Chapter 1


The chirping of birds resounds through the forest, as the sun rises, it wakes up from its sleep. It is right in the middle of this, a small figure, strangely early, was running free among the trees, headed north, to be precise to a lake. Not a simple lake, but the heart of that place, everything else, even the only place where Luna could distance herself from her grandfather, even if not by blood.

Once she reached her destination she was enchanted by the beauty of the landscape that she found in front of her, but the feeling of bliss she savored, for a moment, was replaced by some fragmented memories. Precisely at that point, she was found by her adoptive grandfather, in a panic, ten years earlier. Next to the corpses of his parents and his pack, of which he remembered little or nothing. Exterminated by House Black Blood, the original hunters. Unlike ordinary hunters, his grandfather did not hunt supernatural creatures, but took their side, which is why the wizarding world calls him "protector".

A solitary tear ran down her face, but she brushed it away with a wave of her hand and a smile on her lips. He breathed deeply, savoring the fresh morning air, sitting on the lawn, caressing the blades of grass with his fingertips. Her thoughts returning to haunt her, she rolled her green eyes, wondering what life would be like outside the forest. He had always lived there, together with his beloved grandfather, without crossing the territories he knows, without going further, even when curiosity and adrenaline wanted to take over, the fear of disappointing his anchor was stronger. Her grandfather always told her that the normal world and the magical world weren't ready for her yet, this lasted until she stopped asking questions. The only thing she had left was to travel with her imagination, if the things outside were like the ones she read in books or saw on the old television in the living room. What would it have been like to go to school, make new friends, first love or a walk along the seafront, anything, even the most banal? Not that she wanted to go against what her grandfather taught her since she was little, without him we don't know what would have happened to her, he was a good teacher after all, writing and reading were a breeze for her. But training as a hunter was grueling, still bearing the marks of her hard work today. A wolf huntress she was trying to become, to face the outside world as best she could and to fight the ''dangers that could loom''.

To distract herself from her multiple thoughts, Luna took out one of her favorite novels, "Around the World in 80 Days" by Jules Vern, from her battered backpack. Gusts of wind ruffled her long hair, forcing her to fix it every now and then, carefully arranging her bangs and covering her bizarre birthmark on her forehead. She resembled a werewolf version of Queen Serenity from Seilor moon, a moon-shaped birthmark and she was forced not to show it, under the orders of her grandfather, it became a torment and almost a nuisance. She hadn't asked herself many questions, so as not to start a useless discussion, where in the end he would certainly have won. 

So immersed in reading she didn't realize she was being observed, from afar, by a tormented soul, by an enchanted predator, by two blue eyes who at that moment swore to protect her at the cost of their lives. A boy fights with himself and, not wanting to disturb his protégé, he quickly runs away from there. Luna, hearing a rustle of leaves, turned around, frowned and narrowed her eyes to see something, she didn't see anything, but she smelled a good orange scent with a musky note. She got up to understand where it came from or who it belonged to, she ran realizing that a stranger had crossed the forest territories, she was forced to stop when she reached the rose hedges full of thorns that signaled the border. Out of breath he leaned against a tree, putting his hands in his hair, he snorted - Shit! - she said through gritted teeth, she had just let something big slip. He looked at the watch on his wrist, cursed when he saw that he was late again, I roll my eyes, running a hand over his face and letting out an exasperated growl, not only because she had to rush all the way home, but aware that once she arrived her grandfather would give her a lecture  - I just have to put my soul at rest... - he said.

Once in front of the small house where he lived, I pray that his grandfather hadn't seen the time or was still taking a nap. She opened the door trying to make as little noise as possible, she looked out hearing loud noises coming from the upper floor, she entered the house completely confused due to the presence of many boxes scattered around the living room and the thought of having a lecture took a back seat - I'm back! - he shouted loudly, put down his backpack at the entrance, put on his now old plush slippers, strained his ears to analyze every noise he could hear, not having received an answer, I slowly advanced - Grampa? - she said with a trembling voice and holding her breath, while anxiety rose inside her. - They're in the attic! - he breathed a sigh of relief hearing his grandfather's voice after five minutes. He was a very powerful man of stature, his dark hair was always messy. On his face you could perceive the arrival of sixty years of age, which was well disguised with the presence of the mustache and goatee. He climbed the stairs in a hurry and a small smile on his face - What are you doing? - he asked, seeing him stealing some boxes - I'll take you for a ride - he said out of the blue - I've already taken a tour, for your information - she replied, approaching him, studying his movements - Today we're going downtown to do some shopping - he corrected her, taking some dusty books. Luna froze on the spot hearing those words, she remembered all the times he had asked her, all the times she had heard a negative answer, a smile escaped her - You're not joking, right? - he asked with a voice full of emotion - I'm no longer old enough to joke - he replied, Luna's motions took over and she hugged him - Stop it, you're only about sixty - he murmured. Jack smiled when he returned the hug, knowing how important it was for his little granddaughter, unaware that she would soon wreak havoc throughout the world. It wasn't an easy choice for him, but it was time to introduce her to life, the real one, at that moment listening to the advice of an old acquaintance of his had been the best thing for both of them - Most importantly - he said, taking a huge plaster out of his pocket and placing it on his forehead, covering the birthmark perfectly- Please don't take it off for any reason in the world - he said winking at him and then exchanging a knowing look.

