Episode 1: Transformation

The wolf sat silently, eyes closed, ears down. All the lights had been snuffed out. The mat on the floor had special patterns designed to create focus and strength. The colors blue and green combined with the enchanted threads ensured that he would find what he was searching for no matter how hidden.

He needed a soul. Not to steal, no, but as a way conceal the true nature of his own soul. One that would fulfill the prophecy in all aspects but not be the one of whom it spoke. He needed a werewolf soul, born on earth, and in a body transformed from human to werewolf by bite. He knew it had to exist somewhere

All of these traits applied to the wolf, but no one would ever learn that. He had hid this secret for many years; he could do it for far more. If this plan succeeded, he would never have to worry about his secret getting out. After all, if they believed that this new wolf was the one the prophecy spoke of, they would have no reason to believe anyone else took this place.

He searched the four corners of this foreign world, looking for anyone who could match these criteria. Two major land masses, nearly two hundred countries, more than seven billion people and yet it was nigh impossible to find a single one who fit. Some had been bitten and now transformed under the light of the full moon, but their souls were human. Others had the soul of werewolves but had also been born as such. There were those who had been transformed and had a werewolf's soul, but had not been born in that world. All of these still numbered under a thousand.

In one last likely futile attempt, the wolf searched a town he had not yet observed. He searched down the streets, in the shops, and even the homes, and there it was that he found what he needed.

An adolescent boy with brown hair. He looked plain, with an average build for a human. None of his features stood out in any way. What counted though was what was inside.

He had the soul of a werewolf. He had been born on earth. His werewolf name was even Beast. All the stars had to be aligning in this moment.

There was one catch. He hadn't been turned yet. It wasn't much of a problem except for there was no way he could be turned without a werewolf close by. Unless...

A quick search and the wolf found that he would be attending some form of celebration soon. It was to be held in a forest near his home. It so happened that this forest had a portal in it connecting it to the island. The wolf smiled. It was all too perfect. Even the sky bent towards his plan.

The night of the celebration also was the night of the full moon.

-----------------

Connor already wished he hadn't agreed to go to this party. But Tyler had determined he was going to go and drag him along if he had to. School started next week anyways and Tyler was determined to have the most fun he could in the last week of freedom. Connor had begrudgingly relented the day before.

Conor wasn't even sure if he was dressed right for whatever party this was. He wore a t-shirt and jeans. For some party or rave or whatever this was in the woods, he wasn't sure what the dress code was.

Tyler's older brother Matt drove them. He was a senior, two grades ahead of Tyler and Connor. Apparently Matt was the reason they had been able to go in the first place. Tyler had been ecstatic. Connor hadn't thought Ty was going to drag him along at the time.

Matt parked the car and they all climbed out. Connor followed Matt as he seemed to have some idea of where they were going. After a small hike they found the clearing where everyone was at. Connor listened to the music. He didn't recognize the song, but it definitely wasn't his style. He resigned himself to a long night.

"Dude this is awesome!" Ty said. He was already dancing a little to the music. Connor smiled at his friend. At least one of them was going to enjoy his night. Ty scooted off across the party towards the drinks. Connor chilled by a tree on the outskirts of the party. As long as people did their thing and he didn't have to talk to anyone, he was fine.

------

Two hours later and a few trips around to the drinks, Connor needed to pee. He considered it a relief. He had a good excuse to get away from the party and be alone. Connor chose a direction and walked.

He didn't hate being around people. He just hadn't had many good experiences with parties. Something lousy always seemed to happen like when he face-planted into his cake when he was eight or getting dunked in the bobbing-for-apples tub at a Halloween party. Even passing Party City was painful.

Connor walked far away enough that he figured he could find his way back but if anyone came looking he could hide himself. He did his business and then chose a different tree to sit down by. He pulled out his phone and started Temple Run. He had plenty of time to work on destroying not his high score. He wished he'd brought his earbuds.

A few rounds in, Connor heard a chilling call: the howls of wolves. This forest was known for having a larger wolf population, but Connor hadn't expected to be able to hear any of them. Connor looked around, expecting to see a wolf. Nothing. Not even a squirrel.

Connor stood up. Now seemed to be a good time to head back to the party. Anything that happened back there would be better than being killed by wolves. Connor just hoped it wouldn't be anything too embarrassing.

Connor walked towards where the party was supposed to be for a while. Longer than it should have taken. Connor realized he was lost. He looked around wildly trying to figure out where he was. He couldn't be that far off.

The wolves' howls were even closer now. Connor had no clue how far away they were but they were too loud to be very far. Connor listened closely, discerning what direction the howls were coming from. They sounded like they were everywhere. Connor chose a direction and ran.

