“Is there any loot? Maybe something useful for alchemy?” This creature, mimicking a human, was inspecting Matthew’s corpse. It was infuriating, he had been human a mere hour ago. Yet, the first thing this man did was to search for spoils. His hands rummaged in the pockets of Matthew’s torn pants. “Finally something! At least one reward." He inspected the small trinket he just found. "Wait… That’s crap!" He spat those words like he got wronged. "No, wait… there is a woman’s name on it! That’s a quest item,” he spurted some more nonsense, apparently unable to make up his mind about the medallion he had just stolen.

  He made the jewelry spin around his finger “There's just no way for a werewolf to win one on one against me, even in ambush. Bring a whole pack next time.” Can you shut up?! His silly bragging was torture. My grip on the knife tightened at the thought of carving ‘idiot’ on his forehead. When he finally left the barn, whistling, I heaved a sigh of relief. At last... I feel like I’ve aged ten years since this morning. I pulled myself out of my hiding place and put the small blade back on the workbench. I was relieved that I never needed to use it. I held my wounded hand, shaking. The tension leaving my body, I realized how my body and mind were exhausted.

  I dragged myself toward him, holding the wall to not fall. If his body had changed back into the one I knew, I would have become a sobbing mess. Thankfully, the imprint of my teeth on his arm, his wide, agape mouth and his sharp claws were enough to remind me of the horror I lived tonight, instead of all the good times we had shared together. It was cruel to think like that, but I needed it. It would have been too much for me otherwise. I barely managed to look at him. Still, as it was the right thing to do in stories, I closed his eyes one last time. I did it quickly, it was like his body was scalding hot and touching him was physically painful.

  The commotion woke the owner of the barn. A heated argument broke out outside. I clumsily took advantage of the noise and escaped through the window. I had no intention of being caught there.

  “You robber! Move and I’ll skewer you!” the farmer shouted at the man. It was the voice of the old Osmond. He would probably have been less aggressive if he had seen what I had seen.

  “I’m not a robber… It’s quite the opposite, actually. I came to your aid. Let me prove it. I’ll even drop my knife.”

  Though the bloody clown stuttered at first, he continued in a more assured voice. It seemed he wasn’t ready to drop his human disguise.

  Even though I wanted to run back home as fast as possible, the commotion drew out the whole farmer’s family. Once more tonight, I hid in the shadows, my body pressed against the barn. I felt like a tiny lizard fleeing to hide in cracks at the slightest danger. At least I was in a good spot to eavesdrop.

  “Why is there a monster here?!” For some reason, Osmond was always loud. I was pretty sure he caused hearing problem to his whole family. At least it would make my escape easier.

  “Seeing this monstrous fiend enter the barn, I only listened to my heart. At the risk of my own life, I decided to vanquish it. It was a fierce fight. I came close to death several times. Thankfully, I had a bit of training.” Monstrous fiend? Who are you calling a monstrous fiend, you pumpkin gobbler?! His tone was strange. It sounded like a worse version of the knight voice I used when playing with Bethany. As the people squeezed themselves in the barn, I left unseen.

  I had never seen that person before. The village was too small for me to forget anyone and he didn't look like any of the usual travelers passing through. I supposed he was quite skilled. It was hard to judge though, I never learned how to fight. The way he overwhelmed the beast and only got hit once, was impressive. I couldn't only guess he was at the level of a knight. However, it was not something to praise. My head kept swiveling at the faintest noise, especially the faintest. His way of eating was simply inhuman. The wound he received only looked like a minor inconvenience, yet I knew it wasn’t shallow. The most unsettling thing, however was his appearance. He was only a man in disguise. He was hiding among us. What would have happened if he had found me? How many more monsters like him or Matthew were hiding in plain sight? It was maddening to know such monsters living in my tiny village where I was supposed to know everyone. I slowly put some distance, disappearing under the not-so-quiet mantle of the night.

  ***

  She would never forget the scolding waiting for her at home. I was fuming. Eli had left home hours ago and still hadn’t come back. I had already tried to search for her, but she had already left the village with Matthew. That damn bastard! If he dares to lay a hand on my daughter, I will chase him to the ends of the earth! The night had already fallen. Thankfully, it was a full moon. She would be able to find her way home. My heart swung between worries and anger. Well, mostly toward anger.

  I sighed once more and went to bed. If you’re not home by tomorrow, Eli... I will search for you. Please, be safe. The night was too bright. It was the excuse I found for not being able to sleep. I tossed and turned in my bed, unable to find rest.

  *Bang bang bang* I immediately jumped out of bed. Someone was banging energetically at the door, maybe Elizabeth. I rushed to open it, and was met by the excited face of Osmond’sson. I sighed when I sawhis stupidly blissful smile.

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  “There’s a dead werewolf in Dad’s barn! A traveler killed it. Come!” In this tiny village, it was the entertainment of a lifetime. This was not an event to miss.

  I left the simpleton at the door in a hurryand rushed to get dressed. I should have seen it coming! How can I be this stupid?! I finally understood and a bleak scenario took life in my head. Matthew’s family had been the target of gossips for a long time. It had been repeatedly struck by misfortune and many theories formed. However, with a werewolf presence in the village, it was obvious.

