Chapter 1.14

As the full moon drew closer ( a week away), Orion's magic began to act up, causing him to experience unexpected outbursts of magic that would shake the house's foundation. His mood swings became more intense and unpredictable, and he struggled to control the power surge coursing through his body.

When he got angry, a nearby object would be hurled across the room, shattering against the wall with a deafening crash. On other occasions, the house would shake violently, as if caught in the grip of a massive earthquake. These sudden bursts of magic left Orion feeling exhausted and drained, knowing he couldn't keep them under control for much longer. So Orion decided to meditate.

Orion's breathing was slow and measured as he sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes closed in concentration. His mind was a jumble of thoughts and emotions, but he forced himself to focus on the task at hand - gaining control over his unruly magic.

At first, the power within him seemed to surge even stronger, like a wild river overflowing its banks. He could feel the energy pulsing through his veins, threatening to break free and wreak havoc on everything around him. But Orion refused to let it control him. He took a deep breath and visualized himself standing at the edge of a raging river, watching as the water churned and roiled beneath him.

He tried to calm the raging waters with each breath, imagining the currents slowing and the eddies smoothing out. His mind became a beacon of peace, radiating outwards and gradually soothing the wild magic within him. The surges of power became less intense, and Orion could feel himself gaining more and more control.

As he continued to meditate, he felt a sense of calm and tranquility wash over him, like a warm blanket on a cold day. The magic within him responded to his commands, easily bending his will. The river of power that had threatened to consume him before now flowed smoothly and gently, like a tranquil stream winding its way through a meadow.

With his mind and magic now calm and at peace, Orion decided it was time to rest. He went to his bedroom, feeling more relaxed than he had in weeks—the moon's soft light filtered through the window, casting gentle shadows on the walls.

As he settled into bed, he could feel the gentle hum of his magic still flowing within him, but now it was a comforting presence, like a loyal companion always by his side. The tension that had been building within him for so long melted away, replaced by a deep sense of calm and serenity.

Orion closed his eyes, letting himself drift off into a peaceful sleep. His dreams were filled with images of soaring through the sky, feeling the wind rushing past him as he let his magic carry him aloft. It was a sensation of pure freedom and joy, and he felt truly at one with t

Orion stirred from his slumber, the warmth of his blankets clinging to him as he slowly became aware of his surroundings. He rubbed his eyes groggily, the knocking at his door echoing through his spacious New Orleans home. He stumbled out of bed, his footsteps heavy as he went to the door, his mind still foggy with sleep.

As he reached for the doorknob, he was surprised to find a young woman standing on his doorstep. She was about the same age as him, with long brown hair that cascaded down her back in waves and strikingly bright green eyes that seemed to shine in the light. There was something familiar about her, though he couldn't quite place it. It was only when she spoke that he realized who she was.

"Hello, I'm Hayley Marshall," she said, her voice soft but determined. "You mentioned having some answers about my family." Hayley gave Orion a suspicious glance as she approached him. "Who are you, and how do you have information about my family?" she asked, her tone cautious.

"My name is Orion," he replied evenly. "And I've been expecting you."

Orion gestured for Hayley to come inside the house, his eyes fixed on her as she stepped over the threshold. As they made their way to the living room, Hayley followed closely behind him, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

Orion couldn't help but notice that Hayley appeared quite different from her on-screen persona. She seemed much younger than her character, with other noticeable differences.

Hayley approached Orion; she eyed him suspiciously. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice guarded.

The man looked up, meeting her gaze calmly and steadily. "My name is Orion, Orion Bennett," he replied evenly.

Orion sat across from Hayley, focusing on her as she bombarded him with questions about her family. He could see the anxiousness in her eyes and feel her curiosity's intensity. He listened carefully to her queries, doing his best to keep up with her rapid-fire pace.

Hayley eagerly waited for the promised answers; Orion revealed to her that they were cousins. He showed her the crescent-shaped birthmark on his shoulder, which was also present on Hayley's shoulder. The mark served as proof that they were indeed related.

Hayley's eyes widened in astonishment as Orion showed her the birthmark on his shoulder. "That's... that's the same mark that I have!" she exclaimed, pointing to her shoulder. "Are you trying to tell me that we're related?"

Orion nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Yes, we're cousins," he confirmed.