He panted, taking in air as fast as his lungs could. The constant howling proved motivating. He couldn't go as fast as he'd like because of how dense the forest was but he resolved to keep moving. He had to find his way back.

Eventually Connor tripped and fell. He felt a crack and pain flared in his leg. He screamed. He looked down at his leg and saw blood. He wasn't sure but he thought he even saw some bone. Connor knew now he was in serious trouble.

Connor took that moment to check his phone. He panicked when there were no bars. He didn't think the forest was that far from town. Connor pocketed his phone.

A twig snapped. Connor froze. He turned slowly. A gray wolf looked directly at him. Connor sat still. He couldn't run with his leg. He watched as the wolf sniffed the air. Why would it do that? It had clearly already found its prey and it didn't look blind. The wolf stopped and looked like it was trying to smile. And then it lunged. Connor screamed.

The wolf landed on Connor and he slid into a tree. Connor felt his head bleeding and spinning. The wolf stood on top of him. The last thing he saw as he lay on the ground was the full moon hanging overhead.

----------

The rhythmic beeping woke Connor. He listened and tried to identify the sound. As he opened his eyes it became clear.

Connor was in a hospital. The slow, steady beeping of the monitor told him he must be doing somewhat alright. Actually waking up at all told him he must be alright. He smiled at this.

He looked around more. His mom slept in a chair by his bed. He decided she didn't need to be woken up.

Connor wondered how long he'd been out. The clock showed 8:56. He didn't know what time he'd been knocked out so he couldn't use the clock as a reference.

Connor heard a knock at the door. His dad walked in. He noticed Connor was awake. "Hey, glad you're awake."

"Hey, dad." Connor said weakly. He tried to sit up, but his dad walked over and held an arm against his shoulder.

"Probably best we call a nurse. We don't want to accidentally mess with any of the equipment."

Connor nodded and leaned back. He wanted to ask how long he'd been there, but thought it would be better if he didn't. Instead he relaxed while the nurse helped him sit up straight.

"Are you feeling any pain?" she asked. Connor shook his head. He didn't even know where the wolf had attacked him. "As well as you're healing up, it's not surprising. You have recovered rather quickly."

"What happened?" Connor asked. His memory was still foggy from waking up.

"You were attacked by a wolf. Someone found you a few hours later and called for help. You had also broken your leg."

Connor looked to his right leg. It was suspended above the bed. He was befuddled as to how he hadn't noticed that before. Now that he looked at it, he felt pain return to his leg. He braced himself against the pain.

"Is it starting to hurt now?" the nurse asked. Connor nodded. The nurse worked to increase the painkiller.

Connor did have one more question. "How bad was the attack?"

"Not all that bad actually compared to what could have happened. A few bites, nibbles more like it, to your left side and chest. I'll be back to check on you in about an hour."

---------

One week later, school started up again and Connor was right there with the rest of his classmates. Plenty of people asked him about what had happened and if they could sign his cast. Connor usually avoided talking about it as he still didn't remember much.

Throughout that first month, Connor started having unusual things happen. For example, some days he would shave and by the time he was at his first period class he already looked like he needed to shave again. One week he shaved and hair didn't start growing again until the end of the week. He also found his tastes starting to change. Meats tasted better than ever whereas everything else tastes slightly off. Connor just accepted these things as the weirdness of puberty.

Things hit a head on the school's September movie night. Connor carpooled with Tyler and Matt arriving shortly before everything was to start. They hurried to get in and find seats in the gym.

"You remember what movie they're playing?" Ty asked.

"I think it's one of the Batman movies." Connor said.

"Sweet."

About half an hour in, Connor began to feel nauseous. He tried sitting there and letting it pass, but after another few minutes he knew he needed to go to a bathroom. He stood up made his way towards the bathroom.

No one else was inside. Connor knelt by a toilet. He wasn't sure whether he was going to throw up or not. He also felt himself sweating. He took off his jacket and noticed something rather disturbing. His arm was slowly growing thick brown hair.

Connor bolted up and left the stall. He looked in the mirror. He panicked when he saw hair growing there too. It grew more places than it was should have: his forehead, his nose, around his eyes.

Connor really began to panic now. He knew that this was not possibly part of puberty. "What is happening?" He asked himself.

One thought blocked out all the others. He needed to get outside. Connor grabbed his jacket and left the gym, hood up to cover his face.

Once outside Connor felt an inexplicable need to look at the sky. That's when it hit him. The moon was full. It wasn't up far, barely above the horizon. The moon combined with everything that happened, it should have been impossible. Werewolves were a myth.

"Hey, you."

