06

On that fateful day of training, the air crackled with intensity as Joseph launched his relentless assault. My reflexes kicked into high gear, evading his strikes with calculated precision. The tempo of the sparring session escalated, Joseph's attacks growing swifter, and the heat coursing through my veins intensified, hinting at a transformation about to unfold.

In the midst of the heightened chaos, an inexplicable surge surged through my entire being. The familiar emotions welled up within me, swirling with a potent mix of excitement and trepidation. It was as if an ancient force long dormant within me had awakened, stirring every fiber of my being.

As the world seemed to shift around me, my body underwent a profound metamorphosis. A strange sensation rippled through my limbs, as if my very joints were undergoing a mystical realignment. Time itself seemed to warp, stretching languidly as every passing second felt like an eternity.

The deceleration of time unveiled a surreal panorama, allowing me to perceive every minute detail with remarkable clarity. The expressions etched on the faces of those around me became discernible, their unspoken words silently articulated through the subtle movements of their lips.

In this altered state, I witnessed the transformation of my own hands, my fingers elongating and curving into razor-sharp claws. They radiated a vivid hue of crimson, akin to the ferocious talons of a majestic red wolf. It was an embodiment of my inner strength and the ancestral ties that bound me to the MoonWar legacy.

Caught in a bewildering mix of awe and exhilaration, I marveled at the primal power that coursed through me. In this extraordinary moment, I had become something more than human, an embodiment of the wolf's ferocity and indomitable spirit.

As I adapted to this newfound form, a profound realization washed over me. This transformation was a testament to my deep connection with the MoonWar lineage, an acknowledgment of my true heritage. With the red wolf claws as my symbols of strength, I embraced the destiny that awaited me and the extraordinary path I was destined to tread.

A huff of surprise erupted from around the room. The onlookers of the clan were cheering for me.

"Oh my God, Lya! Your wolf is the color of fire!"

"It's the first time I've seen a wolf of this color."

I easily dodged Joseph's fist, spun around and jumped up, easily pinning Joseph down, just as Allora had done, with my paws pressed firmly against Joseph's head so that he could not move.

The cheers got even more dramatic as everyone was amazed that I had beaten the MoonWar's Beta Joseph after only a short month of practice!

I was so excited that I pressed Joseph's head and howled at the sky. The people around me started to echo me, and the sound of wolves howling rang through the MoonWar's training ground.

"Lya, will you please let me go?"

Not until Joseph spoke under my paws did I realize I had forgotten to let go of him.

I hastily removed my paws, reverted to human, and helped Joseph up, "I am sorry, I got carried away, I am sorry."

"It's okay," Joseph casually patted the dirt on him and extended his hand at me, "Congratulations, Lya, you are now arguably one of the strongest fighters in our MoonWar. I have expected this day to come soon, because you are working so hard."

With uncontainable joy coursing through my veins, I disregarded any formalities, ignoring Joseph's extended hand. Instead, I leapt into the air, my elation propelling me towards him with unbridled enthusiasm.

I embraced Joseph tightly, laughter bubbling forth from the depths of my being. "I did it! I did it!" I exclaimed, the words punctuated by peals of infectious laughter that filled the air.

Yet, before the euphoria of victory could fully settle, a jarring interruption shattered the momentary bliss. The unmistakable sound of a familiar voice reached my ears, causing my heart to skip a beat.

A pair of large hands forcibly wrenched me away from Joseph's embrace, the abruptness catching me off guard.

"Lya! What are you doing? Come back with me," the commanding voice belonged to none other than Miguel.

His sudden appearance within the realm of MoonWar sent shockwaves of surprise rippling through my being.

How had he managed to infiltrate the hallowed grounds of MoonWar?

Confusion mingled with a flicker of apprehension as I found myself torn between the palpable pull of my new world and the persistent presence of Miguel, a lingering tie to my previous life. The convergence of these two realms, each holding a significant place within my heart, left me grappling with conflicting emotions.

As I locked eyes with Miguel, I detected a mixture of concern and determination etched upon his features. His unexpected arrival sparked a cascade of unanswered questions, weaving a tapestry of mystery around his presence within the sacred domain of MoonWar.

The air crackled with tension as our gazes locked, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy between us.

In that pivotal moment, the path before me diverged, splitting into two distinct directions. I stood at the crossroads, torn between the world I had come to cherish and the person who had been an integral part of my past. The choice that lay ahead loomed large, its consequences shrouded in uncertainty, as I grappled with the decision that would shape my destiny.

Before I could react, I was pulled forward a few steps by Miguel.

"Hey, who are you!" Joseph came forward and slapped Miguel' hand away from grabbing my arm, "Please watch your own behavior."

"Who am I?" I saw a mocking smile on Miguel' face, "I think you should start by asking who this lady is that you were just cuddling with, who stirred up our GreyStone Pack and then came here and slutty cuddled with you."

Joseph did not know my story in GreyStone Pack, and when he heard Miguel's words, his eyes showed a trace of confusion, and then turned his eyes to me, as if asking me if that was true.

I could not imagine that Miguel had the face to talk to me about GreyStone Pack.

My face turned red with anger and I reached out and pushed him hard, "Take your damn GreyStone Pack away and leave me alone!"

"Am I bothering you?" Miguel did not seem to expect me to push him back a few steps and was very annoyed, "I would not have brought my people here if you had not jumped off the waterfall."

His words reminded me of that nightmarish day and his patronizing tone made my anger rise, he did not understand anything!

"Oh yeah?" I rolled my eyes and said mockingly, "Then you should better go find out why I jumped off the waterfall instead of accusing me here."

**

FLASHBACK ON

The sun cast a warm glow on the day of my seventh birthday party, a facade of happiness that hid the darkness lurking within our home.

Amidst the cheerful celebrations, I found solace in the presence of a young boy named Miguel. His gentle eyes beckoned me to share the burdens that weighed heavily on my young heart.

We spent the day playing, our laughter filling the air as we ran and explored together. Our games came to a halt as we collapsed onto the soft grass, seeking respite from our youthful adventures. Looking up at the sky, clouds dancing above, a sense of peace washed over us.

Miguel turned his gaze towards me, his voice sincere and tender. "Lya, you are so pretty and delicate," he said softly, his words carrying a touch of awe.

The compliment ignited a blush on my cheeks, and in that moment, I mustered the courage to show him how I felt. I leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss on Miguel's cheek, sealing our unspoken bond with a simple act of affection.

The tranquility was shattered by the sound of my adoptive mother's voice calling my name. Aurora's mere presence sent a wave of fear crashing through me, for I knew the torment that awaited in her company.

I cringed, my body tensing with dread. Seeking solace in Miguel's comforting embrace, I whispered, "I am scared of her. Aurora treats me so badly, and I do not know how to make it stop."

Miguel held me tighter, his arms offering a shield against the storm brewing within me. "You do not have to be afraid," he assured me, his voice a soothing balm to my wounded spirit. "Lya, I promise you, I will protect you."

Tears welled in my eyes, their cascading paths a mix of anguish and relief. In that moment, Miguel's words carried a weight that lifted my burdens ever so slightly. I had someone by my side who understood, someone who would stand tall against the tides of adversity.

We remained there, nestled in each other's embrace, finding solace in the bond we had forged amidst the chaos of our lives. Miguel's whispered promise echoed in my ears, a beacon of hope guiding me through the darkness.

As we lay on that patch of grass, gazing at the expansive sky, I knew I had found my guardian in Miguel. He would protect me, guide me, and be the rock I needed in the face of turmoil.

FLASHBACK OFF