CHAPTER 03 - ESCAPING THE TRANSFORMATION

Placing my calmer nephew back in the crib, he turned his icy gaze towards me.

“You ask too many questions, human,” he said, his voice carrying an enigmatic tone.

“I've already told you, I need answers!” I protested, stomping my foot. He continued to assess my body with his penetrating eyes, making my skin tingle wherever his gaze passed.

At one point, his eyes fixed on my ankle, causing me to instinctively pull my leg back.

“You're asking the wrong questions,” the man in front of me declared, his curious expression furrowing his brow. “You've been bitten, aren't you concerned about the transformation you're going through?” His eyes returned to mine, probing my reaction.

“Transformation?” I looked at my ankle, pondering his echoing words in my mind. I hesitated before asking, “What are you talking about?”

Abruptly, he moved closer and forcefully pulled my leg forward, revealing the freshly tended bite.

“You've been bitten by a wolf, and you're human.” He continued to stare at me, his tone impatient. “Hmph, are all humans this slow?”

“And how many humans have you met who speak this way?” I protested, crossing my arms. “You speak in riddles!”

“Enough to despise them,” he said, rising from my leg and coming inches from my face. I could feel his warm breath on my face and his controlled breathing. “You've been marked by a wolf; that means you'll undergo a transformation from human to wolf if you survive!”

“If I survive?” I moved closer to him, unaware of the short distance between our bodies. “ I don't want to be one of you… I don't want to die!” I let the fear show in my eyes. He held his gaze until he smiled sarcastically.

“Then don't die!” he said, stepping back. “Until we figure out your involvement with the rival pack and the purpose of their plan, you'll be under surveillance in our cabin.”

“I was attacked by them, how could I be in cahoots with those mangy wolves?”

“It could be part of the plan; I don't know how much you resemble your sister,” he said. His fists were clenched as he turned away, stopping at the door and speaking over his shoulder. “Your transformation will occur in three nights when the moon reaches its fullness. Enjoy your nephew while you still have time. It will be the last time I show any benevolence towards you, human!”

He left, leaving me with more questions than answers. Fear lingered in my mind as I looked at Conan peacefully resting in his crib. How could I be so fragile? I am condemned to a transformation I don't understand; I could die in the process.

No, I won't die and let this Alpha raise him! Agatha ran from him when she could, and I'm sure she had good reasons. Judging by his attitude, I would say I would have run away just because of his arrogance.

“Maybe we should escape from here, my brave one,” I whispered to the beautiful baby.

The moon cast a silver light through the window, illuminating Conan's small face as he slept peacefully in his crib. It was a comforting sight amid the whirlwind of uncertainties that now filled my life.

I decided that I couldn't allow the transformation to happen. I didn't want to be a part of something that had forcibly marked me. My sister Agatha and I had always been close, and I had to find out what happened to her and why she ran away and became a fugitive from her own child's father.

I carefully cradled the baby in my arms, making sure not to wake him. He was my responsibility now, and I would do anything to protect him.

I quietly exited the room, gliding through the dark and cold cabin. The night breeze brushed against my face as I reached the entrance. The door was locked, but I had to get out of there, find answers, avoid the transformation, and protect my nephew.

My steps were light as I walked down the dim hallway, my restless mind searching for solutions. I had no allies, no one to turn to, but I knew I needed to find someone who could help me.

With Conan safely in my arms, I descended the stairs and stealthily exited the cabin through the back doors. The cool night air enveloped me, filling my lungs with the promise of freedom. I was determined to protect my nephew, uncover the truth about Agatha, and avoid the fate that awaited me like a looming shadow under the full moon.

“Going somewhere, human?” he said abruptly, causing me to stop abruptly. I turned to look, and he stood there with his hands in his pockets, relaxed, as if he had already expected my escape, as if he had read my mind.

“You were expecting this?” I inquired, clutching my nephew tightly, ready to run.

“It was inevitable,” he shrugged. “You took longer than expected to consider escaping. Besides, you're slow and a coward, it seems.” Sarcasm was evident in his posture and voice.

“You already know?” I asked, holding my nephew close, determined to make a run for it.

“It was imminent.” He shrugged again. “Don't try to run with him in your arms; you'll end up dropping him, and then I'll have to kill you for hurting him.”

“How do you…”

“I can smell your fear and insecurity,” he interrupted. “You're feeling cornered, like an easy prey. It's not difficult to predict your movements.”

“Let us go, please.” I swallowed hard, afraid of his approach. “I will stop this transformation and raise Conan far away from all of this.”

“It's not possible to stop the curse, foolish one. The pup belongs to me, you'll die either way, but he.” He tilted his head, pointing to the baby in my arms. “He has a bright future by my side.”

His size was intimidating—double my stature.

“How can you be so sure I'll die? I can survive the transformation, wasn't that what you said?” I challenged him.

“Only the strong survive!” He narrowed his eyes and took more steps toward me.

“Were you ever human?” I asked, perplexed. Could the Alpha have been human at some point?

This made him pause and assess my stance.