Connor turned but kept his head down. He saw somebody else wearing a hoodie standing by the gym. He had what looked like a joint in one hand and a light in the other. "Unless you're interested in getting high, I would suggest you leave."

Connor took his advice. He ran off. He didn't know where he was going but he knew he needed to hide. Who knew what he could do if he was actually a werewolf.

Connor did have the presence of mind to send Ty a quick text to tell him he left. He was sure Ty would have questions but at the moment, Connor had other problems.

-------

Glolan Forest. Where all this had started. Connor wasn't sure how he'd ended up here but here he was. At least he was safe.

The arrow that struck the tree next to him said otherwise. Connor saw hunters carrying bows and guns and a few with swords. Connor wasn't sure, but something told him all those weapons had one thing in common. Silver.

Connor ran. He had to get out of the forest. If he wasn't safe there, then he wasn't sure where he could go. He couldn't go home just yet.

As he hid behind a tree, he continued to think through his options. Then another option presented itself.

A wolf ran up to Connor. "Follow me!" he ordered.

Connor was about to decline when another arrow flew by. Connor immediately ran after the wolf.

The wolf led him to a small clearing that was in a perfect circle. Something about it seemed familiar to Connor. The wolf Connor stood up to half-wolf. He wore only a slightly ragged pair of pants. It didn't look like something someone would buy at a store. The wolf turned back to Connor. "Close your eyes.

Connor obeyed. Only a few seconds later, the wolf told him to open them back up.

Nothing had changed as far a Connor could tell. The werewolf was still there and he still had fur.

"What just happened?" Connor asked.

"We went through the portal. Now follow me. The council needs to see you." the werewolf told him.

"Wait, what portal? What council?"

"Look, I have a job to do and I'm going to do it even if I have to drag you along. Now come on."

Connor did as he asked. He felt sure this wolf could easily take him down if he tried to run.

They walked through unfamiliar woods. Connor stopped when they reached a clearing.

Werewolves were everywhere and it looked like they were having a party. Some danced, some played music, some were howling along. Everywhere Connor looked he saw werewolves just having fun. Connor stood there awed.

His werewolf escort turned around when he noticed Connor wasn't following behind him. He growled and grabbed the kid. "Come on."

The wolf led Connor to a cave. Once inside, four wolves joined them, two in front and two behind. All of them wore chest armor and helmets. They walked in in silence. Connor wondered what was going on and where they were going, but kept silent, not daring to bring down their anger.

They entered into a large room. Torches lit the room. Werewolves sat all around the room behind desks. One wolf sat on a platform above the others and another wolf sat beside him. Overall it reminded Connor of a courtroom. All of them wore clothing that looked like it belonged in the Dark ages.

Connor's first escort stepped into the open space in front of the head wolf. He bowed. "Alpha. I found this one on the other side. I believe he may be the one you're looking for."

"Well done, Fang Ear." the central wolf said. Fang Ear stood and returned to the rest of the wolves. They then spread out, covering the entire courtroom.

The central wolf pointed at Connor. "Come forward."

Connor walked to where Fang Ear had stood. Something told him he was on trial. He wondered if this had anything to do with what happened last month. Maybe he had accidentally stepped on their territory.

The center wolf turned to the wolf on his side. "Is he the one, Comet Paw?"

The wolf he'd spoken to stood out of his seat. He had black fur except for on his right forearm. That fur was white and tapered off like fire as it approached his elbow. Connor could see how he'd received his name. In his left hand he held a wooden staff. The wolf came down to stand in front of Connor. He laid his right hand on Connor's shoulder and closed his eyes. He looked like he was searching for something. Connor stood there hoping it wasn't anything that would get him killed.

-------

Above the council room, five other wolves gathered and looked down into the chamber below. A sky light in the ceiling below gave a fine view of the proceedings.

The one girl of the group looked across the hole to one of the others. "Is he actually the one Moon Eye?"

The wolf she'd spoken to had dark gray fur with the exception of a white circle covering his right eye. Some of his head fur hung over this eye. He closed his eyes and hung his head.

Another wolf with dark brown, spiky fur stood by impatiently. "Come on, Moon. Hurry up."

"Calm down, Fang Fur." This wolf had solid black fur. The fur on his head resembled a flat top, an uncommon look among werewolves.

"Swift Eye is right, brother." This final wolf had light gray fur. He had long fur down his neck. "You know this takes time."

"It doesn't usually take this long, Slip Fur." Fang said.

"It helps when you’re quiet." Moon said raising his head.

"Finally." Fang said.

"Did you see anything?" the girl asked.

"Not much, Soft Tail. His name is Beast, but he's not the Beast. He's also not a born werewolf."