  Matthew’s mother disappeared when he was very young, her corpse was never found. At the time, most people believed his father had killed her. He was a hunter, a loner and quite rough. Nobody would have been surprised if he had buried her in the forest. But now, a new theory appeared in my head. Probably something in the forest turned him into a werewolf. I could only imagine his wife being the first to discover his transformation. He killed her, and somehow the condition transferred to his son before he disappeared in turn. His son Matthew was the werewolf that just got killed. I was sure of it. I prayed to be wrong, and that the story was not repeating itself.

  Behind me, I heard Rhys dragging his feet. “You stay home, and don’t leave!” I ordered him unnecessarily harshly. The anxiousness was getting the better of me.

  I slammed the door, and desperately ran toward Osmond’s farm. Each time I imagined the terrified visage of Elisabeth, I pushed faster. My old body was protesting, but even as I fell, I immediately got up. I could have sworn the wind was carrying Eli’s voice, calling me. Don’t worry, honey. I’m coming for you.

  “Dad!” This wasn’t my imagination. It was Eli’s wail. It was coming from the ditch next to the road. I stopped, breathless.

  “I’m here Elizabeth…” My voice faltered as she pulled herself up. Mother once told me that when a young maiden meets a violent end, she may return, beautiful and horrendous at the same time.

  Her dress was in tatters, her hands scarlet up to the elbow, her mouth covered in blood. Yet, her white skin shone brightly under the moonlight. Her red hair was immaculately done, with white flower woven between the braids. She looked like a newlywed bride.

  “Sorry Elizabeth. I was too late…” Her hazel eyes were fixed on me. The guilt was overwhelming. I fell back to my knees, head hung low.

  “Why are you acting like you saw a ghost?!”, she was rubbing her temples as I took a better look at her.

  “You are alive?!” I jumped to my feet and took her into my arms. I never felt so relieved in my life. “I thought you were a vengeful spirit that came back to haunt us.”

  “I’m surrounded by morons…” She swore under her breath, but I didn’t pay any attention to it.

  ***

  “...then I left without being seen.” I was in the kitchen with father and Rhys. I summarized for them what had happened tonight. I was still shaking. Telling the story made me realize how insanely lucky I had been. I clasped the warm cup like I clasped that knife under the workbench.

  “I swear if anyone…” Rhys tried to interject angrily, but he got immediately interrupted by Dad with a slap behind the head. He never truly learned how to read the mood.

  “Just please, don’t forget what I said about this thing.” I took a sip to calm myself. “He is not human. Don’t trust him, but don’t try to fight either. he is strong.” I insisted, punctuating my words with light taps on the table. I didn’t want them to forget how dangerous he was. It was still too vivid in my mind.

  I let my emotions spill out, but the toil of the night was heavy. I finally got back to my familiar bedroom. I crawled in the bed, still dirty and hugged the pillow. My muscles ached and I felt the sting of the numerous scratches on my skin. I craved rest, yet, I couldn’t close my eyes. I jumped at any sound.

  Unable to get the peace of mind I needed, I decided it was time for some rearrangement in my room. I fetched a kitchen knife, for some sharp decoration on the nightstand. Feeling the shutters weren’t enough protection, I pushed the heavy wardrobe in front of them. Then I barred the door with the chest next to the bed. As useless it might seem, it allowed me to finally sleep.

  Even as the sun was up, I stayed in the dark. I occasionally heard Dad and Rhys calling me, worried about me, but I didn’t answer. I didn’t have the will to speak or to move at all. I felt that I would have stayed like this for weeks, if it wasn’t for a knock on the front door. Curious, I stood up and put my ear against the door of my room. Outside, Father greeted the person at the entrance. When he was greeted back, my heart started to pump loudly. I recognized this voice. It was the stranger.

  “I heard Elizabeth was living here. Is she at home?” Why is he searching for me?!

  “She is… she’s not here, she left early heading south to the next village.” My tense muscle relaxed. I was grateful he remembered my warning.

  It was only after a bunch of nonsensical questions that he finally decided to leave. I stayed put for a dozen minutes, just to be sure he was not lingering around the house and removed the heavy chest blocking the door. It was time to discuss the Dad’s proposal again.

  He was holding the back of the chair as a support. “You finally decided to leave your room?” There was no vigor in his voice. “I suppose you heard the conversation I just had. I know you are against it, but...”

  “I accept!” I interrupted him. “It was stupid of me to refuse in the first place…” I nearly died this night. The fear was still crushing my heart. It gave me a glimpse of my recklessness. I lowered my eyes, ashamed of myself. Contrary to my father and brother, I could take refuge in safety. I didn’t dare to refuse anymore, now that I understood how desperate I was to live. I’m just a weak and pathetic coward…

  He breathed in relief. “I don’t know why he was searching for you, but we should hasten your departure. I will convince Gregory to make a trip to the city tomorrow,” he calmly said. He paused then ruffled my hair “Don’t make that face, this is only temporary. You will come back in a year or something, see it as an opportunity to meet new people. If I remember correctly, there is even a tailor shop right in front of your uncle’s home, you could maybe try sewing…” He held me. “Valuing your life is not cowardice, if it was, the world would be littered by the corpses of the courageous and populated by weaklings. This is not for you to worry about us, not this time. Also, have a bit of faith in us! I’m older than you, which means I’m much more skilled at surviving than you!” His joke lifted my mood a little.

  “That means an old man, who can barely walk without his cane, is more likely to survive than you?” I pushed him away, smiling at his silly logic.