Three Days To Lyla's BirthdayLyla POV:I blinked open my eyes, and it took a moment to realize that the canopy of leaves above me was not a ceiling, and the earthen floor under my feet was not carpet. I was in a forest, but not just any forest—it was ethereal, ancient, almost sacred. Towering trees stretched as far as the eye could see, their thick branches woven together like the intricate stitches of a grand tapestry. Ferns and wildflowers adorned the ground, their petals shimmering with the light that broke through the arboreal ceiling.But my eyes were immediately drawn past this natural grandeur to a structure that seemed both out of place and perfectly at home in these surroundings—a castle, grandiose and awe-inspiring. Unlike the werewolf castle I'd seen before, this one was the epitome of majesty, verging on divine. It stood tall, almost touching the sky, its spires glinting like golden arrows aimed at the heavens. Marble columns, intricate bas-reliefs, and gemstone-encrusted
Three Days To Lyla's BirthdayLyla POV:I jolted awake, my chest heaving like I'd run a marathon. A thin layer of sweat clung to my forehead as I scanned the room, trying to remind myself where I was. My bedroom, my sanctuary, yet it felt so foreign for a moment. The aftertaste of the dream—no, the nightmare—lingered, making it hard to distinguish reality from the haunting images that had filled my mind.Alana, who was busy studying at her desk, glanced up at me, worry etched into her features."Lyla, you okay? You look as if you've been through the wringer."I opened my mouth to respond but hesitated. How could I even begin to describe what I'd just experienced?"You ever have a dream so...vivid that you could swear it was real?"Alana placed her pen on the notebook, clearly sensing the urgency in my voice."No, not like you're describing. What happened? You're clearly shaken."With a sigh, I realized I couldn't keep it bottled up any longer. The dream was too vivid, too real, and it
Three Days To Lyla's BirthdayLyla POV:Alana's eyes still linger on me as I leave our room. I feel a peculiar weight on my shoulders like her gaze can unravel the confusion clouding my mind. But that's not possible, is it? People can't just look into your soul and understand you. And yet, as I walk down the hallway to my first class of the day, I can't shake off the feeling that Alana sensed my inner turmoil.The atmosphere in the classroom is its usual blend of apathy and low-key anxiety. Mr. Thompson is up at the front, scribbling something about cellular respiration on the board. As I sit down, my mind drifts away, and the board becomes a blur of meaningless lines and words.My phone buzzes in my pocket. It's a text from Cameron."Hey, how's it going? Wanna catch up later?"I hesitate. A week ago, I would've jumped at the chance to spend time with him. But now? Now everything's changed. There's a tight knot in my stomach that wasn't there before, an invisible wall that wasn't ther
Three Days To Lyla's BirthdayLyla POV:The dress I'm wearing tonight drapes gracefully over my figure, subtle yet captivating. I fasten the clasp of my silver necklace with a wolf pendant, a contrast to the opulence surrounding me. A flicker of uncertainty crosses my eyes. Tonight feels like a shifting point, but in what direction, I'm not sure.I shake off the unsettled feeling, picking up my clutch purse from the vanity. It's laced with gold trim that matches the room's decor, a blend of tasteful pastels and rich fabrics.Alana, lying on her bed, looks up from her book as I pass by. The silk sheets fold around her, enhancing her royal demeanour even in casual moments."You look stunning, Lyla.""Thanks, Alana," I answer, thankful for her words but catching the keen observation in her eyes.She sets her book aside, a slight frown on her face."Is everything alright? You seem...distracted.""I'm okay, just thinking about tonight," I reply, evading her questioning gaze.Alana looks at
One Day To Lyla's BirthdayLyla POV:I step into my VIP suite of a dorm room, kicking off my shoes. My desk is cluttered with textbooks, notebooks, and sticky notes highlighting exam dates and formulas I need to memorize. It's been two days since the magical date with Cameron and Samuel, but between the looming exams and my plummeting GPA, romance is the last thing on my mind.That is, until I spot another bouquet of roses on my coffee table, accompanied by a small gift box. It's the same every night for the last two days. Flowers gifts, but no sight of Cameron or Samuel. Even though these gifts make me feel a bit less lonely, their absence gnaws at me.I glance over at Alana, who's flipping through a fashion magazine, seemingly unburdened by academic woes."Have you seen Cameron or Samuel?" I finally blurt out, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.Alana lowers her magazine and grins knowingly."Don't worry, you'll see them soon. And once you do, you may never want to let them g
One Day To Lyla's BirthdayLyla POV:The dimly lit panic room was a heavy canvas of panic, anxiety, and raw emotion. Everywhere I looked, women, children, and the elderly were a blur of frightened faces and tearful eyes. While the room's walls were layered with ancient spells and state-of-the-art materials meant for protection, they felt oppressive, trapping us away from our loved ones outside.For a brief moment, hope ignited within me as I thought I glimpsed the familiar shapes of Lars and the triplets among the crowd. But as I approached, my heart sank; the resemblance was mere coincidence. My brothers were on the other side of those walls. A wave of helplessness washed over me, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.The somber quietude of the panic room was a stark contrast to the chaos I imagined beyond its walls. That quiet was soon shattered by another deafening explosion. The room shook, lights flickered, and a cascade of dust poured from the ceiling. Panic spread like wildfire;
One Day To Lyla's BirthdayLyla POV:The silence was deafening, every heartbeat echoing loudly in my ears. The dim light cast eerie shadows over the ragged faces of the rogue wolves. Their yellow eyes, glinting with malevolence, locked onto us with an unwavering, predatory gaze.Alana, in her large wolf form, stood protectively ahead, her sleek silver fur standing on end. The sharp contrast between her regal form and the mangy, dirt-matted fur of the rogues was evident. Her growls resonated deep and threatening, a clear sign of the imminent threat. Every muscle in her body was coiled, ready to spring.The first rogue lunged, snapping jaws aiming straight for Alana's throat. With incredible agility, she sidestepped, raking her claws against the rogue's flank. It let out a yelp of pain but was quickly replaced by another wolf.I swung a fallen branch, using it as a makeshift weapon. It connected with a rogue's head with a sickening thud. The weight of the blow sent it staggering backwar
One Day To Lyla's BirthdayLyla POV:The transition from unconsciousness to sudden alertness was jarring. My eyes fluttered open, and I was greeted by an expanse of golden vaulted ceilings adorned with intricately designed chandeliers. The light they emitted was soft and gentle, not stinging my eyes but offering just enough clarity to distinguish the lush details of the room.Every inch of the room screamed opulence. The walls were painted a deep burgundy, complemented by golden patterns that danced along the perimeter. Luxurious tapestries hung, detailing historical events that I didn't recognize. The floor beneath me was soft, a plush carpet woven with designs that held an unfamiliar crest. I was laid out on a canopy bed, its posts carved from rich mahogany and draped with deep crimson and gold velvets.The room's opulence was stifling. While the glow from the chandeliers was gentle, they cast eerie shadows on the walls. The massive bed on which I lay seemed to swallow me whole with