A heartbeat that does not belong to humans, the true face of the Wolf

Chapter 4: Shadows in the Morning Fog

The early morning at Winter Peak Academy was gently caressed by a faint layer of sunlight, making the entire campus seem exceptionally tranquil. The summer air carried an oppressive heat, seeping into clothing and causing sweat to trickle down one's back. On the training field, a few students were scattered around, practicing their morning exercises. Their breaths condensed into the cool air, slowly dissipating like whispered murmurs in the silent dawn.

Tom stood by the dormitory window, his gaze piercing through the glass into the distance. The morning light was weak, and the sky had yet to fully brighten. The distant mountain ridges were only vague silhouettes, blending into the grayish sky. His fingertips unconsciously brushed against his palm—where a line of black characters remained clearly visible, etched into his skin like a brand, as if they had become a part of him.

What he had experienced last night was no illusion.

Tom could feel a restless force surging through his blood, churning like a rising tide, sharpening his senses to an unnatural degree. He could hear the faint rustle of fallen leaves outside the dormitory and even discern the gradually approaching footsteps of an instructor in the distance.

This unprecedented change made his heart tighten slightly, as if something deep within him was awakening.

"Tom, you're up early." Jack's voice carried the remnants of sleep as he sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes.

"Yeah, couldn't sleep." Tom withdrew his gaze, casually pulling the curtains shut, concealing the hazy morning outside.

Jack yawned and stretched lazily. His gaze accidentally fell upon Tom's palm, and for a brief moment, his movements froze.

"Your hand… what is that?"

Tom's fingers stiffened for a second before he calmly loosened his palm, his voice indifferent. "Nothing. Just got it dirty last night."

Jack narrowed his eyes, clearly skeptical, but in the end, he didn't press further. He simply sighed and flopped back onto his bed.

"By the way… about last night… you're really not planning to tell anyone?"

"Do you think anyone would believe it?" Tom asked softly in return.

Jack let out a dry chuckle. "Yeah… we'd probably just be labeled as lunatics."

Silence returned to the dormitory. Outside, the cold morning breeze rustled the tree leaves, creating a faint whispering sound, like an unsettling murmur. Tom knew that, for now, this secret had to remain buried in his heart. Yet, the restless energy in his blood refused to settle.

—Werewolf bloodline. Rule alteration. Emotional fluctuation value.

Those unfamiliar and dangerous terms echoed in his mind like an omen, pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe.

The morning fog had yet to clear, but the training field at Winter Peak Academy was already filled with new students. Their deep green camouflage uniforms stood out sharply under the dim morning light. They gathered in small groups, waiting for roll call.

Tom stood in formation, his gaze instinctively scanning the surroundings. At the edge of the training field, a few tall birch trees loomed in the mist, exuding an inexplicable eeriness.

He had a strange feeling.

…A feeling of being watched.

"Tom, what are you looking at?" Jack whispered beside him.

Tom frowned slightly, then shook his head. "Nothing."

Even so, his body remained tense. Aside from the scent of sweat and damp earth, there was something else in the air—an extremely faint, sickly-sweet smell… A scent that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, triggering a primal sense of danger.

His fists clenched unconsciously as a wave of inexplicable agitation welled up within him.

"Everyone, fall in!"

The sharp command shattered the morning's quiet.

Instructor Stephen, a towering man, stepped in front of the formation, his sharp gaze sweeping over the students like a blade. His deep voice rang out, "Today's training: a five-kilometer cross-country run. Destination—the back mountain training ground. Move out!"

The students immediately formed a line and began jogging along the mountain path.

Tom and Jack ran side by side in the middle of the group, their breathing steady and even. As the terrain gradually inclined, the morning mist started to disperse, revealing a winding dirt path flanked by dense trees. But before long, Jack spoke in a hushed tone.

"Tom… don't you think something feels off?"

Tom glanced at him. "What do you mean?"

"I can't explain it…" Jack frowned, his gaze shifting toward the treetops instinctively. "But it feels like… something's watching us."

Tom didn't respond, but his heartbeat quickened slightly.

He had sensed it too.

A presence. A lingering, unnatural gaze.

The wind swept through the trees, making the branches sway as if something unseen was moving within the shadows—lurking, observing, waiting for the right moment.

"Someone collapsed!"

A commotion erupted ahead.

Tom and Jack exchanged a glance before quickly running forward.

A girl had fallen to the ground, her face pale and her breathing rapid—clearly exhausted beyond her limits.

"Step aside, let me check." Tom crouched down, reaching out to feel her pulse.

But the moment he lowered his head—

A surge of intense danger slammed into him!

He snapped his head up, his gaze locking onto the shadows deep within the forest.

Amidst the thin veil of mist—

A pair of eerie, emerald-green eyes stared coldly at him.

No movement. No sound.

Just… watching.

Time seemed to freeze.

"Tom… what is that?" Jack's voice trembled slightly.

Tom swallowed hard, his fingers unconsciously tightening.

That presence… the scent of blood, wildness, and unrestrained menace.

It wasn't human. Nor was it an ordinary beast.

The wind stirred the treetops, causing the leaves to shift, revealing the silhouette hidden within the fog—

Dark fur. A massive build. Clawed hands gleaming under the faint morning light.

Tom's pulse pounded, his breath tight.

That was no ordinary wolf.

It was—a werewolf.