Prologue

I thought that I had complete understanding of the werewolf culture, but every time he held out his hand I would be taken away to his world. Where I would be in awe because of how little I actually knew about them. This experience was no different.

Two men stood in the ancient arena, facing each other. The audience sat on driftwood, closing in around them. Their bodies were covered in sweat; the heat turned to mist and rose into the cool of the night air. Men in audience began to play the drums in a synchronized rhythm, slowly in the background. The sound pounded my ears and my blood rose with anticipation. I watched, waiting for what was going to happen next. The larger man whose face reminded me of a wolf bent over onto all fours and snarled at the younger boy. Again the drums started to boom, louder than before, slowly pulsing faster and faster like a racing heart. With each beat, the wolf man began stalk around the younger boy. Hand and foot picking up dust with every step he took. He moved like a wolf, his eyes on the young boy who remained standing, his eyes closed. The young boy remained calm, his stance relaxed, listening to the beat of the drums. His muscular shoulders rose and fell with every controlled breath. He was waiting. But waiting for what?

I noticed the others in the audience shared my thoughts. A hand came to mine and I turned to face the boy who sat next to me. His young face changed into a reassuring smile.  “Don't worry, everything is going to be okay.” he said to me. I turned back to see not much had happened.

The drums stopped abruptly. It picked up again with slow beats which matched the steadied paces of the wolf man. They boy moved, slowly he bent down like the wolf man had done. His dark eyes open and on his opponent. Together they circled each other; their movement soon became more complex as their humped over each other, swiping as they past. As their battle continued a mournful howl cut through the ceremony. Everyone's head turned in direction it came from. The two in the middle jumped into the air, their torn clothes fell to the ground as they disappeared into the dark forest. The audience murmured and started to follow the two wolves towards the howl.

There was a third howl, which turned into a blood-curling cry in pain.

Which then became silence.

Which was then followed with screams.