Keith nodded quietly. "That is the smart way to do this." He knew there'd be situations where they couldn't, where they'd be forced to act, he was no stranger to those, but last night hadn't been one. There had been no danger to them. If there had been, of course he'd have acted accordingly. "So, we can ask around in town today, I'm sure someone knows something about what's going on. I'll ask some of the people I know."

Peg nodded in understanding, her expression unreadable as she listened to Keith's words. She could sense the internal conflict within him, the struggle between his human morality and the primal instincts of the wolf that now resided within him. "You're right. Wisdom is just as important as rage," she replied, her voice soft yet firm. "We have a responsibility to protect not just the victims, but also prevent future harm. They need to understand the consequences of their actions." She paused, her gaze meeting Keith's with a steely resolve. "Let's find out who they are and what they're involved in. We'll gather information first before deciding our next move."

"You're right, about all of it." Keith said quietly. "I have done my best to not kill anything I didn't plan to eat, aside from mosquitoes." His gaze seemed slightly unfocused, as if staring at something far away. "I killed so many during the war, they were the enemy, if I didn't kill them, they'd kill us, and I couldn't let that happen. I did things that I will probably never tell another soul Peggy." He shrugged his broad shoulders, and his eyes focused. "You went through something multiple times no one should ever go through, and what you did, well in my eyes those were righteous kills. You're right, some deserve only death." "I didn't kill those men because It would have been too easy. Yes they captured and cruelly contained wildlife. But in the moment I decided that I wanted to know why they did it. We are guardians yes, but we have Rage and Wisdom. I want to make sure that if we do make them disappear, more won't come to take their places. To do that, we need to do some research first. They'll be on guard now, after what happened. I knew that too, but I refuse to just give in to the Wolf every time." She could tell he HAD wanted to kill those men for what they'd done, but in the end, as a man who'd seen combat, he'd judged the need for more information to be higher priority than killing them. "If they go right back to what they were doing, well, They were warned, as it were."

The morning light gently filtered through the windows of the cabin, casting a warm glow over the rustic interior. The air was still, heavy with unspoken thoughts, as they went about their morning routine in silence. They both refrained from discussing the events of the previous night, an unspoken agreement to let the memories of what they had witnessed remain buried for now. The cabin, a sturdy refuge constructed by Keith on the very foundations of his grandfather’s old homestead, exuded a sense of history and resilience. It was a place that, to Keith, had grown in significance, imbued with a newfound sense of meaning and power that he could feel in every timber and stone. Keith awoke to the rich aroma of sizzling food and freshly brewed coffee permeating the air, enveloping him in a comforting embrace. As he made his way to the kitchen, he discovered Peggy bustling about, preparing a hearty breakfast of steak and eggs. She was clad in one of his oversized shirts, the fabric swallowing her petite frame. The sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, and the shirt's tails dangled almost to her knees, swaying slightly with her movements. As far as he could tell, she wore nothing else beneath. The sight brought a warm smile to his face. He poured himself a steaming cup of coffee, the dark liquid swirling with inviting warmth, and settled into a chair, content to watch her in this serene morning moment. "I know you killed during the war, but surely it's a different beast now." Peg's words sliced through the suffocating silence that had settled since last night. She spoke with a blunt finality, placing a plate before him—a steak nearly raw and eggs shining like twin suns. She settled across from him, drawing her legs beneath her, eyes fixed intently on his. "For you, I mean. Since the curse, the gift, whatever this thing is that's become our reality. You haven't taken a man's life since then, have you?" Keith met Peg's gaze, her eyes searching his for the truth. He knew she was right; since the night of their transformation, he had not taken a human life. The primal instinct to hunt and protect surged within him constantly, but he had somehow managed to suppress the overwhelming urge to kill unnecessarily. As he shook his head slightly, cutting into his steak, he felt a battle within himself, yearning to abandon the utensils and rip it apart with his teeth, yet he forced his hands to clench the silverware instead. "I have," she said. Keith looked up, startled, a mix of surprise and confusion playing across his face. "More than once. The first was the first time I changed. They deserved it. At least I think they did. They were going to rape me, maybe even kill me. I didn’t let them." Her voice was steady, devoid of emotion, yet Keith sensed an underlying turmoil she wasn't revealing. There was no shame, no elation. She was just telling him, but he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more she wasn't saying. "It happened twice more while I hitchhiked here. At a grimy truck stop, I caught two vile pigs brutally assaulting a girl. I descended on them with unbridled fury, tearing them apart. Literally. The last encounter was with a seemingly innocent guy who picked me up while I was hitchhiking. He appeared young, projecting the façade of a clean-cut college kid, which he indeed was. He had a razor-sharp wit and a disarmingly attractive smile that could have charmed anyone. As we drove, our conversation crackled with energy, and he even treated me to lunch at McDonald's. But beneath his charming exterior lurked sinister intentions. In a moment of deceit, he managed to slip something into my Coke. As we hit the road again, the world around me twisted into a dizzying blur, and I passed out. I awoke with a violent jolt, sprawled naked on the icy ground, with him looming over me, attempting the unthinkable. But that didn’t happened." She paused, taking a sip of coffee. "I was going to take his car, but when I went to put my things in his trunk, I uncovered a horrifying array of items: a stack of really depraved porno books, small film reels with worse on them,and tools, shovels, picks, rope, and dried blood. So I put his remains in the car and set it ablaze.” SHe cut her steak and ate a couple of bites. "What I'm trying to say is that some men deserve to die, particularly those who show no respect for the lives of others. Someone killed my uncle, possibly your grandfather, and those other men who were like us. It might have been the men from last night."

