"Mama, do you think she will ever wake up...this is the week of..." I heard the voice of a little girl, just before she was cut off by her mother, piercing through the thick fog of darkness coating my entire being."Shush...we will talk outside. Considering her vitals and her chi's rehabilitation, it is possible that she won't be asleep for so long now. Come, let us go towards the kitchen. Your father will be coming back anytime soon."Dimly, I watched the mother take the little girl, whose height I couldn't determine due to the haziness. They hadn't noticed that I was awake. As they walked out of the room, I tried to open my eyes fully and put my limbs into motion, but I was greeted with an onslaught of pain and agony, which reminded me of the events I had last recalled. The beating. The triplets. How was I still alive?I attempted once again to open my eyes fully, but the stinging pain forced me to close them just slightly. I would have to settle for a minute fraction of sight.
I woke up again, and this time around, the stinging sensation in my eyes and lips had subsided. Eager to be up and moving, I attempted to open my eyes upon regaining consciousness. I peeked at first, cautiously surveying the empty room, and then fully opened my eyes. The room remained quiet, just as it had been before. However, there was one notable change—the intravenous drip had been replaced by a bowl emitting a fragrant incense-like aroma. Intrigued by the pleasant scent, I refrained from inspecting it too closely, assuming it must have contributed to my improved health. Curiosity compelled me to turn my neck in the opposite direction, gazing toward the left side of the room. Surprisingly, the pain was less pronounced, encouraging me to turn fully and examine the previously unobserved area. It appeared to be a working room of a pack doctor, adorned with herbs, shrubs, and traditional paraphernalia. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, I found myself unafraid. The reason fo
The barking of a dog woke me up this time. Still feeling groggy, I let my hand pat and stretch on the bed, stopping short when I noticed something. I was clothed. Who had done so? The first time, I hadn’t even noticed if I was clothed or not. The pain hadn’t allowed me that luxury of feeling anything. But the second time, I had been naked save for a thin gown which correlated to the normal hospital gown. However, I was in a pair of shorts and a thin polo now. How? Who had been in charge of my dressing? I hoped it was the female stranger. The thought of the man peeking at my body, even though he was likely the doctor and seemed sincere, didn’t sit well with me. I have always preferred female doctors. Should that be your headache now? My head taunted me and I scoffed mentally, unready to admit its accuracy; there were more things to worry about than who had been in charge of my wardrobe. I noticed then that I felt lighter; normal, no pain of any sort. I must be completely healed!
“Are you thirsty?” That was Diana. She must have noticed my insistent gaze on the blue colored ceramic cup and the golden water pitcher on the wooden table just beside the bed I had just laid. We were almost at the doorstep, but my quest for water had me taking a look at the source of thirst-quench for the umpteenth time.“Yes. I am.” I answered, standing still, my eyes peering down at her, my lips stretching in a thin smile when I saw the smirk cloak her lips. She found my desperation for water funny. Well, she could smirk away, as long as she got me what I wanted.“Okay then. Give me a second.” She said, before walking fast to the table to do my bidding. Seeing as she grabbed both the pitcher and the cup, I believed she had the foresight to know that just one cup wouldn’t be enough to quench my thirst.“Here you go.” She said, before handing over to me, the water pitcher and the cup. Without much ado, I opened the cup-for it had a cover, and poured some water into it; draining
We have been walking for about five minutes on a tiny path, west of the abode where I had been treated. Actually, I was not sure about the time frame. Diana has been talking non stop since we had embarked on this short journey to meet her parents, in the farmland. That’s where she said we were going to; the farmland. Turns out that this was really a village to the truest form. I lost track of time, because her stories were quite rich and interesting, containing facts I should know about the village, in case I got accosted by another villager, and got queried because I was a new face. I was even considering changing my name. From Diana’s tales, the ruler of the village was a queen, whose king had died some ten years ago. Diana believed the woman was strong and had chosen her as her role model. Well, I would be the judge of that when I encounter the said woman; not that I was any good judge of character. Adam was proof of that. Evil, yet dwelling in a handsome innocent body. I cou
The penetrating gazes of my saviors had me biting my lip nervously. I was nervous because I didn’t know what they would do to me, now that I was awake. Would they send me away, or would they keep me? I was hoping for the latter.“Maya…” The woman called this time around, placing her hand on my shoulder, her eyes a canvas of affection and care. These were loving people, and I wished to stay with them longer if they would take me in.“I am fine, I am just nervous.” I said, deciding to be upfront with them-that way I would know my stand and the next step to take.“About what?” The man asked. I still didn’t know his name.“Well, I am awake now. And even though I can't thank you enough for nursing me back to life, I was wondering what you will do with me now. Will you send me away or keep me? That is the reason for my nervousness.” I answered, looking everywhere but at them. It was as if my old timid self was coming back and I didn’t like it. This was a new place, and a good place to sta
