Crimson Moon

>>AMARA The dark was suffocating when I opened my eyes. I managed to sit up and released a tired sigh. Glancing at the clock, it was 6 a.m. Ugh... another day, and I already feel it creeping in. Different thoughts lived rent-free in my head as I dragged myself to the bathroom. I sprinkled water on my face and felt it against my skin. Why does it feel colder than usual? How do I explain this uneasiness I'd felt ever since I turned seventeen? Was it one of the perks of being a young wolf? But I hadn't even shown much sign of turning yet. I groaned and scratched my messy, jet-black hair. Maybe it's just nerves. Yeah... just nerves. Something was coming. I couldn't tell what it was, but I knew something horrible was bound to happen. It's like a shadow following me, always just out of reach... I dreaded it, dreamt about it, the utter darkness, the feeling of sadness so deep I could almost taste it. I brushed my teeth and washed my pale face again before pulling on a hoodie and joggers. "Good morning, Mother." I managed a small smile when I saw her already in the kitchen. "Morning, Amara." She flashed a comforting smile. "Aren't you going to eat something light before your run?" she asked when she saw me grab a bottle of water from the refrigerator. "I'm good," I said quickly, already heading for the door. I just need to move. I need to clear my head. "Be back in time for school!" she called after me. I breathed in the fresh air and felt the morning dew on my skin as I jogged. Maybe if I keep moving, the dreams will leave me alone... I started doing this when the dreams began, running helped quiet the voices in my head. Sometimes, I wondered if anyone else could hear them too. I breathed in and out, just like my favorite fitness coach, Susie Adams, always said we should. By 7:45 a.m., I was already walking to school with my best friend, Selene. "So..." I gave her a mischievous smile. She blushed. "My date with Darian went well." "You're so smitten! Look at you!" "Says the girl who's all over Kael," she teased. "Oh, shut up!" I ran after her, then bumped into someone. Just great. "Oh ! I'm so sorry!" I blurted, looking up at the tall figure dressed in black. It was a boy. His jet-black eyes met mine, cold and piercing, boring straight into me. He didn't say a word, just glared, turned, and walked away. Who even is he? "Whoa... who was that?" Selene asked, catching her breath. "No idea," I shrugged. Better not overthink it... probably nothing. In class, the gentle scent of lavender filled my nose when I reached my seat. I stared at the flowers on my desk, already suspecting who left them there. No... it can't be... "Hey, sweet cheeks." The calm, soothing voice confirmed it. Kael. I tried hard to hide my excitement. My face probably gave me away. He has no idea how much I've been waiting for this... Kael ,the boy with golden-brown eyes you could melt into just by looking. A potential alpha, strong, tall, his flawless skin catching the sunlight. His hair glistened, his lips soft pink, and his scent... gods, his scent. My stomach fluttered, my head light. Keep it together, Amara... keep it together. "Are you okay?" he asked, concern flickering in his eyes. "Your heart just missed a beat," he whispered so no one else could hear. "I'm o-okay," I stammered. "Thanks for the flowers. How did you even know I like lavenders?" "Well... a bird whispered to me." His smile was warm, teasing. I chuckled. "That's an interesting bird." Selene, don't you dare roll your eyes... I sat down before my heartbeat gave me away completely. Kael leaned closer, his breath brushing my cheek. "So... about my question the other day?" Right. The question. Kael had asked me to be his girlfriend. I'd been too stunned to answer then, but now, here he was, waiting. "The answer is yes," I said, trying to sound calm while my insides screamed. Yes! Finally... He smiled faintly. "I'll see you after class, then?" He leaned in, kissed my cheek, and walked away. I exhaled, finally. Selene's grin was ridiculous. Our eyes met, and she burst into laughter. I rolled mine. The classroom buzzed with chatter until the door opened and silence fell. "Good morning, Miss Lucy," we all chorused. Miss Lucy was human. I could tell from her scent. Ravenfield was a town shared by humans and werewolves. We wolves knew about them, but they didn't know about us except for the elite few on the town council. Hopefully they never find out about me. "Good morning, class," Miss Lucy beamed. She turned to the door. "Come on in, Lucien." The tall, mysterious boy from earlier walked in, looking straight ahead, above our heads. "Introduce yourself to the class," Miss Lucy urged. He stepped forward, and this time, I saw him clearly. Tall, lean, muscular. His pale skin made the dark vest and crisp rolled-sleeve shirt stand out. He looked too composed for our class. He pushed his messy dark hair from his forehead, and when his onyx eyes met ours, it was like he saw straight through us. "My name is Lucien Vale," he said, his accent rich and smooth. Who was this guy? His eyes flickered briefly to mine. Something about him... I can't explain it. "So everyone," Miss Lucy continued, "Lucien is a transfer student and new in town, so please show him around." "Yes, Miss Lucy," we all replied. "You can take the empty seat by the window," she said. Of course. It was right next to mine. Perfect. As he walked past, a sharp scent of dark spice and ash filled the air. It was unfamiliar. I wondered if any of the other wolves noticed it too. Something in me was convinced Lucien wasn't an ordinary transfer student. I need to stay focused... but I can't stop staring at him.