"Well yeah," Fang said. "No natural born werewolf who was sane would wear any kind of coat especially in this weather."

"Well, he may not be the brightest but he'll learn." Swift said.

-----------

Comet Paw finished inspecting Connor. Connor was pretty sure he had touched the entire length of his arm by the time he was finished. At least he hadn't gone anywhere else.

The wolf stood in front of the center wolf. "Alpha, Pack Leader, I have searched him to the extent of my abilities. I have found that he is indeed the one! He is the Beast." The entire assembly began talking at this pronouncement. Comet Paw hadn't finished yet though. "He is the destroyer of our kind!"

"Hold up, what?" Connor yelled.

"Run!" Connor wasn't sure where it came from, but he did. He bolted for the door, but one of the guards tackled him and pinned him with his hands behind his back. He tied his hands behind his back.

"You know where to take him." Comet Paw said. The other guards came and surrounded him. They took him out and led him down the corridors. Connor hoped they weren't going to execute him.

At the end of a long hallway, they finally stopped. A door stood at the end. One of the guards unlocked the door. They resumed walking him to the cell inside.

Time seemed to slow as a vision of a wolf appeared before Connor. The wolf said one word. "Go!"

The wolf with the key turned around. He saw the werewolf's eyes had begun to glow white. "Ready yourselves! He's going high moon."

Connor flung himself to the left. The wolf on his right lost his grip on Connor. Connor kicked the wolf against the wall and he was out.

Connor transformed into his full wolf form. The three remaining wolves did the same. Connor looked at each of the wolves and then leapt at the one on the left. That wolf ducked, but Connor rebounded off the wall and attacked from behind, biting he wolf's neck. The wolf howled in pain. The other wolves charged Connor, teeth barred. He rolled, righted himself, and rammed one of the wolves. The blow slammed the wolf into the wall. There was an audible crack as the wolf's ribs and skull shattered.

The final wolf backed away down the hallway. Connor saw him and pounced at him. The wolf crouched and Connor flew over him. The wolf charged for the cell. Connor recovered and lunged at him again. The wolf dodged and Connor went right past him into the cell. He turned around but not fast enough.

Shackles hanging from the wall flew at Connor, catching him by the wrists and ankles. Connor fell to the floor. He writhed in pain, howling, feeling as if his life was being sucked out of him and he was being electrocuted. He reverted back to human. He gasped for air like he'd been drowning. Connor felt something being stabbed into his wrists and ankles.

"Don't worry. You'll get used to it." Connor looked up to see that one wolf from the council, Comet Paw. He stood in the doorway of the cell. "You're lucky to still be alive. Sadly I can't say the same for one of the finest wolves I've ever known. He was an elite warrior, yet killed by an untrained turned. One more you nearly killed and is lucky to be alive, though who knows for how much longer. Another you simply kicked and knocked out. Very... impressive."

Connor manages enough breath to gasp out,"I...killed...someone?"

"Oh, yes. With great ease I might add. Well, I must be going. The living need to be cared for. Truly, the Beast is the destroyer of our kind." Comet Paw shut the door. He turned and looked through the barred window. "In case you're wondering, those are made of silver." He turned again and left.

Connor lay there, horrified that he had killed someone. Worse yet he didn't even remember it.

-------

Outside the cave, the five wolves who had watched the wolf condemned conferred on a plan to help him escape.

"I still think Comet Paw is right." Fang said. "Most of the time Comet Paw is right."

"Most being the key word." Swift said. "Remember the raiders incident about ten years ago?"

"Yeah, I remember." Fang said.

"That was his worst reading ever until tonight." Moon commented.

"Speaking of which," Soft interrupted," how do we plan on getting the wolf out?"

"I'd say we have three options." Slip said. "One, we somehow get to a different pack for a second opinion."

"Yeah sure, we can just disappear for a month at least until we find another pack." Fang said.

"Two, we can directly break him out."

"No!" Soft yelled. "We are not risking getting kicked out of the pack for some turned wolf we don't even know."

"There is one more option." Slip said. He looked over at Moon.

Moon looked intently at Slip. His eyes widened for a second but then he nodded. "I'm okay with it."

"You sure?" Slip asked.

"Did we miss something?" Swift asked.

"Yes I'm sure." Moon answered Slip.

"Alright then." Slip looked at the others. "Our final option is to tell them about Moon."

"NO! Absolutely not!" Swift shouted.

"Swift..." Moon started.

"No! I don't care if this wolf is innocent. You know what would happen if we told them and I refuse to let you do it. That goes for the rest of you too." Swift stated. His eyes dared someone to disagree.