Peter was right. Laura’s mac was the most delicious I have ever tasted. Damn! What the hell did she use to prepare it? I thought, as I scooped the last serving on my plate. With the tail of my left eye, I checked to see how the people around the table were faring, and found out that they were still eating gently, in little amounts.Well, they must be used to eating such a rich dish. I had to admit that Laura beat my mother hands down in mac preparation. I thought of asking for more, but shyness wouldn't let me. Fortunately, Diana saw the want and greed painted on my face.“You want more, Maya?” She asked me, and for a minute I was glad that she had read my mind, or my face, whichever one it was. At her question, Laura and Peter looked up from their plates and stared at me. There was a notable smirk playing on Peter’s lips that almost had me groaning for the victory which I knew he was already stewing in.I bit my lips under their gazes, and looked at the window, not ready to agre
Perusing the details of the house once again, I knew I would like it here, that is, if Peter and his wife would have me. They were yet to broach the issue. Hopefully, they would quell my curiosity after dinner.“Here, Maya. I think this is the last serving. I pray it will be enough to quell your hunger which is quite understandable. You haven’t really eaten solid food for more than three months. Every meal was squeezed to its liquid form and transfused into your system.” Laura said as she dropped a plate of mac in front of me.The smell dispelled my regret of raiding their pot. But still, I attempted to sound sympathetic over the issue. “I am sorry...” But Laura wouldn’t have any of it to my relief. “Don’t worry, Maya. Just eat on.” She said, before turning and walking to her seat. Turning aside, I caught Diana wink at me. I smiled then. She seemed to know that I was anything but sorry. The girl knew a lot more than her age. I wondered who her teacher was, or if there was a school
Noah sighed at my question; the first sign that showed he was aware of my presence. But Adam and Daniel remained as they were. Noah’s sigh spoke of irritation. I hated it."If you are so irritated with me, Noah, then take your half baked self and leave with your people. Why do you even bother to come here when you know how selective I am with people?" I questioned, folding my arms across my chest, wondering what happened to the fear from before. My moods were similar to those exhibited by females during their menstruation period. Noah gave me no response, not even a glance. He just stared ahead, into space. I hated to be ignored, but I will be caught dead before I admitted that, or reflect that in my face.I looked at Claire. She was just staring at me blankly. "Who the hell are you? Daniel told me the assumptions you had made about them the last time they were here."Instantly Adam and Noah glared at their brother who tried not to squirm under their gazes.Well well well. I see w
As Levina announced that my old friend was here to see me, my heart sank like a stone in water, only because I knew that if Naomi was here, then the triplets were already at the Queen's palace. Before I gave into my fright mode, I noticed that Levina's eyebrow was piqued; she couldn't believe that I had another friend, especially from the pack."Do you know her? Is she your friend?" The emphasis on friends spoke of her unbelief and mild jealousy. This would be the first. Levina is jealous over friendships, but now magic?I gave a slow nod.She shrugged her shoulders. "Well, they are waiting by the counter?""They?" Raul asked, echoing my thoughts. They had come with Naomi to this place? Daniel must have been their director then.Fear gripped me instantly, squeezing my chest so tight I could barely breathe. The memories flooded back without hesitation– the cruel words, the relentless bullying that had haunted me for so long, despite being kept at bay by my sense of 'I have magic now,
Levina darted her eyes between I and Raul, wondering if it was a good choice to leave the drama that was about to unfold. When she stood up, I was sure that she had made the choice to hear a drama she wanted to happen, from me; for if she chose to stay, it might not happen. It amused me. I watched, keeping the amusement away from my face, as she sauntered away from me, to the door. She was about to leave when Raul suddenly called her back, drawing my attention to him for the first time since he had come into the store room. "What's my mother delivery doing here?" It was then I realized that I was still squatting by the carton. Oh god. I mentally palmed my head, since doing that physically would only toughen the uncertain situation we were already in. How do I convince Raul that I had not touched the carton? "I don't know. We had been offloading the cartons when we had seen it." Levina's confidence was something to be envied. Raul looked at her, and then at me. I had stood up imm
