Chapter 4

After spending three hours on the sofa, longing for my parents' presence, I began to detect that familiar scent once more. Glancing at my hands, I knew I had showered, so the smell shouldn't be there. I dismissed the notion that I was imagining his scent simply because I yearned for him.

Deciding to clear my mind, I went for a walk, as I've always cherished the night air under a luminous moon. I hoped it would help me make sense of the items left at my doorstep.

Eventually, I found myself back at the beach.

As I idly sifted sand through my toes, I unexpectedly felt warm despite the cool, breezy night. Opting to cool off, I waded into the water, clothes and all, given my light dress, and felt a slight relief.

Looking up, I spotted that same figure by the shoreline, howling in my direction.

Bobbing in the water, I mused over the late-hour presence of a dog. But then, realizing dogs don't howl like wolves, I was taken aback by the thought of a wolf being so near, thinking could that possibly be what bit me?

Convinced it had departed, I exited the water and began my walk home. Hearing distant footsteps, I quickened my pace, which seemed to draw them closer. As my house came into view, I broke into a run, clumsily dropping my keys in haste. After scooping them up, I reached my door, only to hear growling behind me. Without looking back, my heart pounded with the fear of an imminent attack.

Fumbling with the lock, the growling ceased. Turning around, I saw nothing. Overwhelmed by adrenaline, I fell inside the door and hit my head.

Upon waking, I found myself in my bed, disoriented about how I arrived there and who had placed me in it. The last memory I had was of slipping, falling, and striking my head, followed by pain and then darkness.

Leaping up, I thought my aunt and uncle had returned, and for a moment, I was thrilled at the prospect of not being alone, especially after what had transpired previously. However, a search through the house revealed no sign of them, which unsettled me.

I did observe that some items were missing, so I assumed it was their doing, perhaps taking more of my parents' belongings to sell, given that funds were dwindling.

As the weekend ended, Monday morning arrived, and with it, a sense of dread.

Ugh, the thought of going to school made me feel sick to my stomach. At least that is where I thought it was coming from. But this feeling was a different kind of sickness, almost like I had been hungry for too long. I headed to the kitchen and prepared breakfast. I made some bacon and cheese and eggs, something simple. Sitting down to eat, I suddenly began to vomit from the taste of the food. Checking the expiration date on the bacon and eggs, everything was up-to-date. I didn't worry too much since my nerves were scattered. I attributed it to that and dismissed it. After brushing my teeth and drinking some water, I left for school.

Upon arrival, I felt a familiar heat and aggression, accompanied by a recognizable scent. Scanning the crowded hallway, I made my way to the restroom to splash water on my face. Looking up, I noticed my eyes shifting from brown to a clear blue in the mirror. Another splash, and they reverted to their usual brown. My skin cooled, and the violent urges subsided. Heading to my first class, I saw the wolf lingering outside.

Exiting class in a hurry to see the wolf, I encountered Erika and her entourage before I could make it outside. They were about to corner me when the new kid, Ace, walked down the corridor. Erika attempted to intervene as Ace approached and introduced himself. Before I could respond, Erika knocked my books from my hands. Ace helped me gather them, ignoring Erika's taunts. He then looked up at her with a small smile and emitted a low growl, which he thought only she could hear. She stepped back, noticing the change in his eyes, and retreated as well as her entourage.

I heard the sound as well. I kept my head down, continuing to pick up my things. Ace didn't realize that I had also heard the sound, and when he bent back down to finish helping me, I hastened to gather my belongings from his hands. Standing up, I realized that everyone had disappeared, while Ace was still giving me that sideways smile, then walking away.

I felt a pang of sadness because I hadn't had the chance to tell him my name. At least I knew his name. Walking down the deserted hallway, I heard a distant growl. Turning around, I saw the wolf standing there. I attempted to follow it, but it was too swift, and I lost track of its direction. Strangely, every time I'm near Ace or glimpse that wolf, my body reacts oddly.