The ancient cabin appeared out of nowhere, its moss-covered roof and crumbling walls blending seamlessly with the forest. Elyra's breath caught as they approached. There was something about this place that called to her, a faint echo of recognition she couldn't explain. "It doesn't look safe," Dain muttered, his fiery eyes scanning the perimeter.
"It's better than nothing," Matthew said, his voice weak as he leaned on Elyra for support.
Inside, the cabin was eerily quiet, dust motes swirling in the faint light that seeped through cracks in the walls. Faded carvings adorned the wooden beams-images of wolves howling under a full moon, and a woman with flowing silver hair standing among them. Elyra ran her fingers over one of the carvings, her skin tingling as if the wood held a memory trying to resurface.
They settled in for the night, the tension between them palpable. As Dain tended to the fire, Elyra sat across from him, her pendant glowing faintly against her chest.
"I don't know what's happening to me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Every time I use this power, it feels like I'm losing control-like it's something I can't contain."
Dain's gaze softened, and he moved closer, his presence steady and grounding. "You're stronger than you think, Elyra. Whatever this is, it's a part of you. You'll learn to control it."noveldrama
His words were reassuring, but Elyra caught the flicker of something else in his expression-something deeper, more intense. Before she could dwell on it, a low, mournful howl echoed outside, sending a chill through the air.
Dain was on his feet in an instant, his body tense. "Stay here," he ordered, grabbing the axe.
Elyra ignored him, following as he stepped outside. Shadowy creatures emerged from the darkness, their eyes gleaming with malevolence. Their forms were twisted, vaguely wolf-like, but grotesque and wrong.
The fight was brutal. Elyra felt the power within her surge as she and Dain fought side by side, their movements instinctive and seamless. The creatures were fast and relentless, but together they drove them back. As the last of them fell, one creature darted into the woods, its claws raking across the cabin's doorframe before vanishing.
The glowing claw marks pulsed with dark energy, a sinister reminder of the danger that surrounded them.