Keith looked at the men, and looked at Peg. He shook his head again, and lowered his arms, his claws seeming to sheath themselves as left the barracks. He simply didn't know enough to slay these men in their sleep. He promised to protect nature, and mankind was still part of that. It would be a choice he could regret later, but slaying them without just cause wasn't something he was prepared to do. He had his own honor to keep. He nodded to Peg, and head out the door. Perhaps he was failing this test, in this duty, and if he was he'd deal with that later. Who knows, if he did find evidence they needed and actually deserved death, he and Peg could return. He accepted that it was likely they'd have better security, and indeed, it would be harder to get back inside, but that just something he'd have to deal with then. There were other ways in. He looked to make sure Peg was following, and head back into the woods. Perhaps it wasn't the most auspicious start, but he had freed many beasts, and wouldn't have to go to sleep wondering if he'd slain those deserved it or not.

Peg poised herself just behind and to his left, her legs spread wide, muscles coiled in a low crouch, every fiber of her being ready to explode into action. Her teeth flashed like daggers in the dim light, a menacing gleam that cut through the shadows. Her gaze was fixed on him, unblinking, charged with an electric anticipation, waiting for him to make his move. As Keith grappled with his inner turmoil, Peg's unwavering gaze bore into him, a silent reminder of their shared purpose and the need for a decision. Her loyalty was palpable, a fierce dedication that mirrored his own conflicting emotions. The shadowy figure continued to float among the sleeping men, its incorporeal form a stark contrast to the tangible world around them. It seemed to emanate a sense of urgency, as if urging Keith and Peg to take action before it was too late.

Keith had no trouble morally in releasing the animals. Even as a hunter who took from the bounty of nature to make his living, he didn't kill without need, and not just for fun. He did his best to kill quickly and cleanly, without cruelty. Caging wild beasts wasn't something he liked, so freeing the animals was easy. This, the choice this shadowy entity laid before him was so much more complex. As a soldier he had killed other humans. He was quite good at that too. But it wasn't like this. He killed during wartime, taking the life of his enemies, who would just as easily taken his. Standing amidst the men sleeping in what looked eerily similar to the same sort of barracks he was familiar with, he fought a war within himself. True, and thankfully, he didn't recognize any of the sleeping men. The Primal side said they were at fault for cruelly caging nature, and their lives should be forfeit. The human part of his mind however, railed against it. While they had caged the beasts, he knew nothing of why they'd done so. Without such knowledge, or a direct attack against himself, he couldn't bring himself to take their lives. He shook his head, not yet saying "No" but as if to clear the warring thoughts within his mind. He could feel Peg there with him, and wondered how she would face this moral dilemma.

