The Mother of Fangs and Fire

First Day at the Academy

-Emery-

‘Today’s the day’ I thought as I laid wide awake in my bed. I looked towards the window, my ears catching the slight commotion going on downstairs. With a yawn I’d get up from my bed, get dressed and then make my way down the steps. Putting on a hoodie, which I love due to the comforting feeling it gave me. It was kind of like a security blanket and went perfectly with some nice jeans. Making it easier to feel less alone in some sick denial sort of way.

At the last step, I could see my father sitting at the kitchen island. His head in his hands, and limbs very tense; giving me the sign not to bother him. I made my way around the island towards the cabinet and began pouring myself a bowl of cereal. With the bowl in hand I sat in my chair, eating quietly while begging silently for my father to say something.

"Uh, good morning, sweetie." He eventually said to me with a shaky voice."Good morning father", I replied with a small smile. "So you're leaving today then"? He questioned with his eyebrows slightly raised. "Yep, I'm packed up and ready to go”, I respond. “You know, I'm going to miss you very much", He continued with a small smile playing on his lips. "I love you too, dad always," I reply as I get up to kiss him on the cheek.

After that, I go to my room and finalize my luggage. It was always like that, the love for me as his only child shown from such a distance. I guess it was enough for me, since it always could have been much worse. Though I yearned for my parents love, I knew there were some things that could never be changed. With that information, I could feel content and able to push myself through any hardship.

Staring into my room for the last time, I let out a heavy sigh. The memories that once filled the room, now would have to be carried on me with a heavy heart. “Maybe this opportunity could bring me much more happiness to remember”, being a hope I used to motivate my sadness.

Picking up my bags' I head out the house and straight to the car. I didn’t own many things and only took the necessities. Bags filled with clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other useful things. An exception being the stuffed animal that was a part of me, as I was still childish at heart. I mean I was and still am, one to watch cartoons and cheese to Christmas movies. My only excuse being that the smallest things made me smile, and I think that’s a valid reason enough.

Getting down to the wire, I head back into the house and retrieve the last and most valuable items to my heart. My mother's necklace and ring that she bought for me when I was younger, were the two items I held most dear. They were always kept on me at all times, still in perfect condition, and never taken off unless I showered, swam, or slept.

The necklace consisted of the jewel fire opal, and it had the moon shining in its background; portraying that fire was surrounding the moon. The ring, a simple silver band with beautiful floral designs and a single red ruby sitting in its center. The two things were more precious to be than I could ever explain.

Putting both the ring and necklace on; I walked into the driveway and sat in my car. My stuff was fully packed with my emotions being the only thing I needed to check. I could see my father sitting at the kitchen table, tears threatening to leave his dull grey eyes. Seeing them filled with regret and helplessness; made me tear up knowing I sadly couldn't help him. I knew he wished to say goodbye but it probably felt like saying goodbye to his mate all over again. It was selfish of me to ask for him to get over it and thoughts like that tended to fill me with guilt. But I too missed the love he could gave me; yet I could no longer stay under his care.

‘Dear moon Goddess, please take care of my father while I'm away’, I prayed wholeheartedly. I could only positively think the distance between us, may be a good chance for him to grow stronger.

With those last few words, I made way out of the driveway and took my first step into a whole new beginning. I turned on the radio allowing my emotions to get the best of me, still not having the heart to sing, even after not hearing my self in years. After all, singing was a thing I only did with my mother. It didn’t feel right to do such without her.

5 hours later-

With tired eyes I turned into the parking lot of the most elite and prestigious building I’d ever seen. It screamed rich and dominant, causing me question if my presence was worthy of such a luxury. Stepping out of the car, I was met with the chilling air, or was it just my nerves getting the best of me? It was obvious that I needed to calm down, for nothing could ruin the opportunity. Surely not some worthless nervous antics of mine, I’d fight to keep at bay.

