chapter 8

As Clara lay unconscious on the hospital bed, her mother sat vigil by her side, her face etched with worry and exhaustion. She stroked Clara's hair gently, whispering words of encouragement in the hope that her daughter would be awaken soon.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Clara's uncle stepped into the room, his expression grave. He approached Clara's mother with a sense of urgency, his voice low and urgent.

"The Alpha is here," he said quietly. "He wants to speak with you."

Clara's mother nodded, her heart pounding with apprehension. She cast one last glance at Clara before following her uncle out of the room.

In the hallway, the Alpha stood waiting, his posture tense with concern. He offered a respectful nod as Clara's mother approached, his voice tinged with sincerity.

"I heard what happened, and I came right away," he said, his tone apologetic. "I'm truly sorry."

Clara's mother shook her head, her expression firm. "Sorry isn't enough," she replied. "What we need are answers. How did those werewolves infiltrate our town? Why did they attack us? And most importantly, why was their scent undetected by our pack?"

The Alpha's brow furrowed with worry as he listened to Clara's mother's questions. He knew that these were grave concerns that needed to be addressed swiftly and decisively.

"Trust me, we are working on it," he assured her. "Every available resource is being deployed to investigate this matter thoroughly."

Clara's mother nodded, her gaze unwavering. "Good," she said simply.

Their conversation shifted, and the Alpha's expression grew somber as he broached a topic that weighed heavily on his mind.

"I also heard that your daughter has a wolf," he said, his voice hesitant.

Clara's mother's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of her daughter's condition. She knew that this revelation would only complicate matters further, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already fraught situation.

"It's true," she admitted. "Clara has a wolf."

The Alpha's features softened with sympathy as he regarded Clara's mother. He could only imagine the turmoil she must be feeling, knowing that her daughter was now bound to the supernatural world in ways she could scarcely comprehend.

"We will do everything in our power to ensure her safety," the Alpha promised solemnly. "No harm will come to her while she is under our protection."

Clara's mother nodded, her resolve strengthening. She knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and dangers, but she also knew that she would do whatever it took to protect her daughter, no matter the cost.

As we stood in the hospital room, engrossed in conversation, a sudden interruption shattered the solemnity of the moment.

"Mom! I have a wolf?" I exclaimed, my voice tinged with disbelief and confusion.

The words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the surreal events that had unfolded just moments ago. My mother's eyes widened in shock as she turned to face me, her expression a mixture of concern and bewilderment.

"Clara!" she exclaimed, rushing to my side and taking my hand in hers. With gentle guidance, she led me back to the bed, her touch a reassuring anchor amidst the storm of uncertainty.

As my mother tended to me, I glanced toward the doorway and saw the mayor, his departure swift and unannounced. My uncle lingered behind, his presence a silent sentinel in the midst of our familial turmoil.

"Mom, Uncle, what were you guys talking about? Werewolves, starewolves, and that I'm a wolf?" I questioned, my mind reeling from the sudden revelation.

My mother sighed heavily, her shoulders sagging with the weight of the conversation. She exchanged a glance with my uncle, a silent communication passing between them before she turned her attention back to me.

"Oh, Clara," she began, her voice tinged with sadness and resignation. "There are things in this world that you don't know about. Things that are... beyond our understanding."

I listened intently as she spoke, my mind struggling to comprehend the magnitude of her words. Werewolves? Starewolves? The very notion seemed absurd, like something out of a fantastical tale.

"But why me?" I questioned, my voice laced with uncertainty and fear. "Why do I have a wolf?"

My mother's gaze softened with compassion, her fingers tracing comforting patterns on my hand. "It's complicated, Clara," she explained, her voice gentle yet tinged with sorrow. "But you're stronger than you realize. And we'll face this together, as a family."

Her words offered little solace in the face of the unknown, but I found comfort in her unwavering resolve. With my mother by my side, I knew that I could weather any storm that came my way.

"Are you ready to learn more?" my mother asked, her voice a beacon of determination amidst the uncertainty.

I nodded slowly, the weight of her words settling upon my shoulders like a heavy cloak. "Yes, Mom," I replied, my voice steady with resolve. "I'm ready.

My mother took a deep breath, her gaze steady as she began to unravel the mysteries that had plagued my mind.

"All the fairytales are real, Clara," she said, her voice soft yet tinged with solemnity. "The bedtime stories, the fiction—everything. It all exists in this world, just hidden from the eyes of humans."

I blinked in disbelief, struggling to process the enormity of her revelation. Werewolves, Lycans, Vampires, witches, wizards, fairies—she listed them off like characters from a storybook, each name carrying with it a weight of truth that sent shivers down my spine.

"We call it the underworld," my mother continued, her words weaving a tapestry of magic and mystery before me. "And you, my darling, have just been thrust into this world of wonder and danger."

I sat in stunned silence, my mind reeling from the implications of her words. The stories I had dismissed as mere fantasy were suddenly real, their characters living and breathing in a world hidden from human sight.

"I-I don't understand," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. "How is this possible? How could I be a part of something like