After the day at the hidden magus Craft class, life returned to a sense of normalcy for Austin as he continued his training, delving deeper into the mysteries of magic and the supernatural world.

Along the way, Austin found solace in Jason, enjoying each other's company. Their bond grew stronger as well as his bond with The Great Wolf Pack, as the days turned into weeks, Austin's powers grew stronger, and he became an integral part of the Great Wolf Pack.

It is an early weekend morning at the lodge, the sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the lodge's communal area. Austin sat on a couch, sipping a cup of coffee.

The pack's members bustled about, preparing for the day's activities. Some chatted in hushed tones, while others laughed and joked, creating a sense of camaraderie. Austin felt a sense of belonging, knowing he'd found his place among these supernatural beings.

"Austin, can I talk to you for a minute?" Jason asked, his voice low and gentle.

"Of course, what's up?" Austin replied, setting his coffee aside.

"I've been thinking...about us," Jason said, his eyes locked on Austin's. "I know we've grown close, but I want to make sure you're comfortable with...everything."

Austin's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

Jason's gaze never wavered. "Our bond, Austin. It's strong, and I feel it too. But I want to make sure you're okay with where this is headed."

Austin's voice barely whispered. "I'm okay, Jason. More than okay. I feel it too."

Jason's face softened, and he reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Austin's forehead. "Good. Because I can't imagine going through this without you by my side."

As Jason's hand lingered on Austin's forehead, the tension between them was palpable. The air seemed to vibrate with an unspoken understanding, a connection that went beyond words.

Suddenly, the lodge's door burst open, and a figure strode in, their presence commanding attention. "Anakin, we have a problem," the newcomer announced, their voice firm and urgent.

Jason's gaze never left Austin's as Anakin replied, "What is it, Elijah?"

Elijah's expression was grave. "James has made his move. He's attacking the eastern border, and we need to respond immediately."

The room erupted into a flurry of activity as the pack sprang into action. Austin's heart raced, knowing he was about to face his first real test as a member of the Great Wolf Pack.

"Jason, we need to go now!" Anakin urged, his eyes burning with intensity.

"I know, I know," Jason replied, his gaze still locked on Austin. "Austin, stay here and stay safe. We'll handle this."

Austin's face is set in determination. "No, Jason. I'm coming with you. I'm part of the pack now, and I won't sit back while you all face danger."

Jason's expression softened, and he nodded. "Alright, but stay close to me and follow my lead. This won't be an easy fight."

Elijah nodded in approval. "Let's move out, pack! We have a border to defend!"

As they rushed out of the lodge, Austin felt a surge of adrenaline and a sense of purpose. He was ready to stand alongside Jason and the Great Wolf Pack against whatever threats lay ahead.

As the Great Wolf Pack turned to wolves in the night, their forms blurring into sleek, shadowy beasts, Austin stood tall, his human heart pounding with excitement and fear. He knew his role was crucial, his magic and connection to the pack's ancient lore making him a vital asset in the battle ahead.

Jason, now a majestic gray wolf, approached Austin, his eyes gleaming with a deep understanding. He nudged Austin's hand with his snout, as if to reassure him, before turning to lead the pack into the fray.

Austin followed, his senses heightened as he scanned the surroundings, his knowledge of magic and the supernatural world guiding him. He knew the pack's strength lay not only in their physical prowess but also in their unity and determination.

Together, they charged towards the eastern border, a force of fur, fangs, and human courage, ready to face whatever darkness James and his allies had unleashed.

At night, on a path going into the eastern border, the Pack reach a lighted temple.

As they approach the temple, the Pack can see that it's surrounded by a tranquil garden, filled with lotus flowers and soft, glowing lanterns. The air is thick with the scent of incense and something else... something mysterious. The temple's entrance is guarded by two massive stone statues of ancient warriors, their eyes glowing with an ethereal light.

Jason, in his wolf form, approaches the entrance, his ears perked up and his tail held high. Austin follows closely, his senses on high alert, feeling the weight of the temple's history and magic. The statues come to life, their eyes flashing brighter as they nod in respect to the Pack.

Inside, the temple is adorned with intricate carvings and murals depicting the Pack's ancient history and the secrets of the supernatural world.

As Austin looks around. “I smell blood! This temple is pretty rough! Someone must have gotten hurt!” As he ran up the steps to the temple. Austin slides the doors open quickly.

“Are you alright?! Ah!” Austin said.

Inside the temple, a Vampire has attacked several humans, leaving them dead. He’s eating their corpses.

