadows, creatures that have been here long before any of us."
She raised an eyebrow. "Creatures? You're talking about, what, wolves?"
"Not just wolves," I said. "Werewolves."
Her laugh was sharp and incredulous. "You're joking, right? You want me to believe that mythical creatures actually exist in these woods?"
"I'm not." I said firmly. "Your parents knew. That's why they wanted to leave. They found out what this town is hiding and tried to take you away before it was too late."
Her expression faltered, and I saw the flicker of doubt cross her face. "You keep saying my parents knew you. Is that true?"
"Yes, you can ask your grandmother." I said. "Your father was a friend of mine. He trusted me to protect you."
"Protect me from what?" She asked, her voice rising. "Why would I need protection?"
"Because of what you are." I said softly.
She froze, her arms dropping to her sides. "What I am?"
"You're not like other people." I said, my voice gentle. "There's something in your blood, something tied to this place. The wolves can sense it, and they want it. That's why your parents died—they were trying to keep you safe."
Her face went pale, and she took a step back. "This is insane..." She whispered.
"I know it sounds crazy," I said, stepping closer. "But it's the truth. "The wolves—they're not just beasts. They're human too, and they've been waiting for someone like you."
"Someone like me?" She repeated, her voice trembling.
"You're a part of this, Elena." I said. "Whether you want to be or not. The bloodline you come from—it's connected to the wolves, to the forest, to everything in this town."
She shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I don't understand. Why didn't anyone tell me? Why did my grandmother lie?"
"She was trying to protect you, that was the best way she could." I said. "But there's only so much she can do. The wolves are getting bolder. They know you're here now."
She wrapped her arms around herself, her breathing shallow. "Why now? Why after all these years?"
"Because something has changed." I said. "The balance between the forest and the town—it's shifting. They think you're the key to tipping it in their favor."
She looked at me, her eyes filled with fear and confusion. "And you? What do you want from me?"
I hesitated, the weight of my own secrets pressing heavily on my chest. "I want to protect you." I said finally. "Your father made me promise I would."
Her expression hardened. "How do I know I can trust you?"
"You don't." I admitted. "But you don't have much of a choice. If you stay here, they'll come for you. And they won't stop until they get what they want."
She stared at me for a long moment, her jaw tight. "And what is it they want?"
"Your blood." I said quietly.
She recoiled, her eyes wide with horror. "What?"
"Your blood carries something they need." I explained. "Something that can make them stronger, more powerful. It's why they killed your parents. And it's why they'll come for you."
The porch light flickered, casting eerie shadows across her face. "I should leave." She said, her voice barely above a whisper. She was obviously terrified already.
"I wish it were that simple." I said. "They'll follow you wherever you go. The only way to stop them is to face them here, on your terms."
"And how am I supposed to do that?" She asked, her voice breaking.
"You'll have to trust me." I said. "I can help you, but we don't have much time."
Her grandmother opened the door then, her face drawn with worry. "Elena, come inside. You've heard enough."
Elena glanced back at me, her eyes searching mine. "I'll think about it. " She said finally, before stepping back into the house.
As the door closed, I let out a long breath, the weight of the conversation settling heavily on my shoulders. Those other wolves wouldn't wait long. I only hoped she'd make the right choice before it was too late.
I turned and disappeared into the woods, the shadows swallowing me whole.