The released wolves hesitated for a moment, their eyes darting between Keith and the open door of their cage. Sensing their uncertainty, Keith crouched down to their level, his wolf-like features softening to convey reassurance and encouragement. With a series of low, rumbling growls and gentle nudges, he urged the wolves to freedom. One by one, the wolves cautiously emerged from their cage, their gaunt bodies trembling with a mixture of fear and newfound hope. They sniffed the air tentatively, as if unsure whether this was another cruel trick or a genuine chance at escape. Keith could feel the weight of responsibility on his broad shoulders as he watched over the wolves, ensuring they made their way out into the night. His heightened senses picked up on every rustle of fur, every anxious whine, and every tentative step they took towards the darkness beyond. Peg kept a vigilant watch over the surroundings, her keen senses alert for any sign of danger. The other animals in the hut stirred restlessly, their eyes reflecting a mix of fear and longing as they witnessed the wolves being set free. Keith could sense their silent plea for liberation, their primal instincts yearning for the open sky and the touch of the earth beneath their paws. With a determined gleam in his eye, Keith turned his attention to the other cages, his enhanced claws making short work of the locks that held them captive. The bears lumbered out with a mixture of confusion and relief, their massive forms dwarfing Keith as they shook off the chains of captivity. The eagle perched proudly in its cage, its keen eyes fixed on Keith with a mix of defiance and gratitude. As Keith approached, the majestic bird ruffled its feathers in anticipation, as if sensing that freedom was within reach. With a deft swipe of his claws, Keith unlocked the eagle's cage, stepping back to give it space to take flight. The eagle hesitated for a moment, its wings unfurling as it took in the vastness of its newfound freedom. Then, with a burst of energy, it spread its wings wide, soaring up into the darkness to join the other freed animals in their quest for liberation. As Keith and Peg stood amidst the chaos of fleeing animals, they knew their task was far from over. The shadowy figure remained a mysterious presence, its presence felt but not seen as it continued to glide among the cages with an unnerving grace. The two hunters exchanged determined looks, understanding that they had no choice but to press onward, to ensure that every captive creature found the freedom they deserved. With the eagle's departure as their inspiration, Keith and Peg steeled themselves, knowing that their battle against this sinister force had only just begun. The wind picked up as darkness enveloped the hut and its surroundings, carrying with it the sounds of the liberated animals vanishing into the night. The scent of freedom mingled with the stench of fear, creating a dynamic and complex odor that both invigorated and haunted Keith and Peg. The shadowy figure continued its watchful presence, moving stealthily from cage to cage, seemingly undisturbed by the chaos unfolding around it. Keith could feel its malevolent energy, a palpable force that seemed to thrive on the suffering of the imprisoned animals. Undeterred by this unseen threat, Keith and Peg focused their efforts on freeing the remaining animals. With each cage unlocked and each animal released, their determination strengthened, driven by a shared sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to righting this grievous wrong. Then the last cage was opened and it denizen freed to flee into the night. The spectral figure floated out of the shadows and passed through the wall of the shed. Keith and Peg rapidly exited the door and search for the spector finding it easily as it moved through the strange camp toward the largest of the buildings one bathed in lights guarding it in the darkness. As they followed the figure, Keith and Peg couldn't help but wonder about the true intentions of this ethereal presence. Was it a guardian of the animals, or was it something more sinister? The darkness seemed to conceal the truth, leaving them with only their instincts and their determination to guide them. The two hunters approached the large building, their senses on high alert. Inside, they could smell the presence of humans. The shadowy figure floated through the walls, leading Keith and Peg towards an entrance at the back of the building. As they slipped inside, the hunters found themselves in a dimly lit corridor, the air heavy with the scent of sweat and fear. The sounds of sleeping men filled the spaces before them, they were ina barracks of sorts. A dozen steel framed beds most with sleeping form in them, the spector floating among them its arms extended, pointing as it slowly revolved in place.

Rage. That was the simplest summation of what Keith felt. He was a hunter, but he took from the wilds responsibly, he didn't waste what he took, and didn't let his sports do so either. He had few hot-button issues, but this, the mistreatment of animals, was definitely one of them. Muscle and bone seemed to ripple and snap, as his form did. A Wolf, even a smart one like he was, couldn't undo locks like this. His body responded to this thought, and the form it took was a mixture of man and wolf, bipedal, his tail behind him for balance. Powerful arms ended in razor sharp claw-tipped hands, his body still covered in dark fur, his head that of a wolf, though he was larger than when he was simply a man. He could smell the fear of the various animals, not just of the situation but of him, and he closed his mouth, hiding his gleaming white fangs. Carefully, considering his size and strength, he reached a cage for the wolves, and gripped the lock in his hand. He pulled on it, seeing that it was secure, with drew his hand, and opted for another path. His claws seemed to take on an eerie glow, and he swiped at the metal lock. HIs enhanced claws passed through the metal like paper and he caught the lock with his free hand. Then using the same hand he'd opened the lock with, he opened the door to that first cage, allowing the wolves within to leave through the opened door. Silently, he seemed to speak to them with body language and his eyes. "Go, the rest will follow soon." To emphasize this, he moved to the next cage, repeating the process of removing the lock, trusting in Peg to keep watch. There was a small voice telling him that an easier solution was to simply slay those who would do this to these animals, but he silenced it. If they woke, and happened upon them, well, then he would reevaluate that decision.