Hayley felt intense emotions wash over her as she processed the information, and tears filled her eyes. As an adopted child, she had always yearned to know more about her biological family and connect with them. Meeting Orion was a surreal and emotional experience, knowing she was no longer alone in the world.

(Hayley's Pov)

I felt disbelief wash over me as I looked at the crescent-shaped birthmark on Orion's shoulder. My whole life, I thought I was alone in the world, an orphan with no family. But now, here in front of me was my cousin, who shared my bloodline and story.

After I had broken my curse, I resigned myself to a life of solitude, thinking that no one could truly understand what I had been through. But now, as I sat across from Orion in my living room, I realized I was not alone in the world after all.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before. For years, I had yearned to know more about my biological family and to find some sense of connection in this world. And now, here was Orion, offering me just that.

Tears filled my eyes as the realization sunk in, and I couldn't help but reach out to Orion, enveloping him in a tight hug. For the first time, I felt like I belonged somewhere, like I had a family.

"I can't believe it," I said, my voice choked with emotion. "I have a cousin. My adoptive family always told me I was an orphan and had no family. But now, here you are."

Orion smiled at me, his eyes full of warmth and understanding. "I know it's a lot to take in, but I'm here for you," he said, reassuringly touching my shoulder.

As we sat there, discussing our family and shared experiences, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. For the first time in my life, I felt like I had someone who truly understood me, someone, who shared my bloodline and my story.

And as I looked at Orion, I knew I wasn't alone. I had family, a cousin I never knew about but who had always been there for me.

—---------------

(3rd POV)

Orion's cooking was surprisingly good, and Hayley couldn't help but enjoy the delicious breakfast he had prepared for her. She felt comforted in his presence, knowing she had finally found a relative after years of feeling like an outcast.

As they finished their meal, Orion brought up the topic of the werewolves in the Crescent Pack. Hayley listened intently as he explained the curse that had left them trapped in their wolf forms. She couldn't believe that such a thing was possible, but the seriousness in Orion's voice convinced her that it was real.

"I have a solution, though," Orion continued, pointing towards a bag in the corner of the room. "Moonlight rings. They're infused with magic and allow werewolves to transform back into their human form during the full moon."

Hayley looked at Orion with a mix of shock and awe. "That's amazing," she said. "But how do you have these moonlight rings? And how do you know about the curse?"

Orion gave Hayley a small smile. "Let's just say I have some connections," he said mysteriously. "But as for the curse, I happen to know the witch who placed it, and I'll make her undo it. However, the moonlight rings will serve as a temporary solution to the problem," he added.

Hayley nodded, feeling a sense of hope wash over her. "That's incredible," she said.

"Alright, finish up your food; we'll be heading to the bayou," Orion said

—--------- —--

Orion and Hayley walked through a thick forest, feeling their steps sink into the soft ground. They had been searching for hours for Eve, an untriggered werewolf responsible for overseeing the pack.

Hayley scanned the area, her eyes darting from tree to tree as she spoke. "So, who exactly are we looking for again?"

Orion's expression changed but remained severe. He replied, "We're looking for Eve. She's a crucial member of the Crescent Pack and responsible for guarding the pack while in their wolf state."

Hayley nodded, "Right, got it. So, any idea where she might be?"

Orion shook his head. "Not really. But we can't afford to waste any more time."

The sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the trees. As they walked, they listened and looked carefully for any sign of Eve. Hayley's keen senses picked up on several scents that Orion would have missed, even with his werewolf abilities. They knew they had to find Eve before nightfall.

( Orion hasn't been a werewolf for long and is still getting used to his new Sences while Hayley has had time to hone hers)

Suddenly, they heard a rustling in the bushes up ahead. Hayley and Orion froze in their tracks, their eyes fixed on the source of the sound. Then, emerging from the foliage, they saw her. It was Eve.

Hayley and Orion could sense her fear and desperation as they saw the blonde woman through the dense foliage of the Bayou. They knew they needed to approach her carefully, or she would run from them. So, they stopped a few feet away from her with their hands held up in a non-threatening gesture.

Eva looked at them warily, sizing them up as she caught her breath. Hayley and Orion could see that she was still unsure of what they wanted from her, so they approached her gently. Hayley spoke first, "We're not here to hurt you. We're looking for the Crescent pack and believe you can help us."

Eve's eyes widened in surprise, and she looked at them quizzically. "Why do you need to find to find them?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

—----

Dun Dun DUH