The final bell rang, and just instantly, the hallway exploded with kids moving around. Lockers getting slammed, voices overlapping, and footsteps rushing past like everyone's afraid of being left behind.

I remained where I was, as I had managed to convince myself that I was waiting for Bri. That I didn't know my way around the school well enough to leave.

But that was a lie. A lie I didn't bother correcting.

Bit by bit, the noise reduced in the hallway, stretched tight with the faint smell of cleaner and body sweat. But I focused on my locker, twisting the dial way too slowly as I pretended to be memorizing the combination.

My shoulders itch like I am being watched, and the feeling crawls under my skin no matter how many times I shift the weight. I should leave. I knew that. The sooner I returned home, the sooner I relaxed.

Still, I lingered, listening to the last few students laugh as they disappeared around the corner. My heart was beating too fast for a moment that should have been ordinary. My chest tightened as the hallway emptied.

I'm halfway through pretending I don't feel anything when Bri's voice came through.

"Hey," she said in a soft voice.

I look up to see her standing a few lockers down, her backpack slung over her shoulder, and her red hair catching the light. She smiled when our eyes met.

"You disappeared pretty fast after the final bell," she said, walking closer.

I shrugged, because I didn't know what else to say. I couldn't be honest with her. And Bri didn't push it. Instead, she leaned against the locker beside mine, close enough that I could catch the scent of her shampoo.

Her gaze flicked over me in a quick but subtle pass.

"Are you okay?" she asked in a low tone.

I nodded automatically, even though my chest still felt tight and my pulse didn't slow down. Bri hummed like she didn't believe me, but having no other choice, she accepted it. Or at least, pretended to. She straightened, then used her fingers to brush my sleeves.

"Okay then, we should head out," she said lightly.

I opened my mouth to speak and just then, everything changed.

Derek stepped into the hallway, alone, without his friends behind him. The air tightened around my ribs, and I forgot to move for a few moments. Bri noticed it too. Her hand dropped from my sleeve, but she didn't move away.

When I finally turned, Derek was there. He leaned back against the row of lockers across from us. His hoodie was pulled up. He just stayed there, watching me without making any sound or making any weird facial expressions. His bright blue eyes stayed on me.

This, was what I stalled for. Another interaction with him.

Derek's gaze dragged over me slowly. The corner of his lip twitched, making my stomach twist. Was this what people meant when they said they felt butterflies in their tummy?

Bri shifted beside me, and that's when Derek finally spoke.

"You like trouble, don't you? New guy," he said in a low and even voice. "Or am I just lucky today?"

I swallowed. I met his stare, my heart pounding so loud I feared he might hear it. Then he pushed himself off the locker and took one step closer, then another, till he was short of space. He stood close enough to me that I could feel the heat of him.

"You're blocking the hallway," I said. My voice didn't shake, and for that, I was surprised.

Derek's brow lifted. His eyes narrowed, and for a second there, I thought he was going to laugh. Instead, he leaned closer until my back brushed the cold metal of the lockers behind me.

"Did you just tell me what to do?" he asked quietly.

"I said you're in the way," I repeated.

His hand came up fast, grabbing a fistful of my shirt and pulling me forward. I sucked in a breath. Every nerve ending was lighting up at once. My wolf surged, and it took everything in me not to respond or shove him back. I couldn't let the beast inside me answer to his mere challenge.

Derek froze. His grip tightened for a split second, then it loosened. His eyes searched my face as if he sensed something. Then a hand pressed flat against his chest.

"Alright," Bri said. "That's enough."

She stepped between us without any hesitation. Derek's hand dropped from my shirt. His jaw tightened as he took a step back. 

"Is Little Red Riding Hood always going to save your sorry little ass whenever I want to have my fill?" he smirked.

"I don't need anybody to save me from you," I replied almost instantly. "In fact, I believe it is you she's saving."

Derek chuckled once at first. Then he chuckled again, and it grew into a loud burst of laughter. Then he started clapping his hands as he sighed.

"You're funny, new guy," he began. "What's your name?"

"Ethan," I answered. "Ethan Hale."

Derek's hands dropped onto his waist. "Okay, Ethan," he said as his lips curved into a wide grin. "I'm going to make you eat those words. And nobody, not even little redheaded Bri, would save either you nor I. You got that?"

I scoffed. "I understand perfectly clear. I assure you that I'll never need anyone to save me from you."

He laughed under his breath. "Good," he muttered with his eyes flicking to me one last time. "This isn't over yet, you hear? We're not done."

I watched him walk away. My shirt wrinkled from his grip. My body was buzzing with feelings I didn't quite understand.

Bri turned to me, her fingers brushing my arm. "Wow, that was something," she exhaled. "Imagine making an enemy just on the first day of school. I feel bad for you."

"Don't be."

