"Justice tarot card shows that all actions have consequences. Justice also relates to balance. It may signify that circumstances may arise that could throw you off balance. These circumstances may or may not be beyond your control or of your own making."

July, 2022

"Abi's mental health is in a fragile state after everything we went through at that goddamn Summer Camp."

That was one of the nights Emma couldn't sleep at all. What was supposed to be a peaceful date, turned into a mess. A simple carnival date triggered Abi's condition. Emma took her to a shooting range and while she attempted to win a cute plushie to gift her girlfriend, the sound of gunshot brought back memories from the night at Hackett's Quarry. Abi disappeared. When Emma found her, she was sweating cold and shaking.

"Sometimes, her PTSD episodes can become very severe," she continued speaking to her cell phone camera. "And because I'm a very supportive girlfriend, I've been following her to her appointments with a therapist. I want to understand better what she's going through."

"Anyways, I scheduled a few sessions for myself too. I thought it could be helpful."

"So, Emma, have you been coming back to the Summer Camp?"

"Yes, I've been there twice."

"Why? Is there a reason why you felt that need?"

"No specific reason," she lied to the therapist. "It helps me to fill gaps I couldn't fill before. And to process some feelings I had been repressing."

She obviously couldn't mention the part where she was still a werewolf after that night. Those were the gaps those visits were helping her mind to fill. Somebody else knew about her secret. They had sent her a book about curses, but it still didn't explain everything she needed to know.

"What gaps, Emma?" The therapist asked, taking notes.

"About myself. About who I became after that night."

The true reason she came back to Hackett's Quarry was because when she was in her werewolf form, she had visions about Eliza, Silas and the fire. In the last one, she saw Eliza swearing to get revenge on whoever caused harm to her son.

"And who did you become?"

Their time was over, but as she stood up to leave, Emma thought about that question before voicing her answer.

"A better and most authentic version of me, I hope."

When Emma arrived at the diner after the session, her boss was waiting to speak to her. She was tense, scared Addison had noticed anything unusual about her. She couldn't lose that job. Not now.

"A friend of mine needs an actress for a TV commercial. I recommended you. Are you in?"

"Seriously? Of course!"

"Here's her address," the woman handed her a business card. "Hurry up, Mountebank. She wants to do a little audition first."

"Thank you so much. You… You've been an angel in my life. I don't know where I'd be without you."

"Well, we have to… uh… look out for each other," it seemed like there was something else behind those words. Something Emma couldn't figure out. "Well, there's no need to get all sappy. Now go there and do not disappoint me. I can't wait to see that pretty face of yours on TV."

The audition was only a formality, Emma was quickly cast for the TV commercial. She'd start shooting the next day. At night, she wanted to celebrate it with Abi. They ordered some food and were watching a movie together in Emma's bedroom.

"So, my girlfriend is getting famous now," Abi teased. "Should I be worried?"

"Hmmm… maybe?" Emma joked. "They said I'm very charismatic and good looking too."

"And they're absolutely right."

"What if they like me so much they pick me for the Evelyn Hugo adaptation? You never know."

Abi let out a laugh. Emma absolutely loved that sound. She loved making people laugh, but making Abi laugh was something else. She knew how much her girlfriend was struggling, how difficult her days could be, so whenever she heard that sound, Emma felt accomplished.

"Okay, now your 'power of positive thinking' is going too far!"

"If I was Evelyn, you'd definitely be my Celia," Emma gazed into Abi's eyes, playfully tangling her fingers in strands of her hair.

"Can't we choose another pairing?" Abi playfully nudged her. "I mean, Evelyn screwed things up very badly until they got together for good. I don't know if I could handle the drama."

'And I'll probably do too,' Emma thought. She felt extremely guilty for keeping secrets from Abi. She felt like she was betraying her.

"Abi, I…"

"Shhh…" Abi silenced her with a kiss. She placed her hand on Emma's waist, pulling her hips against hers.

Those negative thoughts immediately vanished from her mind as that heat started spreading to every part of her body. They hadn't gone that far yet. Being the most experienced of the two, Emma would let Abi set the pace. She'd be ready when Abi was ready.

To her surprise, Abi's hand started to get a little adventurous under her shirt that night. She gasped as the girl dragged her fingertips over her stomach.

