The Huntress Luna

Chapter 5 At The Door

(Arya)

Kyle didn't shake. He just stood in front of the door, his eyeballs fixed on me in a way that made me shake. This wasn't the warm welcome I was expecting, instead it was a chance to interrogate me.

"Everybody in Whitestone is talking about you," he said finally. "How bold of you to walk in here on your own. You also won a fight you normally shouldn't be able to win. And you expect me to believe that you're lucky?"

My first flooded by my side. I intentionally avoided eye contact. "I'm not as bad as you think."

He creased his eyebrows. "Or maybe there's something you're hiding."

The words took a heavy toll on me. I kept my cool. My face didn't shrink. Rodrick taught me what to do— how to react in times like this. I could literally tell lies even when a knife is at throat "I don't owe you any story about my past," I said flatly.

"Yes," he said, his eyes flickering, "but you have to be honest with me if you want to remain here."

There was something strange about his tone, it sent blood rushing down my spine. The most annoying part was my wolf restless beneath me, trying to betray me with my increased heartbeat. Mate, she said again. I wanted to delete the word out of my mind.

"I already proved myself," I fired back. "You all saw it today. If that's not enough, then send me away."

For a while we stared at each other in silence, our breaths echoed in the hallway. His eyes ransacked me like he was trying to tear my skin and see the truth buried under.

Kyle bent towards me—earth, wood and rain enough for his scent to sweep over me.

"Careful, little wolf," his whisper was so soft that I closed my eyes to listen. "You can't hide forever."

Then he moved back. The heavy weight of his presence shifted, but my chest was still tight and my heart raced.

Before I could respond, he turned away and walked down the hall, his footsteps fading into silence.

And there I was, still at the door, feeling a wave of shock. Was he aware? Or was he just being cautious?

I banged the door immediately, leaning against it with my back. My legs shook as I looked around the room, and the window where the raven landed to deliver my message.

He must never find out. He mustn't.

But my wolf thought differently. Kyle was different.

*********************************

Arya wasn't the only one awake that night. But unknown to her, Lyria stood quietly by the side of the hall, watching carefully, her eyes glittering with excitement.

"Ah. I see what you did there." she said to herself, her lips curving into a smile. "You slimy rogue."

But were words weren't coming from a place of pity. Only amusement, the type that came from seeing a weakness she could prey on.

She dipped back into her room, already scheming of new ways to use against Arya.

*********************************

The next morning, the pack house was brimming with noise. Footsteps, voices, the smell of food from the kitchen. I put on the plain clothes that they gave me and I wore my boots, hiding my intentions.

I couldn't afford to be caught. Especially now that Kyle was watching me.

I went to the dining hall since I didn't eat anything yesterday—I didn't feel like eating. At the dining hall, I could feel their stares stinging my skin. The pack warriors were obviously sizing me. Some were bold, while others mumbled.

I pretended not to notice. I was taught that silence was easier than response. But that witch wouldn't let me be.

She snuck up behind me, with her food tray balanced perfectly on her hand, her smile venomous, "Long night?" shs asked squeamishly.

I glared at her. "Meaning?"

"Oh, don't be such a baby," she said, her blue eyes glittering with deviousness. "Kyle. Your door. The hall knows about it all "

Heat flushed my face, though my expression was lukewarm. "It's not what you think."

She burst into a low chuckle. "Girl, I don't care. I'm only interested in what people think. And now? They think that you've already wormed your way to him."

The words broke me. If this is what the whole pack thought about me, then I wasn't safe.

I walked towards the end of an empty table and sat down. And she followed me like a housefly looking for food. She sat down and began drinking her soup like she was the owner of Whitestone.

"You must have found your way in," she continued, "but that doesn't mean you belong among us. Nobody wants you here and we are watching you, waiting for you to fall. And when it happens..." She leaned forward, her breath tickling my ear. "... I'll be the first to laugh."

For a minute we stared at each other. Silence stretching between us. "Why don't you worry about yourself first. I handled my own problems." I said, breaking the silence.

She smiled, like I was pouring water on stone. "We shall see about that, wolfie."

Then she got up and walked away, her giggle following behind her. I pushed out a deep breath, trying to eat my meal in peace..

I was in Whitestone. Lyria was onto me. Kyle was watching me. And Rodrick was waiting for me.

I had to play my cards right because one mistake, and everything would be become a disaster.