THE MOONLIGHT CURSE

uggle, and the moon cast a cold light on the fallen werewolves.Lena supported Draven as they made their way to his cabin, his arm slung over her shoulders. Despite the exhaustion that w

riam busied herself with a collection of ancient scrolls, Lena's gaze fell on a locked chest partially hidden beneath a tapestry."Elder Miriam," Lena began tentatively, "I've been thinking a lot about the werewolf attack. Why do you think they spared you?"Miriam's eyes flickered with something Lena couldn't quite identify-fear, perhaps, or guilt. "They know I'm the village's protector," she replied, her tone measured. "Attacking me would bring chaos."Lena's suspicion deepened, but she kept her voice steady. "I see. Thank you for explaining."As Miriam turned away, Lena's eyes lingered on the chest. She would return later, when the elder wasn't around."Elder Miriam," Lena continued, trying to sound casual, "do you know anything more about my birth parents? You mentioned they were noble souls."Miriam's gaze flickered again, and for a moment, Lena thought she saw a flash of something-regret, perhaps? "They were devoted to the welfare of Silverwood Valley. They wanted what was best for you.""And they just left one morning?" Lena pressed, watching Miriam's reaction closely.Miriam hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, Lena. They left to protect you."Lena sensed the deception lurking beneath the elder's facade, a shadow of inconsistency that gnawed at her conscience. With each passing moment, the truth seemed to slip further from her grasp, obscured by layers of deceit and betrayal.As Lena left Miriam's quarters, her mind was made up. She would return later, under the cover of darkness, to uncover whatever secrets the elder was hiding.The village was shrouded in silence as Lena made her way back to Elder Miriam's quarters, Draven quietly following behind. The moonlight cast eerie shadows, but Lena moved with purpose, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew this was risky, but the need to uncover the truth outweighed her fear.Once inside, Lena and Draven carefully closed the door behind them. Lena approached the locked chest she had seen earlier, and Draven stood guard by the door, alert for any signs of disturbance.Lena retrieved a small set of lockpicking tools from her pocket-something Draven had taught her during their training. With steady hands, she worked on the lock, her ears straining to catch any sound of movement.After what felt like an eternity, the lock clicked