The walk back through the forest felt endless. Serena trudged behind Callum, who led the way with a serious expression, and Ivy, who strolled like she was on a casual nature hike.
The moonlight barely pierced through the trees, and every creak and rustle made Serena's nerves jump.
"Are we really not going to talk about what just happened?" Serena finally asked, breaking the silence. "Because I feel like getting chased by wolves isn't a normal Friday night activity."
Callum didn't respond, his amber eyes scanning the darkness as though he expected the wolves to return. Ivy, however, glanced back with an amused grin. "You're taking this pretty well for someone who almost became a chew toy."
"Oh, don't worry. I'm panicking internally," Serena said dryly. "But outwardly? I'm handling it like a pro."
Ivy chuckled, and even Callum's expression softened slightly, though he didn't look back. "Handling it is a stretch," Ivy teased, shaking her head.
After what felt like hours, they reached a clearing where a rustic cabin stood, smoke curling from the chimney. Serena blinked, surprised by how normal it looked. She'd expected something grander maybe a creepy castle or a hidden lair.
"This is it?" Serena asked, frowning.
Callum ignored her, opening the door and stepping inside. Ivy followed, tossing her bow onto a chair like it was just another day.
"Sit," Callum said, gesturing to a worn couch by the fireplace.
"Wow, someone's polite," Serena muttered, but she plopped down anyway.
Callum leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his intense gaze making Serena feel like she was being interrogated. Ivy sprawled comfortably in a chair, propping her feet up on the coffee table like she owned the place.
"Do you feel anything… strange?" Callum asked abruptly.
Serena raised an eyebrow. "You mean, aside from the fact that wolves were just trying to eat me? No, nothing strange."
"He means physically," Ivy clarified. "Tingling? Weird energy? Sudden desire to howl at the moon?"
"Nope. Just exhausted and mildly annoyed," Serena replied, shooting Ivy a look.
Callum exchanged a glance with Ivy, who shrugged. "She doesn't know," Ivy said simply.
"Know what?" Serena demanded.
Callum sighed, running a hand through his hair like he was tired of explaining. "You're marked by the moon," he said.
Serena blinked. "I'm sorry. I'm what now?"
"The wolves attacked you because you carry the mark of the moon," Callum explained. "It's not something you can see. It's in your blood your essence. It ties you to us and makes you… valuable."
"Valuable? To who? And why me?" Serena asked, feeling her frustration rise. "I'm not special. Unless bad luck counts."
"The mark isn't about what you've done," Callum said patiently. "It's who you are. The wolves sensed it, and they'll keep coming for you."
"Great. So I've been cursed by the moon? Can I return it for store credit?" Serena quipped, though her stomach churned at his words.
Ivy laughed, but Callum's expression darkened. "This isn't a joke. The mark makes you a target. Those wolves tonight? They were scouts. There will be more."
"More?" Serena repeated, her voice shaking. "And what am I supposed to do? I'm not equipped to fight an army of werewolves!"
"You don't have to fight," Callum assured her.
"That's what we're here for. But you need to stay here, where we can keep you safe."
"Safe?" Serena scoffed. "Sounds more like being a prisoner."
"Think of it as an all-inclusive retreat," Ivy said, smirking. "You're the VIP guest."
"Oh, lucky me," Serena muttered, sinking back into the couch.
Despite her sarcasm, Serena knew she didn't have much of a choice. Whatever this "mark" was, it had dragged her into a world she didn't understand a dangerous, confusing, and oddly fascinating one.
And deep down, she had the unsettling feeling this was only the beginning.