Awaken

Chapter 2- The Hybrid

Naiwan akong parang nakalutang habang lahat sila ay nagpatuloy sa klase na parang walang nangyari.

Professor Kaida writes on the chalkboard

"Supernatural Creatures Overview"

She turns to face the class.

"Today, we'll delve into four primary supernatural groups. This is only according to what I've seen so far, but I heard there are other creatures other than these four."

Oh come on! Hirap na nga akong intidihan na merong bampira at lobo!

"Vampires are immortal blood drinkers with enhanced strength, speed, and agility. While witches or Nyxborns are magic wielders with elemental controls – earth, air, water, fire. Werewolves are shape-shifters with enhanced senses, strength, and loyalty bonds. Hybrids on the other hand are rare offspring of vampire-werewolf unions – possessing both species' strengths. We only have one hybrid in supernatural history, he's one of the original vampires with a werewolf bloodline."

Archer leans forward, almost yawning.

"Professor Kaida, hybrids are almost mythical. How can vampire venom and werewolf curse coexist?" He boredly asked.

Professor Kaida nods.

"Exactly – normally impossible. But hybrids like Ryder Blackwood defy this rule. His blood contains antidotes for werewolf venom, making him highly valuable... and hunted."

Dos raised his hand.

"So, hybrids bridge vampire-werewolf conflicts. Do witches – Nyxborns – interact with these groups, Professor?"

Professor Kaida continues.

"Yes, Dos. Nyxborns maintain neutrality mostly, but alliances and conflicts arise. Vampires seek magical protections, werewolves value Nyxborn healing magic, and hybrids... observe all sides carefully."

I listen intently, wondering. Kung ang dahilan kung bakit ako nandito ay baka isa ako sa kanila? Ano ako?

I can't believe this sudden revelation is really getting under my skin!

"Do I have any connection to these supernatural groups?" I can't help but to ask. I need to know and I'm dying to know.

Suddenly, Professor Kaida's eyes lock onto me briefly before continuing the lesson.

Nagtaka ako sa hindi niya pagsagot. Professor Kaida looks strict but she doesn't look like a snob.

Is she dodging my question? Why?

Lumingon ako kay Lily. "Do you think Professor Kaida knows every student?" I vaguely asked.

Lily leans in close, voice barely audible. "Actually, Raya, I've heard rumors Professor Kaida knows more about students' backgrounds than she shares. Actually researched our class roster before semester started."

We exchange a curious glance with Lily before looking back at Professor Kaida, who continues explaining supernatural alliances.

"...vampires often form bonds with powerful Nyxborn families for mutual protection."

I whispered back to Lily.

"Do you think she knows something about MY family? I was adopted, barely know anything about my parents." I whispered.

Lily's eyes widen slightly.

"Adopted? That explains why your name flagged in Professor Kaida's research files – I hacked into school admin systems... casually. Want me to dig deeper into your adoption records?" She seems excited. Like this is a crime scene that needs to be solved.

Professor Kaida pauses lecture, scanning the room as if sensing side conversations – her gaze lingers on me and Lily.

I quickly glance away from Lily, pretending attention to Professor Kaida's lecture.

Lily nods almost imperceptibly, understanding "later" means she'll still dig into my adoption records.

Professor Kaida continues explaining supernatural family dynamics.

"...bloodlines and family ties significantly impact vampire, werewolf, and Nyxborn societies."

Archer scribbles notes beside me, occasionally glancing over as if curious about my whispered conversation with Lily.

Class proceeds normally until dismissal. As students pack up, Professor Kaida says.

"Okay, class, that's all for today. This is only an introduction for our main topic tomorrow. Dismiss." And then, she walked out.

I immediately stood up, pakiramdam ko ay napagod agad ako ngayon araw. Siguro pupunta muna ako sa dorm ko para ayosin ang mga gamit ko at magpahinga.

In the hallway, Lily catches up.

"Lunch together? My hacking skills already uncovered some intriguing adoption record hints about your family..." She gleed in whisper.