And that's how Luna later found herself in the car, with her face pressed against the window, enraptured by the landscape that changes from time to time. - Then open the window, you know? - Jack said ironically, giving her a quick look - Press that button - he pointed to a button on the door handle, did what it said and in an instant, his hair was blowing in the wind. Seeing the city for the first time was magical, located in the second county, the first being the moon forest. Germany, like many other nations, according to the magical kingdom, was divided into ten counties or ten territories, each county has a dominant wolf clan, pack or faction, all others inhabiting their territory are under their control and supervision, and people who didn't know about the magical world were called "civilians", this is what her grandfather explained to her in the past. - Can I ask you a question? - the girl said without taking her eyes off the landscape - Tell me darling- - Why did you take me out just now? I mean you always told me that the world wasn't ready etc.. - I watch him tighten his hands on the steering wheel out of the corner of my eye. She didn't want to ruin the day she had waited for all her life, but curiosity devoured her - I thought it was time and that was it - the conversation ended there, his remarriage was not what Luna expected, but he had raised the volume of the radio so as not to continue the discussion.  About half an hour after leaving, they parked in front of a shopping center.

Luna got out of the car, with her heart in her throat, remaining looking at the imposing building that was in front of her eyes, she observed the "civilians" heading towards the structure, those who gave alone or in company. She glanced at her grandfather, beckoning to him, they walked through the entrance and were surrounded by many other people, a feeling of uneasiness began to make itself felt, seeing how strangers looked down on her, judging her by her appearance or her clothing. She felt people's eyes on her, many, too many for her, it was a new sensation for her and she didn't like it at all. He put his arms around his body, trying to pass the observation, grabbed the sleeve of his grandfather's jacket, following him silently. 

They entered a shop, vintage style in shades of white and green, the furniture, the shelves were filled with small and medium-sized interior decorations, lace and lace came out of every corner, paintings depicting canaries hung on the walls. They were welcomed by a lady of about forty years of age at most, her auburn hair waving in the air. Some covered her face, blue eyes were surrounded by a smoky eye. His smile was surrounded by two plump, full lips - Jack finally! I was waiting for you! - he greeted the woman with a hug, and then moved his gaze to Luna - Finally I can meet the very famous Luna Wood! - he said smiling at her and starting to squeeze her cheeks - How do you know my name? - she said instinctively trying to escape from his clutches - You know, your grandfather and I are very good friends, he told me a lot about you - he replied holding out his hand to her - My name is Camille, it's a pleasure to meet you - he said, Luna grabbed her hand not very confident - Luna, now Camille will take you around shopping, then we'll go home, I have to talk to you, okay? - you nodded, looking at him badly.

If he wanted to talk why didn't he do it in the car?

Camille took her arm dragging her out of the shop - Where are we going? - I ask looking around - Today you will taste a whole new world! - Luna nodded vigorously - Then get ready for the best day of your life! - 

Their first stop was an underwear shop, we approached the first sales assistant they found nearby, immediately asking for information. Camille spoke so quickly to her that Luna immediately lost the thread of the conversation, distracted by something else entirely  - It seems like she has a third - Camille murmured - Maybe, I think even more - Luna looked up seeing the faces of the two women who were looking at her chest, embarrassed and with her cheeks burning she covered herself with her hands, the two exchanged a look and burst into laughter. They pushed her into a dressing room, passing her various underwear, without her having any say in the matter. She put on the first one she came across, she turned it over in her hands, the bra was black on the front and had curled tulle, black lace at the edges and surrounded by small powder pink flowers, and the bottom piece matched - I have to admit that this thing is nice...- he said to himself as he put it on. She came out shyly to show it, bit her lip waiting for a reaction from the two who looked at her with wide eyes - Am I that bad? - - No, not at all, you're fine. What do you think Scarlett? - Camille said referring to the sales assistant - Girl, let me tell you, you're placed really well - she commented, moving closer to fix her better - Are you sure? - - Look in the mirror - said Scarlett, she turned to see her reflection, widening her eyes - I agree with you - she admitted admiring herself, and realized that in her entire life she had never paid attention to what she wore under her clothes, and she had never worn a bra, it fell exactly six places and emphasized her curves - You're a real sexy bomb - Scarlett said jokingly, smiling.

She spent an hour trying on all kinds of things, looking at a few clothes here and there, until she ended up entering several shoe shops. Luna left there with shaking legs and aching feet - Why did you make me get on those stilts?! - she said leaning on a bench nearby, in the restaurant area, sighing with relief once she sat down - They are called heels, and they have an important role in the lives of many women - Camille explained, sitting next to her. The discomfort that Luna had felt at the beginning had disappeared, managing to perceive the freedom she was looking for, she still couldn't believe she was there, outside her prison, now she was realizing what it was - I'm going to buy something to eat, do you want anything in particular? - I ask Camille, placing the envelopes in the place she had occupied - You decide. Surprise me - Luna said smiling - This day can only go for the best - she thought a moment after Camilla had walked away. 

