SCARLETT THE LAST FERROMANCER

Chapter 1

Scarlett POV 

I practiced swinging my staff with a few quick movements, relishing the sensation of manipulating metals as a means to concentrate without distractions. As I took in the metals surrounding me, my Aura pulsed strongly within my chest. With a quick motion, I hurled the metals into the swimming pool of the abandoned warehouse that served as my refuge.

I am Scarlett, the last mutant and werewolf following the rogue-led third-world invasion. I've been in hiding for years, and I despise interruptions... My thoughts drifted as the metals, previously floating in the air, suddenly plummeted to the ground. I couldn't dodge the heavy iron pieces crashing down on me, nor could I shift into my wolf form for safety. "What on earth is happening?" I shouted, shielding my head with my arms. My eyes widened in horror, realizing that each falling piece could seriously harm an ordinary human.

A few minutes later, I entered the kitchen, scanning for something easy to prepare when something lightly struck me. "Hey, are you hungry? Here," Markus said, tossing me a loaf of bread and a can of fish. I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. "I feel defeated without a purpose; maybe I'm just numb," I exclaimed, glaring at him while he laughed at my reaction. "You're not being sweet; perhaps you don't see how much I've cared for you.”

As I reached for the bread, Mark suddenly grabbed my wrist, pulling me towards him with unexpected force. I knew Mark wasn't the romantic type, but his passionate nature often took me by surprise.

"Not today, Mark," I said calmly, trying to set boundaries.

But before I could finish, his soft lips brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine. My eyes closed involuntarily as his hands moved to my chest, gently massaging my breasts. My nipples hardened, responding to his touch.

"Should we take this somewhere more private?" he whispered in my ear, his warm breath sending tremors through my body. "We wouldn't want Henry to stumble upon us, would we?"

His words made me giggle innocently, despite the growing desire within me.

Mark's eyes sparkled with mischief as he gazed at me, his hands still caressing my body. I felt my resistance melting away under his touch, but I knew I had to be strong.

"Mark, stop," I said firmly, trying to pull away.

But he held me close, his lips inches from mine. "Just one more kiss," he whispered, his breath hot against my skin.

I felt my resolve weakening, but then I remembered Henry's words: "Mom, I don't want to see you and Dad doing gross stuff."

I pushed Mark away, my face flushing with embarrassment. "Not now, Mark. We can't do this here."

"Oh no!" I exclaimed, recoiling in shock. Henry's eyes snapped open, flashing with anger and discomfort.

"Sorry, sweetie," I rushed to him, embracing and stroking his hair. But my apology was cut short as I noticed a mark on his neck - a tattooed werewolf.

I hadn't been paying close attention to my son's life, and now I felt a wave of panic. I stood up abruptly, my voice shaking. "Mark, look at this!"

My words tumbled out in a hurried, hoarse whisper. My eyes were already turning reddish with alarm as I recognized the mark - the same one on my thighs, the signature of Kael DarkHaven, the most powerful mutant werewolf in the world.

"No, not Henry!" I stumbled backward, my hands flying to my hair as if to tear it out. The pain of this revelation was searing into me. I had always prayed to the moon goddess for a child, but not a mutant with a werewolf gene.

Mark's calm voice pierced my hysteria. "Scarlett, calm down. We'll protect Henry from harm. That's our duty as parents.”

"Mom, I've had this tattoo for years and I love it. Why do you look so scared?" Henry asked, his voice filled with a mix of confusion and excitement. "Am I going to turn into a werewolf soon? That would be amazing! Grrrr..." He playfully lunged at me, demonstrating a wolf-like attack, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

His words and actions only made me want to cry more. I had always wanted my son to lead a normal life, like other kids, without the burdens and dangers that came with being a mutant werewolf. Seeing him embrace this part of himself, even if it was just a fantasy, broke my heart.

I sank to his level, my voice trembling as I whispered his name. "Henry..." A deep sigh escaped my lips as I surrendered to my tears, my lashes heavy with the weight of my emotions.

Henry's face contorted in surprise as he touched my face with his tender fingers. "Mom, you're crying," he said, his voice laced with concern.

I nodded, my voice breaking. "Yes, Henry, I am crying. I fear for your future, and I don't want you to feel destined to be a werewolf or a mutant. I want you to have a normal life, free from the burdens that come with this existence.”

Markus's words ignited my fury. "Scarlett, stop being ridiculous!" he exclaimed, but I was beyond reason. My fists clenched, my eyes wide with anger, I struck him swiftly, my punch landing squarely on his face.

"How dare you lecture me on how to care for my son, you fool!" I seethed, wincing in pain as my neck throbbed.

Markus stumbled back, rubbing his cheek protectively. "Scarlett, stop! You're scaring Henry!"

But I was unstoppable, my anger fueling my actions. I advanced on Markus, my arms trembling with rage as I punched him hard.

Just then, Henry's terrified scream shook the house, causing objects to fall off the shelves and the clock to crashto the ground. "No!" I cried out, my heart racing with fear.