Chapter 3: A Messy Encounter

Phoebe’s POV

Before I could say a word, a girl strutted towards him. Her platinum blonde hair flowed behind her as she swayed her hips. Her footsteps, graceful yet calculative, her striking blue eyes staring daggers at me. She wrapped her hands around him, a possessive gesture, marking her territory. I almost rolled my eyes, but the raw power radiating from her, held me back. “Eric, why are you here standing with our prey?” Her voice, soft like a beautiful lullaby, a stark contrast to the ice in her gaze. He didn’t say a word, just kept that annoying smirk which I wish I could slap off, his messy black hair falling across one eye. “I hope you last a day little bunny. It will be such a shame for something pretty as you to die before I could have my fun.” He patted my head gently, infuriating me further. With that, they turned, the girl’s hand now intertwined with his, as they strode into the school.

The sound of a bell ringing snapped me out of my thoughts, I ran towards a hall, following the crowd. The gathering of Alphas dominated me as my legs went weak, but the urge to avoid revealing my vulnerability was stronger. I could see three powerful figures standing on the stage; one woman and two men. The woman was very tall, her gaze as sharp as a hawk’s. “Dear troublemakers, today is the beginning of our tournament, where your strength and skills will be tested. The top five students will be rewarded and the finalist will be crowned as our Blood King or Queen.” She announced, her voice resonating with authority. The announcement was met with loud howls and roars of jubilations while i drown in my confusion.

I was directed to my hostel by a young woman. Pushing my door open, I saw a petite redheaded girl sitting on one of the beds, her face full of smiles with her beautiful hazel eyes. “You must be new here. My name is Sophia.” She said, extending her hand “Uhm, yeah I am. Nice meeting you,” I replied while shaking her hand. “I’m Phoebe.” She took a good look at me before asking “ So what did you do? What was your offense? I swallowed hard, raking my brain on what to tell her. I couldn’t bring myself to say it was because I couldn’t shift. “Seems like you did something really grave. Well, I was caught almost killing my step-sister. She kept annoying me and one day, I just snapped.” I understood her perfectly, how I wished I was strong enough to be able to do that . Before I could speak, the sound of a bell interrupted me. “It’s time to go to the school cafeteria. Come on, hurry up and change into your uniform.” Sophie said, handing me a set of beautiful white long sleeve shirts and red trousers.

The cafeteria buzzed with chaotic sounds of clattering trays and laughter. I navigated through the crowded space, my new uniform, an annoying spotlight as it hugged my curves. I took a deep breath, walking towards Sophie who sat at a table, waving at me. Just as I reached her, a leg shot out. The world tilted violently. A sharp yelp escaped my lips as I crashed hard onto the floor with my tray. A wave of eggs and fries cascaded down, splattering before a figure.

Everywhere became silent as a graveyard before a collective gasp swept through the room. I scrambled to my feet, a wave of heat flushing my face. “Oh please, I’m sorry! I cried out before looking up at the victim. He was an epitome of handsomeness. His silver hair was adorned with fries and scrambled eggs, which didn’t reduce his aura a bit. His sharp jaw tightened, his grey eyes flashing a touch of crimson. I knew then and there, I had messed with the wrong person.

For a brief moment, I saw something other than anger, a flicker of shock, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. He wiped the eggs from his silver hair in a slow deliberate gesture, while never taking his gaze off me. “You’ve made such a mess,” he finally said, his voice, low and calm, yet it sounded so lethal. Immediately those words left his lips, low grumbles echoed, and I realized it wasn’t from him. A group of boys circled me, their faces filled with predatory gleam. It was obvious they received orders from him.

I swallowed hard, and before I could protest, one of them grabbed me roughly, his nails digging into my flesh as he dragged me to a more open place in the room. Two of the boys held my hands up tightly, while another one forced my jaw open. “Clean it up.” He ordered, not looking at me. Then he walked away, like what was happening had nothing to do with him. They mixed the spilled food with mud and pig’s blood before my eyes, then opened my mouth, shoving the grosteque mixture down my throat. Tears streamed down my face, my stomach chruning “Stop! That’s enough.” A voice tore through the room. Looking up, it was Eric, the green eyed boy who had saved me in the woods. My legs gave way, and I slumped to the ground.