Chapter 1
Even with a heart as pure as his and nightly prayers never forgotten,he couldn't evade the inevitable transformation into a wolf in the night of the full moon when the aconite bloomed.
In this realm, humans and werewolves coexisted, their worlds intertwining amidst the chaotic rhythm of everyday life, oblivious to the ancient species lingering in their midst for nearly a millennium.
September first marked the beginning of a new school year at Moonlight High School.
"Mrs. Taylor!" The milk delivery boy arrived punctually at the entrance of the Taylor household, a warm smile adorning his face as he called out.
Having just finished watering the flowers, Mrs. Carter, appearing almost ageless at forty, gracefully accepted the fresh milk. "You're always so prompt. Thank you for your dedication," she expressed kindly.
"Not a problem at all! See you tomorrow!"
With the milk safely inside, Mrs. Carter's attention turned to the sight of her husband and son before the mirror, fastening their ties. She narrowed her eyes, raising her voice, "Tommy! Wake up your sister!"
Startled by the abrupt call, Tommy, towering at six feet, instinctively recoiled and headed upstairs.
The Taylor's residence, a quaint three-story villa, boasted cozy and tasteful décor despite its modest size. The top floor was reserved exclusively for Lily's bedroom.
Golden sunlight filtered lazily through gauzy curtains, casting a warm glow over the wall adorned with comic books. Lily, a young girl with an unblemished face and fluttering eyelashes, lay asleep on the carpet.
Tommy knocked on the door, calling out, "Are you alive?"
...
Silence.
Furrowing his brows, Tommy hastily tied his school tie, pushed open the door, and found his sister tangled in her slumber.
Without a word, he seized the pillow at his feet and delivered a firm blow to Lily's face, jolting her awake from her reverie.
"Ah." Lily, still immersed in her dream, giggled lazily, "Senior Hottie is so dreamy..."
"Yah dreamy. Get up and get ready for school," Tommy retorted, rolling his eyes before heading downstairs.
Rubbing her eyes, Lily slowly sat up, her fluffy brown curls framing her face. Checking the electronic calendar, she muttered, "It was still the 29th yesterday... School starts so soon."
Despite the late start, Lily efficiently went about her morning routine. Adorning herself in her European-style school uniform coat, she descended the stairs with a skip in her step. Catching a whiff of the savory aroma emanating from downstairs, she wrinkled her nose in distaste.
Entering the living room, she found her father and brother enjoying breakfast.
Her mother, Mrs. Taylor, busy at the sink, scolded Lily upon her arrival, "Late on the first day of school? Are you attempting rebellion, Lily?"
Lily remained silent, opting to retrieve bread and jam from the fridge instead. Sitting beside Tommy, she nudged her bowl towards him, an unchanging expression on her face.
Tommy, accustomed to the gesture, pushed her bowl back, exchanging her favorite lung slices for his own.
As breakfast concluded, Mr. Taylor poured milk into his coffee, offering gentle advice, "Lily, you should eat some meat. How else will you sustain yourself through the school day?"
"It's fine, Dad, bread will suffice." Lily, content with sweet strawberry jam, managed a smile, dissipating some of the morning's tension.
"Let her faint from hunger at school, but don't you dare call us," Mom interjected, her gaze flickering towards Lily as she sighed in resignation.
Lily made no retort, simply nibbling on her bread, her eyes cast downwards.
Skipping breakfast might have been commonplace for typical high school students, but for Lily, it was not an option.
For she was not entirely human.
They were werewolves, the Taylor family having integrated into human cities for generations. Only on the full moon would they succumb to their lupine forms; otherwise, they walked among humans, indistinguishable from their human counterparts.
While humans thrived on a variety of sustenance, werewolves had a heightened need for energy, favoring meat as their primary source.
Yet Lily was an anomaly among werewolves, rejecting the carnivorous cravings of her kin. Small and slender, she lacked the vigor of her peers, often subject to ridicule.
A gust of wind swept through the door, prompting Lily's sensitive nose to twitch. Finishing her bread, she slung her backpack over her shoulder, declaring, "I'm off!"
