Chapter 4: Threatened

Auriana’s pov

I was pulled far away from the scene. I didn't know when we left the forest as everything happened so fast. I was still shaking violently when a voice said.

 “ Calm down.”

That was when I finally lifted my head and noticed the person before me. It was the guy with silver hair. The moonlight simply made him more breathtaking.

“Wh – what are you doing here, why.. was, h.. how?” my voice shook violently as I found myself unable to speak.

“You shouldn't have seen that. Why did you come out here so late?” He asked as I fought to answer.

“I… I saw something. T.. then came out to see what it was. T.. the person in the forest was eaten by a..” I paused “A wolf. It was a wolf. Why is there a wolf in school?” My words came out in a breathless stammer.

“You can't tell anyone what you just saw.” He deadpanned. “if anyone asks, you were never here.”

“What do you mean?” I shot back “someone just died! we have to report this.”

“What do you think they're gonna do? It's just going to cause more panic. And what excuse will you give for going late into the forest? There are rules in this school and breaking them doesn't go unanswered.” He shot.

“Who cares about rules? We need to report this.” I insisted.

“Fine! You do not leave me with any choice.” He showed me his phone and my stomach twisted seeing the image on it.

It was an image of my dad in his laboratory. He seemed to be carrying out a sort of experiment on something or…someone.

“Where did you get this?” I asked, puzzled. I had no idea of it.

“Your dad has been secretly experimenting on people without the permission from the government. Do you know what will happen if this gets out?” He asked as I shook my head in denial.

“This can't be true, my dad will never do that. He is a good person.”

“Yeah but if I show this to the authorities, what do you think will happen?” He tilted his head, “your dad's license will be taken away and prison might be an option too.”

“Are you threatening me?” I became scared.

“If that's what you call it then yes. Open your mouth and your dad doesn't get to live as a free man again.” He threatened.

I was speechless. Not knowing what to do. I couldn't protest while I wasn't sure if he was lying or not.

“So, are we clear?” He asked and I nodded silently.

“Go back to your dorm now before one of the guards sees us.” He said.

I turned my back to leave but stopped midway “what is your name?” I asked.

“I'm called Lennox.” He simply said and nodded.

“I'm Auriana.. Auriana Hayes.” I replied back waiting for him to tell me his other name but he didn't.

Turning around, I mumbled his name again. In a normal circumstance it would have been a pleasure to meet him but then you don't find pleasure in someone threatening you do you?

I ran back to my room, still in horror of what I had seen.

The night was a long one as I tossed all over the bed unable to sleep.

……..

The next day, I jolted off the bed by the sound of my alarm.

I got ready but wasn't as enthusiastic as yesterday. I dragged myself to the campus when I noticed a commotion.

Whispers were heard from a group of students gathered around the field. I went over to take a look, smuggling myself through the crowd. Finally making my way out of it, I stared in shock and horror at the sight before.

A body laid twisted on the ground. What remained of the flesh had been ravaged. Patches of skin were missing. The lower limb was striped to the bones with gnaw marks scoring on the skin.

It was the person eaten by the wolf last night. The face was a bit unrecognisable but it felt too familiar.

Red hair, and the ankle bracelet. I covered my mouth in shock when I realised who it was.

Reese!

Reese was the one lying dead on the floor. My throat felt heavy. That was when I lifted my head and finally saw Liam sobbing uncontrollably. He looked heartbroken and devastated.

The crowd was buzzing with noise and gossip. Students didn't stop whispering what had happened. The noise was distracted by the siren sound that caught our attention. The police had arrived and we were asked to leave the scene.

I took Liam away who looked completely lost. “I'm sorry Liam.” I consoled but he didn't reply. He just stared at the ground looking hollow.

Classes had been cancelled due to what happened. I offered to take Liam to his dorm but he refused saying he wanted to be alone.

I understood. Going back to my dorm, I met Lennox by the hallway. He was not alone this time. He was accompanied by two people.

He looked at me as though he was observing my every move. Ignoring him, I walked past, then went back to my dorm.

Reaching my room I called my dad. I wanted to ask him about the photo but didn't know how.

I tried to ask about his laboratory but he told me he shut it a long time ago. So did Lennox make that up or – was my dad lying to me?

I went back downstairs to see Liam. If he was doing better.

On my way to the boys dorm, I was halted in my tracks by Miss Diane. She told me I was summoned in the principals office.

On our way there, I wondered what was the problem. Oh no! did they find out I was at the murder scene? Taking a deep breath, I entered the office.

It looked ancient. With marble walls and old antiques. “Have a seat” the principal offered and I sat down. He was a man in his late 80s.

“Why I'm I summoned?” I panicked “Did I do something wrong?”

The principal didn't say a word, he simply showed me the screen of his computer and I froze. It was footage of me going back to my dorm last night.