I yawned. "Maybe tomorrow, Lily. Napagod yata ako sa byahe."

She nodded. "Okay, I understand. Rest ka muna." She waved me goodbye.

I entered my dorm room, dropping my bag on the floor with a sigh of relief after a long day of classes.

A girl with piercing emerald eyes and raven hair looks up from her laptop, her gaze locking onto mine. She's stunning – porcelain skin, full lips painted crimson red, and a tight black dress that hugs her curves.

"Can I help you?" she asks in a low, husky voice, her eyes narrowing slightly as if sizing you up. "You're the new roommate, I presume?"

I nod, feeling a bit intimidated by her intense gaze and sultry demeanor.

"I'm Raya," I said, trying to sound casual. "And you are...?"

She smiles slowly, revealing subtle hints of sharp canine teeth but it doesn't looked like fangs – a whisper of something supernatural.

"Ciandra Veronica," she replies, her voice dripping with sophistication. "Ciandy to those who dare get close."

"Nice to meet you, Ciandy. I'm still unpacking – chaos everywhere." I tried to break the ice.

Ciandy's intense gaze softens slightly, and she closes her laptop, standing up to reveal her full height – tall and slender yet curvy.

"Chaos is my specialty," she says with a sly smile, walking towards you. "Let me help. I've had plenty of practice unpacking... and rearranging lives."

Her last words hang in the air with a hint of mystery, but Ciandy starts efficiently organizing my belongings, putting clothes away in the closet and books on shelves.

As she works, I noticed her movements seem almost graceful – predatory even – and her scent is intoxicating, like roses and midnight.

Ciandy catches my gaze and raises an eyebrow.

"Like my perfume? A family recipe... with a bite." She playfully said.

Lumunok ako. This girl knows how to make someone shiver.

Nang matapos kaming magligpit ay parehas kaming sumalampak sa kanya-kanya naming kama.

"So, how's Dos? Do you like him already?" She casually asked.

Tumaas ang kilay ko. "Huh?" I asked confusedly.

She smirked. "He's into you, babe. Isn't it obvious?"

Mas lalo naman akong nagtaka. Di nga kami nag-uusap e. Maliban na lang sa pasulyap-sulyap niya kanina, I mean, it's already given that he's curious, I'm a new girl.

"I don't get it. I think you're just mistaken." I tried to laugh.

I guess she didn't bought it. She just shrugged. "Just so you know, nothing is coincidence." She trailed and winked at me. She grabbed her towel. "I'll shower first, may lakad ako." And then she walked into the bathroom leaving me confused.

Nasapo ko ang noo ko.

Baka maunang pumutok ang utak ko bago makagraduate.

Kinaumagahan paggising ko ay wala si Ciandy sa kama niya. I don't know if she woke up early or she didn't sleep here at all.

I got ready for class. I showered and wore a uniform.

Habang naglalakad sa hallway ay napapansin ko ang tinginan nila. Sanay na ako sa ganito kaya hindi ko na lang pinansin.

I was about to enter the classrom when a guy with a dark hair approached me. He's handsome but he doesn't look nice but not bad either.

"Hello, love." He greeted.

Kumunot ang noo ko sa pagtataka. "Who are you?"

My classmates who are inside the classrooms seems to be intimidated by his presence. The silence is almost loud.

He shrugged. "That's not important. I'm just here to ask you if your hair is dyed." He said in a straightforward tone.

Kahit naguguluhan ako ay umiling ako bilang sagot. "No. This is natural."

His face become serious and nodded. "Okay. Thanks for answering. Have a good day." And the he disappeared.

Nanlaki ang mata ko. Did he just teleported?!

"Why are you talking to him, Raya?" Lily approached me, she seems intrigued.

I entered the classroom while Lily is following me, waiting for my answer.

"He just asked if my hair color is natural." I said. Umupo ako.

She faced me. Her expression looks serious. "Don't talk to that man again, Raya. He's dangerous."

Nagtataka ko siyang tiningnan. "Bakit?"

She sighed. "He's the hybrid. He's dangerous."

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Published: 03/19/2025