Chapter 4: The Shadow in the Night

I clutched the journal, its worn leather feeling like a lifeline to my past. Ryder's words echoed in my mind: "You're the last living heir of the Lupari bloodline."

The last? I don't believe this information! I remember some kids at the Gregory orphanage who were from the Lupari bloodline. We were all abandoned children that Mrs Onam collected and kept in her home. I can remember vividly the day 2 children made mention of the lupari bloodline as their origin, Mrs Onam froze in shock and rushed inside to make a phone call. That was the last time I saw those children. 

Mrs Onam said they had been adopted into a family. 

Astrid's skepticism was palpable. "You expect us to believe this?"

Ryder's eyes flashed. "The truth is in the journal. Read it, Emily."

As I opened the book, the pages rustled, releasing a whisper of secrets. The symbols and illustrations seemed to shift, revealing hidden meanings.

Suddenly, a gust of wind swept through the clearing, extinguishing the moonlight.

"Someone's coming," Astrid warned, her hand on the dagger at her belt.

Ryder positioned himself between me and the darkness. "Stay close."

A figure emerged from the shadows, tall and imposing.

"Kael," Ryder growled.

Kael's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze piercing. "So, you're the Lupari heir."

His voice sent shivers down my spine.

Astrid stepped forward. "What do you want, Kael?"

Kael's smile was a cold, calculated thing. "I've been searching for Anya. The Council wants to discuss her heritage."

Ryder's stance turned menacing. "The Council has no authority over her."

Kael chuckled. "You're no match for them, Ryder. They'll stop at nothing to claim Anya ."

The air thickened with tension.

"Who is the Council?" I demanded.

Kael's eyes glinted. "The ones who govern our kind. And they'll do anything to control the Lupari bloodline."

Astrid's voice was low and deadly. "We won't let that happen."

Ryder's eyes locked onto mine. "Anya, trust me."

But could I?

Everything seem to be happening so fast and I'm already torn between two opinions. All I knew was the wolf within trying to find expression, but the presence of this journal and the message that accompanied it is a whole lot to take in.

I've been living a normal life until this night and now I've been tagged as a savior who holds a secret to the lupari tribe.

And who is this council? How many are there? Who do I trust? The ravishing Ryder or the dark Kael...

_ A Proposal Under the Stars_

I woke up to the warmth of sunlight streaming through the window, banishing the lingering shadows of the night. The memories of Ryder, Astrid, and Kael seemed like a distant dream.

Mark, my boyfriend, stirred beside me, his gentle snores ceasing as he opened his eyes. Mark has been a part of my life ever since I left the orphanage. Mrs. Onam had died while I was 16. The police said she had been drugged. This was after a long sad week where children from the orphanage were missing, about 6 of them and the community blamed Mrs Onam for having a hand in their demise.

I could see the pain in her eyes but I couldn't tell if she was totally innocent.

Her death crowned it all. The orphanage was no longer safe, so I ran for my dear life.

Mark was the Accountant's son at the first pie shop where I worked. He didn't take notice of me until my 19th birthday when his Mom sent him to deliver a present to my address.

We talked through the night and I told him my history, the Orphanage, The Lupari thing and how I felt that was my origin but wasn't totally sure.

We fell in love and he has loved me even more ever since.

"Good morning, beautiful," he whispered, his voice husky.

I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Good morning."

Mark's gaze turned serious. "I have a special day planned for us."

My curiosity piqued, I watched as he rose from bed and began to dress. Mark is tourist, he like adventures and discovering new places.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"It's a surprise," Mark replied, his eyes sparkling. I don't like surprises, there just have a way of stirring up little fear inside of me.

We drove to the lake, the sun-kissed water glistening like diamonds. A secluded spot, surrounded by tall trees and vibrant flowers. I had been to the lake countless times but never knew this spot existed.

Mark took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine.

"Anya, from the moment I met you, I knew you were different," he began, his voice filled with emotion. "You light up my world in ways I never thought possible."

My heart swelled. What is he trying to do? Why actually so formal?, I wondered.

"I love you, Anya. Will you marry me?"

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as Mark revealed a small box, a stunning diamond ring glinting within.

I was literally thrown off guard. Never in my wildest dreams did I see this day coming. Even though I know he loves me so much to a fault

"Yes, yes, a million times yes!" I exclaimed.

Mark slid the ring onto my finger, and we shared a tender kiss under the starry sky.

But amidst the joy, a nagging thought lingered – the secret I kept hidden, even from Mark.

The wolf in me.

How could I reconcile my human life with the wolf within?

As we gazed into each other's eyes, I knew I had to find a way.