0007.

NIYLAH'S POV

Jack!!!!!" Nova screamed, rushing into the room.

********

Henry immediately left the room.

"Wait," I called out, but he didn't stop.

I watched him disappear into the crowd, feeling both relieved and confused.

What was that spark I saw in his eyes?

Why did he save me?

I shook my head, pushing the thoughts aside.

Jack stood up, adjusting his belt, and I followed suit, instinctively covering myself with my hand. For some reason, my gut told me Nova(my roommate)would blame me. When she burst into the room, her anger directed at me, she demanded, “What's going on here?”

“I don't know.” I tried to explain, tears streaming down my face, hoping Nova would believe me.

Her gaze shifted to Jack, questioning him. “Is that what happened?” she inquired, but Jack responded with a smirk,

“Did you just question me because of what this thing said? You don't trust me? You think I will force myself on this dirty pig?” He then turned to me, his eyes cold, “Find proper evidence to back up your lie,” he sneered before storming out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

As we watched him leave, the room fell silent. Hilda and Nova turned their puzzled gazes towards me, and I shook my head. Hilda stepped closer, asking, “Did you try to sleep with my friend's boyfriend?” I shook my head in denial.

“No. I just went to check who was at the door. I thought it was you guys. Please forgive me.' I quickly clarified, But before I knew it, a heavy slap echoed through the room, knocking me to the floor. Tears streaming down my face,, “Please, believe me,” I pleaded.

“How can I believe you? Look at what you're wearing - just panties and a bra. And you expect me to believe you?” Nova's voice cut through the air, She walked closer, lowering herself to my level. “I thought you'd be loyal, but you're more of a beast,” she spat. With a sharp tug, she yanked my hair, causing a sharp pain to shoot through my scalp.

“Please, don't do this to me. I'm innocent,” Trembling, I begged, and Nova released my hair.

“Get out of this room and don't come back,”Hilda's voice rang out, as she tossed me a hoodie Liam had given me.

Nova's words cut deep, "I'll only let you in when Jack reconciles with me, fool," she spat, pushing me towards the door.

Realizing I couldn't change her mind, I hurriedly put on the jackets she handed me before she could kick me out. As she shoved me outside and slammed the door, I felt exposed in the oversized hoodie that barely covered half of my legs. No matter how much I tugged at it, the fabric refused to budge.

I pondered where to go next, hoping they would listen to my side of the story. Just then, the door swung open, revealing Hilda standing there. "If security sees you crying here and starts asking questions, you're dead. Find your own way," she warned before slamming the door shut.

I questioned why I had to endure such suffering, why I had to be falsely accused and go through so much before finding peace.

If I stay here one more second, I might just burst out crying loudly. I must look awful right now.

As I started walking away, I felt the weight of the states around me. I tried to ignore the whispers, but the words they hurled at me were too much. I had managed to stop crying, but their hurtful words made tears stream down my cheeks without warning.

Walking out of the hostel building, passing by the classrooms, I knew I had to make it to school. I thought of ducking into one of the classes, but when I peeked in, I saw a couple engaged in public displays of affection. It was so distasteful; how could they act like that in broad daylight?

"Niylah," a voice called out from behind, causing me to freeze in place. I turned around to see Alpine glaring at me fiercely, with Jack standing next to her. He had just left our hostel, and here he is flashing me a mischievous smile.

Alpine stroll over to me, a devilish smile playing on his lips."Why are you barefoot? Did you run away from home?" She inquired, and I instinctively squeezed my legs, trying to conceal the fact.

"Emmm," my voice faltered, and she grinned, folding her arms across her chest, waiting for my response.

"I don’t need an explanation. Anyway, I have a shoe for you," she stated, stepping back to give Jack an opportunity to draw near.

"If you dare breathe a word to Nova about what you've seen, I'll make sure to roast you alive," he threatened through clenched teeth, earning a shady look from me.

Ignoring his warning, I pursed my lips as Alpine approached me. "Put this on," she commanded with a wicked smile, and I sensed trouble brewing. Refusing to comply, I simply stared at her. "Put it on!" She yelled, sending shivers of fear down my spine.

As I stood there, shaking, I could feel the weight of the situation. I decided to put on the shoes, even though it didn't feel right. Alpine's sweet smile didn't ease my discomfort.

"It suits you well," she remarked, adjusting my hair before dismissing me. As I walked away without a backward glance, the shoes felt like they were glued to my feet.