"Huh?" she turned to me. "You must be kidding, right? You just got here, and you've gotten a target on your back. You have Derek Jack onto you... If that's not worrying enough, I don't know what is. Derek is a strong guy, and he's not always this much of a bully to anyone. I'm surprised at how he has it out for you... and over a silly bump."

Bri's hand stayed on mine. "We're leaving," she said.

"Yes, alright," I nodded and followed as we got outside.

I took one step forward and stopped. From the corner of my eye, I could see someone from the pack standing beside a jeep. He was standing beside a dark-colored car near the far edge of the lot, with his arms folded across his chest. He didn't lean against the car. He didn't pace. He simply waited.

My chest tightened.

Bri noticed the shift in me instantly. "Ethan?" she asked softly.

"That's... someone I know," I said, already moving. "I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

She hesitated, clearly wanting to say something more, but I didn't give her the chance. I lifted a hand in a brief goodbye and crossed the distance before she could argue.

He straightened when I approached, his dark eyes scanning me from head to toe.

"You're late," he said.

His name is Lucas. I have long considered him as my big brother. He was always protective of me since I was little, and has taught me so much, even my father couldn't.

"I stayed after," I replied. "What's wrong?"

That was when his jaw tightened. He unfolded his arms and leaned closer, lowering his voice.

"We have a problem."

"And what kind of problem?" I asked, already knowing the answer wouldn't be easy to take in.

"One of the elders," he said. "From the old territory."

My breath caught. "What about them?"

"They were attacked."

My breath caught.

"By who?" I asked, though my pulse had already begun to race.

His eyes darkened. "The Ashbound."

The name sent a cold ripple through me.

The Ashbound were hunters. Not ordinary ones. They are the kind that burned symbols into their weapons and believed wiping out supernatural bloodlines was a holy duty. The kind our pack had avoided for decades.

"Is he alive?" I asked.

He didn't answer right away, and that was answer enough.

"We're heading back as soon as you get in the car," he said quietly. "Your father wants you home. Now."

I glanced back once.

"Ethan," my brother said sharply. "This isn't a game. We have to move now."

I turned back to him, my chest tight, my wolf restless beneath my skin.

"I know," I said. "If the Ashbounds are here, I don't think we might have the time to settle in this new place."

I got into the car as Lucas started the engine, and we drove off.

Lucas drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting near the gearshift, his posture loose in a way that only looked relaxed. Anyone who didn't know him would've missed the tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw flexed every few seconds like he was grinding his teeth down to bone.

He didn't speak, and neither did I.

The forest swallowed us quickly once we left town. Trees thickened, shadows stretched, and the road narrowed into something only locals were used to. My wolf stirred as the iron gates came into view, but Lucas didn't slow down. They opened automatically, sensing us.

I swallowed hard.

"Lucas," I said finally.

His eyes flicked to me for half a second. "Yes, Ethan. What is it?"

"Please," I added. "Talk to me."

The car hummed beneath us. Tires rolled over gravel. Then he sighed.

"You're old enough now, I guess," he said slowly. "Your father would've had this conversation with you soon anyway."

My hands curled into fists on my thighs. "I need to know more about the hunters. I need to know more about the Ashbounds."

Lucas nodded once. "The Ashbound."

I took in a deep breath and exhaled softly.

"I've heard the stories," I said. "Pack legends. Nothing but warnings. But these stories don't attack elders."

"No. You are right about that, Ethan. Stories don't hurt us," Lucas said grimly. "People do."

He took a turn sharper than necessary, then steadied the wheel. "The Ashbound aren't like the ones humans whisper about. They don't chase shadows or burn villages with pitchforks. They're organized, well-trained, and fanatical."

I looked out the window as the trees blurred past. "Fanatical how?"

"They believe supernatural blood is a corruption," Lucas said. "That we're an infection that needs to be burned out of the world. Wolves. Vampires. Witches. Anyone who isn't fully human."

My stomach twisted.

"They've been around for centuries," he continued. "And over these years, they've had different names, with different ways they present or show themselves. Different masks. But they all had the same ideology. They mark their weapons with ash and silver. They hunt in small groups. Always in new territory."

"And now," I said quietly, "they're here."

Lucas's knuckles whitened around the wheel. "That's the problem. Or it could be they've always been here."

Silence fell again.

"Why now?" I asked. "Why us? Do you think they managed to know we moved in?"

"That's what your father's trying to figure out," Lucas said. "But if I had to guess? They didn't stumble into our land by accident."

I turned toward him. "You think they're tracking us."

"I think," he said carefully, "that something drew their attention."

Something like an Alpha pack hiding just outside a human town. Something like me. The thought slithered through my chest.

"They don't usually strike elders," Lucas added. "Not unless they're testing boundaries. Or sending a message."

