Siena

The cold morning wind whistles through the cracks in the broken windows of the Saint Peter's Orphanage. I pull the thin blanket around my shoulders, feeling the icy air invade the small room.

I am awake before dawn, as always, to have a moment of peace before the daily chaos begins. Life in the orphanage is hard, marked by the fleeting hope of adoption, which never materialized.

But soon I get up and after doing my morning routine and putting on any old dress, I go down the stairs silently, making my way to the kitchen, where I find Jasmine, the little girl with golden curls and big, curious eyes, already awake. I smile when I see her. Jasmine is the only company I have and, in a way, my only family.

“Good morning, little one,” I say, picking Jasmine up. "Are you hungry?"

She nods, her eyes shining with expectation. I prepare a simple breakfast for us, the most I can do with the few resources available. As we eat, I can't help but think about the conversation I overheard the night before.

Hidden behind the director's office door, I heard whispers of a terrible plan. The authorities, tired of funding an orphanage with only two children, decided that the best solution was a tragic "accident" that would get rid of the problem once and for all.

Horror washed over me as the words echoed in my mind. "Fire...no survivors...it will look like an accident." I know I can't tell anyone, because I have no one.

The only option is to run, but where? The answer comes immediately: the Black Forest. That place shrouded in dark legends is the only place where we can be out of their reach.

“Jasmine, we're going on an adventure today,” I say encouragingly, trying to hide the fear in my voice. "Let's go to a special place."

The little girl smiles, excited by the idea of an adventure. Little does she know the danger that is approaching. Quickly I start packing a backpack with what I can carry: some clothes, some food and a bottle of water.

The sun had barely risen when I held Jasmine's hand tightly and we both headed for the back door of the orphanage. And to my sadness, I come face to face with men pouring flammable products around the orphanage. Apparently, they decided to go ahead with the plan.

One of them, seeing me, stops for a moment and shouts:

“The girl! She saw us!"

All the others look at me and, with my heart racing, I run off with Jasmine in my arms.

“Let's get them! We can't let them live!” shouts one of them.

"They are coming, Sie..." says Jasmine, terrified.

"Calm down, little one. They won't take us, I'm with you, I'm with you,” I say desperately.

Ahead I see the Black Forest, its aura seeming macabre, but more macabre is what these people want to do to Jasmine and me. I enter the forest, and I see that some of these men, even with some apprehension, also entered the forest.

“Sorry, Sie... I wish I could run that fast so you wouldn't have to carry me,” says little Jasmine, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“You have nothing to apologize for, Jasmine. You are a child, and you are my best friend, my sister of fate. We are together,” I say, already out of breath, but I fight with everything I have, I can't stop.

“Why don't they like us, Sie? Why did everyone abandon us?” she says crying.

I swallow hard and can't hold back the tears, because that's the same question I always ask myself. "Why God? Why were we forgotten? Why didn't anyone want us?" It's a lot of pain.

I trip over a branch, my vision blurred by tears, my heart torn and with thoughts that won't leave me. I fall to the ground with Jasmine.

"You're okay? You're okay?" I ask desperately, assessing her body.

"I'm..."

She is interrupted by two of the men approaching us, reaching us.

"It's over, end of the line, you little rats. Your story ends here,” says one of them, pointing a gun at us.

I hug Jasmine, saying through tears:

"We're together, remember? One day we will be very happy…” I whisper to her, the wind carrying my words like a prayer, full of pain.

Then, as if in slow motion, he appears. A huge wolf leaps over Jasmine and me. My eyes widen as I witness the scene, disbelief washing over me. Without delay, the black wolf, with eyes blazing with fury, does not hesitate to protect us.

His muscular body moving with agility, every movement a deadly dance against those who threatened us. The men, taken aback by the creature's sudden appearance, barely had time to react before being knocked down by the wolf's overwhelming force.

After defeating the men, he turns to us with calculated and determined steps. His intense eyes gleaming with a mixture of ferocity and curiosity as he slowly approaches.

My heart pounds in my chest, fear and uncertainty paralyzing my movements. Jasmine, trembling in my arms, hides her face in the crook of my neck.

"Sie...I'm scared," she whispers, her voice almost lost in the murmur of the wind between the trees.

“Shhh, I'm here, I'm here with you,” I murmur, trying to convey calmness as I stroke her golden curls.

The wolf stops inches from us, its large, black muzzle slowly approaching. The air around us seems to freeze as he sniffs us, his nostrils widening and contracting. I close my eyes instinctively.

"Please, please don't devour us... I beg you," I whisper softly, my hands shaking as I hold Jasmine tighter.

Derek

Humans. Their scent infested my forest. The legends I spread among the villagers kept them away for decades, yet here they are again, causing the usual chaos.

I look at the pathetic human before me, holding another of her kind, perhaps her offspring. I ponder for a moment, circling them. Saving them was pure instinct, a reaction faster than reason.

I transformed into my human form, feeling my bones readjust, my skin warming. My hair, falling to my nape, swayed gently in the wind as I face them.

"Hey, you, human. What are you doing in my forest?" I ask, my voice deep.

She opens her eyes wide with surprise and stares at me, her mouth agape.

"What!? But...you?...you're that wolf? How?"

I roll my eyes, frustrated with her slow understanding.

"I don't have time to explain. Get out of my forest. I don't trust your kind," I say curtly, turning my back momentarily, hearing her cautious footsteps as she gets up with the little girl in her arms.

