Chapter 73

Mikayla's POV
“My name is Alaric. This is a festival for those of us with werewolf souls. We celebrate our new powers and your arrival here. Don’t worry, we’ll help you. Let’s enjoy the night!” he said, giving me a wide smile that aroused suspicion and interest.
“A festival? But… what am I supposed to do while I’m here?” I asked, needing clarity about this unfamiliar place.
“You just have to enjoy yourself! This is a chance to meet other people who are just like you. We’ll have various activities: dancing, sharing stories, and learning more about our powers as werewolves. Most importantly, let yourself feel the freedom,” Alaric explained excitedly.
A part of me felt moved. Despite the initial discomfort, there was a burning curiosity. Wasn’t this an opportunity to learn and socialize with people who had similar experiences?
“Okay, I’ll give it a try,” I said, trying to work up the courage. “But I still feel awkward…”
“Don’t worry! Come with me. We’ll make new friends and celebrate all the things that make us strong!” Alaric said as he led me toward the crowd.
As we joined the people in the cave, the atmosphere grew more lively. With each dance, laugh, and music, I began to feel that maybe this place was the first step toward understanding who I really was.
And tonight, with all my fears and worries slowly fading away, I was ready to explore what this new world had to offer—and perhaps find new meaning in life as a werewolf.
“Where’s Rudolf?” The question kept ringing in my mind, making me feel anxious. I felt like I was still afraid, caught between this new world and the uncertainty of what would happen next.
“Don’t be afraid! We’re here with you,” Alaric said, trying to encourage me. He had a friendly face with warm eyes, as if he could sense my fear and was trying to calm me down.
I tried to make sense of what was happening here, but the worry for Rudolf and the children continued to haunt me. They had been the pillars of strength that helped me face every challenge in my life. Without them by my side, I felt a little lost.
“Maybe they’re trying to find out where you are,” Alaric added, as if catching my thoughts. “Rudolf is a powerful werewolf. He will find you. Trust me, he’s not far from here.”
Hearing his words eased my anxiety a little. But the longing for Rudolf and the children was so deep. “I miss them,” I told Alaric, my voice shaking with emotion.
“Everyone who is connected to a wolf soul feels a strong bond. They will sense it and seek you out. Tonight is a time to celebrate the strength within us, but they will always be a part of your journey,” he explained, embracing me gently, giving me a sense of comfort despite being in a strange place.
With that hug, I felt a little at ease, although the longing in my heart did not completely disappear. But Alaric’s words encouraged me to navigate this experience while still hoping for a reunion with my family.
“Okay, I’ll try to enjoy the moment. But I don’t want to forget who I am and what I left behind,” I said, determined to take a positive step.
“Then, let’s celebrate together! Let’s get to know each other and share stories,” Alaric smiled, leading me into the cheerful crowd.
I got to know the people there, but despite their friendliness, I still felt like an outsider. Maybe it was because this was a new world, unlike any I’d ever encountered before.
They fed me a large and delicious meal. The aroma of the food made my stomach growl. I eagerly ate the dishes, from roasted meats to fresh vegetables, all of which tasted amazing. Enjoying the food while chatting helped ease the anxiety that had been creeping in.
Alaric continued to guide me throughout my stay, introducing each person and explaining their traditions and customs. He showed me how important it was to support each other in this community, and that helped me feel more connected little by little.
“What are we going to do after this?” I asked, curious about all the activities that were going on at the festival.
Alaric smiled broadly. “After eating, we’re going to have an introduction ritual. This is a chance for everyone to express themselves, share their backgrounds, and their powers as werewolves. It’s going to be a really meaningful and fun night!”
Hearing that, a sense of excitement began to grow in my heart. “An introduction ritual? Is it like sharing our stories and experiences?” I asked, feeling like this was a good step to increase my closeness with them.
“Yes, exactly! You can share your experiences about your journey, how you discovered your werewolf powers, and what you hope for the future,” Alaric replied.
A part of me started to feel excited. This might be a chance to express who I am and learn from others at the same time. Feeling part of this community, even though it’s still foreign, gave me new hope.
“Okay, I’m ready for it,” I said, determined to open myself up and embrace this experience fully.
I thought it was an introductory ritual, but suddenly I was attacked from behind and fell to the ground. “Ouch…” my voice came out as my body hit the ground.
With panic engulfing me, I tried to get up. Before I could grope, I felt Alaric’s presence beside me. “Mikayla, get up quickly! This is part of the training! You have to try to fight your enemy here!” His instructions were filled with firmness and enthusiasm.
I took a deep breath, trying to distract myself from the pain and fear. This was no time to give up. Even though I was shocked, I knew that I needed to fight and control the power that was inside me.
Quickly, I stood up and prepared myself. “Okay, I’ll try!” I said, focusing on what was happening around me.