The morning sky in the small town was overcast, mirroring Aira’s unsettled emotions. Behind her faint smile lay an ocean of anxiety. She walked slowly past the school gates, her body feeling heavy even though her backpack was light.  
Since the incident a few days ago, when her half-wolf form was revealed to Luna, Aira felt her life had changed. She knew that sooner or later, something bad would happen. And sure enough, that morning felt different. Cold stares and whispers followed her as soon as she entered the school grounds.  
“Hey, that’s her…” whispered a girl standing near the hallway.  
“Yeah, they say she’s some kind of freak. So scary…” her friend replied, stealing a glance at Aira.  
Aira lowered her head, trying to ignore what she’d overheard, but her steps faltered. Her breath quickened.  
Inside the classroom, the atmosphere was no better. Usually, Aira’s desk was surrounded by friends—some joking, others asking for help with assignments, or simply chatting about last night’s TV shows. But today, the seats around her were empty.  
She tried to calm herself. Maybe it was just a coincidence. Maybe they were busy. But when Aira attempted to greet one of her friends, the girl only gave her a nervous smile before quickly walking away.  
“What’s going on?” Aira muttered softly to herself.  
Not long after, Raka entered the classroom. As usual, he carried an air of nonchalance that always made Aira feel slightly more at ease. But today, even Raka seemed unusually serious.  
“Aira,” he called, sitting next to her. “Do you know about the rumors going around?”  
Aira looked at him in confusion. “What rumors?”  
Raka sighed deeply, hesitating for a moment before speaking. “Luna’s been spreading stories that… that you’re dangerous. She’s saying you can turn into a half-wolf. And… well, you know how people are here. They believe stuff like that so easily.”  
Aira’s chest tightened at his words. She had suspected Luna would do something, but she hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly.  
“I… I don’t know what to do, Raka,” Aira said, her voice trembling.  
“You’re not alone,” Raka replied quickly. “I’m here for you. Just tell me if anyone tries to hurt you. I won’t stand by and do nothing.”  
Aira gave him a small smile, though her heart still felt heavy. “Thanks, Raka.”  
Elsewhere in the school, Luna was sitting with a group of girls in the back garden. She looked pleased with herself.  
“So, how is it? Everyone’s avoiding her now, right?” Luna asked, crossing her legs.  
One of her friends nodded. “Yeah, everyone’s starting to be afraid of her. You’re so smart, Luna!”  
Luna chuckled softly. “Of course. This is just the beginning.”  
She gazed toward the school building where Aira was. A flicker of hatred gleamed in her eyes. That girl didn’t deserve everything she had—love, attention, even Ms. Santi’s trust. No. All of it should’ve been mine.  
Pulling out her phone, Luna began typing. She decided to take things even further. If rumors weren’t enough, she would ensure Aira was completely pushed out of their lives.  
That day, Aira tried to get through her school activities as usual, but the pressure was overwhelming. During gym class, she felt the stares of her classmates like needles piercing her skin. When she tried to help a classmate who had fallen, the girl recoiled, as if Aira were some contagious disease.  
“I’m fine, you don’t need to help,” the girl said hastily, getting up on her own.  
Aira swallowed hard and stepped back, feeling even smaller.  
On the other side of the field, Raka saw the incident and clenched his fists. He started walking toward Aira, but stopped when Luna suddenly appeared in front of him.  
“You know, Raka,” Luna said with a sneer, “there’s no point in staying close to her. Sooner or later, she’ll hurt you too.”  
Raka scoffed. “You don’t know anything, Luna. You’re just jealous of her.”  
“Jealous?” Luna laughed coldly, though her tone was filled with bitterness. “You think I’m jealous of a freak like her? You have no idea what I saw, Raka. She’s not normal. And I’m just trying to protect everyone from danger.”  
“Danger?” Raka stepped closer, his eyes glaring. “The only danger here is the one you created. Do you really think I’d believe your lies?”  
Luna smirked. “We’ll see.”  
After school, Aira headed straight home. She was too exhausted to think about everything that had happened. But when she arrived, Ms. Santi was waiting in the living room, her expression serious.  
“Aira, I’ve heard some things,” Ms. Santi said, her voice gentle but firm.  
Aira approached hesitantly. “What things, Ma’am?”  
“People are starting to talk about you. They’re saying you’re… different.”  
Aira looked down, unsure of how to explain. “I… I didn’t choose to be like this, Ma’am.”  
Ms. Santi stood and approached Aira, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Listen to me, dear. Whatever happens, you’re still my child. I know who you really are. Don’t let other people’s words destroy you.”  
Tears streamed down Aira’s face as she hugged Ms. Santi tightly, feeling a bit stronger.  
That night, Aira sat by her window, gazing at the nearly full moon. Something stirred within her—a strange sensation she couldn’t control.  
Suddenly, Fenrir’s gentle voice spoke behind her. “You seem restless, Princess.”  
Aira turned to see the great wolf standing there, his wise eyes watching her.  
“I don’t know what to do, Fenrir,” Aira admitted. “Everyone’s avoiding me. They’re scared of me. And I’m scared of myself.”  
Fenrir stepped closer, sitting beside her. “Fear is natural. But fear will only control you if you let it.”  
“I just want a normal life,” Aira whispered.  
“Normal is not your destiny, Aira,” Fenrir said firmly. “You are meant for something greater. But that also means facing challenges like this one.”  
Aira remained silent, pondering Fenrir’s words. She knew he was right. But what if she wasn’t strong enough?  
Meanwhile, somewhere else, Luna was on the phone with someone.  
“Yes, sir. I’m certain she’s dangerous. I can prove it. Please, take action before something bad happens.”  
Luna ended the call with a satisfied smile. Her plan was unfolding perfectly. Aira would have nowhere to hide.  
But as she turned around, a massive shadow loomed before her. Luna froze, her eyes widening in fear.  
“Who… who are you?” she stammered, her voice trembling.  
The shadow didn’t answer, only moving closer.