Chapter 2: Moonlit Awakening

I couldn't shake the feeling of being pulled apart. Two worlds, two selves, two hearts beating in discordant rhythm. As the night wore on, Mark's gentle snores filled the room, but I lay awake, my senses on high alert.

The moon's call still resonated within me, growing stronger with each passing moment. Its silvery light seeped through the curtains, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

Suddenly, a burst of adrenaline coursed through my veins. My body began to shift, muscles lengthening, senses expanding. Panic set in.

Not here, not now. Not in front of Mark.

I sprang from bed, racing to the bathroom. Locked the door behind me. Leaned against the sink, gasping for control.

My reflection stared back, eyes glowing yellow in the dark. Fangs protruded from my mouth, and my skin itched with the urge to shed human skin.

No, no, no. This can't happen.

I forced myself to breathe, to calm the storm raging within. The transformation slowed, then halted, leaving me shaken.

A knock on the door broke the silence.

"

Anya? You okay?" Mark's voice, laced with concern.

"Yeah," I lied, trying to sound casual. "Just... getting a glass of water."

The doorknob turned, and Mark peeked in.

"You're pale. What's wrong?"

I pasted on a smile.

"Just a bad dream."

His eyes narrowed, but he didn't push.

"Come back to bed."

I nodded, following him back to the bedroom.

But my mind was already racing ahead.

I had to get out. Into the forest. Under the moon.

As we settled back into bed, I knew I wouldn't sleep.

The wolf within me paced, restless, demanding freedom.

_Later that night..._

I slipped from the house, into the moonlit shadows. The night was quiet and windy. 

The forest beckoned, its darkness a sanctuary.

My feet bare, I ran.

Branches snapped beneath my feet as I surrendered to the transformation.

This time, I let it happen. No restrictions or fear of any sort. 

My body lengthened, fur bursting forth.

My senses exploded, and I became one with the night.

A wolf's howl echoed through the forest, my voice, my song.

I ran, unencumbered, the wind ruffling my fur.

Free.

For the first time in months, I felt alive.

As I explored the forest, I stumbled upon a clearing.

A massive oak tree stood at its center, its branches twisted and gnarled.

I approached, feeling an inexplicable connection.

Carved into the trunk was a symbol:

A crescent moon, surrounded by ancient runes.

I recognized the markings.

I've seen them in my dreams from my childhood days. 

Lupari. I think it is a symbol from my people.

A shiver ran down my spine.

What did it mean?

Was I being called to something greater?

Am I truly from the lupari clan? Or it's just my instinct playing a fast one one me? 

But I don't know my origin, then why do I think of Lupari as one? 

These questions swirled in my mind as I returned to human form.

I walked back to our apartment, bare footed and lost in thoughts. 

Gently I turned the doorknob without making a sound. There in the bedroom laid Mark sleeping peacefully on the bed. 

I looked at him and smiled. 

Such a handsome and good man. 

As I crept back into bed, Mark stirred.

"Anya?"

"I'm here," I whispered.

His arms wrapped around me, holding me close.

But my heart remained in the forest.

With the wolf.

And the mystery that awaited.