Chapter 117

"I didn't want to tell you this to worry you," Lucas began, his voice laced with concern. "But there's more to the story."

James leaned forward, his curiosity intensifying as he absorbed the new information. "Tell us, Lucas. What happened to the boy when he turned into a... monster? And what does that even mean? What kind of monster are we talking about here?"

Lucas sighed, grappling with how to articulate the bizarre tale. "I'm not too sure, guys. But from the way Professor Black was explaining it, it sounded as if the boy transformed into something otherworldly—something completely beyond our comprehension."

James sought further details, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. "How long ago did this happen?"

Lucas scratched his head, struggling to recall the specifics of the story. "I'm not sure. I didn't have much time to speak with Professor Black. He gave me the basics details, and then I had to rush to make it to hockey practice."

With a hint of trepidation, I ventured, "The wolfless boy, did he harm people? Was he dangerous?"

Lucas paused, deep in thought. "He was bullied, much like you have been, Shana. It appears to be a recurring theme among wolfless individuals."

I couldn't resist a sarcastic remark, "Thanks for the reminder."

Lucas continued, "I don't believe he was inherently dangerous. It seemed more like he underwent a sudden shift. There's a possibility he lost control, but I doubt he was intentionally harmful. Fear likely overtook him."

Lucas went on to explain that the boy's tormentors had falsely claimed that the creature he had transformed into had harmed them, resulting in the boy's incarceration.

"So, his bullies fabricated stories to get him locked up?" I asked, feeling a heavy pang of sympathy.

James voiced his frustration, "That's messed up! Where is the boy now? Is he still in jail?"

Lucas nodded solemnly. "I think so. Professor Black didn't provide me with many details about his current situation. He simply shared the boy's story and felt that it somehow related to you, Shana."

My heart ached for this boy, likely a man by now, unjustly imprisoned for something beyond his control. The unfairness of society's treatment toward wolfless individuals weighed heavily on me, and I prayed that I would never meet a similar fate.

I hoped f that the internal changes I was experiencing would never manifest into something as horrifying as the boy's transformation.

James interjected thoughtfully, "That story sounds incredibly unusual. Why hasn't anyone heard of this wolfless boy? You'd think a tale like that would be widely discussed in our society. A wolfless boy turning into a wild monster—doesn't it sound like something people would obsess over?"

Lucas considered the point, nodding slowly. "You're right. This information should be accessible somewhere. Professor Black mentioned a court trial and lawyers. It all sounds quite serious."

I asked Lucas, "Have you conducted any further research on this matter?"

Lucas shook his head, a look of regret on his face. "Not yet. I didn't think your symptoms were closely related to this boy's situation. You've never transformed into anything, and you've already passed the age of sixteen. You're nearly eighteen, and you're still wolfless."

"That's true. The only commonality between me and this boy is our wolfless status and the unusual symptoms we've both experienced."

James chimed in playfully, earning him a pointed glance from me. "And the fact that you both had bullies."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Thanks, James, for the reminder that I've had bullies throughout my life. Yet again."

James grinned but quickly wiped the smile from his face. "I'm just kidding, Shana. You know that Lucas and I would never allow anything like that to happen to you. We'll stand by your side no matter what."

Lucas added thoughtfully, "I don't believe the wolfless boy had many friends. It seems no one was willing to vouch for him. He was essentially alone in his struggle."

The knowledge that an innocent boy, and now possibly a man, was incarcerated for something beyond his control made me feel sick to my stomach. Our society's treatment of people like me was undeniably unjust. This boy needed an advocate, and there should have been comprehensive testing and research to better understand the wolfless condition.

A chilling thought crossed my mind, prompting me to ask, "What if there are more individuals out there like me? With symptoms similar to mine?"

Lucas nodded thoughtfully, "It's possible. Just look at the wolfless boy's case. But there's so much mystery surrounding wolfless individuals that I'm uncertain what we would uncover or achieve."

"Damn, I hate how our society treats wolfless individuals as if they're dangerous or untouchable. Just think about how much we don't know," James vented his frustration.

I agreed wholeheartedly, "It's unfair. It makes this entire situation feel incredibly hopeless. This boy is the closest thing we have to a lead, and even then, it doesn't precisely align with my experiences. If anything, it only deepens the mystery."

Lucas reassured me, his gaze unwavering, "Don't lose hope, Shana. I'm with you now, and together, we'll unravel this mystery. I'm not leaving your side. Professor Black stated that as long as you take good care of yourself, you won't be in danger."

"By regularly seeing the doctor and ensuring I undergo all the necessary exams?"

He nodded firmly. "Yes, your health should be your top priority. As long as you follow through with everything, there's nothing to worry about."

James inquired, wanting to ensure all the facts were on the table, "So far, Shana, you've only experienced dizziness, fainting, and this newfound heightened hearing, correct?"

I nodded in agreement. "Those are the only noticeable changes I've encountered. But this heightened hearing is perplexing... I can't fathom its significance."

Were all these symptoms interconnected? Was there something inherently wrong with me, or was it a normal facet of being wolfless? Did all wolfless individuals go through comparable ordeals?

I had no idea, and James's earlier statement rang true. It wasn't fair that there was so much mystery around the wolfless. How was I ever going to solve this problem if people refused to talk about it?

Luckily, Lucas had taken the initiative to consult Professor Black, who appeared to possess knowledge that exceeded our wildest imaginations.

"When did you visit this professor?" I asked Lucas. "And how long have you known about this without sharing it with us?"

"I saw him this past weekend," Lucas admitted, his expression apologetic. "The day before our date. I'm sorry for not telling you sooner, but I haven't known for long. I was going to tell you eventually."

An unsettling thought nagged at me. Professor Black had suggested that my symptoms might lead to an early death and hinted at a connection between my condition and the wolfless boy's experience.

Lucas had been worried about me for weeks, diligently monitoring my well-being and ensuring I remained safe.

It made me wonder why he had chosen this particular moment to confess his feelings and share this information with me.

Was there a hidden motive behind his actions? Did he think that time might be running out for me? Did he genuinely fear for my life?

Was there something he wasn't revealing? Had Professor Black confided more in Lucas?