Moonbound.

1: Unexpected encounter

Raven's Peak, nestled deep within the ancient Whispering Woods, was a town where humans and werewolves coexisted in an uneasy harmony. The full moon hung low in the sky, casting an ethereal silver glow over the sleepy town's quaint streets and rustic homes.

Wren Everhart walked home from the local library, lost in thought as she navigated the winding sidewalks. Her long, curly brown hair bounced with each step, and her bright green eyes sparkled in the moonlight, reflecting the faint glow of the streetlamps. She had always been cautious, especially around werewolves, after witnessing the brutal breakup of her parents' interspecies marriage.

As she turned a corner onto Elm Street, a snarling growl echoed through the narrow alleyway between the old bakery and the antique shop. Wren's heart skipped a beat. She quickened her pace, her senses on high alert.

A rogue werewolf emerged from the shadows, its eyes fixed on her with a feral intensity. Wren's breath caught in her throat. She had heard rumors of rogue werewolves terrorizing the outskirts of town.

Suddenly, a sleek black figure leapt into the fray, tackling the rogue werewolf with fluid precision. The two animals clashed, their growls and snarls filling the air as they tumbled to the ground.

Wren watched in awe as the black werewolf effortlessly subdued the rogue, pinning it beneath its paws. The rogue's eyes flashed with defeat, and it slunk away, vanishing into the darkness.

The black werewolf stood, its fur receding as it transformed into a tall, muscular man with piercing blue eyes and chiseled features. His sharp jawline and angular cheekbones seemed carved from granite, and his raven-black hair fell across his forehead in messy waves.

"Are you okay?" he asked, approaching Wren with a fluid stride.

Wren nodded, still shaken. "Y-yes, thank you."

The stranger's gaze held hers, and Wren sensed a spark of recognition, as if he saw beyond her surface-level fears. "I'm Kaidën Nightshade," he said, his deep voice soothing.

Wren's gaze lingered on his face before she looked away, feeling a flutter in her chest. "I'm Wren Everhart."

Kaidën's eyes locked onto hers, and Wren felt an inexplicable connection, as if their encounter was more than chance.

"Let me walk you home," Kaidën offered, his tone gentle.

Wren hesitated, unsure if she should trust this stranger. But something about Kaidën's calm demeanor put her at ease.

As they strolled through the quiet streets, the silence between them comfortable, Kaidën asked about her day. Wren found herself opening up about her love of books and her dreams of becoming a writer.

The moonlight illuminated their faces, casting an intimate glow over their conversation. Wren felt drawn to Kaidën's easy smile and kind eyes.

As they approached Wren's house, Kaidën's gaze lingered on her.

"Would you like to meet up again?" Kaidën asked, his voice low and smooth.

Wren's heart skipped a beat. "I'd like that."

Kaidën smiled. "May I have your number?"

Wren hesitated for a moment before sharing her number.

"I'll text you soon," Kaidën promised.

Wren watched him disappear into the night, feeling a sense of wonder.

Little did she know, their chance encounter would change everything.