A thunderstorm raged over the sea. A storm was approaching. Behind her lay the forest… and a monster. There was nowhere left to run. Anna came to the edge of the cliff; below, the waves thrashed wildly against blade-sharp rocks. For a moment, her mind flashed with images of her fall… and then—nothing.

“I am Anna Amridge.”

“Enough waiting! I’m not afraid of you! Show yourself.”

“I know you’re there!” Anna took a decisive step and peered into the forest’s shadowy depths. Somewhere in that darkness a pair of hungry eyes watched her—the very thing she feared most.

From the trees emerged Richard; he fell to his knees.   “Anna, help me!”

“Richard! My God, what happened? Did that creature attack you? Are you hurt?” With those words, she rushed to him without hesitation, embracing him and checking for injuries.

“Anna… listen to me! Don’t wait… run…” His face was etched with panic, as if he had urgent words to say.

Anna cupped Richard’s face in her hands.   “I will never abandon you, Richard. Not now, not ever. I love you.”

He felt her lips brush his and a wild hunger stirred within him—a desire to taste her… the taste of blood.

“No, you don’t understand who I am! Anna, please—run, right now.”

“What are you saying? Why are you pushing me away? Richard… I don’t understand.”

“I… I love you, Anna. Just know that. Those like me don’t choose who they are. You must accept me. Please.”

His gaze lifted to the sky; his hand pointed to the moon, which shone like a second sun through the darkness—full and bright.

Anna turned to bathe in its light. Then she heard sounds like the beast’s roar she had fled: the roar of a wolf.

She spun around. There it stood: the creature with the wolf’s head. She stepped forward, then back again, nearing the precipice. All the while she kept her eyes locked on the snarling beast. Beneath her feet, the ground gave way.

In that instant the creature lunged, driven by ravenous hunger. A radiant light then flooded the air around her, forming an invisible barrier between them—so close, yet untouchable. It was him, the one she loved.

She remembered the forest and the body of Debby—how they found only her torn, blood-soaked clothes, and how others vanished in that cursed wood. It had been Richard’s father, Mr. John, who disappeared.

The wave embraced her gently as she fell. The moment the water closed over her, she saw a young woman with a hauntingly beautiful face. She took Anna’s hand, and together they were carried toward the shore.

“My name is Nali. I live in the ocean with my people.” She bowed to Anna. “Your mother was like a sister to me. We met often—until her twin, your aunt, murdered her, stole her power, and seized control of the witch world.”

To Anna it felt like a dream. Her body glowed. The fall into the raging sea, the miraculous rescue—around them danced mer-women, while somewhere a wolf prowled.

Anna broke the silence.   “I can’t believe this… My mother died this morning. At the hands of a warlock.”

Nali looked at her with compassion.   “Anna, your people are enslaved. A powerful and ruthless leader has possessed your aunt’s soul to rule both the witch realm and the human world. Soon a war will begin, and the seal may shatter if they gather the ancient stones. I’m sorry this burden falls on you alone… but you are not alone. You have me and my people.”

“Anna, listen. I will reveal your birthright… and much more. But right now, you must accept what has happened. Tonight is the full moon and the day of your coming of age. The higher forces will open your mind and you will understand everything. Fire will obey and protect you, water will carry the secrets it hears, and earth and air will guard you.”