Chapter 8: Clara's Betrayal
Dante’s day started like any other, but the knot in his stomach wouldn’t go away. Lately, something about Clara had seemed… off. She’d been distant, distracted, and, most of all, secretive. The girl who used to finish his sentences and laugh at his lame jokes now seemed like a stranger. Despite their recent attempts to patch things up, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.
It was during lunch at school that Dante’s suspicion boiled over. He noticed Clara huddled near the edge of the playground, whispering to someone he couldn’t see. The way she kept glancing over her shoulder made his heart pound. Curiosity mingled with a sense of betrayal as he strained to hear what she was saying.
“He’s different. I know he’s hiding something,” Clara’s voice carried faintly to Dante’s ears. “But I’ll figure it out. I have to.”
Dante’s chest tightened. Different? Hiding something? Was she talking about him? And who was she telling?
When the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Dante’s mind was a whirlwind of emotions. His best friend—the one person he thought he could trust—was talking about him behind his back. He spent the rest of the day barely paying attention in class, his thoughts racing with doubt and anger.
That evening, he decided to confront her. He waited until hockey practice was over, catching her as she grabbed her gear from the bench.
“Clara,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Can we talk?”
She looked up, startled. “Sure, what’s up?”
“I heard you talking earlier. At lunch. About me.”
Clara’s eyes widened. “You heard that?”
Dante crossed his arms, his frustration bubbling over. “Yeah, I did. Why are you telling people I’m hiding something? I thought we were friends.”
Her face flushed, and for a moment, she seemed at a loss for words. Then, she sighed, setting down her hockey stick. “You’re right. I was talking about you. But it’s not what you think.”
“Then what is it?” he demanded. “Because it sure sounds like you’ve been spying on me.”
“I wasn’t spying,” Clara snapped, her voice sharp. “I was trying to protect you.”
Dante blinked, his anger faltering. “Protect me? From what?”
She hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one else was nearby. “I found out about the Hunters.”
The air seemed to leave Dante’s lungs. “The Hunters?” he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper.
Clara nodded, her expression serious. “I… I heard my dad talking about them. He mentioned strange things happening in the area, and how some people were looking into it. I started digging around, and I found out about the Hunters. They’re after something… or someone. I thought it might be you.”
Dante’s mind raced. Clara knew about the Hunters? How much did she know? And how had she connected them to him?
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, his voice trembling.
Clara looked away, guilt flashing across her face. “I didn’t want to scare you. And… I wasn’t sure. I thought maybe I could figure out what they’re planning first.”
The weight of her words settled over him. She hadn’t betrayed him; she’d been trying to help. Relief washed over him, but it was quickly followed by shame. He had doubted her, accused her of things she hadn’t done.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice soft. “I should’ve trusted you.”
Clara smiled faintly. “It’s okay. I probably should’ve told you sooner.”
They stood in silence for a moment, the tension between them easing. Then Clara’s expression turned serious again.
“Dante, I need to know the truth,” she said. “What’s going on? Why are the Hunters after you?”
Dante hesitated. He had spent weeks keeping his secret from everyone, afraid of what would happen if anyone found out. But Clara had already proven she was on his side. Maybe it was time to tell her the truth.
Taking a deep breath, he said, “It’s a long story. But if I tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone else. Not even your dad.”
“I promise,” Clara said without hesitation.
And so, under the dim lights of the hockey rink, Dante told her everything. About the bite, the transformation, the pack, and the Hunters. By the time he finished, Clara’s eyes were wide with a mix of shock and awe.
“You’re a werewolf,” she said, as if testing the words. “That… that actually makes a lot of sense.”
Dante couldn’t help but laugh, the sound tinged with relief. “You’re taking this a lot better than I thought you would.”
Clara grinned. “Well, it’s not every day your best friend tells you he’s a werewolf. But honestly? I’m just glad you’re okay. And now we know what we’re up against.”
Dante nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination. With Clara by his side, he felt stronger, more capable of facing whatever came next. Together, they would find a way to stop the Hunters and protect the pack.
“We’ll figure this out,” Clara said, her voice steady. “You’re not alone in this, Dante. Not anymore.”
For the first time in weeks, Dante felt a glimmer of hope. His world was still dangerous and uncertain, but with Clara’s support, he knew he could face it. They had each other, and that was enough to keep going.
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