The wind whispered through the trees as Tyler trudged along the damp forest path, his legs heavy and trembling beneath the weight of his unconscious sister, Bella. Her blood still clung to his back, mixing with his own, staining his torn clothes. Every breath he drew felt like a battle his chest burned, his limbs ached, and darkness teased the edges of his vision. Yet he kept moving, driven by desperation and the vow he had made to protect her.
Then he saw it. A flicker of dim light ahead, breaking through the thicket like a beacon of hope. A house.
Relief washed over him as he approached the wooden door. His knees threatened to buckle as he laid Bella gently on the porch. With the last of his strength, he knocked.
The door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged man with tired eyes and a lantern in his hand. He looked at the bloodied siblings and gasped.
"Please, sir," Tyler said, panting. "We were attacked… I need help for my sister."
Without hesitation, the man swung the door wide open. "Bring her inside. Quickly. It's not safe at night."
Inside the humble wooden home, the man laid Bella carefully on a small bed near the hearth. "My name is Mr. Benson," he said, grabbing a blanket. "You're lucky you found this place."
"Thank you," Tyler murmured, still standing, his body tense.
"You need to treat your wounds," Mr. Benson insisted.
"I'll be fine," Tyler said, eyes shifting warily around the room. "My name is Tyler… and that's my sister, Bella. Our family was attacked. My parents… they didn't make it."
Mr. Benson's expression darkened. "I'm sorry. You're safe here for now. Stay as long as you need."
Tyler nodded. But then he froze.
A cold scent drifted through the cracks in the wooden walls. His nostrils flared. A vampire.
"Stay inside," Tyler said sharply, already stepping toward the door.
"What is it?" Mr. Benson asked, alarmed.
Tyler ignored the question and stepped outside, his wounds already beginning to heal. The night was colder now. Still.
Then a voice soft, feminine, and laced with menace.
"So you're the one who killed my partner."
A beautiful woman appeared from the shadows, her hair cascading in red and black waves down her back. Her eyes glowed with malice.
"He attacked my family," Tyler growled. "He deserved what he got."
She smiled coldly. "So touching. But that has nothing to do with me. I'm going to kill you."
"Get inside," Tyler told Mr. Benson without turning around.
The man obeyed, slamming the door behind him.
The woman's nails extended like claws. "Let's see if you scream like he did."
Tyler shifted, fur bristling as his form morphed into a powerful black wolf. She lunged at him, faster and stronger than the last vampire. Her kicks sent him crashing into trees, her claws slicing into his sides. Every attack was brutal, relentless. Tyler fought back, but he couldn't land a solid hit. Her strength was unnatural.
"I'll tear you apart," she snarled, pinning him to the ground. "Then I'll tear you into pieces ."
Tyler's eyes widened. He tried to twist free until a blur of red and brown shot out from the trees.
With speed that defied logic, a massive werewolf tackled the vampire, hurling her across the forest like a ragdoll. The vampire tried to rise but with a loud, sickening snap, her neck broke. She crumpled to the forest floor, lifeless.
Tyler's jaw dropped. The red-brown werewolf larger than any he'd seen turned to him, locking eyes for a brief moment before disappearing into the shadows.
Moments later, Mr. Benson rushed out. "Tyler! Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Tyler said, though his legs wobbled beneath him.
"I called a friend," Mr. Benson said, helping him up.
From the house emerged a boy around Tyler's age. He was striking dark red eyes, defined muscles, confident stride.
"This is Conner," Mr. Benson introduced. "Conner, meet Tyler."
Tyler stared, stunned. "You know about werewolves? And vampires?"
Mr. Benson chuckled. "There's more going on in this world than you realize. Yes, I know."
Conner crossed his arms. "You're weak. Do better next time."
Tyler bristled. "You have no idea what I've been through."
"Not my problem," Conner said flatly, walking back inside.
Tyler followed him in, glancing at Bella still resting on the bed.
"She's pretty," Conner said casually.
"Watch your mouth," Tyler growled.
"Enough," Mr. Benson said. "Tyler, Conner belongs to a powerful family that protects wolves like you. Tomorrow, you'll go with him to the Davidson Mansion. You'll meet others like yourself. Vampires are growing bolder. If we don't act, humanity will suffer."
Tyler's eyes narrowed. "I'm ready."