~Rose~The training lasted for two weeks, three times a week. My skills had yet to progress significantly, but I had learned many new techniques. Mr. Adams and his assistant have been patient with me. My shots still miss the target a lot. But at least they are better than when I first arrived.Dad taught me the basics of archery, while Mr. Adams taught me professional techniques. I thought doing what I loved would be easy, but I was wrong. Despite Mr. Adams' theories, I needed to catch up on many shots. Wind direction, aiming angle, and strength of the pull determined the shot's accuracy. "You have fifteen minutes to rest," Mr. Adams said."I have to go to the bathroom," I told him.Because of our frequent interactions, I no longer felt awkward talking to Mr. Adams. Also, Mr. Adams was very humble. We were like friends. I liked Mr. Adams.The bathroom was quite far from the field where we practiced. I wonder if this whole place belongs to Mr. Adams. I saw no significant activity in t
~Rose~I really can't think of anything. Collin could have reported me to Mr. Adams if I had overheard their conversation. Collin clearly had his eyes on me with a lock of his eyes. If he really wanted me out of there, he could have complained to Mr. Adams to let him know I was eavesdropping, but he didn't."What does he want?" I muttered."What?" Rylee turned to me. And it was then that I realised I was verbalising my thoughts."Nothing," I replied, not wanting Rylee to get involved in my problems."After school, I have to go see Mr. Alfred. You can come with me.""No! I'm going to the library. I need some references for my biology assignment." I said that as an excuse. I wanted to be free of Rylee; that was the point.Rylee looked at me for a moment. He seemed to be thinking about something. I think he was trying to convince himself that I wasn't making excuses to avoid him. But it wasn't long before he said, "Okay." I was relieved that Rylee wasn't asking me too many questions. Ho
~Rose~I looked Sonya straight in the eye and heard whispers from all around."We all know you started it. You tripped me. And what I did was only self-defense." I looked right and left at my classmates, who were whispering to each other with their eyes fixed on me. "You must have heard it as well, right? The cafeteria's security camera recorded the actual incident.""You're the one who broke my hand, Rosemary Cassilas!" Sonya said in a hissing voice."That was just self-defense. But if you want me to apologize, okay. I apologize for breaking your hand," I said without taking my eyes off her.The corners of Sonya's lips turned up. She didn't understand the meaning of sarcasm. "That's good! That's what you should have done," Sonya said.Sonya was stupid. She was just lucky to have been born into a wealthy family."Well, if you have nothing else to say to me, I'm going to excuse myself," I said as I swung my legs around.I walked past Sonya. When I reached her side, I paused and whispe
~Rose~"Hello, Rosemary." Collin greeted me with a big smile.I took a deep breath and closed the book I was reading. I lazily raised my eyes to Collin and asked, "What do you want?"Collin laughed, saying, "You're so wild, like a dog barking. You know what? It doesn't scare me at all. It's just adorable."Damn it! Collin compared me to a dog. But I must not let it affect me. I whispered to myself, "Stay calm, Rose! His words won't bring you down!"Then I asked him, "What are you doing here? The high school building is over there." I pointed to the high school building.This foundation houses education from elementary to high school, each with its own building. Collin is a senior. He shouldn't be here."I didn't lose my card." He smiled so broadly that the corners of his eyes crinkled. "But I came here specifically to meet you," he said.I saw Collin's friends smiling. It was like they were mocking me. They must have known Collin's purpose, and I was sure it wasn't good for me."If yo
~Rose~It's been a while since he contacted me. Ever since I completed the blood ritual, he taught me. He always contacted me with different numbers; I could never reach him first. All I know is that he always uses a number ending in 008. That's why I was so sure it was him, and I was so happy.I ensured the door to my room was locked, and then I answered the phone as I walked to my bed."Rose here," I said as the phone connected."Hello, Rose. How are you?" he asked. I knew it wasn't his authentic voice because it was different every time he called me, but it gave me a sense of comfort."I'm doing well. You? Why don't you ever call me?" I asked as I landed on the bed.He laughed softly. "I'm sorry. I've been busy," he replied."What are you doing?" I asked."Lots of things. Too much to tell you," he replied."I want to tell you something. The ritual worked. Mom is finally awake, and it's going well. Thank you. None of this would have happened if it wasn't for your help. Look, I don't
~Rose~My heart raced when I saw Dad's curious expression. I held my breath briefly as I racked my brain to escape Dad's curiosity.Dad scrolled over to me and asked, "Is he your friend?""Dad-""Good evening, Mr. Cassilas!" Collin walked past me and held out his hand to Dad.I stood speechless. Collin's actions were beyond my expectations. I thought he would run away after meeting Dad. But it turned out that he greeted Dad and showed his sinless smile. But something was intriguing when Collin and Dad shook hands. I saw Collin holding back a grimace as if he was in pain. It looked like Dad was holding Collin's hand so tightly that he was in pain.Good job, Dad!Dad squinted and looked at Collin from head to toe."Your face looks familiar," Dad said, narrowing his eyes even more on Collin."Ah, yes, of course. You must be familiar with my father's face, Maxton Adams," Collin replied, sounding very confident as if he and his father were on good terms.Collin's demeanor and response to Da
