Cursed with a Ghost of Death

I was so shocked, my eyes couldn't believe what they were seeing. A massive wolf was sitting right there, in D.E.'s chair. Drex Ethan, also known as D.E., is the solo idol I am absolutely crazy about. And I’m the idiot who decided to infiltrate his private makeup room. Alone!

I had to face the terrifying fact that my life was now at stake. That huge black wolf could do more than just trigger my fur allergy. It could tear me to pieces right here, today!

"Shit!"

I spun around and ran as fast as my legs could carry me. The worst part was that the black beast was already watching me with its glowing yellow eyes. It was following me! I ran frantically, cursing my own stupidity for following Drex to such a deserted place just to get an autograph.

There was nobody here. Even if I screamed, no one would hear me.

All I could do was try to save myself. The creature chased me with the relentless, tireless speed of a ferocious predator. I had to find a way to survive. A room! I had to get into a room and lock the door! Wolves can't open doors, right?

Grrrr!

The low roar and the sound of the beast snorting were getting closer. I was paralyzed with fear. Ever since I was a child, I’ve hated dogs—especially this one! It was bigger, faster, and far more lethal.

I lunged to the left and burst into a room. But before I could slam the door shut, the wolf forced its way in, lunging past me. I was cornered. There were no windows, no furniture, and no ventilation. This windowless box was going to be my tomb.

Grrr! It crept closer.

"Huss! Shoo! Go away, you beast! Someone... please, help me!" I shrieked, praying for a miracle.

The wolf went silent. It didn't pounce. Instead, I witnessed something that defied all reason. The black fur receded, the bones shifted, and the beast transformed into a human figure I knew all too well.

Drex Ethan. The idol I worshipped. He stepped toward me, his eyes still retaining a predatory sharpness.

"Drex?"

"Hmph!" His powerful hand gripped my collar, slamming me hard against the wall.

"Argh! Release me, please!"

"Pervert!" he snapped, his voice a deep, menacing rumble. "Why did you follow me into the locker room? What did you see? Did you bring a camera? Hand it over!"

"No! I just wanted an autograph! But how... you? The wolf... why did it turn into—?" I stammered, shaking with terror.

"Hmph. You've seen it all. Today is your last day, pervert," he said, his anger palpable.

"I'm not a pervert! I'm your fan!" I cried, trembling.

"A fan? Are you sure?"

"Yes! I am... your fan!" I answered, even more frightened as Drex's irises flickered back to yellow.

"Haha! But you ran away screaming when you saw the real me! That wolf was me, Drex Ethan! I am a Lycan!" He grinned, leaning in so close that he licked my cheek, as if tasting his next meal.

I was paralyzed. I never expected my idol to be a Lycan. I could have been killed and eaten in an instant.

"You're a fan? Do you like me?" he asked, sniffing along the line of my neck.

"You... D.E.? Are you really him?" I whispered, still in disbelief.

"Look at me! I am Drex Ethan! Does it upset you that I'm a Lycan?" he asked threateningly.

"I am your fan. I love D.E. You're handsome, charismatic... I love your voice. Please... just don't kill me," I pleaded.

"Hmph. At first, I wanted to rip out your internal organs. But since you're a fan—even a shaking one—I might reconsider," he said, his face inches from mine as he inhaled my scent.

"I really am your fan," I whispered again.

"Fine. I think you might be of use to me. What’s your name?"

"Elea."

"Elea! From today on, you are my slave!" he declared with a dark grin.

***

My name is Elea Jemima, a history major at a prominent university in San Louis. To be honest, I find lectures incredibly boring. My true passion is music, and lately, I’ve become obsessed with a rookie singer.

His name is Drex Ethan; the fandom calls him D.E. He is perfect—handsome, sexy, and his voice is incredible. I’ve loved him since his debut. To me, D.E. is the most perfect idol to ever exist.

"Lea! What are you doing?" someone whispered.

I didn't hear her. I had my Bluetooth headset on, hidden under my hair, blasting D.E.’s music. I was lost in the beat until Barbara, who sat behind me, patted my shoulder. I pulled out one earbud.

"What?"

"No wonder you're rocking back and forth. You're listening to music again," she whispered.

"Shh! Yeah, this lecture is boring."

Barbara nodded, though she kept her eyes on Mrs. Martha, who was explaining ancient Roman history.

"Elea! What is so interesting back there?" Mrs. Martha called out, catching me.

"I’m sorry, ma'am," I replied quickly.

"Since you're so distracted, explain what you know about Rome. Why is it called Roman, and who was the first leader?" she tested me.

"Roman civilization began around 750 BC, starting with the formation of the city of Rome. Their first leader was Romulus," I answered easily.

Mrs. Martha looked impressed but pushed further. "And who founded the civilization alongside him?"

"Remus, his twin brother. But they fought, and Remus died at Romulus's hands."

"Hmm, correct. It seems you were listening. Good!" she said, satisfied.

I just smiled. She had no idea I have a photographic memory for these stories; they're easy for me. Barbara just giggled, knowing I’d been listening to D.E. the whole time. After class, she approached me.

"You're amazing, Lea. You don't even pay attention and you still get it right."

"Haha, she'd kill me if she knew I had a headset in."

"True. So... whose music is making you this crazy?" Barbara asked.

"D.E.! His voice is magic!" I said, my eyes sparkling.

"Just the voice?" Barbara teased.

"Okay, he’s also the sexiest man alive! I love him!"

"You really are a super-fan. Listen, I have a relative at an entertainment company. D.E. is holding a fan meeting. Do you want a ticket?"

"Are you serious?!"

"Yeah, but it's not free. You have to cover my shift at the nursing home. My parents are making me do social work as punishment for my bad grades."

"Deal! Taking care of the elderly is easy," I said confidently, having no idea how difficult it could actually be.

The deal was made. I spent every morning at the nursing home—changing sheets, cleaning up, and working myself to the bone. On the day of the fan meeting, Barbara called me, sounding whiny.

"Elea... I need you to go to the home today. Someone is sick, and they’re short-staffed."

"But Barbara, we had a deal! Today is the D.E. fan meeting!" I snapped, annoyed.

"I know! I’ll buy you all the merch and the new album, I promise! Just handle the morning shift, then you can go straight to the event."

"I don't want to miss a second of it, Barbara! You should be doing this yourself!"

"I wish I could, but I'm actually in Bangkok on vacation! My parents can't find out or they'll cut me off!"

"Bangkok?! What about my ticket?"

"I sent it to your house! It should be there in the mail!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! Please, Elea, just this once! If my parents find out I skipped my social work, I’m finished!"

"You suck, Barbara! Fine! But only this time!"

"Thank you! You're the best! I'll bring you a souvenir!"

"Whatever! I’m going," I grumbled.

I hung up and got ready. I just had to finish this last shift at the nursing home, and then I would finally meet the man of my dreams, Drex Ethan.