While waiting she looked around noticing, a few meters from her, a group of boys gathered in a secluded spot. He narrowed his gaze, trying to figure out what was so interesting. Alarm bells started ringing in his little head when he realized they were holding a girl hostage, with her back against the wall and a scared expression on her face. Faithfully listening to his instincts, he didn't have to be told twice that he ran to help the girl, with the risk of colliding with some passers-by due to the speed with which he ran. Seeing one of the group raise his hand to give her a slap, he stood in front of the girl, stopping the boy by the wrist - Try to touch a single hair on her hair and you won't make it to the end of the day - she hissed annoyed, narrowing her gaze - Breast? What are you doing? - the boy urges her, with a mocking smile - Better not to find out, trust me - I speak clearly, increasing my grip on her wrist. In his eyes you could see the first signs of suffering, but even with that, the grin was still present on the face of the tawny owl who found herself in front of her - Are you challenging me? - he growled, his eyes began to change and became completely red, trying to intimidate her in some way and shamelessly showing her that he was a wolf - Yes - he said before bringing his arm behind his back to knee him in the abdomen, which made him double over and fall, in pain, to the ground. In a hurry, Luna took the girl by the wrist and took her away from there as quickly as possible, while the boy's friends who had remained idle until a moment before helped him. They slowed down, only when they were sure they had outpaced them - Are you okay? - she asked worriedly - Yes, thank you - said the stranger again, shaken by what had happened, putting her hands in her brown hair, she had cat-like eyes, dark and deep, a perfectly straight nose, pale skin in contrast with red cheeks and plump lips - No one, ever, had saved me from their clutches - she murmured - What's your name? - asked Luna, sitting on a bench nearby - Evangeline - he replied looking at her to show her a tender smile - Luna - he said winking at her and returning the smile. At that moment she had the impression of being observed, for the second time in the same day, she looked around perceiving in the air the mysterious fragrance that she had smelled in the morning - Who knows who it comes from...- he thought, moving his gaze from person to person - Is everything okay? - Evangelina asked her, taking her hand - Sorry but I really have to go now, please be careful - she said greeting her, before turning and running away to reach Camille, who at that moment was a mixture of anxiety and worry and when she saw her coming she rushed towards her, hugging her - Where have you been? - he asked, stroking her hair and scrutinizing her from head to toe, looking for who knows what - Around - he replied remaining vague, he couldn't tell her that she risked getting into a fight with a stranger, she wouldn't leave the forest again for the rest of her life. At least all the detective films he had watched with his grandfather had done their job and of course the training too - You could have told me! You made me scared! - I look at her for a moment once again - Come on, let's go back to your grandfather - Cammile said, taking her hand, as if she was afraid of losing her. 

The return journey was fairly silent. Neither Jack nor Luna had said a word, again, they parked the car on the side of the road, taking all the day's purchases, heading towards the small house. Once inside they placed the envelopes in the living room, and there, Luna threw herself dead weight on the sofa, closed her eyes expecting a bit of tranquility - Luna, we need to talk - said her grandfather, sitting on the armchair in front of her. Finally, he thought - Since you've grown up, I thought it appropriate to give you a chance - he said, Luna looked at him askance not understanding what he was referring to, is he repeating the same things now? - I want to send you to school, I think the time has come to face the world - he said looking at her in silence, waiting for a reaction from his niece, who was now looking at him with wide eyes - This isn't a dream? Real? Because if it were, I wouldn't want to wake up - she replied with a toothy smile, getting up from the living room to hug him. The idea of ​​going to a school like the ones in the TV series was incredible, but his doubt still made itself felt, it was all too good - Why this decision, right now? - again, the same question. 

After all those years, had the goddess finally listened to her?

- Luna, I won't be here forever, you know this, you have to start managing on your own from tomorrow onwards, okay? - she said caressing her gently - Okay, after all I'm always ready for a new adventure - she replied joyfully winking at him - But - the girl's face darkened - Jokes aside, do you want to leave me? - you feel your throat getting dry thinking that one day your grandfather might no longer be there completely - Of course not, don't get me wrong, but you're almost 16 and in a few years you'll come of age - a twinkle appeared in his eyes - Despite myself, I realize that you are growing up and I can't confine you here - he ran a hand through his hair - It's time for you to take your own path - Luna looked at him for a long time, she perceived the heaviness of his words, she limited herself to hug him and smile at him - Now let's have dinner because tomorrow will be a new day, right? - she said, smiling at him. He reciprocates by going into the kitchen to prepare dinner. Enjoy these moments that will never return, Luna thought, following him, she leaned against the door ledge, with her arms crossed and a loving look. She felt in her wolf instinct that something was changing.


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The girl in the photo is Evangelina.

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