Description
In the heart of the dense, whispering forests of Moon Hollow, Ethan Ward ran under the heavy cloak of night, his breath misting in the cool air. The moon, a slender crescent, provided scant illumination, but his newly heightened senses painted the world around him in vibrant detail. He could hear the scuttle of a squirrel in a distant oak, the beat of an owl's wings, and the rustle of leaves underfoot as he moved. Ethan had only recently discovered his true nature after an incident that left him bewildered and, frankly, terrified. He was a werewolf, a fact that came to light under dramatic circumstances just a month ago on the night of the full moon. Since then, every moment had been a struggle to understand his new reality. Moon Hollow was a small town with an undercurrent of the supernatural that most residents reluctantly acknowledged. Ethan had moved here after college, drawn by its seclusion and the inexplicable pull he felt towards the land. It seemed now that fate had a reason for guiding him to this peculiar town. As he paused by a stream to catch his breath, a rustling noise alerted him to another presence. Heart pounding, he scanned the dark forest. A figure stepped into a small patch of moonlight-a man, seemingly in his thirties, with piercing eyes and an assured stance. "First change?" the man asked, his voice a calm contrast to the rush of Ethan's blood. Ethan backed away instinctively. "Who are you? How do you know-?" "I'm Adrian Blackwood," the man introduced himself, stepping closer but keeping a respectful distance. "And you're not the first new werewolf I've encountered. I can help you, if you want." There was something about Adrian, a sense of power mixed with an undercurrent of kindness, that made Ethan want to trust him. He nodded slowly, still panting. "Good," Adrian smiled slightly. "Every werewolf needs a guide. I had mine, and now, perhaps, I can be yours."
Chapter 1: Whispers of the Moon