As they neared the dark huts, Keith and Peg moved with a stealthy grace that belied their size. The figure ahead seemed unconcerned with their presence, leading them deeper into the heart of the valley. Shadows danced eerily across the concrete runway, adding to the sense of foreboding that hung heavy in the air. Keith's mind raced with possibilities as they ventured closer to the huts. The hum of the gasoline generator grew louder, drowning out even the rustling of leaves in the night breeze. He couldn't shake the feeling that whatever lay ahead was far more sinister than a mere drug operation or illegal dumping site. The closer they got, the more certain Keith became that they were stepping into something beyond their understanding. The inhuman figure finally came to a halt in front of one of the huts, its form shifting and swirling like smoke in the darkness. The generator suddenly stopped and the lights went out. The sudden darkness enveloped the valley, plunging everything into an inky blackness that seemed to swallow sound itself. Keith's heightened senses went into overdrive, his heart pounding in his chest as he strained to see through the impenetrable veil of night. Peg pressed closer to him, her warm fur a comforting presence against his side. The stillness that settled over the valley was suffocating, broken only by the sound of their own ragged breathing. A soft whispering filled the air, like the murmur of unseen voices carried on a phantom breeze. Keith's ears twitched as he tried to discern the source of the sound, but it seemed to come from all around them, encompassing them in a cocoon of eerie silence. Without warning, a faint light flickered to life in front of the hut where the shadowy figure had stopped. The glow was sickly green, casting grotesque shadows that danced across the concrete runway like malevolent spirits. As Keith's eyes adjusted to the dim light, he could make out the figure standing before them more clearly. Its amorphous form seemed to pulse and writhe, tendrils of darkness reaching out towards the hut as if seeking something within. A sense of dread washed over Keith as he watched the figure's movements, his instincts screaming at him to flee. But the pact he had made, the duty he had accepted, held him in place despite every fiber of his being urging him to run. The figure raised its shadowy arms towards the hut, and with a sudden burst of movement, the door creaked open on rusty hinges. A cold wind swept out from within, carrying with it a foul stench that made Keith's nose twitch in revulsion. Without a word spoken, the figure glided into the darkness of the hut, its form melding seamlessly with the shadows inside. Keith hesitated for only a moment before following, his muscles coiled tight with tension and readiness. As Keith stepped into the hut, the sight that greeted him made his blood run cold. The interior was dimly lit by sputtering fluorescent lights that cast a sickly pallor over the scene before him. Cages lined the walls, each containing a variety of wild animals kept in dismal conditions. His heart sank as he recognized the familiar forms of wolves, bears, and even a majestic eagle locked in captivity. The stench of fear and urine hung heavy in the air, mixing with the acrid scent of chemicals used to sedate the animals. The shadowy figure moved among the cages with an otherworldly grace, its form flickering and shifting like a specter. It seemed to be inspecting its captives with a detached curiosity, its red eyes glowing ominously in the dim light. Keith's gut twisted with anger and revulsion at the sight before him. These creatures were his kin, fellow guardians of the natural world, and seeing them reduced to such pitiful states filled him with a fierce determination to put an end to this cruelty. Peg stood by his side, her fur bristling with silent fury as she took in the heartbreaking scene before them. The figure turned towards Keith and Peg, its glowing eyes locking onto theirs with an intensity that sent shivers down their spines. Without a word, it gestured towards the cages, as if challenging them to do something about the plight of the imprisoned animals.

With no signing to tell them what was going on here Keith could only think of it as an airstrip. He inhaled deeply, even as he stepped forward, moving to follow the inhuman figure that had led them here. The human part of him didn't want to harm anyone without cause. Still whatever this thing was he couldn't say it wouldn't do so. The Huts and Bulldozers hinted at certain possibilities, but for now, he padded forward softly, on guard. He wondered if it was a secret drug operation. He'd heard rumors about them in other parts of the country, but considering how things were shaking out, he wasn't sure that was the right answer. It could be some sort of illegal dumping site as well. If they were dumping toxic or nuclear waste out here, he could definitely see that being a matter a Guardian of Nature would be called on to address. He could feel Peg following him, also alert and on guard. This was new to them both, and he knew they could trust each other.

As Keith's powerful howl echoed through the night, Peg joined in, their voices intertwining in a primal chorus that sent shivers through the forest. The sound reverberated off the trees, carrying far into the distance and asserting their presence to all who would hear. But as their howl faded, an eerie silence fell over the woods. The usual nocturnal sounds – the hooting of owls, the rustling of small creatures – all ceased, as if the entire forest was holding its breath. Keith's senses were on high alert, his body stiffening as he detected a change in the atmosphere. He could sense approaching danger; it seemed to emanate from the ground beneath his paws. Peg moved closer to him, her body also tense and ready for action. A faint noise reached Keith's ears, more of a vibration than an actual sound. Without hesitation, he took off at full speed with Peg right behind him. They raced through the woods and across the land, covering miles. Keith and Peg, in wolf form, creped up a steep bank at the bottom of which flowed a narrow creek at the top the woods were still thick but Keith could see that the ground slopped down and the woods begane to thin. They had traveled further north and west than he had ever been and he wasn’t sure if this was still his woods. They sniffed the air. Both of them felt that something was not right. Keith and Peg stood atop the steep bank, their enhanced senses on high alert. The unfamiliar terrain stretched out before them, a tapestry of shadows and moonlight that held untold dangers. Keith's ears twitched, catching the faint whisper of the creek below and the rustle of leaves in the cool night breeze. As they surveyed the thinning woods ahead, an unnatural stillness settled over the forest. The usual nighttime chorus of crickets and owls had fallen silent, as if the very wildlife held its breath in anticipation of something ominous. A low growl rumbled in Keith's throat, his hackles rising as he sensed the wrongness permeating the air. Peg pressed closer to his side, her yellow eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. The bond between them hummed with shared apprehension. Suddenly, a twig snapped in the darkness ahead, causing both Keith and Peg to freeze. Their eyes locked onto the source of the sound, muscles tensed and ready to spring into action. From the shadows emerged a figure unlike anything they had encountered before. It was humanoid in shape, but its body seemed to be made of writhing shadows and mist. Glowing red eyes peered out from a face that shifted and changed with each passing second. Keith's instincts screamed danger, every fiber of his being urging him to flee. But the pact he had made, the duty he had accepted, kept him rooted to the spot. He felt Peg's presence beside him, her resolve matching his own. The figure concealed in shadows raised its hand, and dark tendrils twisted around its arm like living smoke. It gestured in the air, the tendrils writhing and twisting as it moved down the slope, seemingly unaware of the presence of two wolves following close behind. Silently agreeing to follow, the wolves trailed behind the figure as it led them through the sparse forest towards a narrow valley. The valley ran from north to south and was roughly half a mile wide and three miles long, with a steep western side that contrasted the gentle slope they were on. In the center of the valley, there was a clearing where all trees had been removed, revealing a concrete slab about twenty yards wide and three hundred yards long. It resembled a runway. At the northern end of the valley stood several aluminum quonset huts and two large bulldozers. Beyond the huts, a dirt road wound its way northward out of sight. The sound of a gasoline generator could be heard coming from that direction as well. The inhuman figure moved on toward the dark huts.