Everyone waited for someone to say something. Finally, Slip broke the silence. "Okay then. I know none of us really wanted to do that anyway. So currently our best option is to break him out. Soft I know you're not totally into it, so it's your choice if you want to help."

Soft rolled her eyes. "Fine, I'll help."

"Great." Fang said. "So who's doing what?"

"Ah!" Moon yelped. Moon fell down and grabbed his head. No one dared touch him recognizing that this was one of his visions. After a few seconds, Moon opened his eyes. His eyes were red and he looked like he was about to cry. He was breathing like he had ran. "I'm so sorry, Soft." he said quickly. He then bolted off.

"Wait!" Soft called after him, but Moon kept running. She growled. "Swift, you should go after him." Swift nodded and ran after his brother. Soft turned back to Slip and Fang. "Now that we've got that covered, what do we need to do Slip."

Slip had his plan ready. "We need to get the staff and the key to the cell."

"And, you know, get out without being caught." Fang interjected.

"That part was a given." Swift replied. "I'll get the staff from Comet Paw's quarters. You two get the key from the guard. Soft I figure you can be a distraction while Fang gets the key."

Fang whistles. Soft glared at him and said,"Or maybe you would rather me go solo while you stay here wishing your lungs were filling with air instead of blood."

"Nope I'm good." Fang said, holding back from laughing. "Let's do this."

------

Back in his cell, Connor sat against the wall. He still ached all over, but he was breathing more steadily. He tried to remember what had happened but all he recalled was white and then being chained to the wall. He looked at his wrists. They were red and starting to blister.

He wondered if he would ever make it back home. What would happen when his parents arrived home and he wasn't there. When he didn't show up for school. Was he really going to spend the rest of his life inside this tiny cell? He knew he would go mad.

Connor tried to find the bright side in all of this. At least be was alive. But then again, what was the point of a life that could not be lived?

-------

Slip Fur sneaked down the hall where most of the council members had their homes. He counted doors until he reached Comet Paw's quarters. Slip stopped in front of the fifth door on the left. Reaching up from his full wolf form, Slip opened the door and slipped in. He used his back paw to close the door. It was dark in the apartment. Slip Paw had guessed right. While most were out enjoying the night of the full moon, Comet Paw was in bed.

He was glad he had worn his shoulder belt tonight. It was too bad he couldn't use it in complete wolf form. The same magic that let him transform into a wolf, a human, or a combination of the two caused his clothes to disappear and reappear depending on what stage of transformation he was in.

Slip took the staff from where Comet Paw had put it beside his bed and slipped it into his shoulder belt. He tiptoed out of the apartment to join the others.

---------

Soft wished she had been sent to do this herself. Instead, Slip had put her with the least mature of their friends. Slip may know what he was doing when he planned something, but Soft still hated being paired with Fang when they were doing something important. For one thing, he rarely stopped talking, and if he did he would still make noises or gestures or facial expressions that would still communicate his point. Soft didn't have a little brother, but she imagined if she did he should be a lot like Fang.

Fang walked behind Soft, grinning from ear to ear. He thought about what soft might do to distract whoever was on duty. Most of the junior guard had a crush on her. If they weren't so committed to their job, she could probably just ask for the key. Maybe she could pull her dad's rank as captain to convince them. Speaking of which.

"Isn't your dad on duty tonight?" Fang asked.

"Yeah, but he works the council chamber and island patrol. He wouldn't be at desk unless his shift was starting or ending."

"So then, who's on tonight?"

"I think it's Frost Maw."

Fang whistled. Soft turned to glare at him. "Hey, we both know he has the biggest crush on you out of everyone."

"Shut it!" Soft snapped. Fang laughed. "Do you want me to shave your spiky head?"

"We both know these things can't be cut, and not for lack of trying."

Soft growled, conceding defeat. His hair was basically invulnerable. It was spiky no matter what conditions including wet. That reddish brown fur had caused a few problems both for others and for himself. Most incidents involved Fang rubbing up against someone and cutting them with his spikes. On one occasion, he had run headfirst into a tree and gotten stuck. It wasn't until hours later when Swift found him that he was freed. In short, his name was Fang Fur for a reason.

"Keep moving." she said. "We don't have until the moon falls. Slip will be expecting us."

Once they arrived, Soft gave Fang a quick gesture to keep quiet. Fang grinned in return. Soft rolled her eyes and stood up to half wolf. Tonight, she wore brown pants and a sleeveless shirt.

Soft walked in, not bothering to hide herself. It turned out that Frost Maw was on duty that night. Soft held back a groan.