“What the hell? This is my turf. If you break into my territory, I’ll make you pay!” the vampire said.

“It’s a man-eating Vampire!” Austin said.

At the sight of the corpses, Jason and the others begin salivating furiously.

The vampire, its eyes gleaming with malevolent intent, bares its fangs, ready to strike. Austin stands firm, his magic at the ready, as Jason and the Pack growl, their instincts raging. The air is thick with tension, the scent of blood and death hanging heavy.

"You're a long way from home, Vampire," Austin says, his voice steady. "And you've made a grave mistake. This is our territory, and we won't let you desecrate it."

The vampire snarls, its voice dripping with contempt. "You think a few wolves and a human can take me down? I've lived for centuries, and I'll not be defeated so easily."

Jason, his eyes fixed on the vampire, takes a step forward, his growl low and menacing. The Pack follows, their eyes blazing with fury. The Vampire charges Austin, knocking both of them from the top of the steps to the temple.

Austin uses his hatchet to slice the neck of the Vampire.

“Hahaha… A hatchet, huh? Not bad. But a scratch like this… should heal in no time.” the Vampire said as the wound that Austin inflicted heals. “See that? The bleeding stopped already.”

Jason and the others continue to stare at the bodies in the temple. The Vampire moves too quickly to see and pounces on Austin, pushing him to the ground.

“He’s so fast! And he’s unbelievably strong!” Austin said.

“You won’t get me twice! All right. I’m gonna snap your neck!” The Vampire said.

At the sound of Austin's pain, Jason runs from the temple and bites the Vampire’s head off in a swift motion and it hits a tree.

The vampire's headless body crumples to the ground, its limbs twitching in a macabre dance. Austin, gasping for breath, struggles to his feet, his eyes locked on Jason in gratitude. The Pack gathers around, their growls subsiding into a collective sigh of relief.

Jason approaches Austin, his eyes gleaming with a fierce pride, and nudges him gently with his snout. Austin smiles, clapping Jason on the shoulder. "Thanks, buddy. I owe you one."

As the Pack begins to tend to the human victims, Austin turns to the vampire's head, still staring at them with cold, dead eyes. "You were a monster," Austin says, his voice firm. "But I think there's more to this than just a random attack."

He examines the head, searching for any clues, and notices a small tattoo on the vampire's forehead - a symbol of an ancient cult thought long extinct. "This is getting weirder by the minute..."

As Austin studies the vampire's head, a figure emerges from the shadows, his presence commanding attention. Kaelin Darkshadow, a mysterious and enigmatic figure, approaches the Pack with an air of quiet confidence. His piercing green eyes gleam with an otherworldly intensity, and his raven-black hair seems to absorb the light around him.

"Well done, Great Wolf Pack," Kaelin says, his voice low and smooth. "You've rid the world of a monster. But there are more where that came from."

Kaelin's gaze lingers on the vampire's head, his expression unreadable. "This one was a mere pawn in a larger game. A game of darkness and shadow, where the stakes are higher than you can imagine."

Austin and Jason exchange a curious glance, sensing that Kaelin's words hold secrets and hidden truths. "What do you know, Kaelin?" Anakin asks, his mind racing with questions.

Kaelin's smile is enigmatic. "Let's just say I've walked the shadows for a long time, and I've seen things that would make your blood run cold. But I'm here to help you navigate the darkness that's coming. If you're willing to trust me, that is."

Austin and Jason exchange a skeptical glance, unsure if they should trust this enigmatic stranger. But something about Kaelin's words resonates with them, and they sense that he might hold the key to unlocking the mysteries they've uncovered.

"Okay, Kaelin," Austin says, his voice cautious. "We're listening. What do you know about the vampire and this cult symbol?"

Kaelin's eyes seem to bore into their souls, as if sizing them up. "The vampire was a mere pawn in a larger game. A game of power and control, where the stakes are the very fabric of our world."

He pauses, his gaze drifting toward the temple. "The cult symbol you saw is just the tip of the iceberg. It's a mark of the Shadowhand Clan, an ancient and powerful organization that's been pulling the strings from behind the scenes for centuries."

Anakin's ears perk up, his hackles raised. "What do you mean?"

Kaelin's smile grows wider, his eyes glinting with a knowing light. "I mean that the Shadowhand Clan has been manipulating events from the shadows, using their vast resources and network of operatives to shape the world to their advantage. And they'll stop at nothing to achieve their goals."