The thrill of the hunt, of simply giving in to the predator that was within him. These sensations were infinitely more intense than anything he'd felt as a man. He'd stalked and hunted enemy soldiers during his service, and then hunted game at home, but this was more primal. He killed with claw and fang, and then ate the raw meat, a feast he'd never had before. At his side of course was Peg. This had to be just as new to her as it was to him, likely even moreso, as he doubted she'd ever killed anything before. Still she was there with him, moving in sync, a pair of wolves on the prowl. As the night went on, he could feel something watching them, a pervasive sense of forboding, Even as he patrolled the property that was exclusively his. While unable to identify what exactly watched him, as he reached the boundaries of what knew to be his, he would mark it, with his claws, or other means. More than that, he would allow Peg to mark the area as well. It was his, but at the same time it felt right to allow her this as well. There was a prominent rise in one clearing, near the edge of the property, and he instinctively headed towards it, climbing it and looking out over the rest of the extensive woodland. Even as the feeling of being hunted intensified, he wasn't one to back down from a challenge, from anything. He loped to the top of the prominence, and inhaled deeply, before loosing a long howl that proudly proclaimed his presence, his dominance of the area, and his own challenge to any who would rise to take it from him.

But Raven was not there. In the distance Keith’s wolfen ears heard the sound of flapping and he looked up just in time to see a large raven fly across the full moon. Keith listened to the haunting cry of the raven as it soared through the darkness. A feeling of unease washed over him as he realized their guide and mentor, Raven, had left them without a word. The moon's pale light seemed to dull, casting a somber atmosphere over the clearing while an unsettling stillness filled the air. Peg moved closer to Keith, her own senses on high alert. The forest around them felt different now, as if a shadow had fallen upon the once welcoming trees. Without Raven's guidance, they were left to navigate this new existence on their own. A low growl rumbled in Keith's throat as he focused on the task at hand. The call of the hunt beckoned to him, urging him to embrace his primal instincts and explore the depths of his newfound power. With a nod to Peg, he set off into the woods, his massive form moving with a grace and strength that he had never known before. The night was alive with the sounds of the forest, each rustle of leaves and hoot of an owl sending a shiver down Keith's spine. His senses were heightened in ways he couldn't have imagined - the scent of prey lingered in the air, drawing him further into the heart of the wilderness. Peg followed closely behind, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. The moonlight filtered through the trees, casting eerie shadows that seemed to dance around them as they prowled through the underbrush. Despite the absence of Raven, a sense of purpose burned brightly within them, guiding their every step. Suddenly, a flash of movement caught Keith's attention. He froze in his tracks, his gaze fixed on a pair of glowing eyes that peered out from the darkness. A deer stood poised at the edge of a moonlit clearing, its muscles tense and ready to bolt at any moment. Without hesitation, Keith crouched low to the ground, his muscles coiled like springs as he focused on his prey. The Lycan within him surged with anticipation, his instincts honed to a razor-sharp edge. He locked eyes with the deer, a silent communication passing between predator and prey. In that moment, there was no Keith, only the hunter that prowled deep within his soul. With a sudden burst of speed, Keith lunged forward, his powerful legs propelling him through the undergrowth with startling agility. The deer bolted, its hooves thundering against the forest floor as it raced for freedom. But Keith was faster, closing the distance with each stride until he was mere feet behind his quarry. In a display of raw strength and primal grace, Keith leaped through the air, his massive form soaring over the startled deer. With a swift and fluid motion, he brought it down with a thunderous crash, his jaws closing around its neck in a lethal hold. The forest fell silent in the aftermath, the moon casting a ghostly glow over the scene of the hunt. Keith's heart raced with the thrill of the chase, his chest heaving with exertion as he stood over the fallen deer. Blood pulsed hot against his tongue, the metallic tang of it filling his senses as he savored the victory of the hunt. Peg approached, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and unease at the primal display of Keith's power. She had seen him in a new light, transformed by the moon's touch into a creature of myth and legend. The weight of their newfound existence pressed down upon her, a reminder that their lives would never be the same again. As Keith rose from his kill, a newfound sense of purpose burned within him. The call of the wild sang in his blood, urging him to embrace this side of himself that he had only just discovered. He turned to Peg, a primal light gleaming in his eyes as he shared a silent moment with his fellow guardian. Together, they knew they were bound by more than duty. The two fed then continued to explore as they loped through forest night they covered many miles and had traveled further than they had probably intended. They navigated through the dense undergrowth, their senses sharp and alert to every rustle and whisper of the night. The moon hung high in the sky, a guiding light that illuminated their path as they ventured deeper into the heart of the wilderness. The night air was cool against their fur, carrying with it the scents of pine and earth. Keith and Peg moved in tandem, their movements fluid and coordinated as they journeyed through the shadows. The bond between them grew stronger with each passing moment, forged in the crucible of the hunt. As they prowled through the darkened forest, a sense of foreboding crept over them. The woods seemed to come alive with unseen eyes watching their every move, a feeling of being hunted rather than being the hunters settling over them like a shroud.