"Then we have something in common. I don't trust them either," she replies, her voice laced with distrust and determination.

I tilt my head, intrigued, and observe her more carefully.

"What are you saying? You are one of them. And why do you seem to be no longer afraid of me?" I ask, confused by her audacity.

"Afraid? No, I'm not afraid of you. I'm afraid of my own kind. You, on the other hand, even though you are what you are, you saved me."

There was a raw sincerity in her words that made me hesitate. This human is different. Still, the threat she represents cannot be ignored.

"Your kind has brought nothing but destruction and pain to this world. Why should I believe you?" I ask, keeping my posture defensive.

She took a step forward, her steady eyes meeting mine.

"Because we are running from the same monsters. I am not a threat to you. I just want to protect Jasmine," she said, clutching the little one tighter to her chest.

I pondered her words, sensing the truth in them. Still, their presence here could indeed bring more danger to my pack.

"If you stay here, you will have to follow my rules. Any betrayal and there will be no second chances," I warn, my voice firm and uncompromising.

She seemed to assess the situation for a moment, then said, "Thank you so much. I can do anything, even sweep your den or cave, wherever you live."

At this point, a small, wry smile forms on my lips.

"You're not comparing me to the wolf from the stories of your world, are you? You think just because I turn into a wolf, I live in a den? You really are a fool," I say, looking at her deeply.

She blushed, averting her gaze for a moment before facing me again, determined.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I just want to help. I want to show you I'm not a threat," she said, her voice sincere but still carrying a hint of fear.

Looking at her, I noticed the determination in her eyes. She was willing to do anything to protect the little one in her arms. There was something about her, a flame of courage rarely seen in humans.

"Very well. Let's see what you're capable of. But remember, my patience has limits," I say, turning and starting to walk into the forest.

She follows me in silence, the little girl safe in her arms. The day is just beginning, and many secrets are yet to be revealed. As we walk, I can't help but wonder if I had underestimated this human and what her presence would mean for my world.

Siena

As I follow him, my mind is racing. He is a mixture of beauty and danger, something I never imagined could be real. A werewolf. The idea seems so fantastical that it's hard to believe, but here I am, walking behind him, trying to process everything.

I don't have time to freak out about this discovery. Jasmine's survival and mine depend on me, on my ability to adapt quickly. I need to stay strong and focused.

I watch him walk ahead of me, with an almost natural majesty. His hair, in smooth waves, falls to the nape of his neck, and his exposed chest reveals a raw, wild strength.

His broad back moves with a grace that only a predator can possess. The pants he wears appear to be made of an unknown material, flexible enough to adapt to his transformations.

With every step he takes, I feel the pulsating energy of a being that is both human and beast. It's hard not to feel small next to him. But I need to be brave, I need to understand more about him and his intentions.

Overcome by a sudden courage, I decide to ask:

"What's your name?"

For a moment, there is only silence. The sound of dry leaves beneath our feet and the chirping of birds are the only noises in the vastness of the forest. Finally, he answers, without looking back:

"It's Derek... my name is Derek. The Alpha of the Dawn Shadows pack."

His words carry a weight I can barely comprehend. An Alpha, a leader. It makes sense, given his imposing presence. But what does that mean for us? And why did he help us?

"Derek..." I repeat, savoring the name on my tongue, trying to understand the man behind the beast. "Thank you for saving us. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove that I'm not a threat."

He finally turns to look at me, his eyes gleaming with a fierce intensity.

"Humans always say that. Words are easy, but actions speak louder. Let's see if you can keep that promise, Siena," he said, his voice firm and full of suspicion.

I swallowed hard as I heard my name leave his lips. How did he know? My mind was spinning, but before I could ask, he was already turning and continuing to walk.

I quicken my pace to catch up with him, feeling the urgency to get answers.

"Hey, how do you know my name? I didn't tell you," I ask, my voice laced with curiosity and suspicion.

He stops and turns slowly, his intense eyes locking on mine. There's a silent assessment there, as if he's deciding if I'm worthy of an answer. Finally, he points to my backpack hanging by my side.

"It's written there. Siena. Isn't that your name?" he says, his voice cold and direct.

I look down at my backpack and see my name embroidered in green thread, a work I had done with care and affection, one of the few traces of identity I had left.

"Oh, yes, Siena is my name," I reply, feeling a mixture of relief and embarrassment.

He gives a slight nod and turns again, resuming his path. I try to absorb the information, but there are still so many unanswered questions. The clearing we finally reach reveals a small wooden cabin, simple but cozy, surrounded by nature.

"This will be your home for now. Stay away from the forest boundaries and don't try to leave without permission. We have eyes everywhere," Derek warns, pointing to the cabin.

I nod, trying to show my gratitude and understanding.

"Understood. Thank you, Derek." I say, trying to convey my sincerity.

He just nods before walking away, disappearing among the trees as if he had never been here. The silence of the forest seems almost suffocating after his departure.

We enter the cabin and I examine the place. It's simple, but it offers the minimum comfort and security we need. I place Jasmine on the floor and she begins to curiously explore the space.

"We're safe for now, little one," I say, more to convince myself than to reassure her.

As I unpack our few belongings, my mind keeps circling back to Derek. Who is he really? And why did he help me? There are so many unanswered questions.

Fear and uncertainty continue to haunt me, but I also feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we've found a place where we can finally be protected. But time will tell if Derek is our salvation or a new danger.