"Looking for something in particular?" the elderly librarian asked as Ariana wandered in the north wing of the library.

"Lunar mythology," Ariana replied.

The librarian smiled faintly. "Professor Vulkar's class, I assume?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Third shelf from the window," the woman said, confirming the directions from the note. "Most students don't find that collection until their third year, you know. I hope you enjoy it.

“Thank you ma’am.’’ Ariana thanked the woman who turned to the west wing to continue her work.

Ariana made her way through the shelves until she found the section. The note was right and so was the librarian. The third shelf had a vast collection of books on lunar myths from around the world.

One particular volume caught her eye. It was bound with dark blue leather and had silver lettering.

"Moonlight Transformations: The Truth Behind the Myths." It seemed like it was almost glowing among the other books.

As she reached for it, another hand appeared, touching the book at the same moment.

"Oh!" Ariana gasped, turning to find Professor Vulkar behind her.

"Miss Rae," he called her name as he withdrew his hand. "I see you found the section."

"Yes, thank you for the note sir," she said, her heart still racing because of his sudden appearance.

"This particular volume," he tapped the blue book, "is really rare. It is one of the only three copies in existence."

"Wow, really? That’s surprising," Ariana said, carefully taking it from the shelf.

"It is, though some consider its theories mere myths and stories."

“Well aren’t they just stories?’’

Professor Vulkar responded to her question with a smile. Ariana was embarrassed.

"Do you believe them? Ariana looked deep into his eyes. “The theories, I mean." Ariana asked

"I believe there are mysteries in this world that science is yet to explain." He replied looking right back into her eyes. “There is a lot human’s don’t yet understand.’’

Their eyes locked, both refusing to take their eyes off each other. The strange connection between them grew stronger this time.

Professor Vulkar broke their gaze first, looking at the darkening sky outside the window. "It's getting late. You should return to your dormitory before sunset."

"The library is open until midnight," Ariana said, not willing to leave the moment yet.

"Nevertheless," he said firmly, "Oaks Haven after dark can be dangerous."

Before she could argue with him further, Blake appeared around the corner.

"Ariana! There you are," he said, stopping abruptly in shock when he saw the professor. "Oh, Professor Vulkar. Good evening, sir."

"Mr. Grant," Vulkar acknowledged him. "I trust you're making progress on your overdue assignment?"

Blake answered uncomfortably. "Yes, sir. I am actually working on it now." He said scratching his hair.

"See that you do." With one last look at Ariana, Professor Vulkar walked away.

"What was that about?" Blake whispered once the professor was far from them.

"He was helping me find research materials, that's all." Ariana explained, holding up the book so Blake would see.

Blakedidn’t believe her. "Hmmm, from the restricted section? How did you get permission?"

"The restricted section?" Ariana’s eyes widened in disbelief. "The librarian didn't say anything about restrictions."

"Really? That’s strange. Those books usually need special permission to read them." Blake looked at the volume in her hands. "Why is he taking so much interest in you?"

"I don't know," Ariana answered innocently. "Maybe its because I'm new?"

Blake didn't look convinced but he shrugged the feeling away. "Anyway, Valerie sent me to find you. We're having dinner in town if you want to join."

"Nah, I’ll pass.’’ Ariana said, waving it off with her hands.

“You go ahead," Ariana said, already opening the book. "I want to start reading this.’’ She held the book as she spoke.

“Fine, suit yourself. We are going to have all the fun then.’’ Blake said, preparing to leave.

“I am sure I’ll catch you up.’’ She patted his back as he turned to leave.

“Yeah, whatever.’’ Blake said jokingly and left.

After Blake left, Ariana found a quiet table by a window where she could see the woods beyond the university premises. As evening fell, she was lost in reading stories of moonlight magic and human transformation.

The book described cultures that worshipped the moon and believed certain bloodlines could use its power to change form.

What fascinated Ariana the most was how similar these stories were across different cultures and tribes.

One passage particularly caught her attention.

“In the ancient town of Lupine Hollow (now called Oaks Haven), the original settlers had a pact between humans and wolf spirits. Those chosen by the spirits gained the ability to shift between human and wolf forms but were bound to protect the territory from dark forces.’’

"Oaks Haven used to be called Lupine Hollow?" Ariana whispered to herself.

"Did you find something interesting?" a voice asked.

Ariana was frightened. She looked up and saw a petite woman with dark hair and warm brown eyes watching her.

"I'm sorry," the woman said. "I didn't mean to frighten you. I am Ava Singh, Professor Vulkar's research assistant."

"Ariana Rae," she replied, extending her hand for a handshake.

Ava's grip was really firm. "I know who you are. The professor mentioned you will be using this section of the library." Her tone was friendly, but something in her eyes felt she was sizing Ariana up..

"Did he send you to help me out?" Ariana asked, curious.

"Not exactly." Ava looked at the open book. "I see you found the town's history. Interesting, isn't it?"

"Kind of.’’ Ariana replied, nodding her head. “ Was Oaks Haven really called Lupine Hollow?" Ariana asked.

Ava nodded. "Yes it was until 1702. The name changed after the Great Fire."

"What Great Fire?" Ariana said, shaking her head in curiosity.

"It's not in many of the history books," Ava said, taking a seat across from Ariana. "Over half the town was burned. Some say it was an accident, some others claim it was deliberate, to destroy evidence."

"Evidence of what?"

"The wolf people, of course." Ava replied with a whisper.

A chill ran down Ariana's spine. "Wolf people aren’t real."

"You seem so sure" Ava smiled mysteriously. "This town holds many secrets, Ariana. Many of them live among us."

The library bell rang, signaling thirty minutes until closing.

"I should go," Ava said, rising up to leave. "The professor doesn't like me talking too much about local legends to newbies. He says it always gives the wrong impression."

"Wait," Ariana called Ava as she turned to leave. "Do you believe it? You know the wolf people?"

Ava paused before she answered. "It doesn’t matter what I believe. But if I were you, I'd be careful what questions I asked in Oaks Haven. Not everyone likes newbies sniffing around.’’

Ariana didn’t say anything, she was confused.

What exactly was lurking in the shadows of Oaks Haven? She needed to find out.