### Chapter 4: The First Moon

The night sky was clear, and a brilliant full moon cast its silvery light over Crescent Falls. Tessa awoke with a sense of anticipation, the weight of her discoveries pressing on her mind. The legends she had uncovered hinted at something significant about this particular night, and she couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than coincidence.

Determined to understand the importance of the full moon, Tessa spent the morning and afternoon researching at the library. She combed through old records and folklore, finding numerous references to the moon's influence on the town's supernatural occurrences. The most striking information related to a specific curse linked to the Blackwood family, which seemed to be activated or intensified by the full moon.

With her research complete, Tessa decided to prepare for the night ahead. She returned to her cabin, ensuring that she had everything she might need: a journal, a flashlight, and a camera. She set up a spot by the window where she could observe the forest without being seen, hoping to witness any unusual activity.

As dusk settled over the town, Tessa's anticipation grew. The woods, bathed in the moon's glow, took on an almost otherworldly appearance. She sat by the window, her eyes scanning the forest for any sign of movement. The air was still, but a strange sense of energy seemed to vibrate through the trees.

Around midnight, Tessa noticed a figure moving among the trees. Her heart raced as she recognized Liam's silhouette. He was alone, his movements deliberate and tense. She watched, holding her breath, as he began to change. The transformation was both awe-inspiring and horrifying. Liam's form twisted and contorted, his muscles shifting and expanding as he became a werewolf.

The process was dramatic and raw. Liam's human features gave way to a powerful, primal form covered in fur. His eyes, once human, now glowed with an intense, otherworldly light. Tessa felt a mixture of fear and fascination as she witnessed the full extent of his transformation. The werewolf, now fully emerged, roared into the night, a sound that reverberated through the forest.

Tessa's mind raced as she processed the scene before her. She had read about werewolves, but seeing one in person was an entirely different experience. The raw power and emotion in Liam's transformation were palpable, and she could feel the weight of the curse that bound him.

As the werewolf disappeared into the forest, Tessa's resolve hardened. She knew she had to confront Liam and learn the truth about his condition and the curse affecting his family. With a deep breath, she stepped outside, her flashlight in hand, and made her way toward the forest.

It wasn't long before she found Liam, who had reverted to his human form. He was sitting on a fallen log, his face pale and exhausted. He looked up as Tessa approached, his expression a mix of resignation and apprehension.

"You saw," Liam said quietly, his voice hoarse. "I didn't want you to see this."

Tessa's voice trembled with emotion. "I had to know. The legends… they're real. What's happening to you?"

Liam's gaze dropped to the ground. "It's a curse, one that's been in my family for generations. We're bound to the moon, forced to transform each month. It's both a blessing and a torment. The curse was meant to protect the town, but it has become our prison."

Tessa stepped closer, her heart aching for him. "But why? What caused this curse?"

Liam looked up, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and anger. "It started with a betrayal long ago, a broken promise that led to the curse being placed on my ancestors. We were meant to be guardians of the town, but we've become monsters in the eyes of those we were meant to protect."

Tessa listened intently, her mind racing with the implications of Liam's words. "So, the legends… they're all true?"

Liam nodded. "Yes. And it's not just me. The curse affects all of us in the Blackwood line. It's a heavy burden, and we're trapped in a cycle of transformation and regret."

Tessa took a deep breath, trying to process everything she had learned. "I want to help. There must be a way to break this curse."

Liam's expression softened. "I appreciate that, but it's not that simple. The curse is deeply ingrained in our history. It would take a significant effort to find and break it."

Tessa nodded, her determination solidifying. "I'm willing to try. I've already uncovered some of the town's secrets, and I believe there's a way to change things. But we'll need to work together."

Liam looked at her with a mix of hope and skepticism. "If you're truly willing to help, then maybe there's a chance. But be prepared—this journey will be fraught with danger and uncertainty."

As they stood together in the moonlit forest, Tessa felt a new sense of purpose. The journey ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to face the darkness and uncover the truth behind the curse. With Liam's help, she hoped to find a way to break the chains that bound him and bring peace to Crescent.