New Orleans

One week had passed since the battle.

The town was slowly recovering, though the scars of the conflict were still visible. Rubble-strewn streets were gradually being cleared, homes rebuilt, and businesses reopened. The dead were mourned and laid to rest, their loss deeply felt by every villager.

The witches, in their pursuit of knowledge, had begun experimenting on the fallen werewolves. What they discovered sent shockwaves through the town—the genetically altered werewolves were none other than the missing townspeople. Some, having survived the battle, reverted to their human forms, and their families recognized them immediately. The horror of what had been done to them made the town's people more cautious but also more united. Determined to heal, they worked together tirelessly, speeding up the town's recovery through sheer will and newfound solidarity.

---

In the mayor's office...

Desmond leaned against the balcony railing, a steaming cup of coffee in his hand as he watched the bustling town below. The sound of hammers, saws, and voices filled the air, a symphony of reconstruction. The scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the crisp morning breeze.

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts. Without turning around, he said, "Come in."

The door creaked open, and Adam walked in, a bag slung over his shoulder.

"Heading back already?" Desmond asked, taking another sip.

"Yeah," Adam replied, adjusting the strap on his shoulder. "I've been away too long. I need to go back… home."

Desmond nodded slowly. "I see."

There was a pause before he added, "Good luck back home. Come visit when you have time."

"I will, but…" Adam hesitated.

"But?" Desmond turned around, raising an eyebrow.

"I want to know… why was the leader of those werewolves after Ruby?"

Desmond sighed, setting his coffee down on the nearby table. "So, you figured that out, huh?"

Adam's gaze was steady. "Yeah. I need to know."

"Well," Desmond began, leaning back against the railing. "Ruby's family is… special. Long ago, one of her ancestors, a werewolf, fell in love with an animer—an anthropomorphic wolf. Their union gave birth to a new race called the Direslyphs. They have the rare ability to shift between human, wolf, and werewolf forms."

Adam's eyes widened. "Direslyphs?"

Desmond nodded. "Were—our 'mad scientist' friend—saw their bloodline as the key to creating the perfect werewolves. He hunted them down relentlessly. Ruby's grandmother was killed by Were himself about four years ago. Ruby's the last of her kind."

"I didn't know Ruby had such a painful past."

Desmond sighed. "Yeah, but she found a new family here. That's what matters now."

Adam gave a faint smile. "I guess so."

"Well," Desmond said, straightening up, "off you go then. I won't bother seeing you off."

Adam smirked. "Yeah, right."

With that, he turned and walked out of the office, leaving Desmond with his coffee and the weight of the past lingering in the air.

---

New Orleans

The dilapidated carriage rattled along the cobbled road as it approached the gates of the bustling city. The lively hum of New Orleans grew louder with each passing moment, the city's charm and innovation evident even from a distance.

Inside the carriage, two girls peered out of the small window. Ruby's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Hey, Sister Belle, are we there yet?"

Belle chuckled softly. "Yes, Ruby. You've asked me that five times today."

Ruby pouted. "Well, it's kinda boring in here. And I've already read all your books."

"Don't worry," Belle reassured her. "We're almost there."

As if on cue, Maurice's voice called from outside the carriage, "Girls, we're in New Orleans now!"

Ruby's face lit up as she leaned out the window, her eyes widening at the sight of the city. Steam-powered contraptions buzzed through the streets, and towering buildings showcased innovative machinery. Inventors demonstrated their creations to curious onlookers, and the air was filled with the aroma of fresh beignets and coffee.

The carriage came to a stop in front of a charming inn, its sign swinging gently in the breeze: Duke's Café & Inn.

Maurice opened the carriage door with a smile. "Come on, girls. We'll be staying here."

Belle's eyes lit up as she read the sign. "Duke's Café… wait, Tiana's place?!"

She practically jumped out of the carriage, her excitement bubbling over. Ruby followed, curious but amused by Belle's sudden energy.

Inside, the café was warm and inviting. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee filled the air. Patrons enjoyed their meals, chatting happily. Behind the counter, a tall, slender African-American woman balanced a tray with effortless grace. Her wavy black hair was tied in a neat low ponytail, and her radiant smile lit up the room.

"Tiana!" Belle's joyful voice echoed through the café.

Tiana turned, her brown eyes widening in surprise before a wide smile broke across her face. She quickly set down the tray and rushed to Belle.

"Belle!" she exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. "Oh, girl, it's been too long!"

Belle laughed, hugging her back. "I missed you so much!"

Tiana pulled back slightly, holding Belle's hands. "I didn't know you were coming! How long are you staying?"

"A week," Belle answered, grinning. "And I'm so glad I get to see you."

Noticing Ruby, Tiana crouched down to her level with a warm smile. "And who's this cutie?"

"This is Ruby," Belle introduced. "She's from my village and came with us."

Tiana chuckled, ruffling Ruby's hair gently. "Well, aren't you adorable!"

Ruby blushed slightly but grinned back. "Thanks!"

Meanwhile, Maurice approached the counter, tipping his hat politely. "Excuse me, I'd like to rent two rooms. One for me and one for my daughter and her friend."

The innkeeper nodded, handing him the keys. "Rooms 5 and 6, up the stairs."

"Thank you kindly," Maurice replied.

Belle, still holding Tiana's hands, beamed. "We're staying here for the week! I can't wait to catch up."

Tiana grinned. "Me neither. Come on, let's get you settled, and then we'll have lots to talk about."

As the group made their way upstairs, Ruby whispered to Belle, "She seems nice."

Belle smiled warmly. "Yeah she is."