True to his words, the following morning Keith had taken the sports he'd agreed to fly fishing, leaving Peg at his home. After a full day of guiding, The plans for the rest of the weekend were derailed somewhat, as two of them received pages on their pagers. Keith dutifully brought them back to the office, and the entire quartet was being called back from their trip for an emergency. Keith tried to not listen in to why, but he understood this meant they'd not be staying or needing his services. To his surprise, Cliff Morris, the guy who'd booked the trip, insisted on paying Keith for the whole trip, after all, he'd done his job, and gave them an amazing day of fishing. Two of the others had caught fish they wanted to mount, so they'd be preserved, and arrangements were made to have the mounting done locally and then shipped to the men. It wasn't a cheap thing, but they readily agreed, and sought told Keith they'd be back when they could to go again. He was thankful for the money which offset what he'd spent to kit them out for the day, and he still made good money after providing his boss his cut. It was a neat arrangement, and he welcomed them all back telling them he still had more spots to show them the next time. That night, his life, his entire world changed. He would change too, in a way he couldn't imagine. The moon's embrace was like nothing he'd ever experienced, empowering him, forcing a transformation without pain, The raw power unlike anything he'd felt coursing through his body, it was both intoxicating, and humbling. He'd never thought of himself as a weak man before, but he was so much more than he'd been before tonight. The howl that the two of them loosed had power, he felt, and he looked to Peg as they both finished, and then to the woods. This new form begged to be tried out, and perhaps the best and easiest way to do that was to hunt. He looked back to Raven, as if to ask the old man's permission. There was a small part of him that felt bad for his desire to leave him at his home, but The Wolf called to him, powerfully, moreso than it ever had, it called to his very nature as a hunter, and he would answer.

“Tomorrow night the moon will be full,” Raven stands and walks up to Peg and takes a leather necklace with what appear to be bones and feathers and places it around Pegs neck. “Wear this until tomorrow night, we will meet under the Full Moon and perform the ritual.” He goes to Keith and produces a similar necklace and put it on Keith. “I will return tomorrow at dusk. You should rest.” Keith and Peg watched as Raven left the cabin, the weight of their decision settling upon them like a heavy cloak. The flickering fire cast dancing shadows around the room, adding an air of mystique to the solemn moment. As they prepared for rest, Keith couldn't shake the image of his grandfather from his mind. What had led him to turn away from such a profound calling? The thought gnawed at him, but deep down, he knew that his own path was different - that he was meant to take up the mantle of a guardian. Peg, on the other hand, felt a sense of anticipation stirring within her. The necklace Raven had given her felt warm against her skin, as if pulsing with ancient energy. She couldn't explain it, but she knew that this was just the beginning of a journey that would change her life forever. Together, Keith and Peg settled in for the night, their minds filled with thoughts of the pact they had just accepted. As sleep slowly enveloped them, a sense of purpose and determination settled in their hearts, readying them for the trials and tribulations that lay ahead on their path as guardians of the forest. The moon rose high in the night sky, casting its silvery glow over the cabin, bathing the world in an ethereal light as the two future guardians drifted off into a deep and dream-filled slumber. The next evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the first stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, Raven returned to the cabin. Keith and Peg stood outside, waiting with a mix of excitement and trepidation for what was to come. Raven's presence seemed to command the very essence of the forest around them, his connection to nature palpable in the air. "It is time," Raven's voice carried a weight of solemnity as he led them deeper into the heart of the woods. The trees whispered secrets of ages past, their leaves rustling in a soft chorus as if welcoming the three figures into their midst. The forest seemed to come alive around them, a symphony of sounds filling the air as they reached a clearing bathed in the silvery light of the full moon. Raven motioned for Keith and Peg to stand at the center of the clearing, the moonlight casting an otherworldly glow upon their faces. He began to chant in a language that seemed both ancient and timeless, the words weaving a spell that resonated with the very soul of the forest. As Raven's chant reached a crescendo, a gentle breeze stirred through the clearing, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers and earthy moss. Keith and Peg felt a surge of energy coursing through them, a connection to something primal and powerful. Suddenly, beams of moonlight converged upon Keith and Peg, encircling them in a shimmering aura that seemed to dance with ethereal light. The air hummed with energy, and for a moment, time itself seemed to stand still. In that suspended moment, Keith and Peg felt a profound shift within themselves, as if they were shedding their old selves and stepping into a new, unknown existence. The moonlight began to swirl around them in a mesmerizing display of silver and shadow, intertwining with their beings in a radiant embrace. Each thread of moonlight seemed to carry with it a piece of the forest's essence, infusing Keith and Peg with the wisdom and strength of the ancient planet. A surge of power coursed through them, awakening something primal and untamed deep within their souls. It was as if they were being reborn under the watchful gaze of the moon, baptized by its celestial light into a sacred duty that would forever bind them to the natural world. Their bodies twisted and reshaped with an unnatural fluidity, first taking on the form of a simple wolf - a spitting images of the ghost wolf they became during their trance. But then the transformation continued, becoming larger and more primal with each passing moment. Features stretched and contorted, muscles bulged and shifted under fur-covered skin. And finally, after several rapid changes, they stood as full-formed Lycans - towering over seven feet tall and oozing with deadly power. This was not the uncontrollable curse that took over every full moon; instead, they retained their faculties even in this monstrous form. Every inch of them radiated danger and ferocity, ready to unleash their brutal strength at any moment. As the last echoes of Raven's chant faded into the night, Keith and Peg stood in awe, their hearts pounding with a mixture of wonder and reverence. They exchanged a knowing glance, a silent acknowledgment passing between them that they were no longer mere mortals, but guardians of the forest bound by a sacred pact with the moon itself. The weight of their newfound power settled upon their shoulders, a responsibility that both thrilled and daunted them in equal measure. Raven watched them with a look of pride, his eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom. "You have been reborn as guardians of this land," he intoned, his voice carrying the weight of centuries. "Embrace your new form, for you are now protectors of the balance between man and nature." Keith and Peg nodded in silent understanding, a newfound sense of purpose burning brightly within them. They could feel the wild energy of the forest coursing through their veins, empowering them with a connection to all living things around them. As they gazed up at the full moon hanging high in the night sky, a howl erupted from their throats - a primal cry that echoed through the trees and beyond, announcing their presence to the world.