~Ace~Letting my thirteen-year-old daughter go out at night with a boy was something I wouldn't have done without a purpose. And I didn't let her go alone. After they passed through the gate, I quickly got out of the car and caught up with them.I was worried when the boy drove recklessly. Despite his young age, he was quite capable. But I wasn't thinking about that. I must not be seen. They couldn't know I was following.It was quite crowded in 909. I lost Rose after they got out of the car. So, I decided to go inside. I looked for Rose among the teenagers enjoying the stage show. Not long after a comedian left the stage, the host called out the name of the band Adams' son had mentioned, The Demon King. The applause and screams from the teens were deafening as they chanted Collin Adams' name."This is The Demon King's latest song, which I wrote especially for someone," Collin Adams said as he turned to the right side of the stage.I followed his gaze and saw my daughter sitting at o
~Ace~I heard right when Victoria asked me to take her to Nightfall City. No, she won't! Victoria was on the number one most-wanted list in Nightfall City. Her presence would only put her in danger. I had just gotten her back and didn't want to lose her again. "No, Vic! I can't take you there." I was forced to refuse Victoria's request."And I can't let you go to that city alone." Victoria gave me a stern look."We already live peacefully here. Not having a pack is not a problem for me because the most important thing to me is the safety of my family." I shifted in my seat and took Victoria's hand. "Listen! I've already lost you twice, and I don't want that to happen again." I looked deep into her eyes, letting her know how much I feared losing her.Victoria's eyeballs moved slightly. She looked at me momentarily and then said, "You know what it's like to lose, don't you? Do you want me to feel the sorrow that you do?""That's not what I meant. I just...""Then take me with you. You'r
~Rose~The party began. Bonfires were lit, and music played. Everyone was happy. Beer and venison were the main dishes. Everyone partied, danced and enjoyed the beer. That was for the adults. For us children, they forbade us from drinking beer and gave us fresh lemonade. There were only a few children in the pack. While I struggled to adapt to this new place, Rylee was already familiar with the other children. But it didn't matter. I could handle it."Hi, Rose," a boy with dark curly hair and bright brown eyes greeted me. He looked awkward and shy with red cheeks."Hi," I replied."Do you mind if I sit here?" He pointed to the seat next to me.I was actually in the mood to be alone. I'd rather sit by myself and watch the people partying. But I promised myself I would change. I wouldn't be the rude Rosemary anymore. So, I allowed him to sit next to me."Yes, of course," I said.The boy smiled broadly and sat down beside me. Then he held out his hand and introduced himself. "I'm Robby.
~Rose~The next day was my busiest day. I had to pack all my things. I had so much stuff that I needed four big suitcases to fit it all in."Dad! Help me!" I called from the door.Dad, who was talking to Uncle Ben, turned and said, "I'll be right there."I frowned at Dad's answer. These suitcases were so heavy. I wouldn't be able to carry them to the car by myself.I turned around and left, stomping my feet. I stood by the window waiting for Dad while I watched Rylee load the suitcases into the car trunk. I was surprised to see that Rylee had so few things."Didn't he bring all his stuff?" I muttered."Who doesn't bring all the stuff?" That question made me turn around immediately."Uncle Ben? Where's Dad?" I asked, looking towards the door."Luna Victoria needs his help. Sorry, I came in. Your door wasn't closed," Uncle Ben replied.I was annoyed. Wasn't I the one who called Dad first? Why does it always have to be Mom first?"So, what can I do for you?" Uncle Ben asked later.I was
~Rose~"Dad, can I have some time alone with Collin?" I looked up at Dad, hoping he would permit me.Dad smiled. "Sure, sweetheart. I'll leave you two alone," he said, kissing my forehead."Thanks, Dad," I said.Dad left the room after that. I can't explain my feelings. Collin looked sick, and I couldn't bear looking at him."Sorry," I started the conversation after hearing the room door close.Collin smiled weakly. "Why apologize? It's not your fault.""You got like this because you saved me," I said."You think so?" Even in his weakened state, Collin made a skeptical face. "I hate my father. I don't want him to get what he wants," he continued.I didn't want to argue with Collin. Whether what he said was true or not, he had saved me."Whatever it is, thank you," I said."I accept your thanks," Collin replied with a smile.We were silent for a moment. No one spoke, and only the monitor's sound could be heard."Why are you looking at me like that?" Collin's question snapped me out of
~Rose~I thought I was dead. I still remember how much it hurt when Dad stabbed me in the chest. I don't know how to describe it, but the pain was unbelievable. All the horrible things I saw about King Salvatore made me want to die. He had to be stopped, and the only way was to kill me. I was like a mother to this demon, and I didn't want him to use my body to commit such a terrible crime.Surprisingly, I didn't expect to wake up, but I am still alive. Whether I should be grateful or not, I was scared to death when I first opened my eyes and saw the light. Everything was so bright that it felt like my eyes were being pierced, and it hurt like hell. I went into shock, and after a while, I started to feel better. The doctor examined me and explained that I was in the hospital. I asked who had brought me to the hospital, and the doctor said my father did. The doctor also said that my family was waiting outside. Thank God, because I was afraid that Mr. Adams would take me to the hospital.