I found out that the boy Levina liked was Sinclair. Back in class, when the headboy was listing the rules and regulations by which the contest will be governed by, I had, out of a whim, turned aside to look at my friend; only to find out that she was watching Sinclair as an ardent fan would; not just a mere fan, but a fan in love with her object of fanship. Levina had been been hanging on his every word. And when he had called out her name—as the my campaign manager—listing off the do's and don'ts of her office, I had watched her ears turn pink. I had been amused. But I hadn't told her. That would’ve embarrassed her the more. I had decided to wait until she was secured enough to let me know about her likeness for the headboy and when it had started. Has Sinclair noticed her love for him? I wondered, subtly glancing at her now. Well if he did, he had a good way of hiding it. It made me consider the nuggets I had given Levina earlier; the ‘ignore him yet be in his space’ advice. Sin
This week has been uneventful. I surmised as I watched the professor summarize her teaching for the day. Even my magic classes that had been slotted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays had been uneventful. Seeing as I had a better control of my magic, I just did as they asked me, without any extra flourish. There was not a note of extra in me, of having fun whilst doing magic—not with the threat of Adam and his brothers hanging over me. Since the week started, till now, I had been waiting for the drop of the other shoe, but so far nothing has happened. It was like last weekend didn't happen, like my scar hadn't shown itself. And for my neck, all efforts to cover the mark had been futile. So, I had taken to wearing scarfs around my neck, and since it was a cold season, no one had raised an eyebrow at the piece of accessory which had never been equated to me. I had also gotten more friends, than I would have liked, or rather acquitances—people who liked me because I wasn't an ordinar
As I walked out of the Queen’s palace which was now filled with suffocating air, my heart pounded like a drum. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that Adam might have found out who I really was. I couldn’t shake off the fact that he might put two together—the mark and my accurate information on Maya—and conclude that I was she whom he sought. Maya. The thought of this possibility sent shivers down my spine, and my mind raced with fear and uncertainty.For months, I've hidden my identity well, keeping the truth open to my adopted family alone, keeping it tucked away from prying eyes and whispers in the community and the pack. But now, a careless slip, a moment of indiscretion on my own end, and everything had come crashing down—it felt like the walls were closing in on me. Could this be the reason why my significant other hadn’t wanted me to speak to their parents?‘Was it the reason?’There was no response; just the thrumming of energy I felt. She was choosing to keep quiet? Quite unde
Had I dug myself deep into a hole by bringing up the subject about Maya? I wondered, sinking into the tension that had surrounded us after Adam's last statement. Rachel's mouth has never gotten around getting closed, and Raul's grip had tightened on my hand. The triplets all had smirks on their lips, masking, almost completely, the uncomfortableness that the topic on Maya had brought up. I shook my head. Even if I hadn't talked about Maya, the triplets wouldn't have allowed Raul to leave here with me, without making some lame agreement. "Dora, is this right? Did you agree to it?" Raul asked, incredulity ringing in his voice. I hissed from irritation, before I could stop it, causing Noah's smirk to get more prominent. "Why would you think I will agree to such stupid suggestion made by egocentric fools to soothe their egos because a girl turned them down?" "I'm sorry, I just…" "You thought I will be way over my head because three fine ass boys were coming for me." I freed my hand
At my question, I noticed first that the boys became confused. They were still sporting looks that claimed that I was lying, that I was wasting time, but at the same time, I could see the doubt of their own selves, of their own story accounts, like they weren't sure of their earlier stance. I saw it in Adam's jerk, and his subtle staggering back, as if I had dealt him a blow. I saw it in Noah’s lip biting intermittent motions. I saw it in Daniel’s subtle shifting of feet, and twitching hands. Then, I saw Adam dart a glance at his brother, Noah, then at himself—an inward look into his mind—as if trying to recall something that seemed out of his grasp. His brothers were in the same turmoil, and if I wasn't hearing their heart rate, if I wasn't as confused as they are, I might have called them liars. But my ears were attuned to their heart rate, my eyes were attuned to the several emotions that ran through their face in split seconds. The triplets were confused.They were confused abo
I would have said no to Raul's request if we were alone in the hallway, considering the topic I had just bashed Duke for, considering the fact he had been aware of the matter, but for the Lycan boys. Rachel had no place in my thoughts. If I were to deny Raul his request, then the purpose of kissing him in the first place would be defeated. I couldn’t allow that. Not that I regretted the kiss though. "Yeah, sure. I would love that." I managed to say without gritting my teeth, even going ahead to clasp his hand in my mine, when what I wanted exactly, was to slap him for endorsing his family's misconduct. He must have known my thoughts on him, because he instantly made an apology with his eyes. I diverted my gaze, I wasn't going to forgive him that easily, not even with those cute eyes of his. I made no comment as I and Raul walked past Rachel and Adam, not until Daniel called me, right after I walked past him and Noah. "You must think me a joke, if you believed I was going to let y