CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY EIGHT – THE HIDDEN VILLAGE

As night fell, Cassie and Florian huddled together in the small cottage, discussing their next move in hushed tones. "We can't stay here long," Florian said. "It's too dangerous. If Karl's men track us here, we'll be putting these people at risk." Cassie nodded, her expression troubled. "But where can we go? We have no money, no identities. We're completely on our own." Before Florian could respond, there was a knock at the door. They tensed, ready for trouble, but it was only the old woman who had welcomed them. "I brought you some soup," she said, setting a steaming pot on the table. "You look like you could use it." As she turned to leave, Cassie called out. "Wait. Please... can you tell us where we are?" The woman hesitated, then sighed. "You're in a place that doesn't exist on any map. We've kept our village hidden for generations, safe from the outside world and its troubles." Florian's eyes widened in realization. "You're werewolves." The woman's sharp gaze fixed on him.