Ill Met By Moonlight

The moon hung low in the night sky, its silvery glow casting an ethereal light on the dense forest surrounding the small town of Silverpine. Elora ran her fingers through her dark, her breath visible in the crisp air. She stood at the edge of the woods, her heart pounding in anticipation. She had always felt a pull toward the forest, a connection she couldn't explain. Tonight, it felt stronger than ever.

"You shouldn't be out here this late," came a voice from behind her.

Elora turned sharply, startled. Joel stood a few feet away, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his leather jacket. His messy blonde hair caught the moonlight, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to look straight through her. Joel was the kind of person who drew attention effortlessly, but he also carried an air of mystery that kept people at a distance.

"And you shouldn't sneak up on people," Elora shot back, crossing her arms.

Joel's lips quirked into a half-smile. "Fair enough. But seriously, what are you doing here?"

Elora hesitated. How could she explain the restless energy that had driven her to the woods? She shrugged instead. "Couldn't sleep. Thought a walk might help."

Joel's gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary. "The woods aren't safe at night. Not anymore."

"Not anymore?" Elora repeated, raising an eyebrow. "Is that supposed to scare me?"

"It's not a joke," Joel said, his tone serious now. "People have gone missing. Some say they've seen... things."

Elora rolled her eyes. "Oh, let me guess. Big, bad wolves?"

Joel didn't respond immediately, his jaw tightening. Elora's teasing smile faded as she caught the tension in his expression. "You're serious," she said softly.

"You should go home," Joel said firmly, taking a step closer. "This isn't a game, Elora."

But Elora wasn't the kind to back down, especially not when someone told her what to do. "I'm not afraid of the dark," she said, lifting her chin defiantly.

Joel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Stubborn as ever." He hesitated, then added, "Fine. If you won't leave, at least let me walk with you."

Elora considered protesting but decided against it. Joel's presence, though infuriating at times, was oddly reassuring. Together, they stepped into the woods, the shadows swallowing them whole.

The forest was alive with the sounds of the night: the rustle of leaves, the hoot of an owl, the distant howl of a wolf. Elora felt her pulse quicken at the sound, though she couldn't tell if it was from fear or excitement. Beside her, Joel seemed tense, his eyes scanning their surroundings as if expecting something to jump out at them.

"So, what's the real reason you're out here?" Joel asked after a while.

Elora hesitated. She had never told anyone about the dreams-the vivid, haunting dreams of a wolf with eyes like fire and a voice that seemed to call her name. She didn't even understand them herself.

"I needed some air," she said finally, avoiding his gaze.