This was my second time running away from home, and maybe it would be my last because I might actually like it here.
Before entering through the high gate, I glimpsed the structure from a distance. The main building, somewhat gloomy, resembled a reused mansion crafted from ancient stones and red bricks. It stood in the center of the school, housing the administrative building and other facilities.Rubbing my clammy palms on my pants out of habit, I let out a deep breath as I continued to gaze around.Next to the main building was the classroom, which I didn't have time to explore. It was sizable and towering, leaving me curious about the total number of rooms it housed.It looked like a regular boarding school.Maybe it was because it didn't feel like how a regular juvenile detention center should feel. The headmaster, Mr. Kendrick, assured me I would fit in just right. I needed to hold onto his word.Contrary to my initial expectations, the school felt inviting on the inside. It was far from the depressing and suffocating atmosphere I had imagined.I spotted several other buildings with children yelling and running about. My heart thumped, and I placed my palm on it, letting out a breath as I gazed at the children. I felt a strong desire to partake in the activity going on, but I couldn't. It wasn't because I didn't want to, but I doubted they would let me.My name was Kelani Redwood, sixteen years old, and I found myself in this school, Mystic Academy, because I killed my father. This act triggered what was known as the 'Curse of the Lycanthropes,' though I barely understood what that meant.Mr. Kendrick explained that triggering the curse was a requirement for being in a school like this. Today, being my first day, I expected to see many troubled kids, but most of them seemed surprisingly happy.I felt like I was the only one here who looked depressed and lost.Before entering the school, I heard a few things about this mysterious place situated on the mountainous side of Mystic Heights, a city in the heart of London.Mystic Academy, as it was known, was a mixed school primarily for kids with some uniqueness from wealthy homes. The requirements to get in seemed unattainable for mere humans, as I learned. It had a reputation as a school for "freaks," and the general belief was that only freaks would gain admission.That label didn't bother me much, considering I'd been called a freak all my life by my stepmother and her children—even their friends.My stepmother often locked me up in the cellar, praying for God to unpossess me, as she believed I was suffering from possession.When my father died, things took a turn for the worse. I had hoped the mental, physical, and emotional abuse would end, but it only intensified. I was treated worse than her slaves.At age nine, after my father's death, she made me run insane errands, staying up all night in the biting cold, cleaning, cooking, and guarding the house. In return, all I got were crumbs and leftovers, accompanied by curses demanding I return to hell with my father, the devil who supposedly birthed me.Forcing me to confess to being possessed, she invited many priests to the house to cast out the demons she believed haunted me. Each time, they declared me a lost cause, suggesting I should be thrown into the ocean or locked in a casket with chains binding it. So I wouldn't torment pure children. Children like the ones from my stepmother.Recalling all she had done, I sometimes wondered if I was paying for my sins.I was in school now and away from her and her children; I guess now was all that mattered.Sighing, I examined the folded schedule and room key in my left hand, obtained from the administrator's office after a discussion with the headmaster.He instructed me to return for further registration, paperwork, and medical checks to ensure I wasn't suffering from an unknown illness. Though he mentioned a rabid infection, and I asked him what it meant, my questions were dismissed, with the assurance that I would understand why I was there with time."Fuck!"I gasped as I collided with a body. Wincing, I inspected my hand and then the coffee cup in the stranger's hand.Then my gaze travelled to his face. His eyes... That was the first thing I noticed about him. Mesmerizing shades of hazel flecked with silver.He had golden blond hair held in a ponytail, making me wonder if it was legal to have that much hair because many juvenile centers I knew preferred for hair to be trimmed. Athletic and tall, he had strong arms, towering above my 5 feet 5 inches, exuding masculinity.If I were to rate him, I would give him a ten out of ten because he totally deserved it.Perhaps ogling the stranger I had bumped into instead of apologizing wasn't the best way to start my day, especially as his narrowed eyes now met mine."Did I hear an apology?" he gruffly asked. "Wow, I guess not," he added.He was cranky; thanks to me. If I were in his shoes, I would be too.My gaze drifted from his compelling face to his chest. Oh, no! The liquid that had poured on me was his coffee, now staining his once pristine white shirt."I'm sorry!" I stuttered, wincing. I proceeded to place my hand on his chest without thinking, attempting to wipe at the stain.It seemed like a stupid move, as it only made the stain worse. Yet, I just wanted this to be over and go on my way."You're making it worse," he muttered, eyeing me."If you don't get your filthy hands off my boyfriend's chest, I'll help you by chopping them off," a sultry voice said, and I swirled around.Straight, shoulder-length blonde hair, neatly styled without a strand out of place, paired with bright blue eyes that glared daggers at me and fair, flawless skin I could only dream of but would never attain.She wrinkled her straight nose as she stepped toward me, her cupid-bowed lips twisted in