My throat felt tight. "I know I asked this before, but you didn't say anything. But is the elder-"

"Alive," Lucas said quickly. "Barely. If he hadn't fought back, we'd be burying him right now."

I exhaled shakily. "You've seen them before."

Lucas nodded. "Once. Years ago. Different pack. Different territory."

"And?" I pressed.

"And they didn't leave survivors."

The words settled into me like stones. The rest of the drive passed in uneasy quiet.

By the time we reached the main house, the pack had already begun to gather. Cars lined the gravel clearing. Wolves paced just beyond the treeline in half-shifted forms, their agitation bleeding into the air.

My mother burst through the front door the moment she saw me.

"Ethan."

She crossed the porch in three strides and cupped my face in her hands, eyes scanning me with fierce precision. "Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine mother," I said softly. "I promise."

Her hands slid down my arms, checking anyway. "And how was school?"

"It was... good," I said. "Different. But good."

She searched my eyes, sensing the lie, but she didn't push. Instead, she pulled me into a tight embrace, breathing me in.

"I'm glad you're home," she murmured.

"So am I."

Lucas cleared his throat. "Meeting's starting, ma'am. I need to get Ethan in the hall with the rest of us."

My mother stiffened. She released me reluctantly, brushing my hair back from my face. "Go," she said. "Your father needs you."

I nodded.

The pack hall buzzed with tension. Elders sat along the far wall. Warriors stood in clusters, voices low, expressions grim. My father stood at the center, tall and immovable, his presence commanding without too much effort.

When I entered, the conversations died. I took my place at his right. He glanced at me once. Just once, and his eyes softened for half a heartbeat before the Alpha returned.

"Enough," he said.

The room stilled.

"You all know why we're here," he continued. "One of our elders was attacked within our borders. That alone is unacceptable."

A murmur rippled through the room.

"We will hear from those who were there," my father said. "Step forward."

Three wolves shifted back into human form near the center of the hall. Blood still stained one of their shirts. My pulse spiked at the sight of it.

The first spoke. "We were patrolling near the eastern ridge. Elder Rowan stayed behind, said he sensed something off."

My father nodded. "Go on."

"We heard the struggle minutes later," the second said. "By the time we reached him, they were already retreating."

"How many?" my father asked.

"At least four," the third answered. "They were all very fast and coordinated."

"They used silver," the first added. "Blades and pellets."

A low growl rolled through the hall.

"Did you see their face?" My father asked.

"Not really. They wore masks," the second continued. "Ash-gray. It covered their faces completely."

My father's jaw tightened. "Did you see anything else?"

The first wolf hesitated. "Rowan fought them. Hard. He managed to grab two of them before they escaped."

My chest tightened.

"He pulled their masks off," the wolf said. "Just for a second."

Every muscle in my body locked.

"And?" my father demanded.

The wolf swallowed. "Their eyes."

The room held its breath.

"They were bright blue," he said. "Not normal like anything we've seen in all our years. Their eyes were glowing."

The word echoed in my skull. Blue. My vision blurred for a moment. Sharp blue eyes filled my mind. 

Could it be? Derek? No... no no no.

Fear surged through me. I forced myself to breathe.

My father nodded slowly, absorbing the information. "Thank you. You may step back."

As the witnesses retreated, my father turned to the pack.

"The Ashbound have crossed into our territory," he said. "This changes everything."

I barely heard him. All I could see were blue eyes in a crowded hallway. And for the first time since meeting Derek Jack, I wasn't sure if what twisted in my chest was desire or dread.

After a few more hours, the meeting ended. The pack began to disperse in small clusters, conversations muted and tense. Wolves who usually lingered now moved quickly. But I remained where I was.

My father spoke with the elders, his voice was calm and even, but I could feel the strain beneath it. I watched the way his shoulders never slumped, even as the last witness stepped away.

When the hall finally emptied, I turned to leave.

"Ethan."

My father's voice stopped me instantly.

I paused, then turned back. "Yes, Father?"

He gestured subtly to his side. "Wait."

I did.

The doors shut behind the last of the pack members. The hall felt cavernous now. It was too large and too quiet. My father stood there for a moment longer, staring at the space where his pack had been, then he turned to me.

"How was the first day of school?" he asked. "Is it any different from the other high schools you've been to?"

The question caught me off guard.

"It was... fine," I said carefully. "Like the others, father. No difference at all."

He stared at me the way he always did, not as a father first, but as an Alpha gauging a threat.

"We're in a different town, Ethan," he said. "With different people. I don't expect every school to be thesame. So I need you to be completely honest with me. I can't believe that every school you've been to has been nothing but calm and peaceful. You're not in the midst of robots or soulless creatures."

"Yes, father," I replied. "But still, it's just school. I can't imagine how random it can be."

