Chapter Seven: Running Into Wolves

Nyx's POV

I had no idea when I slept off, but by the time I open my eyes, the golden rays of dusk seeped through the window panes, illuminating the room with a warm yellow glow.

How did I sleep all afternoon? Did Narin put something in the food she got for me? 

I thought to rest for some time before going back to class. Where did the time go?

Rubbing my groggy eyes, I tried to get rid of the remaining traces of sleep from me. I had to admit, that was one good nap, but I couldn't help but shake off the feeling that I was missing something. Like there was somewhere I needed to be.

I stretched my stiff limbs, sitting up on my bed afterwards while inhaling deeply. My eyes suddenly flung open at the foreign smell that hit my nose. 

What was that smell?

I lifted my nose in the air again, sniffing in the weird fragrance that filled the room. As I inhaled the sweet yet pungent smoke, I felt like my senses were slowly being transported to a serene and mystical realm and my eyes slowly began to close shut on their own accord.

Struggling to keep my eyes open, I looked around for the source of the smell until I spotted her.

There she sat on the floor by her bed, cross-legged with eyes shut and palms facing upwards. In front of her was a little altar erected where she burnt her incense and sage. 

So that was the source of the smell that filled the room.

The scent of the incense was like a delicate melody that lingered in the air, enveloping me in a tranquil aura that soothe my mind and lifted my spirits.

She sat on the floor, spine as stiff as a board and I had to peer closer to be sure she was still alive. Her chest heaved the slightest bit and my nerves instantly relaxed.

Imagine waking up to such a scare.

I caught myself watching her a little longer, taking in the peace and serenity that marked her features. Her ash mixed with brown hair danced to the wind and the rays of the evening sun hit her skin, crowning her ethereal appearance-

“Keep looking at me like that and I’m gorging out your eyes.”

Narin’s grave voice cut through my thoughts and I jumped in shock, whipping my face away.

How did she know that I was- never mind. I really needed to get used to the fact that Narin was a witch, and I didn't need a far to know she was a powerful one.

“Sorry…” I quickly added, making sure to avoid staring at her again. I was starting to feel a little icky and uncomfortable and when I looked at what I was wearing, I realized I was still putting on my school uniform.

One by one I unbuttoned the shirt, shrugging out of it. As I did, a card fell from my shirt pocket, the black card sticking out from my pink bedsheets. 

I eyed it suspiciously before reaching out to pick it up. 

“Shit!” I cussed as I read the gold inscriptions on the card.

I knew I was forgetting something!

My private class with the instructor Aunt Gacia told me about began in thirty minutes and I was still on my bed.

In a blink, I was up on my feet, dashing into the bathroom for a quick shower. A few minutes later I was out, pulling the first outfit from my wardrobe. 

It ended up being a blue knee-length body con dress, which I hurriedly slipped on. I quickly pulled my platinum hair into a low bun with a matching blue scrunchie.

A few minutes later I was dressed, but as I checked myself in my full-length mirror, I start to feel a little uncomfortable in my own skin. 

The blue dress was a pretty one that matched my eyes, but it hugged my curves closely, outlining my full hips and slim waist.

I didn't want to look like I was trying to seduce a teacher, but there was no time to start searching for another outfit. I was already running late.

Sparing myself one last worrisome glance. I headed for the door but a voice brought me to a halt, one I didn't expect at all.

“Remember, curfew’s at 10 pm.” Narin’s soulless voice reminded me. 

“Yeah…thanks,” I replied, eager to escape the awkwardness that lingered in the room. 

I trudged out of the dorm building, peering at the card in my hands once again. Behind the card was the description of how to get to the address of the class so I followed it step by step.

As I walked on, I couldn't help but let my mind stray toward Narin. She's been a little…nice to me and as much as I appreciate it, I'm also concerned because she might have an ulterior motive behind it.

But Narin didn't seem like the kind of girl who had time for pranks and such. She seemed a little more level-headed and serious…unlike other students.