Her mouth descended to Abi's jawline and then to her neck, kissing it gently.

"Emma?" Her hand had reached the waistband of Abi's jeans when she felt her hand on top of hers as a signal to stop. "Can we slow down a little bit?"

"Sure, I got a little carried away. I'm sorry."

"No, I did too. It's getting impossible to resist you, you know?"

"In fact, I'm surprised you resisted for so long," Emma laughed, recomposing herself.

"On my birthday," Abi spoke, firm and determined.

"Huh?!"

"Let's do it on my birthday."

"I'll make sure it's a very special day for you."

August, 2022

It was impossible to not remember Abi's birthday in the previous year. August 15, 2021. Exactly one week before their lives changed forever. Emma was already annoyed by Jacob's clingy behavior. She wanted to spend more time with Abi, as she wasn't sure they'd see each other again.

She had an idea. Going to the kitchen at the lodge, she asked Nick if he could prepare a surprise birthday cake. Then, she asked some kids to help her decorate their cabin. The others would keep Abi distracted.

The girl was a little bit flustered, but very happy. It was the most lovely memory Emma kept from that Summer.

"What's that restaurant you took that last girlfriend of yours?" During a break at the diner, Emma was making a list of possible places she could take Abi for her birthday. "That fancy one."

"L'Atmosphère?" Benjamin answered, while cleaning a table.

"Whoa," Jenna took a look at her list, "you're really in love, Ems."

"I want to make it special. After everything Abi and I went through last year, I think it's worthy."

"Of course. Do you need any help shopping for her gift? I'm very good at choosing gifts."

"Thanks, Jenna. I'd love to, I can't decide if I should get something related to art or something meaningful."

She opened her cell phone screen, showing Jenna some of the options she had been looking at. A reminder appeared on her screen, the next Full Moon was coming by the next night.

"Fuck! I forgot," Emma said.

"Are you going to the Summer Camp again?" Ben asked.

"No, I really wanted to explore those visions about Eliza. But I'm meeting Abi for lunch."

"You know this is a terrible idea. Even the minor inconvenience can get you in one of those moods."

"I know, but…"

Abigail would be going back to college in a few weeks. Though Emma planned to visit her whenever it was possible, it still wouldn't be the same. She wanted to enjoy that last month together as much as she could.

"Come on, Ben," Jenna placed a hand on Emma's shoulder. "She's learning to control herself. Besides, spending some quality time with Abi may even get more relaxed before the transformation. Right, Em?"

She agreed. But deep down, she knew Benjamin was right to be concerned. It was impossible to predict when her werewolf instincts would rise, taking control of her actions.

Sometimes the signals started to show up very early. Sometimes they wouldn't show until she was close to the transformation. That seemed to be one of the good days. Emma woke up feeling very well and full of energy. No signs of sickness or bad mood. There was absolutely no reason to skip her date with Abi.

She arrived at her girlfriend's house around noon and to her surprise, they weren't alone.

"I hope you won't be mad at me," Abi exhaled. "But my parents insisted on staying. I swear I tried to convince them, but they really want to meet you."

Now that was unplanned. At the same moment, Emma felt all her muscles becoming rigid and tense. Abi's parents weren't too supportive of their relationship. It was nothing personal. They just thought it'd be better for their daughter's mental health if she had no contact with the other counselors.

"This is okay," Emma forced a smile, touching Abi's cheek fondly.

Abi took her hand, guiding her to the dining room where her parents were already sitting on a table.

"Mom, dad… this is Emma, my girlfriend."

Not even her acting skills could make Emma feel comfortable and safe in that situation. Nothing she said seemed to ease that energy of judgment and rejection that she sensed coming from Abi's parents.

Sensing. She was sensing their feelings. Not in an usual human way. It was more like a predator, hypervigilant to detect any kind of danger that could be around. That was definitely coming from her werewolf side.

"So, Emma," Mrs. Blyg asked, "Abigail told us you had to quit college."

"Yeah, some people wouldn't leave me alone. But that was not the main reason why I quit," Emma told. "I wanted some time to find myself again."

"And do you have any plans to come back?"

"Maybe next year."

"And how have you been holding up during these last few months?" Mr. Blyg added.