"No." there was no wavering in Keith's voice, he'd resolved to accept this. Thinking about it, how his grandfather had lived, how he'd built his home, It had been a curse to him, forcing him to live alone, to be isolated, because he would lose himself in the curse. "He had his reasons, which he thought best at the time." Keith said the words. "So do I, as I walk a different path too." "I will accept the Pact."

Raven was quiet for several seconds, “No, he did not. Your grandfather was good man, but he chose a different path. He was presented with the same choice you are now facing, and he chose to turn away from the pact. It was a decision that weighed heavily on him for the rest of his days." Keith's heart sank at Raven's words, a mix of disappointment and understanding swirling within him. He had always looked up to his grandfather, admired his wisdom and strength. To learn that he had walked away from a destiny such as this was both surprising and sobering. "I... I never knew," Keith murmured, his thoughts racing as he tried to reconcile this new piece of information with the image he had of his grandfather. "Why did he choose to turn away? Did he regret his decision?" Raven's gaze softened as he regarded Keith with empathy. "Your grandfather had his reasons, reasons that were known only to him," Raven explained gently. "Regret is a heavy burden to bear, and I believe he carried it with him until the end.” Raven glanced at Peg who stayed quiet then back at Keith, “Does this alter your decision?”

Keith nodded, and this time it was his turn to squeeze Peg's hand. "I understand. I too will embrace the Pact." He smiled. "It feels right. I always loved being in nature, and I'll find a way to maintain balance, for as long as I can." He knew he'd committed himself to something important, something he had a feeling his grandfather had done as well. Keith thought about it, and had to ask. "My grandfather walked this path too, didn't he?"

Peg met Keith's gaze with a mixture of determination and uncertainty. She had always been drawn to the mysteries of the natural world, finding solace in its quiet wisdom. The idea of becoming a guardian of nature stirred something deep within her soul, a sense of purpose she had never felt before. "I... I want to embrace this pact," Peg finally spoke, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions raging inside her. "I may not have the same ties as you do, Keith, but I feel a connection to something greater than myself. If this is truly our destiny, then I am ready to accept it." Raven nodded approvingly at Peg's words, his expression softening with a hint of pride. "Your resolve is admirable, young one," he said warmly. "The path ahead will not be easy, but with unity and unwavering dedication, you will both find the strength to fulfill your duties as guardians." Raven turned his attention back to Keith and spoke firmly, "Balance is crucial. If you can maintain a balance between your mortal life and your duties as a Guardian, everything will be fine. However, I must caution you: your vow to the pact is of utmost importance. If a choice must be made between your other vows and the Pact, you must choose the Pact. Breaking this vow will result in severe consequences."