~Victoria~I was talking to Mala, but Rose's screams immediately caught my attention. I turned to her, and panic gripped me. My daughter's hands were clenched into fists, and her eyes were wide. Rose's breathing was rapid. The monitor screen showed a significant increase in heart activity. She looked frightened. I took Rose's hand and stroked her head."Rose. It's Mommy, honey," I whispered, hoping she could hear me."What happened?" Ace came and stood beside me.I turned to Ace and replied, "I don't know. I was talking to Mala, and suddenly Rose became like this.""Baby, can you hear me?" Ace moved closer to Rose and stroked her face, but there was still no response. Rose was still in the same condition. "Call the doctor!" he ordered.My trembling hand pressed the nurse call button. A nurse arrived shortly after that. Ace and I made room for the nurse to examine Rose."She just started screaming. Please do something," I explained without prompting.The nurse didn't seem to know what
~Ace~"Ace," the soft call echoed in my ears. I felt a soft touch on my shoulder. I feel so tired. My muscles felt stiff. But suddenly, my blood rushed, and my eyes snapped open as I remembered what had happened to my daughter."Rose!" I woke up spontaneously. "Hey, it's me. It's okay!" Victoria held my shoulders. She sat next to me, took my fingers, and smiled warmly. "We're at the hospital. Rose is stable."I turned to the bed and saw my daughter on life support. I don't know how many times my heart broke seeing my daughter lying there helpless. I thought she was dead, but she had survived."I woke you up because you were sweating a lot. Nightmare?" Victoria looked worried. Ever since Alpha Mark and Alpha Sanchez invaded my home, all I could think about was how to keep my family safe. The nightmares made me afraid to sleep. I'm thankful that Beta Ben helped me get through it all. My Beta was the savior I never thought would come at the right time. I thought he had died thirteen y
~Ace~As a father, I felt a great sense of failure knowing that my daughter was in danger. I had entrusted her to the wrong man. Maxton Adams, I swore that I would tear his body apart. I promised I would crush his heart with my own hands.I sniffed the trail my daughter left. I sniffed at home. Rose came home, but I didn't find her there.If I'm right, Rose is in the cursed place where Maxton Adams performed the Alpha King Salvatore resurrection ritual."Motherfucker! I will kill Maxton Adams if he dares to lay a hand on my daughter!" I swear by the moon goddess.The place was far away, in the middle of the forest. I drove hundreds of miles from home to the forest, following my instincts until my daughter's scent grew more assertive. I ran into the woods."It's not far from here." I stopped for a moment. My breathing quickened in sync with my rising heartbeat. My eyes darted around. I could only hear the sounds of the nocturnal animals in the area, but I was sure my daughter's whereab
~Rosemary~I screamed, but no one listened. I cried bitterly, but no one cared. All I could see in front of me was a bunch of crazy people performing a ritual while casting spells. I was tired. I was in pain. I wanted to go home."Mom, Dad, take me home!" I begged with a voice I couldn't even hear.I closed my eyes and remembered all my good memories with my family. No more sobs were coming out of my mouth, but the tears were flowing harder and harder. Then, suddenly, everything went silent. The voices of the spell casters faded, and all I could hear was Rylee's laughter. I missed him."Rylee, I'm sorry." If this was the last day I lived and God gave me a chance to hug Rylee, I wanted to tell him I was sorry.I knew it wasn't real, but seeing Rylee laughing and taunting me felt natural. It was just an illusion, but the corners of my lips turned up. I missed him. I realized that he was the one who had always tried to protect me. He always took care of me when Dad wasn't around.The nex
~Rosemary~I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. Mr. Adams was the one behind the attack on Collin's house. But why would he do that?"Oh, Rosemary. I'm sorry if I frightened you." Mr. Adams made a concerned expression, but I knew it was fake."Why are you doing this?" I dared to ask.My head felt empty. I couldn't think. I still didn't believe that what Collin had said about Mr. Adams was true. But I don't think so Mr. Adams is a demon worshipper. If he can do all that and act like an angel while all he's doing is acting like a demon, then he's a demon himself.Dad was fierce and strict with me, but he never hurt me like Mr. Adams hurt Collin. Dad never hurt Mom either, even though Mom was in a coma for a very long time. If Dad wanted, he could have remarried another woman and sought his happiness, but Dad chose to be loyal to Mom and take care of her until she woke up from her coma. I am so thankful to have my family. I can't imagine what life must have b