Chapter 15

Kenny was lost in a vivid dream, a scene playing out with the clarity of a memory. He saw a man, younger, his face etched with a familiar weariness, it was… Wang?. Wang, but younger, more vibrant, his eyes filled with a knowing sadness. They were talking, their voices low and urgent, in a language Kenny didn't understand. The dream was so real, so tangible, that he felt a jolt of disorientation when he felt a gentle tug on his shoulder.

He opened his eyes, blinking against the soft light of the room. Chidi was standing beside him, her face bright and energetic. She looked completely healed, as if she'd never been injured at all.

"You were dreaming pretty hard," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "What was it about? You looked serious."

Kenny sat up, relief washing over him. "You're okay," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You're really okay."

"Yeah," she said, shrugging. "Feels like nothing ever happened. Guess that's magic for you."

"I could use some air," Chidi said. "Think you could show me around?"

Kenny nodded, eager to spend time with her. He didn't know much about the mansion, but he hoped they'd run into Isabella or at least find their way around.

They wandered through the grand halls, their footsteps echoing on the polished stone floors. They passed rooms filled with strange artifacts, tapestries depicting fantastical creatures, and shelves lined with ancient-looking books.

They ran into Hernandez in a hallway, who greeted them with a warm smile. He inquired about Chidi's health, pleased that she was feeling better. He then asked Kenny to follow him, saying they needed to have a word. He told Chidi that she could find the kitchen if she was hungry.

Once they were alone, Hernandez's expression turned serious. "Kenny," he began, his voice low and grave. "There's something you need to know about lycans."

Kenny braced himself, a sense of dread settling in his stomach, "Is Chidi now a lycan?"

"How, What made you come to that conclusion?"

"The books I read with Grandpa Wang, I used to think there were fictional".

"Yea, that's what I wanted to talk to you about"

"So it's true?"

"There are two types of lycans," Hernandez explained. "Those who are born with the condition, hereditary, and those who are infected. Usually, a bite during the full moon."

He paused, his gaze fixed on Kenny's. "Chidi was bitten during the full moon."

Kenny's breath caught in his throat. "What does that mean?"

"It means," Hernandez said, his voice heavy, "that she is most likely a lycan now."

Kenny was stunned, speechless. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "But… but Adisa healed her," he stammered.

"The magic healed the physical wounds," Hernandez said. "But it cannot undo the transformation. There is no way to know for sure until the next full moon, which is a month away."

"But she will be OK, right, I mean, the women, you?"

"It's not easy for turned lycans, the next couple of months will be rough. It will take her time to adjust and be able to control her transformations".

"But she's been alright, she didn't turn last night"

"Well, that was her first night. We will only know definitely next month during full moon".

Kenny was overwhelmed, his mind reeling. He didn't know what to say, how to process this information.

"Do you want me to tell her?"

"No, I will do that. She deserves to hear it from me, another life that I've ruined."

"OK, let me know if you need anything."

Kenny nodded, his heart heavy, "Hernandez, What about my uncle?"

"Yea, last time we talked, he thought you were missing."

"I guess as much, he must be worried, I need to let him know, last time we spoke, it didn't go well"

"Didn't believe you?"

"Pretty much"

"It's dangerous for you to be out there, I am going to send some people to fetch him"

"Thank you"