"Is the fact I'm a guide by trade going to have to stop? I mean I make my living taking others hunting and fishing. We never take more than the limit, or just kill things for fun. I know it's small in the scheme of things, but I have my own obligations. Simply abrogating them to take up something else doesn't sit right with me. I understand that in the future I may have to leave everything, but how could i be expected to keep my vow on something big if I cannot keep the smaller ones? I do want to embrace this, for this to not be a curse the rest of my life. I can hear the truth in your words." Keith looked to Peg, trying to gauge her intentions. "You've been very quiet, what do you think?" His tone was calm, and it was true, he felt this was the right thing to do, but all the same, he'd already made some promises, ones he'd like to keep.

Raven's gaze softened as he listened to Keith's questions, understanding the weight of the decision that lay before them. "By accepting the pact, you will indeed gain more control over its gifts," he reassured them. "With time and training, you will learn to harness the powers within you, shaping them to serve the greater good." He turned to look out of the cabin window, the moon casting a silvery glow over the darkened forest. "Leaving everything behind is a choice each guardian must make for themselves. It is not a requirement of the pact, but rather a reflection of the sacrifices one must be willing to make for this sacred duty." Raven's voice took on a melancholy tone as he spoke of other families bound by the pact. "There are others like you, scattered across the world, each with their own lineage and responsibilities," he explained. "Though you may encounter them on your journey as guardians, ultimately, the weight of this duty will fall solely on your shoulders. Each family has a unique role in maintaining the balance of nature, intertwined but distinct." Raven furrows his brow, lost in thought. “Not everyone who is offered the Pact accepts it. For some, this gift becomes a curse. A curse that can only be broken by death.” "As you ponder your decision, remember this," Raven said, turning back to face Keith and Peg with a grave expression. "The pact is not just a gift, but a solemn vow to protect the sanctity of life itself. It will not be an easy path, but one filled with challenges that will test your resolve and strength." He stood up slowly, the fire casting flickering shadows across the room as he moved closer to them. "Should you choose to accept this burden, know that you will never be truly alone. The spirits of the forest will guide you, offering their wisdom and protection in times of need." Raven's hand extended towards Keith and Peg, an unspoken offer hanging in the air. "Embrace the pact, become the guardians you are meant to be. The choice is yours to make, but remember - once made, there is no turning back."

Keith nodded. His thoughts went to his family, to what he did know of the curse, and how it was passed on. "It seems that once a soldier, always a soldier rings true, even now. The only difference is I fought for my country, and now, I'd be fighting for nature." He looked to Peg, and then to Raven. "If we say yes, and Embrace the Pact, will we gain more control over its gifts?" The downsides of how things were now weren't insignificant, and who knew how long they'd make it before they hurt someone as wolves. "Will we have to leave everything else behind?" he did actually like his life here, and didn't want to just up and leave on everyone he knew. "Ours aren't the only families bound by this Pact then, are they? Are we to work together with others, or are we on our own?"

Raven nodded solemnly at Keith's questions, his gaze holding a weight that seemed to span centuries. "The wolves were indeed testing you, Keith. They are the guardians of the pact, ensuring that only those with the blood of their lineage can fulfill the responsibilities it entails." He paused for a moment, as if contemplating how best to explain the complexities of the pact to Keith and Peg. "As for the nature of the pact, it is a bond between your family lines and the ancient spirits of the world. You are tasked with preserving the balance of nature, protecting the earth from those who seek to exploit its power for their own gain." Raven's eyes flickered with a hint of sadness before he continued, "The responsibilities are great, but so too are the gifts bestowed upon you. You will find strength in times of need, wisdom in moments of confusion, and a connection to the world around you that few can ever comprehend." At Keith's last question, Raven smiled cryptically, a glint of something ancient and unknowable in his eyes. "Yes, Keith, my connection to this pact runs deep," he admitted. "I am but a humble steward, a guide for those like you who are just beginning to awaken to their true heritage." He leaned forward, his gaze locking with Keith's and Peg's. "You are both at a crossroads now, faced with a choice that will shape the course of your lives forever. Embrace your destiny, accept the mantle of guardianship that has been passed down to you through generations. Or turn away, and live a life cursed by the powers that dwell within you." Raven's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of what was being asked of them. Keith felt a surge of conflicting emotions - fear, excitement, doubt - coursing through him as he grappled with the enormity of the decision that lay before him.

Keith finally found his voice, surprised slightly by Peg's reassuring squeeze. "So, they were just making sure I was worthy?" Keith asked, not wholly sold on this idea. He knew he and Peg were different, that so much about life lately had been very different for him, for them both really. "Like Peg, I'd like to know the nature and details of this pact. What sort of responsibilities are expected oof us? All of this sounds truly fantastical, but given the circumstances, I'm not just dismissing it. You seem to know a great deal about all of this, and are freely sharing your knowledge with us. For which, we're both thanful, and though it may seem rude, I'll ask Does this pact have something to do with you as well sir?" Power seldom came without responsibility, or consequence. It wasn't as if he could surrender whatever this was, and even if he could, he wasn't sure the cost of doing so would be something he'd willingly pay. Still, it would be nice to know just what was expected. Keith smiled. "I thought I had a pretty good grasp of my family's heritage, I guess I didn't really know anything after all."