Episode 5

I discovered that the name of the man who helped us is Luys Luxan. He's 23 years old, only two years older than Safira and me. By the name… he's probably a wolf.

Just thinking about it, my inner voice gets choked up.

Safira believes I chose this place because it's welcoming to humans. Little does she know there's more to it than that.

I chose this place because I feel the supernatural in every corner. It's like a distinct aroma they carry… and how do I know that, even without my wolf?

Because I've lived too long among them. There are scents… that are never forgotten.

Luys told us that Mr. Anton's bar/restaurant was in need of waitresses, and with a little help from him, we got the job.

As soon as we arrive, I'm surprised by the place.

It's welcoming, rustic, and charming — I'm glad it's like this.

"Mr. Anton, these are Melinda and Safira, the girls I told you about." Luys introduces us.

We extend our hands with a smile.

"Yes, yes, I really needed help. Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all ours," we reply in unison.

"Have you worked as waitresses before?"

"You could say it's what we've done the most," says Safira, confidently.

"Then you're hired. When can you start?"

"If you want, we can start right now," I reply.

"You've just arrived. Take two days off to get to know the place… and its rules."

We thank him, but… what rules are these?

"Luys?"

"Yes?"

"What did Mr. Anton mean by 'rules'?"

"Here in the city there are some guidelines… Let's go to your house. A city representative will come to explain better."

We nod and follow him to our new home.

Not even five minutes later, a man enters. Very handsome, by the way.

"Hi, girls. My name is Mateo, and I came on behalf of the city representative to explain a few things."

"Nice to meet you," we reply, although there's something strange about him.

"Let's get to the rules. As strange as they may seem, this is how it works here.

If you want to live well here, respect them.

Theft is not forgiven. Sexual violence, even less so.

On Full Moon nights, all residents must stay home. Businesses are closed, and an amulet will be delivered. Place it on the door. It's for protection."

If any human were hearing this, it would seem crazy. But I lived in a pack.

I know. On Full Moon nights… things change.

I only come out of my thoughts when I realize everyone is looking at me.

"Sorry. All right, I understand and agree with the rules."

"It's all right with me too," says Safira.

After that day, the days were calm. The city is truly wonderful. Lively, with music everywhere, children playing, and a rare sense of community.

Working for Mr. Anton and his wife has been a blessing. They treat us like daughters.

With the money we earn, we can live well. Much better than anywhere else we've been.

But now…

The Full Moon is approaching.

And everyone seems… tense.

"Mr. Anton, why is the Full Moon day so important here?" asks Safira, always curious.

"We've never known for sure… But those who disobeyed the rules were never seen again.

On the Full Moon, we hear howls, screams, footsteps… Some say a beast roams the streets.

That's why we follow the rules. It's our way of surviving."

He pauses. His face twists in fear, but he still continues:

"They give us silver amulets. They ask us to put silver around the entire house. Establishments close all day.

The children don't go out. The music stops.

The silence… is absolute."

"All right. Now I'm convinced to stay locked up," says Safira, half laughing, half nervous.

"The Full Moon will be tomorrow. Take these pots of silver and start the preparations right away.

As you live in the woods, double care.

Stock up on food and drink, because sometimes… it lasts up to three whole days."

"Thank you," we reply together.

Before returning home, we shopped and stocked up on everything.

The next day, we started preparing what we could.

Safira decided to put silver all over the house.

Madness — I think to myself — but I say nothing.

It's on these nights that I most want to challenge the Moon Goddess.

And if that beast thinks it's going to stop me…

It's very wrong.

I get out of the shower and already feel the soft scent of lavender in the air.

Safira is messing with her herbs — it always gives me a strange feeling.

Maybe… she's not just a human.

We still have a lot to tell each other.

Even if something — or someone — is stopping us.

Maybe on these Full Moon nights, I'll find the courage to reveal everything.

Where I came from. How I survived until now.

Even if it hurts.

"Melinda… are you sure you're okay? Since we got here, you've been more tense than usual," she says, looking at me sincerely.

"I thought I could forget my past…"

The tears fall before I realize it.

"I'm sorry…" I murmur, and run out of the house.

I don't care if there's a beast out there.

Because if it dares to cross my path…

Maybe it will discover that something dangerous also lives inside me.

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