Page 21 of Howling Holidays

The door swings open, releasing a waft of foreign incense. Behind it stands a slight young woman with a fall of dark brown hair and piercing violet eyes. Her youth contradicts the soul-deep wisdom emanating from her gaze. She studies us intently before recognition flashes.

"Ah, Ethan. And the alpha wolf. You honor my door." Her words carry a rhythmic pace. She opens the door wider in welcome. "Please, come in, I’ve been expecting you. I’m Callie."

I glance at Ethan, who nods in reassurance. If my loyal beta brought us here, then I trust his guidance. We follow Callie inside the closed space bursting with strange smells and artifacts. She settles gracefully beside the low fire, eyeing me questioningly. "May I ask what brings Everwood's guardian to my home?"

I choose my words carefully, not wanting to reveal too much. "An old curse binds my pack to this town and prevents us from revealing our true nature."

Callie's eyes sharpen. "And you want my help to get rid of it?" At my stunned look, she smiles mysteriously.

“Well, yes, we were wondering if you had any information you could share about the curse. The lore mentions there might be a ritual to break it, but the texts aren’t very clear.”

Callie nods. "The earth shares its memories freely with those who know how to listen," she says cryptically.

Heartened by her insight, I explain in detail - Emily's tireless research, the prophecies suggesting paths ahead, and our frustrated attempts to decipher the moonstone's significance. If this witch can illuminate our way forward, we will gladly accept her help.

Callie listens intently, gaze drifting to the flames as she processes my words. "I have seen markings mentioning what you describe in spirit journeys, though their purpose remained shrouded." She levels her violet eyes at me. "Have you explored the old mining caves in the north for clues?"

“N-no, do you know where they are? We’ve been searching the old town maps to find the entrance but haven’t found anything yet.”

Callie nods, standing up from her seat by the fire. She moves gracefully to a shelf, pulling out a worn ledger. She flips it open, scanning through the pages. "Our ancestors removed the cave’s entrance from the maps to deter people from going there. But I believe this map may be of use to you," she says as she turns to us, holding out the book.

I take it from her with a grateful nod, feeling the weight of potential answers in my hands.

Callie leans forward, her eyes blazing with an otherworldly intensity. "You’ll need someone to guide you in there," she says, "it won't be easy. The caves are a dangerous place, full of hidden traps and ancient guardians. You will need to be prepared both mentally and physically."

I nod, my heart racing with excitement and fear. The thought of finally breaking the curse that has plagued my pack for generations is too tantalizing to ignore. "We'll do whatever it takes," I say firmly, meeting Callie's gaze.

"Good," she says, rising to her feet. "Then let's make a deal, shall we?" She leans forward, her voice silky. "I will guide you through the caves, but you must do something for me in return."

My instincts flare, wary of her intentions. "What do you want us to do?" I ask.

Callie tilts her head, a sly smile playing at her lips. "I need a rare herb that grows only in the heart of the forest. It's a dangerous task, as the herb is fiercely guarded. But I have a feeling you and your pack are more than capable of retrieving it for me."

While our pack knows the ins and outs of the entire town, no one has been to the heart of the forest in ages as it’s highly guarded by supernatural spirits. We can feel the energy it radiates even from the edge of the forest. I glance at Ethan, and he nods, confirming our agreement. "We'll do it," I say.

Callie's eyes glint with satisfaction, and she rises to her feet. "Very well, then we have a deal.”

With that, we stand to return to the cabin and begin preparing for our journey. Ethan clasps her shoulder gratefully as we take our leave. "Thank you, Callie. We’ll meet you at the entrance to the caves at nightfall." These first fragile bridges between my pack and outside allies promise hope. United, we can claim the future we’ve been denied for so long. Emily's unwavering faith brings me here despite generations of distrust. With her at my side, everything that once seemed impossible now feels within reach.

At last, dark falls and finds the four of us approaching the mouth of the ancient cave system in the north. Callie draws runic shapes in the dirt to ward off unwelcome shadows.

"Callie, are you sure we're on the right track?" I ask, my voice tinged with skepticism. I struggle to trust this mysterious witch who claims to hold the key to breaking the curse, but she’s been helpful so far and we have to keep going.

"Trust me, Logan," Callie replies calmly, her violet eyes filled with certainty. "We’ll be there soon. My ancestors hid the path to the caves so that no one would find them."

I can tell Ethan senses my desperation as my fists clench at my sides, jaw tightening. I need to believe that Callie can help us – that she can help us find the answers we need to save my pack and the town of Everwood. But after so much searching for answers and finding nothing but dead ends, it’s difficult for me to let go of these doubts. What if there is no way to break the curse?

"Alright, Callie," I say finally, giving her a curt nod. "Lead the way."

As we continue on our journey to the caves, the path before us seems to grow more treacherous with each passing minute. The ground beneath our feet is uneven and rocky, forcing us to tread carefully to avoid injury. Dark clouds gather overhead blocking the moonlight, casting eerie shadows over the dense forest surrounding us.

"Stay close, everyone," Ethan warns, his eyes scanning the area for any potential danger. "We don't know what we might encounter out here."

My heart races with anticipation as we venture deeper into the unknown, unsure of what we might find within the fabled caves. Despite the anxiety gnawing at my stomach, I can't help but feel a spark of excitement – if Callie is right, we are so close to discovering the truth behind the curse and the secrets hidden within Everwood.

"Are we almost there?" Emily asks Callie, trying to mask the tremor in her voice.

"Patience, Emily," she replies with a cryptic smile. "We'll reach the caves soon enough."

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