"I have good and bad days. I came back to Hackett's Quarry recently. It's been helping me to process everything."

"Oh. That's… brave."

An uncomfortable silence took place after her last answer, suggesting no one in the room had really approved what she had been doing. They finished having lunch in silence and shortly later, Abi's parents announced they were returning to their workplaces.

"You never told me you went back to that place!" Abi angered once they were alone in her bedroom.

"I'm sorry," Emma apologized. "I didn't want to cause you any more distress."

"Why would you even do that?!"

"It was the way I found to deal with my own pain." "Okay," Abi raised her hands, accepting her decision. "It doesn't sound like a healthy coping mechanism but, if it's helping you."

After all that stress, Emma decided to end the date. At that point, she was already on the edge. She could easily slip into a bad temper at the smallest inconvenience.

"It was a disaster, wasn't it?" She lamented. "Your parents. They hate me."

"They don't," Abi assured her. "They just need to understand that whatever happened in that camp wasn't your fault. And that our relationship isn't causing me any harm."

"Maybe. Abi, I should go. I'm not fe…"

"No! Stay with me a little longer. Please? We're alone now. We could… make out a little bit."

Before Emma could even protest, Abi grabbed her by the hand, pulling her to the bed. She started pressing soft, quick kisses to Emma's lips, then she deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth with her tongue.

Emma closed her eyes, attempting to keep focus. She responded to the kiss, apprehensive. Her moves were controlled, calculated. She was afraid all that physical contact could awaken the wildest behavior of the creature inside her.

"You look so tense," Abi smiled. "Want a massage?"

She started applying pressure to Emma's shoulders and neck. It was impossible to relax. The thoughts inside Emma's head were out of control. She desired Abi. She wanted to have her. Right now .

"Better now?"

"N-No…" Emma had her eyes fixed on Abi's. Her gaze was intense. Determined. Dangerous. "Not yet."

She laid on top of Abi, literally devouring her lips in the most intense and feverish manner she could. Her hands explored her body ravenously. She needed to touch her. She needed to feel her. When they stopped kissing, their lips were red and swollen.

"Wow, that was intense," Abi said, pulling her playfully by her padlock necklace.

"I'm not even started," Emma smiled devilishly. Then, she placed her knee between her legs, applying some pressure.

"Emma…" Abi bit her lower lip, giving in to the sensation. "Oh my gosh…"

"Do you like it?"

Abi nodded, still nibbling on her own lip. Emma suddenly stopped.

"I could give you a lot more. If you want to."

"I… I want it…"

That answer made Emma grin widely. She buried her face on Abi's neck.

"God, you smell so good…" she started kissing, sucking… What if she bit Abi right there? Would she become like her? The idea excited her a lot.

"Emma?" Abi called.

"You're so delicious," using her tongue, Emma traced the skin of her neck, ready to grab it between her teeth. "I want you so bad!"

"Emma! Stop!"

Abi pushed her away, making her lose balance and fall sitting on the floor. She suddenly was back to her conscience. Her girlfriend was staring at her paralyzed in fear.

"W-What… What have I done?"

"This was not funny!" Abi was shaking. Her eyes were wide and tears started to roll across her cheek. "Y-You sounded… You sounded exactly like him when…"

"Like who, Abi?"

"Like Nick? When he was about to turn into a monster!"

The word made Emma swallow dry. For a few minutes, she wasn't acting like herself. She was, indeed, acting like the monster inside her.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to…" it was her who was shaking now. What else she could've done if she had slipped out of control? "I didn't know… I swear I…"

"Get out of here," Abi ordered.

"Abi…"

"Please. I want to be alone."

Emma didn't tell anyone about what happened. But for the next few days she was more quiet, immersed in her own thoughts. Abi wasn't answering her calls or replying to her messages and it was killing her inside.

"Mountebank?"

She kept staring at her cell phone screen, thinking of what she could say to make it right.

"Mountebank!" Addison slapped the counter in front of her, making her go back to reality.

"I'm sorry! I was just…"

"Customer. Table 6."

Emma nodded, quickly obeying her boss' command. The customer was an old lady. She didn't remember seeing her in the diner before.

"Good morning," she forced a smile. "How can I help you, ma'am?"

