The scent of pine and damp moss clung to the air as dawn crept over the forest. A pale mist curled around the Blackwood estate like a living thing, reluctant to let go of the secrets buried beneath the trees.

Lexi stood in the clearing behind the manor, her arms folded tightly across her chest. The night’s revelations still echoed in her mind like a drumbeat.

Werewolf.

Julian was a werewolf.

And somehow, she was part of this now.

He hadn’t said the words you’re in danger—he hadn’t needed to. The fear in his eyes last night had been enough. Something had followed her here. Something just like him… but worse.

She turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. Julian emerged from the tree line, shirtless again, wearing only black joggers and boots, his body still damp from an early run. His hair was disheveled, and a sheen of sweat glistened along his collarbone, catching the morning light.

“Good,” he said, his voice low. “You’re up.”

“You said we’d start at dawn.”

He tossed her a wooden training staff. She caught it, her grip unsure.

“I figured you might want to hit something.”

Lexi arched a brow. “You volunteering?”

A small smile curved his lips. “Not yet.”

They moved to the center of the clearing. The grass beneath them was slick, but firm. Julian circled her slowly, like a predator assessing its prey—but his eyes weren’t cold. They were focused, unreadable, but alive with something deeper. Pride? Concern?

“First rule,” he said. “Trust your instincts. If you feel something’s wrong, it probably is.”

Lexi nodded.

“Second rule: if you’re ever cornered, don’t freeze. Move. Fight. Run. But never freeze.”

“Got it.”

“Third rule…” He stopped in front of her, inches away. “Don’t let the fear stop you. Fear is a weapon, just like that staff. If you control it, it works for you. If you let it control you…” He shook his head. “You won’t survive what’s coming.”

Lexi’s throat tightened. “What is coming, Julian?”

He exhaled slowly, stepping back. “There’s another one like me, but feral. It’s been killing across the valley. The signs were subtle at first—animal mutilations, strange scents, tracks no one could identify. But last month, a hunter went missing. Found what was left of him in the ravine.”

Lexi felt her stomach churn. “You think it’s after me?”

“I think it caught your scent the night you arrived in Black Hollow. And I think it knows you’re important to me.”

His words hung in the morning air like a vow. Lexi looked away, trying to steady herself. “You said your family was cursed. Is that what this is? A bloodline thing?”

“Yes. My ancestors made a deal generations ago—a pact with something ancient in the forest. Power in exchange for loyalty. But they didn’t understand what they were inviting in. Now, every Blackwood heir carries the curse. Some control it… others lose themselves to it.”

“And this other creature?”

Julian’s jaw tightened. “He’s one of us. Or… was.”

Lexi gripped the staff harder. “So what do I need to do?”

Julian met her gaze. “You need to be stronger. Faster. Smarter. If this thing gets close, you won’t have time to scream.”

She didn’t flinch. “Then teach me.”

And he did.

For hours, they moved across the clearing. He taught her stances, balance, and how to strike with precision. Lexi was a quick study—every block, every counter-strike sharpened by sheer determination. She wasn’t just learning how to fight for survival—she was fighting for control. Over her life. Over her fear. Over the chaos Julian’s world had become.

After a particularly intense sparring session, Lexi landed a blow across Julian’s ribs. He staggered back, laughing breathlessly.

“You’re holding back less,” he said, catching the staff as it fell from her hands. “Good.”

She wiped sweat from her brow. “Don’t flatter me. You’ve barely broken a sweat.”

Julian stepped closer. “I’m sweating plenty. Just not because of the fight.”

Lexi’s heart stuttered.

His hand reached out and gently tilted her chin up. “You’re not who I expected, Lexi. But I’m glad you’re here. Even with everything happening… it feels like the world makes more sense when you’re near.”

Her breath caught, her defenses wavering again. “I don’t know if I’m ready for any of this. The creature, the curse… you.”

Julian’s eyes searched hers. “You don’t have to be ready. Just don’t run.”

“I won’t.”

A soft breeze stirred the trees, and a scent hit Lexi’s nose—metallic. Wrong. Sharp.

Julian’s expression shifted instantly.

He turned toward the forest. “Stay behind me.”

Lexi followed his gaze. Movement. Just beyond the tree line.

A shadow. Low to the ground. Fast.

Julian stepped forward, his body tense, every muscle on alert. “Go inside. Now.”

But Lexi didn’t move. “What is it?”

Julian growled low in his throat. “It’s watching us.”

The shape vanished before Lexi could see it clearly. But she felt the pressure of its presence, like cold hands pressing against her skin.

Julian turned to her, voice urgent. “I need to get you into the house. The wards are stronger there.”

“Wards?”

“Protective runes. My family’s been using them for generations to keep the estate secure. But they won’t hold forever.”

He took her hand and led her back toward the manor at a near-run.

As they reached the stone steps, Lexi stopped. “Julian—if this thing wants me, why?”

He turned, his face grim. “Because it senses something in you. Something dormant.”

Lexi blinked. “What are you talking about?”

Julian hesitated. Then finally said the words that would change everything.

“Lexi… you might not just be part of this. You might be busy and I wouldn't want to stress you