Life is anything but easy, especially for someone like me, Aurora— a 21 year-old human girl. I was born into a world where humans are no longer the rulers, where we've become nothing more than second-class citizens, existing solely to serve the ruling werewolf elite.

In the past, humans thrived, blissfully unaware of the existence of magic and the creatures that lurked in the shadows. But those days faded away as the werewolf population swelled, and they arrogantly declared their superiority. Now, humans are mere subjects, forced into servitude, our once-proud existence reduced to laborers for the werewolves' every whim.

Our lands have been stolen from us, transformed into the territory of the werewolves. The places we once called home now belong to them, and we're left with nothing but the remnants of our past lives. The struggle for survival is a constant companion, and the specter of death looms over us daily.

The werewolves rule with an iron fist, and any hint of disobedience is met with ruthless punishment. They make it clear that our lives are expendable, easily snuffed out if we dare to resist. It's a grim reality that we face, where the difference between life and death is as thin as a strand of spider silk.

Yet, even in this bleak world, a glimmer of hope persists. Hidden within the desolation are secret rebellion camps, places of refuge for those like me who refuse to accept our fate. I live in one of these camps, surrounded by others who share my desire for freedom. The rebellion is a brave collective of humans, united in our determination to fight against being reduced to mere shadows of citizens.

Our camps are always on the move, constantly shifting to evade the ever-watchful eyes of the werewolves. We know that if they ever discover us, they will not hesitate to wipe us out. But we press on, our spirits unwavering, fueled by a burning determination to reclaim our dignity and rights.

Some of us have even found unlikely allies among the werewolves themselves—those who cannot ignore the cruelties committed by their own kind.

My parents were among the most courageous in the rebellion, fighting for the liberation of humans. They gave their lives for the cause they believed in, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and sacrifice. I respect their ideals and despise what the werewolves have done to our world, but my timid nature has always kept me out of the front lines of trouble.

Within the camp, I'm known for different reasons. I'm not a warrior or a leader; I'm the one who contributes in ways that don't involve the impending war. My fingers are nimble, skilled in weaving and crafting, creating clothing and blankets to keep my fellow rebels warm. I have a green thumb, tending to the camp's garden, coaxing life from the barren soil, providing us with much-needed sustenance. My voice often finds its way into songs and stories, bringing comfort and solace to those weary from the constant struggle.

Despite my inability to match the heroics of my parents, I'm loved by my fellow rebels. They see me as a reminder of the softer side of humanity, a symbol of hope in the midst of despair. They appreciate the warmth I bring to the camp, not just through the fruits of my labor but also through the kindness in my heart.

Tonight, around the campfire's flickering light, we huddle together, our voices hushed, our faces etched with a mixture of fear and anger. The topic of conversation, as it often is, turns to the werewolves and their recent acts of cruelty.

Mara, a fiery woman with fierce determination, spoke first, her voice quivering with intensity. "Did you hear what they did in the neighboring village? A group of werewolves stormed in, accusing the humans of hiding rebels. They tore apart homes, injured innocent people, and left the place in ruins."

A murmur of agreement rippled through our group as we exchanged horrified glances. The werewolves' brutality knew no bounds, and each new atrocity fueled the flames of our resistance.

Riley, a young man known for his daring spirit, added, "And it's not just in the villages. I heard they've been forcing humans to work even longer hours, pushing them to the brink of exhaustion."

Another piped in with their experience. "I saw them today in the market, intimidating the elderly, taking what little they had left. It's unbearable to witness."

We all nodded in solemn agreement. The werewolves' tyranny spared no one, young or old, weak or strong.

But amidst the tales of suffering, there was an undercurrent of defiance. Ethan, our young, charismatic leader, raised his voice. "We can't let their cruelty break us. Our unity is our strength. We have to keep moving, keep resisting, and never lose hope."

Ethan moved with an air of confidence, his presence commanding attention wherever he went. He stood behind where I was sitting, listening intently to the conversation before adding his voice of hope.

When the topic had been thoroughly discussed, Ethan gently placed a hand on my shoulder and said, "Aurora, it's getting late. Would you mind if I walked you back to your tent?"

Feeling a sense of comfort in his protective presence, I nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Ethan."

We began to walk together through the dimly lit camp, the soft crackling of the campfire fading into the background. Ethan looked down at me, his gaze filled with genuine concern. "You know, Aurora, I worry about you sometimes. You're too kind-hearted for this world."

I offered a small smile, my heart touched by his words. "I just want to help in any way I can, Ethan. The world needs more kindness."

He chuckled softly, the sound like a soothing melody in the night. "You're right, Aurora. And someday, when this is all over, I hope you'll make me a very happy man and marry me."

I couldn't help but blush at the unexpected declaration, my heart skipping a beat. "Ethan, I..."

But before I could respond properly, he reached down and kissed my hand gently, a gesture of affection and promise. "Sleep well, my dear Aurora. We'll face the darkness together."

With that, Ethan left me standing by my tent, my heart aflutter with mixed emotions. As I watched him walk away, I realized that my fondness for him is undeniable, yet I never thought of him as more than a friend or leader. Eventually, I settled into my tent, the memory of his kiss on my hand lingering in my thoughts. As I closed my eyes, I couldn't help but wonder what the future held for me in this tumultuous world.

The next morning, as the first rays of dawn pierce through the canopy of trees, I emerge from my tent, my eyes still heavy with sleep. I've barely taken a few steps when I see Ethan waiting for me. A warm smile graces his face as he gestures for me to join him.

I go beside him, my heart fluttering at his presence. He leans in and speaks softly, "Aurora, I wanted to talk to you before we leave for the day. A few of our warriors and I are meeting up with other camp leaders to discuss our next steps in this fight."

