Under the Skin

Chapter 12: The Past

As the festival wound down and the crowds began to thin, Kai and Estrella found a quiet spot away from the festivities. They sat on a bench under a large oak tree, the night air cool and refreshing. Kai's thoughts were a whirlwind of memories and questions, the shock of Estrella's return still fresh.

Estrella broke the silence, her voice soft yet steady. "I know you have a lot of questions, Kai. I'll do my best to explain."

Kai nodded, leaning forward. "Start from the beginning. How did you survive? What happened to you?"

Estrella took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pain and resolve. "It all started the night we were ambushed. You remember, don't you? We were out on a routine patrol, just the two of us."

Kai's mind flashed back to that fateful night. They had been close friends, their bond forged through countless battles and shared hardships. He nodded, his expression somber. "I remember. We were caught off guard. I thought... I thought you were killed."

Estrella's eyes flickered with the memory. "I was badly injured, but I managed to escape. I hid in the forest, using what little strength I had left. For days, I barely survived, relying on my training and instincts. Eventually, I was found by a group of rogue werewolves."

Kai's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Rogues? How did you survive with them?"

Estrella's gaze hardened. "It wasn't easy. At first, they didn't trust me, and I didn't trust them. But we shared a common enemy, and that united us. Over time, I earned their respect and became one of their leaders. We fought against the same threats, trying to protect our kind."

Kai's heart ached at the thought of Estrella struggling alone. "Why didn't you try to find me? Or contact the pack?"

Estrella's expression softened. "I wanted to, Kai. But it was too dangerous. The vampires had spies everywhere. If they knew I was alive, they would have come after me—and anyone I contacted. I had to stay hidden, to protect you and the others."

Kai's mind raced, trying to process everything. "And now? Why reveal yourself now?"

Estrella looked into his eyes, her gaze unwavering. "Because the threat is greater than ever. The vampires are getting bolder, their attacks more frequent. I couldn't stay hidden any longer. I needed to find you, to warn you. We need to unite our forces if we're going to stand a chance."

Kai took a deep breath, his resolve strengthening. "You're right. We need to figure out who's behind these attacks and why. We can't let them divide us."

Estrella nodded, a spark of determination in her eyes. "Together, we're stronger. And with your help, we can bring the packs together and fight back."

As they sat in the quiet of the night, Kai felt a sense of purpose. The past had been painful, filled with loss and uncertainty, but now he had a chance to make things right. With Estrella by his side, he felt a renewed strength and determination.

The sound of footsteps approaching broke their moment of reflection. Lila, Jonas, Kim, and Tina appeared, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Everything okay?" Lila asked, her eyes flicking between Kai and Estrella.

Kai stood up, feeling a newfound confidence. "Yes. Everyone, this is Estrella. She's an old friend and ally. She's here to help us."

Jonas, Kim, and Tina exchanged glances, their expressions thoughtful. "Welcome, Estrella," Jonas said, offering a friendly smile. "Any friend of Kai's is a friend of ours."

Estrella nodded, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Thank you. I'm looking forward to working with all of you."

As they stood together, Kai felt a sense of unity and strength. The road ahead would be challenging, but he knew they were ready to face it together. The past had brought them pain, but it also brought them to this moment—united in their fight against the darkness.

With Estrella by his side and his friends supporting him, Kai knew they had a chance to uncover the truth and protect their world. The past was a part of them, but it would not define their future. Together, they would forge a new path and face whatever challenges lay ahead.