Chapter 5 Selenophile Four-two

• Now it was Oscar who was shocked. He turned around and looked at Ursa with big eyes.
• "Can't we do it tomorrow night?"
• Ursa shook her head. "No, Alpha. Even if there is a full moon tomorrow night, it's not a truly full moon. We cannot perform the sacred ceremony."
• Oscar clenched his mouth. His expression showed an inner struggle that wasn't easy to contain. Ursa spoke quickly again.
• "Not even tonight, Alpha. Besides the need for preparation, and Era is asleep, you remember that we just performed the Sacred Ceremony last night."
• Oscar closed his eyes. His hand left Era's hair, then clenched into a fist. Heavy, but finally he nodded.
• "You're right. I will have to wait until next month."
• Ursa felt relieved. Luckily, she could convince Oscar.
• "I have an idea. At least make sure that Era doesn't try to escape. I'm sure she'll stay here and accept her werewolf identity when she sees reality with her own eyes."
• Ursa's intuition grew uneasy. "What do you mean, Alpha?"
• "How about I transform in front of her and—"
• "No, Alpha," Ursa interrupted in horror. Her imagination kicked in and the possibility filled her mind, making her even more resistant. "I hope you don't do that. You might scare Era even more and she might really think she's going crazy."
• Oscar sighed and said nothing more.
• *
• The soft wave of the curtains moved with the gentle breeze. An attempt was made to block the sunlight, but the warm radiance managed to enter and conquer. Thus, no force or effort could prevent the morning from revealing itself.
• The wind continued to penetrate successfully. It explored every corner of the room, then discovered a fresh face lying on the bed. Once, twice, until the third time, and then the eyelashes fluttered.
• Era awoke from the imprisoning sleep. Slowly her eyes opened and she felt the comfort enveloping her whole body. The bed gave her a warm and pleasant feeling that made her reluctant to get up. She still wanted to sleep, and—wait!
• The IV pole by the bedside. The luxurious room, dominated by gold tones. A fleeting memory crossed her mind. Era sat up abruptly with a horrified expression on her face.
• I-I'm not dreaming.
• The faint possibility was immediately shattered when Era forcibly removed the IV needle from her hand. The pain and a drop of blood convinced her that this was all real, no dream at all.
• Era cursed in her heart. Damn it!
• Without wasting any time, Era quickly got up from the bed. She grabbed her backpack from the table and hurried.
• Era, where are you going?
• The voice reappeared. Era answered as she slowly opened the door, then looked around to make sure the coast was clear. After that, she began to stealthily walk down the long corridor.
• I'm leaving here.
• The voice hummed. This did not seem like a good idea.
• It doesn't matter if it's not a good idea, but I don't want to get crazier here. Do you know? Last night I met some crazy people. They were talking about werewolves and alpha. Worse, the guy said I was his Luna.
• Uh, Era, you—
• Isn't it better if I leave here as soon as possible? I'm afraid I'll really catch their madness. Werewolves? That's just a fairy tale.
• Era, I think if you—
• "Good morning, Era."
• Era turned around. The voice in her head disappeared and Ursa approached her instead. She tried to remember with an uncertain impression.
• "I am Ursa Waverly. You may call me Ursa, and I am The Sacred Elder of the Xylvaneth Pack."
• Era was stunned. Oh dear, these signs of madness continue.
• "I'm sure you remember that we met last night, although we didn't have a chance to greet each other."
• Era nodded stiffly. "I-I suppose so," she replied hesitantly before something occurred to her. She took Ursa's hand, then pleaded. "I'm sure you're different from that crazy man. You must be kind-hearted. Judging by your appearance, you're clearly someone who likes to help."
• Ursa tried not to laugh. She would be damned if she laughed at her confused future Luna.
• "Era."
• Era groaned in despair, but she didn't give up. She had to leave as soon as possible and Ursa was her hope.
• "I beg you. Please help me."
• It took Ursa a few seconds to suppress her amusement. She took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly. A serene expression appeared on her face as she spoke.
• "What can I do for you, Era? And where are you going? Isn't this your place?"
• Ursa's counter-question killed Era's hope. She swallowed her spit and took a step back.
• "It seems you're crazy too."
• Ursa grimaced. "Era."
• "Are all the people here mad?" Era asked, looking at Ursa with an expectant gaze. She retreated further. "Oh, my God. Who are you really?"
• Ursa decided not to act rashly. She resisted the urge to approach Era and instead stood her ground. She maintained a friendly demeanor, even though Era saw it differently.
• "We are werewolves, Era. Just like you. We are all one family, and this is the destiny we have been waiting for. Finally, you've come."
• "Werewolves? Destiny?" Era shook her head repeatedly. She did not believe it at all. "Don't say absurd things."
• "I'm not lying. If you want proof, we can see it next month. I will perform the Sacred Ceremony and you will see the truth."
• Era's backward steps stopped. "S-Sacred Ceremony?"
• "Yes, the Sacred Ceremony. At that time, your wolf spirit will be released, and..." Ursa furrowed her brow. She stared at Era intently. "You are already aware of the existence of your wolf spirit, aren't you?"
• "W-What do you mean? I don't—"
• Era's tongue stopped speaking. The words disappeared from her mind. A chill made her hold her breath.
• "That voice. Do you hear it?"
• Era blinked but did not answer. Instead, Ursa beamed and quickly approached her. She took Era's hand and said,
• "You've been communicating with it, haven't you? That's her. She is your wolf spirit."
• Era ignored Ursa's words. She was lost in waves of lingering confusion. Then she dared to ask.
• I-Is what she said true? A-Are you? A-Are you my wolf spirit?
• There was silence for a moment. Era waited long enough to almost convince herself that Ursa had just been bragging.
• Yes, Era. It's me.
• Era froze. Who are you?
• The voice answered. I am your wolf spirit.
• *