If that was the case, does this mean that she cared the slightest bit about me?

A small smile grazed my lips. Maybe she isn't so bad after all. Her hard exterior might just be a facade to scare people off, who knows?

As the sun went down, the sky was painted bright orange and the streetlights were beginning to come on. I glanced down at the miniature map, looking back up at the route I was following to be sure I was on the right path. 

Up ahead was a footpath that cut through the Salvador woodlands and there I spotted a few students chattering in excitement. Fear slowly climbed my throat and I swallowed the hard lump.

I had hoped I wouldn't have to confront any group of students that day, but unfortunately, life had other plans for me. As my legs urged me forward, I realized that my experiences the past few days had instilled in me the fear of my own peers in me and that was a little disturbing. 

Why do I feel the need to cower and run when all I did wrong was exist? I looked ahead and I swallowed again, recognizing a few horrible faces. The closer I got, the more I realized that those weren't just any students, these were of a special breed.

They were tall and huge, and the smallest looked like she was sprouting a full six feet. They seemed to be heading into the forest and in one whiff I could tell who they were.

Werewolves.

There was a prick in my chest when I suddenly remembered my tragic condition. These other wolves got to enjoy experiences I may never know. 

I glanced at the card again and hope bloomed in my chest, maybe this instructor might be able to help me, who knows?

As I approached the small group, all eyes turned toward me and I stifled a whimper. Before I could take another step, two big guys appeared in front of me.

“Not a single step further, clown princess.” one of them sneered as they crossed their arms over their chest, seizing the opportunity to flex their muscles.

Who are they to tell me not to walk past this path? The last time I checked, they didn't own the school. 

I sighed, opening my mouth but before I can speak, the second dude cut me off.

“Nah-uh, no pleas.” He wagged his index finger like he was speaking to a child.

“If you want to join the pack, then you're going to have to go through our Alpha…Otis.”

“I doubt he'd want a runt like you though, but maybe if you beg enough he will.” The first guy added and they burst into laughter.

Haha very funny. 

Anger slowly bubbles within me as listening to them. Who the hell do they think they are that I would stoop so low to beg them just so I can join their stupid pack? 

“Can you please excuse me?” I said, my voice quivering as I tried to hide the irritation in my voice.

“Look who we have…here.” A familiar voice cut through the tension in the air. One by one, the other wolves cleared out to reveal the person who spoke.

Otis.

I suppressed a shudder as I stared into his icy blue eye from where he was seated a few meters away from me.

“I knew you'd find us, Princess.” He added, wearing a smug smile on his face.

“We're going for a run…wanna join?”

I opened my mouth to speak but he quickly interjected before I could say a word.

“You have to show how badly you want it, mama.”  He snickered, slowly running his eyes over me and I could literally feel my skin crawl in disgust.

“Get on your knees.”

“What?” I asked, my face scrunched up in confusion.

“You want to be a part of the elite pack right?” Otis asked, His eyes, roaming all over my body made me feel like I was being eye-fucked, and at that moment I began to regret wearing such a form-fitting dress.

“Now get on your knees and crawl over here like a good girl and I might just let you, you know.”

The other wolves were a cackling mess, watching us with so much glee in their eyes. The sight of them all in one place made me sick, and that was where I lost it.

“Oh, to hell with you and your stinking little pack, Otis.” I snapped, glaring at him with all the venom in my eyes. 

“ I have no interest in you or your pack, so can you move out of my way? I have somewhere to be!”

The silence that followed was deafening, as his pack members looked at him, waiting for a response. His eyes bored into my soul, but I glared even harder.

“Let her go..” He said,

“But Otis-” one of the minions was about to argue, but he was shunned down immediately.

“I said let her go!”

“You got lucky this time, dipshit!” The minion hissed at me before moving away for me to pass. I spared Otis one more glance before walking away with a small smile on my face.