She found herself in the same recurring dream once again. The majestic golden werewolf locked its curious, gentle green eyes with hers. It stood tall and proud, resembling a human in stature. Despite having dreamt this scene countless times before, fear still gripped her, causing her body to tense at the sight of the werewolf.
Its sharp white fangs were showing, and she knew that with those strong and sharp fangs, it could easily snap her neck in two.
Yet, there was something about the werewolf that intrigued her. Its fur was as pure as freshly fallen snow, with a golden orange hue reminiscent of a sunset. It was a color unlike any other.
"Grrr…" The werewolf howled. It sniffed at her. It slowly approached her and stopped in front of her. She held her breath and cautiously held out her right hand. She gently touched the werewolf's cheek. The werewolf didn't flinch or run away, it just stood there gazing at her.
Her fingers grazed the werewolf's soft, white fur, and it nudged its head closer to her palm. At first, she gasped, but then a sense of calm washed over her, and she began stroking the werewolf's fur with tenderness.
"Serah."
She gradually opened her eyes, greeted by the view of the sea beyond the car window. The sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow upon Serah and her sister, Lightning.
"We're almost there." Lightning smiled gently at Serah.
"Yes, we are," Serah replied, returning the smile. After a seven-hour car trip, they had finally returned to their hometown. As they passed a large white signboard that read "Welcome to Cocoon," memories flooded back. Serah and Lightning had left this place when Serah was just ten years old and never returned. However, Lightning's job had brought them back, and Serah even enrolled in a nearby college.
Exhausted from the journey, Serah collapsed onto the plush white bed, stretching out like a starfish.
"After the long ride, I could really go for some pizza," Lightning offered, her voice filled with warmth.
"Sure, sis," Serah replied lazily, still sprawled out on the bed. She glanced out the window and noticed the full moon shining brightly. "It's a full moon tonight," she mumbled.
"They've been growing more aggressive."
The burly blond man covered the lifeless body with a black cloth, his expression filled with anger. He clenched his black bandana tightly, venting his frustration by punching a nearby tree, causing a few leaves to flutter to the ground.
"I heard the 'Hunters' are coming here. Maybe they can expedite the investigation process," one of his colleagues said, his tone hopeful. "I also heard they've inherited powers from their ancestors, making them immune to werewolf venom."
"I hope so," the blond man replied. "The Hunters have already exterminated all the werewolves outside our region. Now, the remaining ones are here."
"No wonder the werewolves have been so restless."
"Yes, we'll be meeting the Hunter tomorrow."
