KELANI POVRiley and I stayed in the position much longer before Zain cleared his throat, breaking us apart.He was standing by the door with his hands tucked inside his pocket."I'm genuinely surprised at your quick recovery," He said, nodding towards Riley. "Now, I presumed help isn't much needed, is it?"Riley shrugged, "I'm a witch, and just like you werewolves heal after an injury, we do too.""Never knew that," It was Zain's turn to shrug.He probably knew but didn't care for much details."Now you do," Riley said, then added, "When you said help, who is coming? The police or staff from the infirmary?" She asked.Now, thinking about it, I hadn't asked him who the 'Helps' exactly were.I doubted it was any of the staff from the infirmary. It was possibly the police he had called. And to be honest, there wasn't much any of them would have done in this situation."Mrs Periwinkle and Coach Jensen," Zain said, "They should be arriving anytime soon.""They responded?!" Riley question.
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
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