Episode 3

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.

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***