"Just a cup of coffee, please," the elder smiled back. "The special one. Addie knows."

When Emma returned bringing her order, the woman asked her to sit down. It was an odd, unusual request, but she agreed.

"You look upset, my dear. Lots of trouble inside that young head of yours, isn't it?"

"Yeah," she confirmed, looking down to avoid the woman's penetrating gaze. "I… I've been going through a lot lately."

"Eliza, isn't it? That's her name."

The mention of that familiar name made Emma raise her head immediately.

"What?!" Her eyes widened in surprise. "Do you actually know her?"

"No, I don't," the woman took a sip of her coffee. "But I can see her lingering presence, her influence in whatever is happening in your life."

Until a year earlier, Emma wouldn't believe anything related to the supernatural. But now, that woman had her full attention. Maybe she was a psychic or something.

"Why has she cursed me?" She asked, taking the opportunity to obtain answers. "Can you figure out?"

"Hate is a powerful force. Eliza died in so much hatred she was able to cast a curse, even after her death. If her son was hurt, people would have to face the consequences."

"Yes! Silas, her son, he was killed. But I didn't do that. I didn't even meet him."

The woman made a brief pause, taking another sip of her coffee and closing her eyes for a second.

"Whatever inhabited his body would still remain, it would be passed along through his lineage," she proceeded to speak. "This curse wasn't supposed to be yours, was it?"

"N-No…" Emma remembered Caleb Hackett's body, lying dead at the lodge's floor after his werewolf form was shot. "There was a boy, but he…"

The memory still gave her nightmares, even after a year.

"Being Silas only living 'heir' , you inherited it."

"So, that's it? There's no way to break it?"

Another pause. A longer one this time.

"I don't have an answer for that yet," the old lady sighed. "But when the time comes, you'll know."

Taking a deep breath, Emma stood up in front of the Blyg's house. She was determined to tell Abi the truth, even if it cost losing her girlfriend for good. She deserved to know.

In one hand, she held a bouquet of Peonies. In the other, the gift she had chosen for Abi's birthday - a special set of pencils for skilled artists.

"Abi, I'm so sorry," Emma spoke as soon as Abigail opened the door. "I don't know what got into me. I…"

"This is okay, Emma," Abi interrupted her. "You weren't there when it happened. There was no way for you to know. It's just… even the minor thing that reminds me of that night gives me those panic attacks."

"There's something I need to tell you though."

"Sure, come with me."

Abi grabbed Emma's hand, taking her to her bedroom.

"Abi, I…" the words wouldn't come out. How could she even start telling about her curse? "I…"

"Shhh," Abi silenced her with a kiss. "I love you too."

That was not what Emma was planning to say. She planned to tell Abi something horrible. Something that would make her never want to see her again. But hearing those three words made her heart melt. Abi loved her. Even after everything they went through. Even after her stupid behavior the other day.

"That's what you wanted to tell me, right?"

The werewolf revelation could wait another day. Emma didn't want to lose that precious moment.

"Of course. I love you, Abi."

She smiled, her cheeks blushing a little bit. Abi pressed a kiss on her lips.

"My parents won't be coming home anytime soon," she whispered in Emma's ear. "Is the plan still up?"

"Only if you really, really want it."

"I do."

Emma turned around, telling Abi to help her to unzip her dress. Then, she did the same for her, leaving them both only in their underwear.

Abi was shy in the beginning, crossing her arms in front of her body, attempting to cover some of the exposed skin. She looked down, blushing.

"You're so beautiful," Emma smiled, extending her arm to touch her. The physical contact made Abi relax a little.

"And so are you," Abi's eyes analyzed her body head to toes. "You're perfect."

Emma reached her face, cupping it between her hands and involving her in a kiss. With their mouths still on each other, she drove Abi to the bed, lying on top of her and slowly taking off the remaining clothes between them. She was nervous too. It was the first time she was doing that with another girl. And especially, with someone she was truly in love with. She did the best to not show it though. Her main priority was to make Abi feel secure and loved.

"If you want me to stop," Emma started caressing Abi's body. Her chest, her stomach, her tights. "just let me know."

With her mouth still on Abi's, Emma lowered her hand, touching her where she wanted it the most. She started moving slowly, carefully, giving Abi enough time to enjoy each second.