Austin's mind races with the implications. "What are their goals?"

Kaelin's expression turns grim. "That's what we need to find out. But be warned, Great Wolf Pack, once you step into this world, there's no turning back. The shadows can be treacherous, and the consequences of failure are dire."

As they make their way back to their territory, the Pack is somber, their minds reeling from the events that have unfolded. Austin and Anakin are deep in conversation, discussing Kaelin's enigmatic warning and the implications of the Shadowhand Clan's involvement.

Meanwhile, Jason's eyes are fixed on the ground, his senses still reeling from the scent of blood and death. The sight of the corpses has triggered something primal within him, and he can feel his instincts taking over.

Suddenly, Jason's ears perk up, and he lets out a low growl. His eyes lock onto a nearby deer, and without hesitation, he takes off in a sprint, chasing after his prey.

"Jason, no!" Austin yells, but it's too late. Jason is in the midst of a feeding frenzy, his instincts consumed by the primal urge to hunt and devour.

The Pack watches in horror as Jason tears into the deer's flesh, his eyes wild and unrecognizable. They know they must act fast to prevent him from harming himself or others.

With a heavy heart, Austin and Anakin approach Jason, carefully restraining him as he snarls and snaps, still lost in his primal state.

"We have to lock him up," Anakin says, his voice firm but sorrowful. "For his own safety, and ours."

And with that, they lead Jason away, locking him in a secure enclosure to ride out the storm of his feeding frenzy.

They leave behind an empty space, a feeling of sadness and regret still lingering in the air.

The day afterwards, in the kitchen, Austin sits down for a cup of tea as Rhett suddenly appears.

“Hey.” Rhett said.

“How are you doing Rhett?” Austin said.

“I heard about what happened to Jason.” Rhett said.

“Yes, I hope he's doing all right.” Austin said. “Are you settled in now? You’ve been exploring the property this whole time”

“It’s something I need to do. Instinctively.” Rhett said.

“As a dog?” Added Austin.

“I don’t want to admit it, but yeah.” Rhett said.

Austin nods understandingly, taking a sip of his tea. "I know how that is. Sometimes our instincts just take over, and we can't help but follow them."

Rhett nods, his eyes gazing off into the distance. "Yeah. And sometimes those instincts lead us to places we don't want to go."

Austin sets his cup down, his expression sympathetic. "You're thinking about Jason, aren't you?"

Rhett's gaze snaps back to Austin, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. "How could this have happened, Austin? Jason's always been the strong one, the one who keeps us together. And now...now he's locked up, struggling with his own demons."

Austin's voice is soft. "We'll get through this, Rhett. We'll help Jason through this. Together."

Rhett's face twists, his voice cracking. "But what if we can't, Austin? What if he's lost forever?"

Austin reaches out, placing a hand on Rhett's shoulder. "We won't give up on him, Rhett. We'll fight for him, just like he's always fought for us."

Rhett's eyes well up with tears, and he nods, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks, Austin. Just knowing you're here for us...means a lot."

The two sit in silence for a moment, the only sound the gentle hum of the kitchen appliances and the distant howling of wolves.

Just then, Alisa appears suddenly and holds out a wallet for Austin.

“What’s this?” Austin said as Alisa pushed him toward the door. “Huh? Huh? Huh?! W-Wait, Alisa.”

“What is it, Austin?” Rhett said as Alisa gave Austin his cloak.

As Alisa pushes Austin and Rhett out the door, he is joined by Garylen, Winter, Fern, Willow, Vega, Lumiya, Jackson, Lupin and Aki.

"Where are we going?" Austin asks, his confusion growing as the group gathers outside.

“I don’t know what just happened, but we got kicked out.” Lumiya said.

Austin looks at the wallet from Alisa and reads the note. ‘For a change. Please come back before it gets dark.’ It looks like she gave us some spending money.

“Looks like it.” Garylen said.

As Austin and the others step outside the gate. “I wonder if it’s safe to go out right now, though.”

“You have me.” Rhett said.

Austin smiles, feeling a sense of gratitude toward Alisa. "Well, it looks like we've got some money and each other. Let's make the most of it!"

The group begins to walk, their footsteps echoing through the quiet streets. As they move further away from the safety of their home, the shadows seem to grow longer and darker, as if warning them of potential dangers.

Garylen, with his curious and adventurous spirit, takes the lead, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Hey, look! A market! Let's go check it out!"