I nod, a hint of worry coming over me. "I hope it goes well, Ethan."

Ethan smiles reassuringly. "I believe it will. We need to stand together to bring about change. But don't worry; I'll be back soon."

As we speak, a familiar face approaches. It's Elara, one of the camp's warriors and a dear friend of mine. She wears her determination like armor, and her loyalty to the cause is unwavering.

"Good morning, Aurora," Elara greets me with a warm smile before turning to Ethan. "Ethan, I'm ready to ride out when you are."

Ethan nods and starts walking, signaling the start of our departure. I feel a pang of sadness as they prepare to leave, my anxiety over their safety gnawing at me.

Later, as Ethan and the warriors set off on horseback, Ethan addresses the camp with words of hope. "My fellow rebels, today marks a new chapter in our struggle. Working with these other camps may expedite our cause and bring us closer to the day when we can live in a world where humans are free."

The campers gather around, their faces filled with determination, and they offer their support with fervent cheers. Ethan mounts his horse, but before riding away, he turns one last time to look at me. Our eyes meet, and a silent understanding passes between us. We will meet again soon and properly discuss what he revealed last night.

With a final nod, Ethan spurs his horse forward, leading the group of warriors toward their meeting. As I watch them go, a mix of worry and hope fills my heart. I know that whatever the future holds, their cause is worth fighting for, and I will stand by Ethan and my fellow rebels until the very end.

My day continues like any other in the camp. After Ethan and the warriors have departed, I join my friends for breakfast, engaging in light conversation about the previous night's discussion. Mara, despite the impending mission, is in high spirits and shares a few jokes that bring smiles to everyone's faces.

As the morning sun climbs higher in the sky, I help with various camp chores, tending to the garden and assisting in the kitchen where a group of volunteers is preparing meals for the campers.

A few hours pass, and I find myself sitting with a group of children, their eager faces animated as I tell them a story from a tattered old book. The children listen intently, their imaginations carrying them away to a world beyond the camp's boundaries, before I send them off to their parents.

But around midday, a bone-chilling scream pierces the air, shattering the tranquility that had enveloped our camp. My heart drops. The scream echoes through the trees, sending shivers down the spines of everyone who hears it. But it's not alone. Other screams soon follow.

Chaos erupts as panic spreads like wildfire. My heart races as I try to comprehend the unthinkable. The werewolves, those dreaded and ruthless creatures, must have found us. This large camp, known for its secrecy, has managed to remain hidden until now.

I look around in horror, seeing people running in all directions, desperately seeking refuge. Wolves, their eyes glowing with malevolence, begin tearing through the camp, leaving a trail of dismembered bodies in their wake. The peaceful haven we had known is now a scene of nightmarish brutality.

My friends and fellow rebels, those I had laughed with just hours before, are now fleeing for their lives, their faces twisted with fear. It's a heartbreaking sight as the camp, once a symbol of resistance and hope, descends into chaos.

My instincts kick in, and I run for cover, my heart pounding in my chest. I find a hidden nook among the trees, my breath coming in short, frightened gasps. From my hiding place, I witness the terrible devastation that is unfolding. Never before have I been this close to battle, and it takes everything in me not to be sick to my stomach. With my mind racing, I just try to focus on breathing.

The werewolves, their strength overwhelming, show no mercy. The camp's defenders fight valiantly, but they are gruesomely outmatched. The woods echo with the sounds of battle, the clash of steel against fur, and the anguished cries of those caught in the crossfire.

My mind races with a whirlwind of emotions—fear, sorrow, anger. I had never imagined the brutality of the werewolves would descend upon our camp in such a horrifying manner. It's a nightmare I can't wake from, a stark reminder of the cruel reality we face in this world ruled by wolves.

My heart races even faster as I am abruptly pulled from my hiding place by a menacing figure—a werewolf in human form. Panic surges through me as he exposes me to his fellow comrades. The werewolf's leering comment sends shivers down my spine.

"Hey, I found a pretty one, maybe this mission won't be so boring after all," he sneers, his grip tightening on me.

I scream and struggle, my eyes squeezed shut, unable to bear the terror that surrounds me. My mind fills with desperate thoughts of escape and survival.

But in an instant, everything changes. I feel a sudden warmth, and then I am covered in something wet and sticky. The grip on me vanishes, and I fall to my knees, disoriented and trembling with fear.

When I open my eyes, my heart nearly stops. Before me stands the largest wolf I have ever seen. Its fur is a dark, ominous shade, its eyes are filled with a fierce, protective determination, and its teeth red with fresh blood. The monstrous creature has appeared out of nowhere, its presence both terrifying and strangely comforting.

I can hardly comprehend what has just transpired. I remain on my knees, my breaths coming in ragged gasps, my eyes locked with those of the massive wolf. In that moment, it seems as though the world has shifted, and the balance of power has tilted in an unexpected direction.

The werewolves who had threatened me are in pieces around me, and I am left to grapple with the enigmatic appearance of this colossal protector. Or, perhaps, this wolf has saved me to devour me for himself. From the blood on my body, the dead bodies surrounding me, and the terrifying wolf staring directly into my eyes, my body can't take any more, and the world begins to turn black.

Updated A/N 12/31/23: Hi everyone, I hope you are enjoying the story! For those who would like to read it without ads, it is also now available on Kindle and Amazon under the same tittle and the author name Jessa Skye. Also, if you end up enjoying the book and want a copy or just want to support me as a writer, purchasing my book there would be much appreciated! No worries though, I still have my whole book posted on this site for free (just without my final edits), enjoy!