With my head held high, I entered the building as if I belonged. Or more like trudged my way to the office. On the way there, the most soul-quenching smell filled my nose. It’s weird, isn’t it? My senses were pretty good for a girl with no wolf. I looked forward and saw a man, who's presence seeped with authority and power. He was just a mere man, but as cringe-worthy, as it may sound; there seemed to be a light shining around him just asking for me to go closer.

Only a few hours had passed, and I already became a creepy girl staring at men like they were pieces of meat. Why Jesus Emery, get yourself together’, I wold internally scream at my own thoughtless actions.

Done scolding myself, I look up and find the man staring at me. My breath hitched as his blue eyes bored into my own. The feeling causing a weird sensation to strike my heart. We kept staring for what felt like hours until I heard the tardy bell ring. It’s loud sound shaking me back to reality , letting me know I was going to be late for my first class. Knowing so, I unwillingly tore my eyes away from the ones that captivated them, and sprinted into the office to get checked in.

There I saw a petite older lady with big rimmed glasses sitting at the desk right in the front of the room. As soon as I entered she noticed me almost immediately, and a small smile tugged at her lips. It was then that I knew she would be a friendly face I could talk to. Making me feel not as inferior in the big school, the thought causing a smile to form upon my face.

"Hello dear, how can I help you," she said with a sharp kind of softness. "Hello, Ms. I'm Emery Malone and a new student here," I replied softly back. “Oh yes nice to meet you, Ms. Malone, here's your transcript you should find your class schedule on there as well," she said while gently handing me the paper, to which I took; leaving with a small “Thank you," out of the room.

It seemed like my first class of the day was going to be history. "How exciting," I thought, dripping with sarcasm. The school was; divided up between humans and werewolves. All the staff members of the school being werewolves so that order was carefully established.

For example, our history as werewolves; was different from humans. Even some of our classes like P.E, required us to be in our wolf. It stated in the pamphlet for werewolves that we must go to the special; gym that has glass, and you can't see into. From that point, the gym would be a miniature forest. Of course though, nothing like the real thing, it was still a magnificent sight for any that first stepped in it.

Heading to class, I released a shaky breath. The first day gave me a sense of dread as it had always been difficult. I never was one that could deal with much attention at once or even at all. My anxiety playing a major issue. In some cases, I would pass out in utter panic; while on daily occasions passing people I didn't know, caused me to hold my breath. There was no idea as to why I did it, but it was obvious that it was an awful habit. Not having an attack, always served as a blessing of its own.

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Turning the doorknob, the door creaked. causing all eyes to turn towards me. Their judging eyes swept over my shaking figure and all of its flaws. The sickening feeling in my stomach growing and making its pleasurable appearance once again. The teacher's eyes turned to me, an annoyed look following. I could tell she wasn't happy as after all, I was the culprit who had disturbed her class. In my mental notes, I reminded myself that trouble was most likely to be brewed. .

"Can I help you; I have a class to teach, child," she said with no warmness to be traced in her voice. Goddess, please Emery don't pass out right now; you can do this, I thought in reaction to her harsh words.

"I'-I'm sorry Ma'am I'm; Emery and a new student”. She scowled as I spoke most likely repulsed at the stuttering of my voice, remaining silent for a few minutes before answering my awkward introduction. "Take a seat Ms. Malone, but after that, make your way to the Dean's office," she said,handing me a messy scribbled note. "You must know that we do not at any excuse accept tardiness," she continued. "Y-Yes, I'm very sorry Ma'am, I choked out. It made me feel like crying. "You best now hurry up and get yourself seated child; we've got more important things to do than deal with your stuttering undisciplined self."

With that, I made my way to my seat, feeling the classes' eye's directly on me. Eventually, they decided to mind their business, although a few guys' eyes lingered longer than needed. I released a sigh, already dreading my day ahead. Everything always seemed to go south when you were the new kid. Embarrassment following like a unwanted shadow. I held my head low while hoping that the Dean would have a little more understanding.

What the hell was wrong with the teacher anyway, blaming her life problems on her students? Jeez I thought sarcastically in my brain.

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