The group follows Garylen, their excitement growing as they explore the vibrant stalls and colorful vendors. Winter and Fern can't resist the temptation of sweet treats, while Willow and Vega engage in a heated debate over which game to play next. Lumiya and Jackson chase each other, laughing and playing tag, while Lupin and Aki stick close to Rhett, their eyes wide with wonder.

As they wander through the market, Austin can't help but feel a sense of pride and responsibility, watching his friends enjoy themselves despite the uncertainty of their situation.

But as the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the market, Austin remembers Alisa's note: "Please come back before it gets dark."

He glances at the others, his expression serious. "Hey, guys? I think it's time we headed back home."

The group nods in agreement, their faces slightly worried but still filled with the joy of their adventure.

As the group begins their journey back home, In the late afternoon, As they enter the house, Austin takes a deep breath and turns to Rhett. "Hey, Rhett? Can we talk for a minute?"

Rhett's ears perk up, and he gives Austin a curious look. "Of course, Austin. What's on your mind?"

Austin hesitates, unsure of how to put his thoughts into words. "It's just...what happened with Jason, and Alisa's warning...I can't help but worry about you, too."

Rhett's expression softens, and he nuzzles Austin's hand. "Austin, I'm your familiar. I'm bound to protect you, and I won't let anything happen to you. And I know you'll do the same for me."

Austin's eyes search Rhett's face, looking for reassurance. "But what if...what if something like that happens to you? What if you lose control like Jason did?"

Rhett's voice is calm and steady. "Austin, I promise you, I will never hurt you. And if I ever feel myself losing control, I'll do everything in my power to get away from you and the others until I can regain control."

Austin nods, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him. "I know, Rhett. I trust you. It's just...I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you."

Rhett's tail wags gently. "You'll never have to find out, Austin. We're in this together, always."

As they stand there, Austin feels a surge of magic flow between them, strengthening their bond and reassuring him that Rhett will always be by his side.

“We’re home.” Austin said.

Alisa appears from the kitchen.

“Thanks for the money. I bought some gifts -- I mean, some snacks and such for us.

How’s Jason?” Alisa shakes her head. Austin goes up to his door.

Austin opens the door to his room, and Rhett follows him in. As they enter, Austin can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. Being in his own space, surrounded by his own things, is a comfort.

He begins to unpack the snacks and drinks he bought, setting them out on his desk. Rhett jumps up onto the bed, watching him with curious eyes.

Austin sighs, feeling a mix of emotions. He's still worried about Jason, and the weight of Alisa's warning lingers in his mind. But being in his room, with Rhett by his side, makes him feel a little more at ease.

"Hey, Rhett?" Austin says, turning to face his familiar. "You know, I'm really glad you're here with me. You always know how to make me feel better."

Rhett's tail wags, and he gives Austin a gentle nuzzle. Austin smiles, feeling a sense of gratitude towards his loyal companion.

As they settle in for the evening, Austin can't help but wonder what the future holds. Will they be able to help Jason? And what other challenges lie ahead?

But for now, he's just grateful to be home, with Rhett by his side.

He snuggles into his bed and drifts off to sleep, feeling safe and secure knowing that he has his best friend by his side.

In a dream, Austin sees his mother leaning over him, "I never wanted you," she spoke, before closing the door on him.

Austin wakes up with a start. He rubs his eyes, trying to get rid of the dream. He takes a deep breath and looks at the clock. It's already morning. He gets out of bed and exits the room, where Rhett sleeps next to the bed. Austin goes to the bath and hangs his head low.

He splashes water on his face and sighs. He feels exhausted and drained. He takes a deep breath and steps out of the shower, after that, he goes to the kitchen.

“Morning, Alisa. Have you seen Jason?” Austin said.

“No.” Alisa said.

Austin's heart sank at Alisa's response. He had been hoping that Jason's condition might have improved overnight, but it seemed that wasn't the case.

He poured himself a bowl of cereal and sat down at the table, feeling a sense of unease. Rhett, sensing his mood, nuzzled his hand, and Austin stroked his fur absent-mindedly.

As he ate, Austin couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness that lingered from his dream. He had thought he had long forgotten his mother's hurtful words, but it seemed they still lingered in his subconscious.

Alisa noticed his gloomy expression and came over to sit beside him. "Hey, Austin, what's wrong?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Austin hesitated, unsure of how to share his feelings. But Alisa's kind eyes encouraged him to open up. "I had a bad dream," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "My mother was in it, and she said some really hurtful things."