Frost Maw looked up from his work. He had dark brown fur with a white patch covering his mouth. His hair was kept like most wolves his age: flat up top, long and spiky in the back, though he kept his spikes shorter than most. "Oh, hey, Soft Tail." he said. He hid something in the desk.

"Hey, Frost Maw." Soft said. "How are you?" She hoped she sounded interested. Once this was over, she could probably avoid him for another month.

"Doing pretty good." he said. Soft noted how nervous he sounded. She may have been a captain's daughter but she wasn't going to tell her dad about whatever Frost was doing unless it was against Pack Law. Desk duty involved little more than sitting there. It was really only busy at the beginning and end of shifts.

"So what's up?" Frost asked. "I mean what brings you here?"

Soft came back to the real world. "Oh, I'm looking for my dad." she said.

"I think he's out on patrol."

"Oh, right!" She knew she needed to buy a bit more time just in case Fang needed it. "So what are you working on?" She leaned over the desk to get a better look.

Frost pulled open the drawer and considered pulling out what was in there. "Can you keep this a secret?" he asked. Soft nodded. He pulled out a knife and a ring of wood. "It's a bracelet for my sister. I just need to carve some detail on it. What do you think?" he asked handing it over to Soft.

Soft took the bracelet and inspected it. It had a wide band. It needed sanding, but once he finished, it would be great. "I'm sure she'll love it. Anyways I gotta go." she said handing the bracelet back to him.

"See you around." Frost said. He resumed his work on the bracelet.

Fang Fur was waiting outside in half wolf, grinning. He clearly had something to say. Soft hoped for once Fang would keep it to himself. She walked by him hoping he would follow. He did. "Did you get it?" she whispered.

"I was in and out before he told you where your dad was. C'mon give me some credit." He shifted to full wolf and kept going. Soft followed behind him wishing he'd signaled her so she could've just left.

------

"What took you?" Slip asked. He waited outside Beast's cell, Comet Paw's staff on his back.

Soft and Fang stood up to half wolf like he was. Fang answered for them both, smiling there entire time. "Soft had to talk with her boyfriend."

"By the moon, Fang, just because he has a crush on me doesn't mean he's my boyfriend." Soft growled.

Slip fought back a smile. Good old Fang. Maybe one day he would grow up, but until then he was the most fun one in the group.

Soft changed the subject before Fang could answer her. "Any word from Swift or Moon?" she asked.

"Swift met me here earlier." Slip told them. "He said Moon wants us to send Beast here up to Moon Rise cliff once we get him out."

"Did Swift say what was going on with Moon?" Soft asked.

Slip shook his head. "Nothing. Moon apparently refused to talk to him. I guess it was one of his unspeakable visions."

"Great. Now we should probably get this wolf out before sunrise." Fang interrupted. "Unless we want to join him."

----------

Voices flowed into the cell and woke Connor. He blinked a few times trying to figure out when he's fallen asleep. He still hurt everywhere and his wrists and ankles still burned. He wanted to stand up and look outside, but any movement was still far too painful. Whatever was outside apparently wanted in anyways, so he was going to find out soon.

"Don't tell me I spent time talking to Frost Maw just for you to get the wrong key!" a female voice said.

"Of course I got the right key. And don't pretend you didn't enjoy it at least a little." This voice was male, but it wasn't low at all.

"Shut up. Just get the key in." the girl said.

"I'm working on it." the second voice answered followed by a click. "There we are."

The door opened up and revealed there were in fact three werewolves, all in half wolf form. Conor saw the girl and the one with the key that he had heard. The last one held the staff that one wolf had used.

The girl turned to the one with the staff. "I believe this is where you work your magic."

The wolf with the staff nodded. He aimed the staff at Connor. Connor's eyes widened. Had they decided to just kill him? The wolf twirled the staff once and thrust it at Connor. The chains flew off and hit the wall. Connor was free.

The pain instantly subsided, though his wrists still burned. Connor immediately began shifting into half wolf form. The fur grew back, but there was something different.

"I thought this guy had brown fur?" the wolf with the key and spiky fur said.

"This is Beast, Fang." the third werewolf said. His voice was clearly lower than the one he'd called Fang. "But you're right. What happened to your fur?"

The question seemed to be directed at Connor. He just sat there, overwhelmed by everything that had been happening. First these werewolves had wanted him imprisoned for life and now they were freeing him and asking why his fur was now grey. "You think I know? I'm not even supposed to have fur! Or a tail! Who even are you?"

By this point, all three of the other wolves had entered the cell. The girl answered Connor's query. "My name is Soft Tail. Spiky is Fang Fur and his brother is Slip Fur. It's nice to meet you, Beast."

"I'm not this 'Beast' whatever you're talking about. My name is Connor."

