Moonlit heart

Chapter 2: The Unveiling

Elena's heart raced as she stood before Kellan, his presence both magnetic and terrifying. She wanted to run, but her feet felt rooted to the ground. Questions swirled through her mind like autumn leaves in the wind—who was he, and what did he want?

“Are you a local?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

“In a way,” he replied, stepping forward into the light, his features sharpening in the moon's glow. “I live in the woods, but my existence is more complicated than just being a resident of Silverwood.”

Elena noted the way he held himself—confident, almost regal, but there was something primal lurking beneath the surface.

“Complicated how?” she pressed, her curiosity outweighing her fear.

Kellan studied her, an inscrutable expression on his face. “I belong to a pack of werewolves. It’s not a simple life.” His confession hung in the air, heavy like the expectant silence before a storm.

“Werewolves?” she echoed, the word tasting strange on her tongue. “I thought they were just... folklore.”

“They are both,” Kellan said, his voice low and urgent. “We are creatures of legend, but we live among you. We guard our secrets closely for a reason—out of fear, and for our survival.”

Elena's mind raced with the implications of his words. The stories she had heard about Silverwood, the rumors whispered behind closed doors, now took on a new meaning. It was impossible, yet here he was, standing before her in the flesh.

“Why are you telling me this?” she questioned, the skepticism lacing her voice masking the flutter of excitement within her.

“Because of you,” Kellan replied, his gaze unwavering. “Something about you calls to me.”

Before she could respond, a piercing howl sliced through the night, echoing through the trees. Kellan’s expression shifted from intrigue to urgency.

“We must go,” he said, his tone sharp and commanding. “There’s danger, and you need to be safe.”

“Danger? What do you mean?”

“Follow me,” he instructed, taking her hand and leading her swiftly through the trees. His grip was firm yet gentle, and an unexpected warmth radiated from his touch. She could hardly keep up with his long strides, her heart pounding for reasons beyond fear.