Alisa's expression softened, and she put a comforting arm around his shoulders. "Oh, Austin, I'm so sorry. That must have been really tough for you."

Austin nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. He was grateful for Alisa's understanding and support. With her help, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Austin and Alisa walked to Jason's room, Rhett following closely behind. When they entered, they found Jason still tied up and in his werewolf form.

Alisa approached him and placed a hand on his forehead. "He's still not responding," she said, concern etched on her face.

Austin felt a pang of worry and frustration. He wished there was something he could do to help his friend.

As they stood there, Alisa began to speak in a soft, gentle voice. "Austin, I know it's hard to see Jason like this, but I want to tell you something. When I was younger, I went through something similar with my own sister. She was sick for a long time, and it was hard to see her suffering."

Austin looked at Alisa, curious about her story.

"It was tough, but I learned that sometimes, all we can do is be there for each other. And that's what we're doing for Jason now. We're here for him, and we'll support him through this." She added.

Austin nodded, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him. Alisa's words were reassuring, and he was grateful for her understanding.

As they stood there, Rhett nuzzled Austin's hand, and he stroked his fur, feeling a sense of peace wash over him.

He looked up at Alisa and smiled, grateful for her support. He knew that he and Jason were not alone in this. Together, they could make it through this.

Austin hesitates for a moment before entering the room. He took a deep breath and stepped inside.

As Austin stepped further into the room. “Jason, are you? Jas–” he said as the door slammed shut.

Rhett said. “Austin.”

“Austin.” Alisa said.

Jason races up to Austin in his transformed state and pins him against the door.

"Austin, I'm so sorry...I don't know what came over me," Jason said, his voice weak and shaking.

Austin's expression was a mix of concern and frustration. "What's going on, Jason?

Will you explain things to me in the morning?”

“Yeah. Don’t worry.” Jason said as he moved Austin away from the door.

As Austin saw that Jason's eyes were wild and unrecognizable, his gaze fixed on Austin with a fierce intensity.

Austin's heart raced as he tried to process what was happening. Jason's eyes seemed to be staring right through him, and his voice was laced with a growling undertone.

"Jason, snap out of it! It's me, Austin!" he said, trying to reach his friend.

But Jason just kept staring, his chest heaving with heavy breaths. Suddenly, he blinked, and his eyes cleared. He looked at Austin with a confused expression, then glanced down at his hands, still in their werewolf form.

"Oh no...what have I done?" he whispered, horror dawning on his face.

Austin's fear gave way to relief as he realized Jason was back to normal. "It's okay, Jason. We're here for you," he said, trying to calm him down.

Later in the night. As Austin sleeps, Jason leans over him with his jaws open wide.

Austin's eyes snapped open, and he froze, paralyzed with fear. Jason's werewolf form loomed over him, his jaws open wide, ready to strike.

But then, Jason's eyes flickered, and he blinked. He looked at Austin with a confused expression, then glanced down at his hands, in human form.

Austin felt a wave of relief wash over him. Jason had returned to his human form, and Austin was safe. He lay back down, relieved, and closed his eyes.

As Austin drifted off to sleep, he felt a sense of unease lingering in the back of his mind. He knew that Jason's transformations were getting unpredictable, and he wasn't sure what to do.

Suddenly, he was jolted awake by a loud crash from downstairs. He sat up, his heart racing, and heard Alisa's voice, laced with fear.

"Austin, It's Jason!” she said.

Austin leapt out of bed, his mind racing. He rushed downstairs, Rhett by his side, and found Alisa looking at a note on the kitchen table.

"What's going on?" Austin asked, his heart still racing from the sudden awakening.

Alisa's eyes were wide with fear. "It's Jason. He's gone. He left this note."

Austin rushed over to the table and read the note. It was scribbled in Jason's handwriting, but it looked like it was written in a state of panic.

"I can't control it anymore. I'm too dangerous. I have to leave. Don't follow me. - Jason"

Austin's mind raced. Where has Jason gone? And what did he mean by "too dangerous"?

Rhett whined, as if sensing Austin's worry.

"We have to find him," Austin said, determined in his voice. "We can't just let him disappear like this."

Alisa nodded, her eyes still filled with fear. "But what if he's right? What if he's too dangerous to be around?"

Austin hesitated, unsure of what to say. He knew Jason was struggling, but he had no idea what he was capable of in his werewolf form.

Sometime later. Austin and Rhett search in many places for Jason. They go to the church to find Simon.