"Emma…"

"Yes?"

"Don't stop, please."

It didn't take long before Abi was panting and smiling under Emma's body. That view made her smile too. She rested her forehead against Abi's, before whispering:

"Happy birthday, Abi."

December, 2022

The next few months went by very quickly. Whenever it was possible, Emma would visit Abi in college. When the winter break arrived, they wanted to enjoy each moment together.

It was the evening of December 27th when everything just fell apart. They were ice skating in the park. Emma was showing off her skills, what made Abi laugh and tease her.

"Is there anything you suck at?" She joked. "I'm struggling to stay on my feet and you're doing a ballet!"

"Let me think…" Emma closed her eyes, thinking. She definitely sucked at being a werewolf, it still hadn't gotten any easier for her. But she couldn't say that. "I suck at flirting with stunningly pretty girls. I mean, it took you a whole year to even notice me!"

"I couldn't believe someone like you could be into someone like me."

In one second they were laughing and planning where they'd have dinner. In the other, a familiar voice brought tension and chaos to that little cozy moment.

"Emma! Abi!" Emma recognized that voice instantly. No one else she ever met had a similar accident.

"Hey, Nick," she said back.

Abi took longer to answer. She grabbed Emma's arm for support, standing near to her body. She didn't complain. She wanted to make sure Nick knew they were together. As a couple.

"It's been a long time," the boy spoke. "How have you two been?"

They didn't chat much. Only enough for him to tell them he was working on a restaurant and planned to attend college in the next year. Emma did most of the talking. Abi was uncomfortable and nervous. Although she had been doing better, Emma knew seeing Nick would certainly trigger one of those episodes.

It was an intense one this time. Abi couldn't breathe. Emma feared she'd pass out. She started panicking herself. She called Jenna, who gave her instructions to help her girlfriend.

She immediately took Abi home, after she felt more stable. After giving her some medication, she helped her to go to bed, where she rested her head on Emma's chest.

"What if that was me?"

The whole situation made Emma fall pensive. She had to know. That question had been tormenting her for months. "What if I had been bitten that night and had transformed too?"

"You didn't," Abi said, firmly.

"But it was very close. I almost got bitten twice."

It was a lie. She had been bitten. It was a miracle she hadn't transformed inside the surveillance room.

"I'm glad you didn't," Abi sat down to speak. She looked deeply into Emma's eyes, before she confirmed her worst fears. "Otherwise, this… us… it wouldn't exist. I wouldn't even be able to look at you the same, ever again. I wouldn't be able to kiss you, to touch you without remembering you once became one of those monsters."

Those words hit Emma harder than she assumed it would be possible. If Abi knew she had been transforming every Full Moon since that Summer, how would she even feel? Would she feel disgusted? Would she hate her that much?

"It's not his fault, you know? He never wished for that!" Deep down, Emma wasn't defending Nick. She was defending herself.

"I know! And I feel bad for him," Abi argued. "But it's the manner my mind has been protecting me from those traumatic memories. I… I just can't see Nick separated from that thing. At least not yet. Why are you so worried about him anyways?"

Before she could say anything else, Abi's parents came through the door. They were profoundly worried and anxious to check how she was doing. Emma exhaled and decided to give them some privacy. She needed a moment by herself too.

After a few minutes pacing in the backyard, she decided to return to say goodbye and go home. From the corridor, she heard a discussion.

"It's not Emma's fault!" Abigail argued with her parents. "We were having a good time until we ran into Nick. Seeing him triggered the panic attack."

"We know, sweetheart. But we also think you won't be able to fully heal while she's around."

Somehow, Mrs. Blyg was right. Even if Abi didn't know the truth, it was like there was a shadow haunting them at every moment they shared together. The werewolf, the lies, the excuses Emma had to make to avoid breaking Abi's heart even further… all of that would always be obstacles between them.

Emma's decision wasn't impulsive. She thought about it for days. She had enough time to give up and take a step back, but she didn't. At first, she started acting cold and distant. Then, she started avoiding Abi. She wouldn't answer her calls or reply her messages. Until that one night in January when she finally sent that one final message.

"I'm sorry, Abi. I can't do this anymore."