Exiting the school, I sensed eyes on me, but no one spoke up.

I kept walking with no destination in mind, lost in my thoughts.

As I wandered a bit, a sense of relief washed over me, pushing the recent events to the back of my mind.

That's my approach to life, too. I don't hold onto painful memories. If something hurts, I try to forget and move forward.

Despite feeling abandoned by others, I knew my wolf would always stand by me, offering comfort and support.

"What's on your mind?" I responded, a smile playing on my lips.

"Tell me, how would you react when you meet your mate for the first time?" My wolf inquired, sparking curiosity and excitement within me.

"I can't wait to see him, to have him accept me as his mate, to share intimate moments together, to get mad over silly things just to get an apology, to brag about him, to cry when I'm feeling down, to spend all day with him. I really can't wait for that moment," I expressed, feeling my wolf's happiness grow within me.

"I can't wait to tell you who your mate is," my wolf added, and at that moment, I heard a honk beside me. I turned to see a car parked next to me.

I couldn't see who it was since the car's windows were tinted, but then the driver started rolling down the window. I was surprised to see Liam smiling at me.

"Liam!" I exclaimed, and he playfully complimented me, making me feel a bit self-conscious.

"Where are you off to? You're looking sexy," he teased, his eyes scanning me from head to toe, causing me to adjust my clothes shyly.

"How did you know it's me?" I questioned, and he gestured for me to step inside.

"me?" I pointed at myself, seeking clarification, and he nodded. I made my way to the other side, and he graciously opened the door for me to enter.

"I recognized you by the jackets. He explained, and I acknowledged his observation by nodding. After fastening my seatbelt, he started the car.

"Where are you heading too?" he inquired, and I took a deep breath, unsure of where to begin explaining. Liam was like my friend, and I didn't want to deceive him.

"I had a falling out with my roommates, and they kicked me out," I confided, noticing a flicker of concern on his face.

"Really? Why would they do that? Who are they?" His voice carried a hint of anger.

"Ivory, Nova, and Hilda," I revealed, and suddenly, the car came to an abrupt stop, causing me to sway with the motion.

"I'm sorry," he apologized, then resumed driving. "I can't believe what you just told me. Ivory is your roommate?" he asked, seeking confirmation, to which I silently nodded.

"Where are you heading to?" I asked out of curiosity about our destination.

"My house. You need a good freshening up; you look a bit unkempt," he remarked, causing my eyes to widen.

"Your house?" I inquired, and he confirmed, "Yes." "What do you mean by 'I look unkempt'?" I questioned with a puzzled expression, and he nervously smiled.

"I'm sorry for the choice of words. You just seem a bit rough and in need of rest," he explained, though I understood his point, I felt hesitant about going to his house. I didn't want to feel like a burden.

"I don't think I can come with you to your house," I expressed, to which he smiled.

"Sorry, but we're already here," he teased, parking in front of the building. I gazed at it through the front mirror.

"Wow!" I exclaimed. I had only seen such beautiful houses in movies. He got out of the car, and I followed suit, still admiring the building.

"Welcome to my house," he greeted, heading inside. I hesitated, choosing not to follow him in.

"Wow, I can smell your mate here. Follow him in, let's go see your mate," my wolf groaned excitedly, making me wonder what she was talking about.

"My mate?" My mind raced, and I decided to follow Liam, my heart beating a hundred miles away from my flesh. My mate is here, meaning I will be meeting him today.

Liam opened the door and gestured for me to step in, which I did gradually. I entered, and he followed, shutting the door firmly behind us.

I gazed at the seating room in awe, my eyes taking in each accessory inside the room. It looked so dazzling and amazing.

"Inside the room, your mate is there," my wolf insisted, trying to push me forward. I tried my best to control myself; it isn't proper to visit someone for the first time and barge into their room.

"Come have a seat," Liam said, pointing to the couch, and I walked over, taking my seat.

"I wonder where this ex-dickhead is," he muttered, and I pondered who he was referring to.

The room my wolf had instructed me to enter suddenly burst open, and my gaze was drawn there, eager to see who would step out.

I was completely stunned when I saw Ivory coming out of the room with Henry's hand on her shoulder, planting kisses on her cheeks.

"Your mate is here, Niylah," my wolf said, "Henry is my mate?" Despite all my prayers to the moon goddess, is this how she answered them?