"Yes, we know you're not The Beast." Slip said. "But your werewolf name is Beast."

A yelp erupted behind Connor. Fang Fur held his hand close to himself. His eyes were clenched shut and he looked like he wanted to scream.

"Fang!" Slip yelled. "What did you do? Are you alright?"

Fang shook his head. He acted like he'd been stabbed. Connor looked on as Slip went over to check on his brother. Slip forced him to hold out his hand and saw something in expected.

The fur on his hand was now gray.

"What are those chains made of?" Soft asked.

"The guy who had the staff earlier said they were made of silver." Connor told her. Soft looked at him as if he was joking about someone's death. "Look all I know is what I was told. Can I leave now?"

Soft nodded. "Yeah, we'd better go. Slip, put the staff back and then take your brother home. I'll show Beast to Moon Rise." She turned and helped Connor up. "Let's go."

-------

Soft led Beast through the forest toward the north eastern part of the island. Initially, he had tried running as half wolf until he fell a few times. Soft had stopped and asked him why he didn't just go full wolf.

"What do you mean 'full wolf'?" He had asked.

"Like I am now. It's a lot easier to run this way."

Beast bad shakes his head. "I don't know how."

This had surprised Soft. She'd never heard that before. "What do you mean you don't know how?" she said, standing up to her half wolf form.

"I don't know. How do you do it?"

That had really surprised Soft. She'd always just done it. There were no steps to shifting; you just did it. "I honestly don't know either. Have you even tried shifting?"

"You mean transforming into a wolf?"

"Yes. Just think about it. What does it look like." Hopefully this would help him. Otherwise she was stuck.

He closed his eyes. It took him a moment with plenty of face twitching, but he was soon fully wolf. Soft shifted as well. "There you go."

Beast looked at himself. "I'm walking on four legs. This has officially been the weirdest night of my life."

-----

Now that they were making a better pace toward the cliff, Beast had started a conversation. "You all seem pretty tight."

Soft gave him a confused look. Was he asking if they were close? "Yeah, I guess. That was only three of us back there. We're meeting the other two at the cliff, Swift Eye and Moon Eye.

"Are you all siblings?"

Soft stopped at this. Beast ran past her and had to turn around. "No!Where did you get that idea?"

"Why such a big no?" Beast asked, avoiding the question.

"Look, Slip is great and so are Swift and Moon. Fang though? Well he's like a little brother that you can't stand. But honestly if he left I'd be about as devastated as the others. Fang is actually Slip's younger brother. Moon and Swift are brothers as well."

"So what, you're an only child?"

Soft groaned a little at this. "I have an older brother. He thinks he's Alpha of the den, but he really is just annoying."

"Oh." Beast said.

Soft turned away. "Come on. We can keep talking while we run. There's not that much farther to go."

-------

"We're here." Soft said. She stopped abruptly; Connor not so much. He tripped and almost fell. It still felt strange to walk on four legs. Connor wondered if he'd ever get over the feeling.

A full wolf with black fur approached them from the shadows. He examined Connor with a surprised face. "I thought Beast's fur was brown?"

Connor internally groaned. He was already tired of being called Beast. "My name is Connor." he said.

"As far as I'm concerned, your name is Beast. Anyways, Moon is at the cliff just ahead. Good luck getting anything out of him though." the wolf said. He walked past Connor. "By the way, I'm Swift Eye."

"Goodbye, Beast." Soft said.

"Bye." Connor said. He being called Beast slide because he figured he'd never see her again. As long as he didn't have to see that other guy as well, he was fine.

Connor walked on to where the forest ended, shifting back to half wolf, and saw a full wolf sitting on a rock. The wolf looked out over the ocean, his dark grey fur moving with the wind. The wolf spoke as Connor approached. "Doing okay, Beast?"

"Yeah, I mean it hasn't been terrible I guess. I've only grown fur and a tail, been called a mass murderer, thrown in prison, and apparently teleported to the ocean." Connor answered, looking past the wolf now to the ocean. Where on earth was he?

"Well, if it helps, I'll tell you you're not on earth anymore. Come on closer." the wolf said.

Connor did as he asked. He could now see the white patch of fur on the right side of this wolf's face. "So you're Moon Eye."

The wolf nodded. "Yes. I guess I'd be the first one to say this: welcome to Wolf Haven."

"Wolf Haven?"

"It's the name of the island. Around two thousand years ago, werewolves found this island uninhabited and colonized it as a safe haven for us. We are hated on the mainland." Moon Eye said. He continued looking out over the water as they talked. "I take it you're not happy about being a werewolf."

"Honestly?" Connor asked. "No, I'm not interested in a future where I turn into a murderous lunatic every month."

