The Wolf's Secret

CHAPTER 3: THE MARK

Chapter 3 — The Mark

Maya ran through the dark forest with Adrian, struggling to keep up as the sounds of growling wolves echoed behind them.

Maya: I can't run anymore.

Adrian stopped and looked at her.

Adrian: We can't stay here.

Maya: Then tell me what is happening.

Adrian remained silent.

Maya: You know that wolf, don't you?

Adrian finally looked at her.

Adrian: The wolf was me.

Maya froze.

Maya: What?

Adrian: I'm the wolf you saw earlier.

Maya stared at him, unable to believe what she had just heard.

Maya: Then what are you?

Adrian: A werewolf.

Before Maya could respond, a strange burning sensation spread across her left palm.

She looked down.

A glowing wolf-shaped symbol had appeared on her skin.

Maya: This wasn't here before.

Adrian's expression changed.

Adrian: The mark has awakened.

Maya: What does it mean?

Adrian: It means they found you.

A deep growl came from the trees.

Several wolves emerged from the darkness. Their eyes glowed red beneath the moonlight.

Adrian immediately stepped in front of Maya.

Adrian: Stay behind me.

One of the wolves stepped forward and transformed into a tall man with red eyes.

Unknown Man: So the human finally returned.

Maya looked at Adrian.

Maya: What does he mean?

Adrian: Don't listen to him.

Unknown Man: You never told her about her mother, did you?

Maya's heart stopped.

Maya: What about my mother?

The stranger smiled.

Unknown Man: She made a deal with the wolves twenty-two years ago.

Adrian suddenly attacked.

His body transformed into the massive black wolf Maya had seen before. The red-eyed man transformed as well, and the two wolves began fighting.

Maya backed away.

The mark on her palm suddenly burned brighter.

Maya: Ah!

A powerful light burst from her hand, throwing the wolves backward.

Everything became silent.

Adrian returned to his human form and approached her.

Adrian: Maya, listen to me.

Maya: What happened to me?

Adrian looked at the glowing mark.

Adrian: You have been chosen.

Maya: Chosen for what?

Adrian hesitated.

Adrian: To become the next Moon Guardian.

Maya shook her head.

Maya: I don't understand.

Adrian looked into her eyes.

Adrian: There's something your family never told you.

Maya: What?

His voice became quiet.

Adrian: Your mother wasn't human.

Maya stared at him in disbelief.

Maya: You're lying.

Adrian: I wish I was.

Maya: Then where is she?

Adrian looked toward the dark forest.

Adrian: She's alive.

Maya's heart stopped.

Maya: My mother is alive?

Adrian nodded slowly.

Adrian: And she's somewhere in this forest.

Maya looked toward the darkness.

For the first time, she realized that the secrets of Blackwood Forest were connected to her own family.

And somewhere beyond the trees, someone was watching them.

Someone who already knew Maya had awakened.