NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Shadows in the Moonlight
The werewolf's lifeless body lay sprawled in the dirt, its massive form unnaturally still. The forest around them seemed to hold its breath, as if even the trees were stunned by what had just unfolded. Rai knelt next to the creature, staring at its mangled fur and bloodstained claws. For all its ferocity in life, in death, it looked almost... human.
Tenzai sheathed his blade, his movements sharp and purposeful. "Don't let its appearance fool you," he said, his voice cold. "This was no victim. It chose to give in to the curse, to become a monster."
Rai's jaw tightened. "You said it's a curse. Can it be broken?"
Tenzai looked at him, his expression unreadable. "Sometimes, curses aren't meant to be broken. Sometimes, they exist to remind us of what happens when we stray too far into darkness."
The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning. Rai said nothing, but deep inside, a seed of doubt began to take root. Was every werewolf truly beyond saving?
---
They returned to the cabin under the light of the full moon. Tenzai moved quickly, locking the windows and reinforcing the doors with silver chains.
"What are you doing?" Rai asked, setting his crossbow on the table.
"Preparing," Tenzai replied curtly. "That one wasn't alone. Werewolves rarely hunt solo, and when one falls, the others will come. Tonight, we're not the hunters—we're the prey."
Rai felt a chill run down his spine. "How many?"
"Enough to make this a fight we might not walk away from," Tenzai said grimly. "But we'll make them pay for every inch."
Rai nodded, his determination solidifying. He began helping Tenzai lay traps around the cabin: tripwires connected to silver-coated spikes, jars of wolfsbane placed strategically near the entrances, and sharpened stakes buried in the dirt outside.
As the final preparations were made, the distant sound of howls echoed through the forest. They were deep and guttural, carrying a sense of menace that sent a shiver down Rai's spine.
"They know we're here," Tenzai muttered. "And they're coming."
---
Hours passed, each moment stretching into eternity. The forest outside was bathed in moonlight, the shadows shifting and dancing like specters. Rai sat near the fire, his crossbow resting on his lap. His fingers brushed against the silver bolts, their cool touch grounding him.
Tenzai leaned against the wall, his eyes scanning the room. "Tell me, Rai. Why are you doing this? Why risk your life chasing monsters?"
Rai hesitated, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames. "Because they took everything from me. My family, my home... everything. If I don't stop them, who will?"
Tenzai nodded slowly. "Revenge is a powerful motivator, but it's also a heavy burden. It can consume you if you're not careful."
"I don't care," Rai said firmly. "As long as I can stop them, it'll be worth it."
Before Tenzai could respond, a low growl cut through the silence.
"They're here," he said, his voice tense.
Rai stood, his heart pounding as he moved toward the window. The forest outside was alive with movement—shadows darting between the trees, eyes glowing faintly in the dark.
"Tenzai," Rai whispered. "There's more than a few."
Tenzai joined him, his expression hardening. "They brought the whole pack."
---
The first attack came swiftly. A werewolf slammed into the door, its claws raking against the wood as it snarled. Tenzai responded instantly, thrusting a silver-tipped spear through the gap. The beast let out a pained howl, retreating into the night.
"They're testing us," Tenzai said, his grip tightening on the spear. "Looking for weaknesses."
Rai aimed his crossbow at the window, his finger hovering over the trigger. Another werewolf appeared, its massive frame illuminated by the moonlight. Without hesitation, Rai fired. The bolt struck its shoulder, but the creature barely flinched.
"They're tougher than the last one!" Rai shouted.
"That's because they're angry," Tenzai said, grabbing another spear. "And anger makes them reckless."
The next attack was more coordinated. Two werewolves lunged at the cabin from opposite sides, their claws tearing at the walls. Rai and Tenzai fought back with everything they had, but the beasts were relentless.
One of the creatures broke through a window, its massive claws reaching for Rai. He rolled to the side, grabbing a jar of wolfsbane and hurling it at the beast. The glass shattered, and the liquid splashed across its face. The werewolf let out a deafening roar, its skin sizzling as the wolfsbane took effect.
"Nice throw!" Tenzai called, fending off another attacker.
Rai didn't have time to respond. Another werewolf charged through the door, its glowing eyes locked onto him. He raised his crossbow, but the beast was too fast. It slammed into him, knocking him to the ground.
The creature's claws raked against his chest, but Rai managed to grab a silver dagger from his belt. With a desperate cry, he plunged the blade into the werewolf's side. The beast howled in pain, staggering back.
"Finish it!" Tenzai shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.
Rai grabbed a silver bolt and drove it into the creature's heart. The werewolf collapsed, its body twitching before finally going still.
---
By the time the last werewolf fell, the cabin was in ruins. The walls were splintered, the windows shattered, and the air was thick with the scent of blood and wolfsbane.
Rai sank to the floor, his chest heaving as he surveyed the carnage.
"Is it over?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Tenzai nodded, though his expression was grim. "For now. But this was just the beginning. The pack won't take this loss lightly."
Rai looked at the bodies of the fallen werewolves, their forms slowly reverting back to human. His stomach churned at the sight.
"They were people," he said quietly.
"They were monsters," Tenzai replied. "And monsters need to be stopped."
Rai said nothing, but the doubt from earlier crept back into his mind. How many more would have to die before this war was over? And in the end, would it even matter?
The howls of distant wolves echoed through the night, a chilling reminder that the fight was far from over.