Chapter 5

Five years Later

Valyne

The rain was heavy, clouding any noise or scent that may have left my lips, my heels dug into the mud, my clothes were drenched.

With each step I took, I heard them, they were closer, with each breath they seemed to breathe alongside me, the forest parted away for me, like it was alive, guiding me.

My legs moved faster than it ever had, with the consciousness that it couldn't be caught, it couldn't stop, it had to persist.

The air smelled like rot and decay, debris littered the ground, the air was thick with blood, I forced down the bile that came up my throat still running.

Why was I running? Who was after me? The darkness made it difficult to see anything, like an empty endless void.

Suddenly I saw a light up ahead, followed by a little whisper, “Run to him little one, time is almost up.”

Just then I spotted it up ahead in the distance, Red eyes, glowing in the dark, with lines, familiar lines drawn across its red pupils.

Its fur was matted black, it stood proudly on all fours, eyes fixed on me just watching, watching as I ran, escaping whatever it was that was behind me.

Just then it let out an earth shattering howl “Mine”

“Mum, Mum, we’re late for school. Get up” My eyes blinked open I felt a weight on me, a pair of silver pupils peered straight into mine with a frown etched on its face.

“Mum. Get up” the owner grumbled.

“Mum?” I wondered, a bit fuzzy.

He smacked my head, “Today's our first day of school, don't make us go late, you promised.”

The memories hit, “Chase, oh my gosh, I must have overslept.” I picked him off my body, dropping him down before rushing into the shower.

“Is your sister ready?” I screamed from behind me, fumbling through the paste.

“Yes, we're waiting for you.” He scoffed, I could hear the complaints in his tone.

“Give me ten minutes, I'll meet up with you.” I yelled from inside the bathroom.

Throwing whatever I could find on, “Kids, let's go,” I yelled rushing to the car parked outside our little apartment.

They were already standing besides it, Chase shook his head, glaring at me, “Morning mum.” Chelsea smiled sweetly.

“Morning sweetie” I picked her up, placing a kiss on her forehead, “hope you slept well?” I settled her into the back seat, fastening her seat belt.

“Yes. Chase woke me early though” she complained.

I smiled, picking up my son, “Morning to you cutie” I pinched his cheeks before he could protest.

His ears reddened, “I'm not a kid, I can do it myself.”

“You'll forever be my baby,” I teased. Sometimes he reminded me of an old man, an adorable old man with a poker face.

“You overslept.” he grumbled, folding his arms accusingly.

I matched the pedal zooming off, “Sorry sweetie, I overworked.” I sighed, how could I have forgotten the most important day of my babies life.

Stopping in front of a kindergarten I turned to face them, “Remember the condition for schooling?”

“No powers,” they chorused together.

“What if someone bullies us?” Chelsea asked, blinking innocently.

I nearly choked on nothing, “No one would dare.” I chuckled, bringing them out.

“Mrs Carne,” a cheerful voice called out, “Nice to meet you,” a young lady with her dirty blonde parked in a bun greeted.

I smiled widely, “Just Miss” I corrected, “you must be the teacher Rigel spoke about.”

Her eyes flicked with surprise which was quickly masked back into a professional look, “yes, Andrea, you can call me Rea, are these Chase and Chelsea, what adorable kids” she cooed at them, Chelsea gave her a smile, Chase ignored her.

I handed Chelsea, who was in my arms, over to her, with his hands in his pocket and stood next to her looking every bit like a serious old man. I stifled a laugh.

“I trust they're in good hands?”

“Yes. Mr Shaw made mention of them being homeschooled, I believe this is their first Schooling experience?”

“Yes.” I nodded, I hope you'll keep an eye on them for me. To avoid any unfortunate circumstances.”

“You have nothing to be worried about, I'll take good care of them and I'm sure they'll fit right in.”

I rolled my eyes mentally, I wasn't worried about them, I was worried about the other kids, should I warn her?

Chase may be composed but with Chelsea by his side, no one could tell the kind of chaos they'll cause when together.

As if knowing what I was thinking about Chelsea blinked her long lashes, pouting while her silver pupils looked at me innocently.

I shook my head, “Stay out of trouble, both of you.” I warned.

Chase shrugged, Chelsea smacked her lips and nodded, “of course mummy.”

The look in Andrea’s eyes seemed to say, ‘what trouble could these cute kids possibly cause.’

Sigh. Forget it, another soul deceived by cute faces.

“Bye babies” I pecked them both before leaving, I had to get to work.

“Hey siri, Call Rigel.”

Ringggg….. Ringgggg… Click.

"Sweetheart, What's up?” His voice came through.

“I just dropped them off, I'm on my way now.”

“Alright, the clients are waiting, also representatives from Alistair are here.” He added.

“Alright, I'm on my way.” I nodded.

“Good morning director,”

“Good morning boss”

“Good morning”

Warm greetings rang out as I made my way to the office, Rigel was already waiting outside,

“Here you go,” he handed me a mug, closing the door behind him as we entered.

“Good morning Rigel,” I slumped into my chair.

His brow furrowed as he looked at me over “You look pale.” he noted, “the nightmares?”

“It's been five years” the words were quiet, “five persistent years.” I sighed tiredly, I could hear the exhaustion in my own voice.

He wrapped his hands in mine, “We’ll find a solution to it, did it say anything else this time around?”

“No, same old same old, rain first, mud, smell of decay and rot, blood in the air, then the wolf with red eyes with lines”

“Wait— back up.”

“Huh?”

“red eyes, smell of decay and rot. Those are new.”

I sat up instantly, how come I didn't notice?