CHAPTER FIVE.

March 15, 2014.

( CLAUDE'S POV )

"Claude, wake up, wake up." A gentle push on my shoulders woke me up. I opened my eyes slowly and sat on the bed.

My body ached a little, and I stifled a yawn. And then something clicked in my mind, and my eyes widened.

"Hey, are you fine?" A calm voice beside me reminded me that I wasn't alone. 

"I'm fine Victoria." As I spoke, I wondered what was happening. Wasn't I supposed to be dead?

"Victoria, what year is it?" I asked with bated breath.

Victoria in turn looked at me with a weird expression.

"Are you sure you are fine, Claude?" She asked again.

"Do I look otherwise?" I retorted.

"You don't, and that's the problem." She shook her head.

I sneered inwardly at her words. To think that I had lived with such a white lotus who could pretend perfectly well. Had I been blind all along?

She told me the date, and I groaned. I was right.

I was back in time, and my room confirmed it.

I was about to get up from the bed when a sudden sharp pain made me fall back.

The pain spread from my lower back, down my legs.

"Lie still, Claude, you aren't fit to move yet. That's what the doctor said." Victoria smiled at me.

"Doctor? What-" A sharp pain quietened me, and I lay still whimpering on the bed.

"I said lie still, Claude." Victoria patted my head.

"I'm trying to. Where are the others?" I asked.

I knew what had happened. On this particular day, in my past life, I had tripped and had fallen down the stairs. 

I had hurt myself and was bedridden for weeks.

'Don't you think something instigated your fall?' I heard a voice in my mind, startling me.

"Did you hear that?" I gazed inquiringly at Victoria.

"What are you talking about?" She asked with a confused expression.

"Nevermind. I would like to have some quiet, can you leave?" I closed my eyes and pulled the duvet well over my body.

"Are you sending me out? But-"

"No buts, you don't want me to rest?" I asked her.

Weird enough, the look on her face was rejuvenating to me. I felt excited.

"No, that's not it. I will leave you to rest then." She bowed at me and walked out of the room.

I clicked my tongue loudly, not minding if she was just outside the door. She could eavesdrop for all I cared.

"What are you?" I asked in a whisper, while I looked around.

I was certain I had heard a clear voice in my mind.

'Nice to meet you, Claude.' The voice said again, and I jumped.

"You know my name?" I asked in confusion.

'Your question is quite silly. What inner wolf doesn't know the name of its master?' The voice drawled.

"My inner wolf?!!" I was as shocked as I was excited at her voice.

I had a wolf? 

My reaction wasn't unwarranted. In my past life, my inner wolf remained dormant. Even when I clocked eighteen.

Wait, my birthday was in a few days, and that was the day I would clock eighteen. But my inner wolf was already awake.

It made no sense at all.

'Quite funny. First, I would like to apologize for being late. Secondly, we are back in time, so we don't have to follow the normal sequence as known by every werewolf. Does that answer your question? I'm Ria by the way.' She explained.

"It does. Nice to meet you Ria, but I believe that wasn't necessary. It's not as if we are random strangers you know. You are my wolf, aren't you?" I was amused.

'Sure, you are. I'm just observing protocols.' The voice chuckled.

I tried getting up but winced in pain.

'Relax. You can actually heal yourself, but it would be too suspicious.' Ria giggled.

"I can?!" I yelled, and when I realized I would attract the attention of others, I lowered my voice to a whisper.

'Of course. The benevolent Moon goddess always gives an extra gift to every reincarnator.' Ria explained.

"But I didn't reincarnate." I protested. I didn't feel like I had any powers at all.

'What difference is there? We traveled back in time and came back to life in a sense. A reincarnator also comes back to life, so what's the difference?'

"Whatever... So you mean I have powers now?" I asked as I felt excitement surging through my veins.

'You do. But you can never use it to do evil, else we will die.' Ria warned.

"What I'm I? A villain?" I rolled my eyes.

Ria didn't respond.

"How do you know all these by the way?" I asked. I wanted to know how she was so knowledgeable while I wasn't.

'I guess that's my own bonus point, whatcha say? It would be quite unfair if you have your gift, while I don't, don't you think?' Ria drawled.

"I get it, don't yell." I laughed.

'When did I yell?' She retorted.

"Don't know. Well, the Moon goddess has given us a chance. Each and everyone who hurt me must pay." My gaze hardened as I bowed.

I felt a familiar surge of anger flow through me, and I groaned.

There was no way I was going to be a fool in my new life. My best friend took what was the most valuable to me, and it would only be fair if I returned the favor to her.

'Are you going to kill her? Remember, no bloodshed.' Ria said in alarm.

"Killing my enemies can't be counted as evil, can it? Don't worry, I'm not a bad person, and I wouldn't hurt innocent people." I reassured.

'But-'

"Ria, take a chill pill and rest. I said I wouldn't do anything bad. However, I wouldn't let anyone trample on me.

 Anyone, including the people who birthed me." My voice turned icy cold.

'Your parents?!' Ria shrieked.

"I would treat them as one if they behave as such." I silenced her protest.