Simon said. “Ah…Austin. Good to see you here. Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes, thank you.” Austin said.

Rhett, in his human form, steps up to guard Austin. “Stay away. You seem fake.”

“Rhett, why did you shrink?” Austin said.

“I can move with you easier in this form.” Rhett said.

Simon said. “I see. You must be his familiar. You have a good big brother now.”

Rhett stares hard at Simon.

“Um, have you seen Jason?” Austin said.

“Jason Grey? Hmm, sorry, I don’t –” Simon said as Austin and Rhett hurried on their way.

“Thank you.” Austin said.

Simon said. “Wait, so soon?! I think he’s rubbing off on you!”

Rhett and Austin stopped on the path near a large field.

“Where is he?” Austin said.

“You must really love him.” Rhett said.

“Wh-Why?” Austin said.

“You’re afraid of him being gone. More than that, you’re worried.” Rhett said.

“But…” Austin said.

“Why do you try to deny it? It’s important to love something other than yourself.

It’s important both to protect that something, as well as for your own sake.

I love you, and I’ll always love Allura. Is that wrong?” Rhett said.

“Heh… I wish it were that easy.” Austin said.

“You’re so obstinate.” Rhett said.

Austin sighed, looking out at the field. "I just don't know where else to look. We've searched everywhere."

Rhett placed a hand on Austin's shoulder. "We'll find him, Austin. I promise. But first, let's take a break and think this through."

Austin nodded, and they sat down on a nearby rock. Rhett pulled out a small bag of food and handed Austin an apple.

As they ate, Austin couldn't help but think about Rhett's words. Was he really in love with Jason? He couldn't deny the worry and fear he felt when Jason was gone.

"Rhett, can I ask you something?" Austin said, looking at him.

"Of course, what is it?" Rhett replied.

"How did you and Allura...you know, fall in love?" Austin asked, his cheeks flushing.

“No. I was a dog, remember.” Rhett said.

Austin's face turned bright red as he realized his mistake. "Oh, right! I'm so sorry, Rhett. I forgot."

Rhett chuckled and patted Austin's shoulder. "It's okay, Austin. I know you're worried about Jason. But let's focus on finding him first, then we can talk about love and relationships later."

Austin nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed but also relieved. He took another bite of his apple, thinking about Rhett's words. Find Jason first, then worry about his feelings later. It sounded like a solid plan.

In the late afternoon, on a path near another field. As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape, Austin and Rhett walked together, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. They had been searching for Jason all day, and although they hadn't found him yet, they were determined to keep looking.

Suddenly, Rhett stopped in his tracks, his ears perked up. "Do you hear that?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.

Austin listened closely, and soon he heard it too - the sound of footsteps, light and cautious, as if someone was trying not to be heard.

Rhett and Austin exchanged a knowing glance, and without a word, they crept forward, following the sound. As they rounded a bend in the path, they saw him - Jason, lying down at the edge of a lake, his eyes fixed on the ground, his expression troubled.

"Jason!" Austin called out, relief washing over him.

“Austin. It’s dangerous to come into the forest at dusk.

I left you a note saying don't come after me.” Jason said.

Austin's face fell, feeling a mix of confusion and concern. "What do you mean, Jason? Why did you leave, and what's going on?"

Jason sighed, his eyes still fixed on the ground. "I didn't want to put you in danger, Austin. I've been...changing. And I don't know how to control it."

Rhett stepped forward, his voice firm. "Jason, we're your friends. We're here to help you, not to abandon you."

Jason looked up, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "You don't understand, Rhett. I'm not just changing physically. I'm losing myself, my humanity. And I don't know how to stop it."

Austin's heart went out to his friend. He could see the fear and desperation in Jason's eyes. "We'll figure it out, Jason. Together. We won't give up on you."

Jason nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Thanks, guys. Just...be careful, okay? I don't want you to get hurt because of me."

As they talked, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in a dark, ominous light. Rhett's ears perked up, and he growled softly, sensing a presence lurking just out of sight.

Just then, Athena and her familiar come crashing down on Jason’s head.

“Kaboosh! Hehehe!” her familiar said.

“J-Jason!” Austin said as Athena’s familiar climbs up onto Austin’s shoulder. “A fairy?”

“My familiar.” Athena said.

“Huh…?” Austin said.

From Keal to Anakin! I have a message from Lord Keal.

‘I have business with the child you foster. Come quickly… to the werewolves’ capital.’

Fourteen: The Darkest Day

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