Chapter Twenty-One
1175 Words
“Run, my child! Run!” My head snapped to the side.
“Child run!” A chilly voice screamed but I couldn't see her.
“Don't let them get to you. I beg you.” The voice cried. I panted heavily in fear.
“Promise me you'll live. Promise me you'll stay alive and protect yourself?” The voice held so much sorrow in it.
I peeled my lips to answer but I couldn't speak.
“I-I-I—”
An earth chattering scream broke into air and sounds of glass bursting nearly deafened me. Angry red flame erupted into the dark night from nowhere and I found myself screaming too.
That voice, the screaming voice somehow belonged to—me.
My eyes snapped open. I gasped out a breathe. My throat raw like I was truly screaming in real life too.
My skin felt clammy. It hummed all over and I realized I was drenched in my own sweat. My hair clinging to my face and clothes.
Then I felt it, hot searing heat crawling all over my back like prickles of needles. I shut my mouth tight to hold back a scream, only letting a shaky breathe through.
Oh no.
I picked myself up from my bed, heading towards the bathroom with sloppy steps.
Another rush of heat pierced through my back and I let out a breathe.
Oh no please.
I pulled my lips between my teeth, frustration building up inside of me.
This couldn't be happening to me here, now.
I clicked the door shut behind me. Peeled off my shirt and turned my back to the mirror. I let out a wince.
The lines on my back were glowing bright red. My attention snapped to my eyes and I gasped, taking a step back.
My eyes, they've never glowed this brightly before. My back has never been this painful before.
It ached. It burned and it made my skin crawl with sweat but it was mostly tolerable.
I collapsed to my knees, breathing harshly as another bolt of pain sliced through my back.
I forced myself to stay calm, I got into the tiny tub on the side, turned on the water until it was full and then I drowned myself into it.
A cry of relief rippled through me.
The water soothed the biting burn and heat a little.
I had no idea how long I laid in the tub, my mind dangling in and out of consciousness.
Maybe a little over an hour.
I could breathe easier now. My mind was reeling.
This wasn't supposed to happen now. It only occurred twice a year since I turned thirteen.
I just had an episode with it not too long ago before this entire catastrophe began.
It was too soon. I chewed at my lips worriedly.
I hoped this didn't occur again out of no where for the rest of the year.
I heard a faint knock on my front door. Immediately followed by two shuffling feets in the room.
I knew who they were before their voices reached my ears.
“Valerie?” Aria's soft voice called.
My eyes widened in panic and then relaxed when I recalled the door to the bathroom was securely locked.
I was too weak and exhausted to lift a hand up, no less even respond.
Forcing my limbs to move. I climbed out of the tub. I missed it already.
“Valerie? Are you in there?” Aria called again.
“She's definitely in there.” Melanie's more relaxed voice said loudly.
I picked up a robe and put it on. Checking my eyes in the mirror to make sure it was fine now.
With a deep breathe. I pulled the door open, putting a smile on my face to erase any sign of the last two hours from my face.
“Hiii.” I waved, stepping out to casually pass by Aria with that false smile.
“Why do you look like you wrestled against ten thousand wolves.” Melanie bluntly asked and I turned to her dramatically scrunched up face.
Because I just did. “Your dress looks pretty.” I abruptly noted. It did look really pretty.
It was now my turn to crease my brows. My eyes turned to Aria and she also had an elegant green dress on.
“Is there an occasion?” I Inquired hoping to distract them both.
“Well tonight is the bonfire night Missie.” Melanie told me eagerly.
I'm sure the look on my face expressed my confusion enough.
“The bonfire night is held every once a month, a few surrounding packs are invited to join.” Melanie explained. “It gives wolves the opportunity to find their mates.” My heart clenched at the word mate.
“Oh.” I said, moving to my bed to sit carefully. I could feel Aria watching my every move but I pretend not to.
“It sounds like a lot of events goes on here.” I pointed out.
“Well welcome to the Royal pack. It's necessary to have these events and engagements so wolves can meet and bond. Helps to build peace and unity, maintain alliances and prevent division amongst packs and people.” Aria softly added, moving to stand in front of me.
She placed her hand against my forehead and my breath hitched. “You're burning.” She said.
My back stiffened. “Uhh, I woke up with a headache.” I said, my voice low and then she hummed.
“You're still going to the bonfire.” Melanie chirped in, heading to the small closet in the room and she ruffled through it.
My mouth opened and closed. “C-can I maybe pass that?” I whispered, rubbing my neck.
Melanie's head snapped to me, her hands on her chest as she gaped at me.
“Not attend the bonfire, like miss it? That's blasphemy Valerie.” She concluded, appalled.
“Besides you don't want Mira thinking the only reason you're not present is because she knocked your butt down and now you're avoiding her.” Her eyes turned to one of determination. “I'll never let that happen.”
She picked up a black dress I didn't know I possessed out of the closet and brought it towards us.
“Valerie we can't leave you in here alone anyway. It'll be better if we can keep an eye on you at the bonfire.” Aria assured softly, pushing my wet hair out of my face.
I sighed heavily. My body still felt weak, my eyes twitched with sleep ever so often. I wasn't able to get enough sleep with all the nightmares either.
My lips curved into to small shaky smile. “Okay.”
“Yayy.” Melanie clapped, once.
“Now come on, go get ready.” She instructed excitedly and I took the dress, heading straight for the bathroom.
I couldn't shake off Aria's quiet and watching eyes drilling into the back of my head.
- Writer
