Strange Wolf Love

The dense graveyard fog barely revealed the cracked tombstones. Among the graves, a heavily built man sprinted, tripping over exposed roots. His chest burned, and his pulse hammered in his ears like a runaway drum. Every time he cast a glance behind him, the freezing air cut deep into his lungs. A harrowing howl rent the night silence, chilling him to the bone. "I’ll give you everything I have, just don't kill me! I wasn't the one who betrayed you!" he pleaded into the empty air, hands trembling in sheer panic. His desperate pleas were useless. A ferocious silhouette emerged from the gloom at superhuman speed and lunged at him. The impact slammed him onto the damp earth, and before he could scream, thick fangs breached his throat. His life slipped away in a smothered gasp. Without wasting a second, the beast dragged the lifeless body deep into the shadows, leaving behind only a trail of fresh blood that the fog quickly swallowed up. Miles away from that darkness, morning broke crisp and pristine on the other side of the city. "Welcome, everyone, to the prestigious Nordercambrer Academy," a voice announced over the loudspeaker system with a metallic echo. "The institution where only the most influential families gather, and where only a chosen few manage to gain entry. Today marks the first day for many of you. Wishing you the absolute best, your host and coordinator, Laila. I will see you at the lunchtime briefing, and please make yourselves at home, as this promises to be an unforgettable experience." Nordercambrer stood as a monument to luxury and exclusivity, completely unreachable for anyone outside the upper echelons of power. The imposing structure was clad in reflective glass that glinted under the morning sun like polished mirrors. Opulence dominated its hallways, filled with the aroma of exquisite dishes no average person could ever dream of buying. Crossing through its grand doors, newly admitted students wore pristine uniforms: dark blue blazers, crisp white shirts, and red ties, paired with dark trousers for the young men and pleated skirts with black tights for the young women, completed by gleaming leather shoes. Inside one of the classrooms, a slender young man sat quietly at his desk. He stared blankly out the window, his short, messy hair and long bangs partially veiling his eyes. His skin was pale, his demeanor aloof. Out in the hallway, whispers spread rapidly. "Look, there he is again," someone muttered under their breath. "Yeah, he acts like he's high and mighty, but he's a nobody. Word is he's only here on a scholarship. Plus, he doesn't even stay in the dorms, he goes back to his place, which is supposedly a total dump," another classmate chimed in. "He's a total antisocial freak. Best to keep your distance, unless you want to catch whatever he has," a girl giggled quietly to her group before shifting the topic. "Anyway, what did your dad get you for making it in? I got a trip to a beach resort." "That's awesome! My parents got me something amazing too," they continued, their voices drifting off into laughter. You know I can hear you, right? the boy thought without turning away from the glass, letting out a long, slow sigh. His hands clenched tightly as a knot of frustration tightened in his chest. I'm only putting up with this because I want to... and because I made a promise. The classroom door swung open, cutting off the chatter. "Alright, everyone, time to settle down," announced a broad-shouldered teacher wearing glasses, dressed in a slightly tight brown suit and carrying a worn leather briefcase. "Before we begin, as you know, today is orientation day for our new arrivals, so please come on in," he motioned toward the hallway. Five students filed into the room. However, the last one to cross the threshold instantly drew every eye in the room. The teacher asked them to begin their introductions. That was when the last boy raised his gaze toward the class. "My name is Emil, and I'll be turning sixteen soon," he stated with steady composure. Emil was slim and noticeably shorter than average. He had jet-black hair long enough to cover his ears, but what stood out most were his striking light-hazel eyes, glowing with a distinct intensity. Taking a closer look, several girls in the room gasped softly and began whispering among themselves, feeling a sudden warmth flush across their cheeks. "He's gorgeous..." "He's so pretty, and his voice is so soft, it makes him look ridiculously cute," they murmured, unable to pull their eyes away. The boy by the window snapped his head around at the sound of the newcomer's voice. For a brief second, their eyes locked. Liam felt a sudden drop in his stomach and a heavy thud echoing in his ears. What on earth is this? he questioned himself, bewildered by the warmth creeping up his neck after maintaining eye contact for merely two seconds. "Hey, Liam! Earth to Liam!" the teacher in the brown suit interrupted, tapping his knuckles against the wooden desk by the window. "Our new student is going to take the seat right next to you." With his cheeks visibly flushed, Liam tilted his head down to hide his composure breaking. "Sure...", he replied dryly. "Don't bother, sir. He's always like that, mute and completely antisocial," a blonde girl mocked from the back rows, triggering a wave of stifled laughter across the room. The teacher frowned and attempted to quiet the class, demanding order to officially begin the lesson. Damn it, why can't I even look him in the face? Liam chided himself, keeping his eyes firmly pinned to the corner of his notebook to hide his agitation. "Hi... Um, do you mind if I borrow a pencil? I forgot to bring one," the boy beside him asked gently. Receiving no response, Emil leaned in slightly. "Hey, can you hear me?" Liam remained frozen, his throat tight, not daring to turn his head. "Don't mind him, he's just like that, a total antisocial freak. Though if you ask me, he's just stuck-up," a dark-haired classmate sitting ahead turned around to intervene. "Here, you can borrow one of mine," he offered, holding out a pencil. As the hours passed, classes proceeded smoothly. Emil integrated into his surroundings effortlessly; his delicate features and natural charm made it easy for him to become the center of attention. Finally, the bell rang to mark the end of the day. Everyone began packing their bags and rushing out just as a heavy downpour began slamming against the campus buildings. Near the main entrance, Emil stood tucked in a corner, arms wrapped around himself to hide a subtle shiver as he watched the storm outside. The classmates he had talked to throughout the day had already left for their dormitories. Well, who expects to make real friends on their first day anyway? Emil reflected with a bitter smile, clenching his fists to keep anyone from noticing how nervous he actually was under the freezing rain. Liam, meanwhile, changed his shoes at the locker bay and was preparing to head out when he spotted Emil standing alone in the corner. That's odd... Wasn't he surrounded by people until the last bell? Guess it was just temporary fascination, the kind that catches attention for a minute and then fades away, he reasoned, adjusting his backpack strap. However, right before he took a step out into the rain, a deafening c***k of thunder shook the sky, accompanied by the blinding flash of lightning. Startled by the sudden shock, Emil jumped backward on instinct and collided right into Liam. The collision threw them both off balance, sending them crashing down into a mud puddle, soaking them instantly. "What is wrong with you?!" Liam snapped in annoyance, spinning around to confront him while brushing off the grime. Yet, what he saw standing so close to Emil left him utterly speechless.