chapter 2- overflowing
1090 Words
Astrid Lila's POV:
I sat in the waiting office, trying to gather my thoughts.
“A werewolf, just like me? How is that possible?
I thought all the other wolves had gone extinct."
Lola, my inner wolf, scoffed, “Of course, they're all dead. The officials lied to you. They're probably desperate for your help; that's why they pulled this kind of cheap trick. Don't fall for it, Astrid. We are the only wolf still breathing,” Lola tried to assure me. But she sounded confused, and her words did nothing to calm me.
I kept quiet and focused my mind on the casebook. I could clearly remember what was written on each page.
“Azazel…” I muttered under my breath. “If what's written in that file is true, then he must be the devil incarnate. How else would you explain sacrificing hundreds of humans weekly?”
Lola growled softly in agreement. “Astrid, these are more than enough reasons to stay away from him. He's dangerous; I can feel it just by saying his name,” she warned.
There was something off about Lola's tone today. It was like she was scared of something. And that frightened me more than I wanted to admit.
Lola has been my confidante since I was a child. We share one body, one heartbeat, and one mind.
I wasn't born with a wolf, and I'm not sure how it happened. But from the little Lola told me, my whole life changed the day I was born.
When my parents were driving home from the hospital, they had a car accident. I was also in the car. None of us survived. But when I was on my last breath, Lola’s spirit—homeless and searching—needed a body, so she took over me, and I got a chance at rebirth.
That's what she says; I've never known if it's true. I was only a day old when the crash happened. I have no memories of my parents and no proof of her story. Just her voice in my head, listening to whatever she tells me. Once she says something is right, I am obligated to obey.
But something about the case in front of me felt suspicious. And for the first time, I had a feeling that Lola was hiding something big from me.
“What if he knows something about my parents’ death?” I whispered, "He is in the Mafia; surely there are things they keep hidden from us?”
“You've got to be kidding me!” Lola sighed. “Wake up, Lila! I doubt he is even aware of your existence. This is dangerous territory. If you go wandering, you'll get your head chopped off.”
I bit my lip. There was no point arguing with her; I'd never win. “What about the agency's offer? It's either this case or punishment,” I reminded her.
Lola sighed again. “Give me some time. I'll come up with a valid solution,” she said to me.
“A valid solution?” I wondered at the back of my head. “Is that even possible? Is there really a way to bypass the official's condition?”
Before I could receive an answer, there was a knock at the door.
The agency and a few workers are aware and fine with my supernatural nature, but I still don't trust them. So before I stood up to answer the door, I masked my wolf's scent and made sure there were no signs of my overflowing hormones.
“Come on, Lila, open the door. It's me, Abigail!” The familiar honey-smooth voice instantly softened my expression. Abigail was the leader's assistant and my best friend.
“Oh, Abigail…” I scowled, opening the door reluctantly. “You've finally decided to show your face. Back at the meeting hall, you acted like we were strangers,” I lamented and acted like I was angry at her.
Abigail is a sweet lady, and her lips immediately curled into a guilty pout. “Astrid, you know there was nothing I could do; my hands were tied. Jessica gave strict orders. And Harry made things worse. I tried to talk to her, I swear,” Abigail said with a remorseful voice.
I couldn't help but smile at her flustered face. Abigail and I have been friends for over eighteen years; we met at the orphanage home when I was five years old, and we made a vow to stick to each other till the end.
Despite her connections and dating one of the top leaders in the military, I was never jealous of her. If anything, I am proud of her and also one of her biggest supporters.
We both became officials, not because of a connection, but through our hard work. Through blood, sweat, and training.
I was a detective, spy, and combat agent, while Abigail was a brilliant planning agent, tech genius, and sometimes a spy.
We were at the top of our classes and each other's support system.
There was another knock on the door; this time, the person did not wait for a reply before pushing the door open.
“Harry?” I snapped. “What are you doing here? I thought you filed a restraining order against me.” I asked with furrowed brows.
Abigail became alert and clenched onto her gun, in case Harry tried anything funny.
Harry scoffed at me and looked around the room; a sly smile was on his face. “Relax, Astrid. I am not here to fight with you. Just wanted to deliver a message,” he said, stepping closer. “I know you will refuse the case, so I came here to tell you that I will personally pronounce your punishment when the time comes. Not even Jack will be able to save you.” He said, grimacing, and stormed out.
Abigail blinked, still holding her weapon. “What the hell is he talking about? Are you seriously choosing punishment over a case?”
I didn't reply. I took my time to lock the door before I sighed heavily. “Lola thinks it's a bad idea. And you've read the file; Azazel's name alone screams trouble.”
Abigail studied me with disbelief. “What's happened to my Astrid Lila? The girl who is scared of no one and fears nothing?” She asked rhetorically and slowly moved towards me, placing her hand on my shoulder.
“Are you really scared of Azazel?”
- Writer
