In another hidden stronghold, The Shadow seethed with fury. His voice boomed through the stone walls as he addressed his bloodthirsty followers.
"In two days, we strike again. And this time, we don’t return unless we’ve conquered them!"
The soldiers roared in agreement.
"We attack at night—like always. And this time, there will be no mercy. No retreat. Only blood and victory!"
He raised a wooden cup filled with blood high above his head. "Victory grants us immortality! We shall reign over the living and the dead! Toast with me—to immortality!"
The warriors roared and drank deeply, stamping their feet in rhythm.
The Shadow grinned. "Tonight, we dance the dance of the spirits from the darkest realms! For in two days, we unleash destruction! They won’t see it coming!"
Chants filled the air as they sang in an ancient tongue, invoking dead warriors and drawing strength from their spirits. Their ritualistic song stirred the fire in their hearts, preparing them for the bloodshed ahead.
***
Maria jolted through a dense forest in her dream, blood smeared across her body, her eyes glowing a piercing blue. She wasn’t just running—she was hunting, consumed by rage.
Every living thing she passed fell victim to her fury. Her senses were heightened beyond natural limits. She could hear voices from miles away and smell things no human could detect.
Behind her, werewolves gave chase. She suddenly stopped, turning to face them. With bare hands, she began digging a massive hole.
As they neared, she transformed into a gigantic white werewolf laced with streaks of glowing blue. Her eyes shone like oceans under sunlight.
The other wolves halted, frozen in awe and fear. Her size dwarfed them. Realizing she was no longer running, they started backing away.
"No... not again!" Maria screamed as she snapped awake.
She sat up in bed, her body trembling. "Why do I keep having this dream? What does it mean?"
She held her head in her hands, breathing heavily.
"Is this what I’ll become when I finally shift? Is this really me? I can’t let that happen... I can’t be this monster!"
Fear and confusion gripped her. She couldn’t talk to her friends—they wouldn’t understand. She didn’t want James to see her differently. And Bernard? He had enough to deal with.
She buried her face in her hands.
"I need answers. I need to find a solution to these nightmares before they consume me."noveldrama