disgust as she assessed me. Her eyes moved from my head, slowly to my feet and then back to my face."Who the hell are you to caress my boyfriend's chest like that?" She folded her arms across her chest.This was trouble, I mused, but how do I get out of it?"When I ask you a question, you respond to me, bitch," she declared."I'm sorry. I bumped into him and accidentally made his coffee spill. I was only trying to get...""Sorry, I don't speak the language of lowlifes. Can you speak louder?" she interrupted.I heard slight giggles, and I turned to see many students had gathered, their interest reflected in their eyes."If you weren't so dumb, you should understand everything she said perfectly," another voice chimed in, and I turned again to see a new girl.Unlike the first girl, this one appeared shorter, with brunette hair, dark brown eyes, and caramel skin. She offered me a smile before turning to the initial accuser."Let her be, Lia. She isn't one of your problems," the new girl said."And who the hell are you to tell me what to do?" Lia hissed, advancing menacingly toward the new girl, but the boy I had poured coffee on gripped her hand, halting her."I'm Riley Bakers, the girl who whooped your ass last summer. Did you forget that so easily? I didn't because I have a medal to remind me of how funny you looked." Riley declared, wearing a wide, proud smile."Perhaps we can do this another time, but right now, I need to jet," she added.With that, she gripped my hand, tugging me away from Lia, the mysterious boy, and the crowd.When we reached a considerable distance, I turned back to see the crowd had dispersed. "Thank you back there. I mean, I don't know what I would have done if it weren't for you.""I'm Riley, and I don't think I need to introduce myself any longer. Also, don't worry; things like that happen, and I doubt it will be the last time. Note to self: stay away from Lia. You wouldn't want to be one of her newbie experiments," Riley said."I'm Kelani, but call me Lani. What do you mean by newbie experiment?" I asked as we stepped into the hallway, walking towards the staircase."Let's just say she's unpleasant, and don't forget, when a newbie offends her, she tends to go overboard until someone rescues them," Riley explained.Seeing the curiosity in my eyes, she added, "Don't worry, you'll learn more. You can't know everything on the first day here. By the way, what room number are you?"Glancing at the paper where it was boldly written, I gazed back at Riley. "Room 50.""No way," Riley grinned. "You're Kelani Redwood?""I am," I affirmed with a nod."You're my roommate!" she exclaimed, rushing toward me.Clutching my hand, she pulled me towards the room that seemed to be at the far end of the hall we were in, and we halted in our tracks as we spotted Lia.She hissed, loud enough for us to hear as she stood by room 49, which was opposite ours. I presumed that was her room."First, I get to live opposite my enemy, and now I get to see a girl flirting with my man each day. Why does the goddess hate me so much?" Lia huffed, unlocking her door and throwing me one last murderous glance before stepping in."She's dramatic; you'll get used to it soon," Riley shrugged, and I nodded.Yet, I doubted it. Earlier, I had seen the horror on the students' faces that had gathered to watch everything unfolding before Riley dragged me away.Riley being on my side didn't make me less frightened of Lia. Perhaps not frightened like she could physically harm me, but frightened like she could do a lot of horrible things to me.Even Riley had said so by advising me to stay away from her.A drama-less start to the school year seemed far-fetched; I guess the rest of the academic year was doomed for me.KELANI POV"You should totally skip orientation," groaned Riley, helping me arrange my clothes in the wardrobe she made available.An hour had passed since I stepped into the room, and we were unpacking my things. Riley volunteered to help, but she also took the opportunity to talk my ears off.I guess I should be grateful; at least, she shared some information about the school's traditions and off-limits areas, although not in much detail.Unlike Lia, who might smother me with a pillow while I slept, I was lucky to have Riley as a roommate.The room Riley and I shared was more spacious than the one back home. Combining my room with the one my dad shared with my stepmother would barely match it.On the wall near Riley's bed hung a painting of a starry night, featuring a woman holding a torch with a wreath around her neck and a crescent moon-shaped crown on her hair.My side of the room was devoid of paintings; maybe Riley left it that way- she might have assumed I would flip if she to
KELANI POVToday was my official class day. After the cafeteria incident yesterday, Riley took me on a tour of the school.Despite her promise to continue over the weekend, I doubted it would happen, given my busy weekends filled with activities. However, I thought I could learn about the school surroundings on my own while going about my day.But then, that would only be possible if I didn't get lost on my first trial.Headmaster Kendrick had taken it upon himself to tutor me in things I needed to know. The first time I received my schedule, my weekends were free, but he sent me a revised one this morning. He also referred to himself as my tutor, a role I didn't mind.Among all the staff present, he was the only familiar face I recognized, even though we had only met for two days.Entering my locker code, I opened it, putting some textbooks I had gotten earlier from the bookstore inside my crossbody bag that had been in the locker. I found the crossbody bag there, it was a gift to ev