"You'll learn to control it eventually." Moon said. Sadness flashed over his face. Connor wondered what that was about. "It will just take some motivation."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You'll see." Moon said. "So I assume you're wondering why everyone is still calling you Beast."

"Yeah. My name-"

"I know your name is Connor, but your wolf name is Beast."

Connor was confused. "When did I tell you my name?" he asked.

"You didn't. I can read your mind."

Connor shifted away from him. Suddenly he didn't feel so comfortable around him. "So you're telepathic?"

"I'm psychic. I can do more than read minds."

"Like what? Predict the future."

"I don't see it as a prediction if it's guaranteed to happen. It's more like watching it before it happens."

"This is ridiculous." Connor said. There was no way this guy could see the future.

"Didn't you think the same thing about werewolves before you became one?" Moon asked.

Fair point there. "Fine. So you're gifted. That's great."

Moon looked away from Connor. "Maybe it would be for you."

Connor squinted. How was it a bad thing to be a psychic? "Is it really that bad?"

"Maybe if you enjoy keeping secrets."

"Nobody knows you're psychic?"

Moon shook his head. "Swift, Soft, Slip, and Fang know. But if anyone else found out, I'd be banished from the pack."

"Why?"

"Something happened centuries ago that caused it to become Werewolf Law that only one seer is allowed in each pack. Currently Comet Paw holds that position." Moon hopped down front the rock. "Come on. You need to get home."

-------

Swift had walked Soft back to her den. "See you tomorrow, Soft." Swift said.

"Bye." Soft replied. She shifted back to half wolf. They had enjoyed a beautiful night's walk together. Soft thought about some of what they'd talked about as she walked inside.

Her reverie was immediately interrupted by her older brother. "Where have you been?"

"Who died and left you in charge?" Soft asked, sidestepping her overbearing sibling.

He grabbed her arm. "Don't even joke about that tonight. Dad nearly was killed by The Beast."

Soft jerked away and stared at her brother. "What do you mean, Sharp?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"Dad was thrown into a wall by that monster and Black Maw isn't even sure he's going to live. Mom is over with him, and I've been here waiting for you to show up."

Soft couldn't believe this. The same werewolf she had helped break out had nearly killed her father. How could she have done that? "Can we go see Dad?"

"Why do you think I'm here?" Fang asked. "Let's go."

---------

Connor and Moon had made their way back to where Connor had first stepped into this world. "So I guess this is goodbye then." Connor said.

Moon shook his head. "There's a lot in store for you and those of us here on Wolf Haven."

"Is this more of you psychic junk?"

Moon rolled his eyes. "What will it take for you to believe I'm psychic?"

"Make a prediction that I can test in the next week."

"Fine." Moon closed his eyes. "Alright. If I'm right, will you agree to meet me here on the same day the prediction comes true?"

"Sure." What harm could it do? Just could this guy could supposedly read minds didn't mean he could see the future. "So what's the prediction?"

"On the third day of next week, you are going to have a pop quiz given by a grey haired lady. Meet me five hours after noon on your side of the portal that day."

"Fine." Connor could definitely win this bet. He only had one grey haired female teacher and she hadn't given a pop quiz since she had begun teaching. Moon was definitely a phony.

Connor stepped into the ring of trees. "So how does this work?"

"Close your eyes and give it a few seconds. You'll be on your side of the portal then.

Connor followed the instructions and soon was running home back on earth.

--------

Moon listened as Slip came out of the shadows. "Guess it's good he's on that side of the portal now." Slip said.

"Did you return the staff?" Moon asked.

"Yes. Since we're asking questions, why didn't you tell us what Beast did? Soft is furious."

"Soft would never have gone along with it if she'd known. Neither wiifm the rest of you."

"She deserved to know."

"I know!" Moon yelled. He held back tears. It wasn't his fault. He could see the future, not change it. "Look there are other bigger things ahead for the six of us."

"Six?"

"Yes. You, Fang, Soft, Swift, me, and," he paused. "and Beast."

Moon turned to face Slip. "I wanted to tell her. I didn't want to hurt her. I understand if she's angry but I did what I had to."

"She's devastated you know."

Moon nodded. "I know."

"Is he going to survive?"

Moon stood in silence. He wanted to tell him, but he couldn't. The same supposed gift he had also bound and gagged him.

Slip wasn't stupid though. "Oh." he said, clearly hearing what went unsaid.

-------

By the time Connor made it home, the moon was gone and the sun was rising. Connor was glad for a Saturday to recuperate after what had happened.

Thoroughly exhausted, Connor climbed the stairs to his room and crashed.