Moonstone mysteries; The Werewolf Within

Stuck in a muzzle

Aiva's voice crackled over the radio, tension evident in her tone. "Team, where is Adam? Report his location immediately."

Stephanie's voice came through, hesitant and filled with guilt. "Aiva, he... he stormed off. He jumped off a cliff and dove into a cave we didn't even know existed until earlier. It was almost like he was acting on pure instinct."

Aiva clenched her fists, her anger barely contained. "Damn it! We were supposed to contain him! How could you let him get away like that?"

Stephanie's response was barely a whisper. "I'm sorry, Aiva. We tried, but he was too strong."

Aiva took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. "Everyone, rendezvous at the cliffside ASAP. We need to find Adam before it's too late."

Bryce's voice cut in, calm yet firm. "Aiva, maybe you should stay behind. Let me handle this. You're too emotionally involved."

Aiva bristled, her eyes narrowing. "Emotionally involved? Bryce, he's my responsibility. I'm not sitting this out."

Bryce sighed, frustration seeping into his words. "Aiva, listen to me. You know how dangerous this is. If you're not thinking clearly, you could get hurt—or worse. Just let me and the others take care of it."

Aiva's eyes blazed with determination. "No, Bryce. I'm going. I know the risks, but Adam needs me. I won't abandon him."

The tension between them was palpable, a silent battle of wills. Bryce's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue further. He knew Aiva well enough to understand that once she made up her mind, there was no changing it.

"Fine," Bryce muttered, his voice resigned. "But stick close. We need to work together on this."

Aiva nodded, her resolve unwavering. "Agreed. Let's move out."

The team mobilized quickly, their movements coordinated and efficient despite the underlying tension. As they made their way to the cliffside, Aiva's mind raced with worry for Adam. She hoped they could reach him in time, knowing that every second counted in their desperate search.

***

Meanwhile, at the cliff top, Luna, Stephanie, and Ethan waited for Aiva and Bryce. Luna was visibly struggling, her eyes flicking between the group and the full moon overhead. Her annoyance was clear as she muttered under her breath, wishing for the moon to just let her be.

Stephanie placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Hang in there, Luna. Aiva and Bryce will be here soon."

Just then, Aiva and Bryce appeared, urgency etched on their faces. Aiva wasted no time. "Alright, here's the plan. We need to descend this cliff slowly and steadily. We have to find Adam and get him out of there."

Luna, however, had other ideas. "I'll see you down there," she said with a hint of defiance. She leaped off the cliff, landing gracefully at the bottom, her werewolf abilities allowing her to absorb the impact effortlessly.

As Luna ventured into the cave, she was greeted by a grim sight. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, their lifeless forms wrapped in cloth. She knelt down to examine one and realized with a sinking feeling that these were werewolf hunters from a company she knew all too well. The familiar insignia on their uniforms sent a shiver down her spine.

Her eyes narrowed in determination as she let the transformation take over, her body elongating and muscles rippling under the moon's influence. Her senses sharpened, and she caught Adam's scent, faint but unmistakable. With a deep growl, she dashed deeper into the cave, leaving Aiva and Stephanie behind.

The cave grew darker and more oppressive the further she went. The scent trail led her to a chamber where the air was thick with tension and the metallic tang of blood. There, she found Adam, chained and muzzled, his massive werewolf form restrained by heavy iron and silver.

***

Meanwhile, Ethan sat on top of the cliff, the glow of his cigarette illuminating his troubled expression. Smoke curled lazily around him, a stark contrast to the chaotic emotions churning within. He stared out into the darkness, replaying the events from earlier in his mind.

Flashback to earlier: Ethan stood at the edge of the cliff, peering down into the yawning abyss of the cave. His heart pounded in his chest, his palms slick with sweat. He was trying to muster the courage to follow the others when Stephanie approached him, her eyes filled with understanding.

"Ethan, maybe it's best if you stay up here," she suggested gently. "You can be our lookout. It'll be safer for you."

He hesitated, his pride warring with his fear. "But, Steph, I should be down there with you guys. I should be helping."

Stephanie placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "You are helping. We need someone to keep an eye out up here. Besides, it's better if you're safe."

Reluctantly, Ethan nodded, accepting her logic even though it gnawed at him. He watched as Stephanie disappeared into the cave, a sense of helplessness washing over him.

Back to the present: Now, sitting alone under the vast expanse of the night sky, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy. He felt like a coward, staying outside while his girlfriend risked her life in the darkness below.