KELANI POVI stood at the front of the class for a few more seconds, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on me. I didn't mind the attention, but being stared at wasn't exactly my favorite.Making eye contact with a few classmates, I then turned toward the teacher, who was busy scribbling on the board."I'm Chase Westerfield," he introduced himself. "I'll be teaching Werewolf 101, an introductory class covering fundamental aspects of being a werewolf. This includes basic anatomy, heightened senses, and the importance of pack dynamics."He paused briefly before continuing, his gaze briefly meeting mine. "But before we dive into that, let's get to know each other a bit better. We also have a new student joining us."He nodded towards me, and I reciprocated. "I'm Kelani Redwood, and I'm eager to learn a lot here. I hope you all treat me well," I said."Of course, you're in the right school," Chase replied, adding, "Make yourself comfortable."Glancing around, I struggled to find an avai
KELANI POVThe murmur of voices snapped me back to reality. My eyes stung as I struggled to open them, and my head throbbed. They felt heavy, as though I was lugging around an extra head. My hands were unresponsive; I couldn't budge them. I wondered if they were frozen in place or if it was me struggling to move them.I was in the infirmary, no doubt about that. I didn't need to see it to confirm it. The scent of antiseptic and bleach hung in the air, mingling with the hum of machines."Will she be okay?" Riley voiced out. She was here.My eyes snapped open, only to quickly shut again due to the harsh lighting. Wincing, I shielded them with one hand as I used the other to prop myself up."Kelani," Riley murmured, hurrying to my side.Frowning, I looked at her. Mascara streaked down her face, and dried tears still marked her cheeks. Her nose was somewhat puffy, making me wonder how long she had been crying for."Were you crying?" I asked.Riley shook her head. "I was just upset.""You
KELANI POVI had flat feet, and while that might not be a valid excuse to avoid PE, I secretly wished I could skip it because of that. Unlike my previous school, where I had the freedom to choose, here it felt like an obligation. Doubt lingered in my mind, questioning if half the students truly wanted to run around the track or play handball."Does everyone do this?" I asked Riley as we approached the expansive gymnasium a short distance from the main school building.The gymnasium, the largest on campus, housed various sports facilities, including the basketball and handball courts, even futsal."Split into two teams," instructed the coach, a brunette with her hair pulled back in an elastic band. Before I could react, everyone hurriedly formed teams. By the time I looked around, Riley's team was full, leaving me no choice but to join the other team.Unfortunately, Lia led the team I found myself in. She scowled, arms crossed, and approached me with disdain. "We don't want a scrawny-l
KELANI POVYesterday, I had a close call – nearly knocked out by a 16-ounce handball and narrowly avoiding a mauling by Williams. Today, things seemed promising. After stowing the remaining books in my handbag, I slung it over my shoulder.Glancing at Riley's bed, I shook my head; she was nowhere in sight since I woke up.Not usually a deep sleeper, but yesterday's events and Dr. Kaden's examination left me drained. He discharged me, advising a return only if I felt dizzy or had a headache.After a final check to ensure I hadn't forgotten anything, I headed to the door, closing it behind me."Hey, Roomie."I spun around, eyes widening. "Oh my fucking goodness, Riley! You scared the fuck out of me!""You never struck me as a girl who curses. I like your potty mouth," she giggled, then frowned. "Where are you headed?""To class, obviously," I replied, wondering if it wasn't clear enough. I noticed she wasn't in uniform, not even dressed for class. Denim shorts, a pink sports bra, and run
VESPER POVHockey meant everything to me, and I'd go to any length to come out on top. At least, that was what I kept telling myself. However, it didn't seem like things were going well.Don't get me wrong; I was still the star player at Mystic Height Academy, something I was grateful for. However, failing classes could soon jeopardize that position.To stay at the pinnacle and maintain my spot on the ice rink, excelling academically was crucial.I couldn't fathom why grades mattered when I could just focus on playing Hockey, racking awards – something I excelled at – and forget about subjects like arithmetic and chemistry, which happened to be my weakest."You need to put in more effort. Or maybe I should talk to Coach Jensen about benching you more so you can take this as seriously as I do," remarked Headmaster Kendrick."What's the point?" I shrugged, glancing around the office, a large space with bland wallpaper and a floating bookshelf near the entrance. The headmaster sat behind
VESPER POVAfter practicing a bit with Nathan, I headed to my last class – a general one that all seniors and juniors had to attend.Otherwise, I wouldn't be stuck in the same class with these sore losers. The classroom was vast, easily accommodating a thousand students without anyone feeling crowded.It lacked furniture, and for some reason, I had a bad feeling about the supposed project we were going to engage in. Even though I didn't know what it might be, a sense of unease lingered.The project supervisors, Mr. Randall, and Mrs. Periwinkle, entered the room, each holding a placard under their arms with poker faces.Both were in their mid-sixties. Despite her age, Mrs. Periwinkle carried herself gracefully, appearing barely aged. She shared the greying hair characteristic with Mr. Randall and had very dark eyes. Wrinkles adorned her face, concealed by heavy makeup. In contrast, Mr. Randall didn't bother hiding his wrinkles, opting for a more natural look. After all, he couldn't use