He nodded slowly. "Hmm. And you didn't draw attention to yourself."

It wasn't a question.

"I didn't, Father," I said. "I promise."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

A long pause stretched between us.

"Ethan," he said quietly, and something in his voice softened. "You know I need the truth from you. Especially now... after all you've heard. I need to be certain my son is still in the clear."

My chest tightened.

"I didn't bring any attention to myself, father," I repeated. "You don't have to worry about my safety. I blended in perfectly."

He searched my face one last time. Then he stood and crossed the distance between us, placing a heavy hand on my shoulder.

"Good," he said. "That's all I ask."

I instantly felt relieved that he wasn't asking me about it anymore, because I didn't know how long I could keep it to myself before I told him about the incident in school. Guilt slid in behind my relief. Very sharp and unwelcome.

"Come," he added. "Walk with me."

We left the hall together, stepping into the house through the long corridor. My mother was in the dining room, placing the last dishes on the table. The scent of cooked meat and herbs filled the air.

"You're just in time, my darlings," she said, smiling when she saw me. "Dinner's ready."

I shook my head. "I hate to say this mum, but I'm not hungry."

My father didn't even look at me. "Well, your mother put in a lot of effort into this dish, and you will eat it. So sit."

"I really don't-"

"Ethan," he said firmly. "I don't think I made myself clear. This isn't optional."

I hesitated, then sighed. "Okay. But can I eat somewhere else?"

My mother glanced between us. "He's had a long day," she said gently. "I think we should let him-"

"No," my father replied. "He eats with the family. I don't care what type of day he's had. He eats with us."

I clenched my jaw.

"I'll just grab something quick," I said, reaching for the bread.

Before either of them could stop me, I took a piece and slipped out the door, and I headed toward the woods, moving quietly while letting the shadows swallow me. I knew Lucas would be out there, and if there was anyone I could be alone with. It was him.

When I got deep into the woods, I saw Lucas and quickly hid behind a large tree. And I almost made it unnoticed, but...

"Still not very good at hiding," Lucas's voice called out.

I scowled. "Someday, I will be. You'll see."

He laughed. "Sure. I'll be waiting."

He stood near a small fire, turning a spit where meat roasted slowly, the scent rich and wild. He tossed me a piece without asking if I wanted one.

I caught it and sat across from him. We ate in silence for a moment.

"Fought with your dad again?" he asked.

"Not really," I said. "Just... dinner problems. He wouldn't let me eat in my room."

"Is that it?"

"I'm kinda tired of eating at the table with them. All we do is just eat, and nobody ever talks."

Lucas snorted. "You're the only one who can walk away from the Alpha and live to tell the tale."

"That's not funny."

"It kind of is," he said. "Your pure Alpha blood has its perks. Not being able to be controlled by an Alpha like your dad."

I frowned. "I don't want to talk about him."

Lucas raised a brow. "Then what are you doing out here? You always come to find me whenever you want to talk to someone or when you want to be alone."

I hesitated. "You're right. But I don't want to talk about my dad. I want to talk about the Ashbound."

His smile vanished instantly.

"Don't ruin my dinner Ethan."

"I need to understand," I pressed.

His voice sharpened. "Ethan-"

"Please."

He exhaled harshly, then stood and pulled his shirt over his head, showing me an old, ugly scar.

"Your scar? But I've seen this," I said. "In case you've forgotten, you don't always wear a shirt around people."

"Yeah. But you don't know how I got it," he replied.

My throat went dry. "The Ashbound?"

He nodded. "Yes."

"How's that possible? We have the ability to heal our injuries, except if they were inflicted on us by the Alpha. How is it possible that the human hunters did this?"

"Yeah. It wasn't your father who did this, or any other alpha from other packs. It was the Ashbounds."

"How could they have done something to you that would leave a scar? I always thought my father did this."

"The Ashbounds used something supernatural," he said. "Something that stopped me from healing myself."

My stomach dropped.

"I was ten when it happened," he continued quietly. "I wandered off to watch a carnival and got mixed up with some humans during the events. Being ten, I was unable to control my wolf. Some Ashbounds present then found me, and they didn't care I was a child."

He met my eyes.

"They don't show mercy, Ethan," Lucas said. "Not to anyone. Not even newborns. I was lucky I scurried my way out of there."

The fire crackled between us.

"I am sorry," I muttered. "I can't believe something like that happened to you."

"I was treated by one of the pack members who managed to study human medicine. And because the beatings I got weren't severe, I lived," he added. "And for you to understand how bad these hunters are. The ones who caught me and attacked me... were teenagers like you. Imagine the type of hatred they had for our kind to be so ruthless at that age."

"I-I"

"You have to keep a low profile, Ethan. It's the only thing that's kept us safe for years."

For the first time, I truly understood what hunted us.