The Alpha King's Guardian
Main Characters
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION
Legacie Livilaris S. Volguardsen, 17
Grade A Warlock, Section Five Junior
From the Savidge / Volguardsen Clan
Raiver Draxon W. Thormortigan, 21
Grade Zero Fighter, Section One University Junior
Alpha Scion of the Shadowscar Pack
From the Wrockheim - Thormortigan Clan
Kaede Kentigern A. Volguardsen, 18
Grade O Warlock, Section One Senior
From the Ansdale - Volguardsen Clan
Jolene Annmarie C. Sanson, 17
Grade E Warlock, Section Five Junior
From the Crestburn - Sanson Clan
Juniper Jonilee G. Asteri, 17
Grade E Warlock, Section Five Junior
From the Galibriee - Asteri Clan
Blanche Francia B. Gimblett, 17
Grade E Warlock, Section Five Junior
From the Barbanthe - Gimblett Clan
Claudius Stephenson J. Presttwood, 17
Grade D Warlock, Section Five Junior
From the Jargall - Presttwood Clan
Maxima Midnight V. Roxworth, 16
Grade E Warlock, Section One Sophomore
From the Volguardsen - Roxworth Clan
Next Episode: Chapter 1 »
Chapter 1: Days Before Summer
It was 3:00 in the afternoon.
I had just finished my last subject which was an academic unit: Math.
I was sitting in the garden square of the Warlock Campus and across was the Mixed Fields, where an interaction between the Four Clans is mostly possible.
They were playing football.
Specifically, Raiver Thormortigan was playing football, shirtless, sweaty, hair swept back, and unforgivably hot.
His team were playing with a group of Vampires and Gifteds.
They don't play against Warlocks.
There's long been some beef between them and casual sports.
I captured his posture, and the way he swiveled around to snatch the ball in his foot and scored a goal.
Immediately, I looked down on my sketchpad and drew from memory before his next move.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Here you are.
Jolene arrived from behind.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
We've been looking everywhere for you.
I paid them no mind and carried on with my sketch.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Please. Don't tell me you're out here watching Raiver again?
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
When are you going to have the guts to go up to him and just casually say, "Hi,"
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
No pressure though, Cici
Juniper sat next to me (on my right) and sighed.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Won't you draw with me?
I asked Juniper and she smiled sweetly.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Sure, sure.
Blanche took a seat behind us and threw her bag to the side.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
I am completely famished.
Jolene took a seat beside Blanche and chuckled.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
What? did you forget to turn in your report again?
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Nuh-uh. This time it was actually my top priority.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
But when I handed it to Professor Darius, he took one glance and decided it wasn't good enough and asked me to rewrite it!
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
For the whole summer!
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
500 pages!
I finished the sketch and took a quick look at Raiver.
There wasn't much action going on.
I think they're taking a break.
I closed my book and faced Blanche.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
500? Was this your research paper on Liquid Spells?
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Correct.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Did he say anything else?
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
None.
Jolene scoffed and slammed her hand against the grass.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Calm down, the grass isn't at fault.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
That's totally out of line.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
We should do something about it.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Like what Jo?
Jolene turned to look at me for help or any kind of ideas but I was blank.
All I could ever think about was Raiver and his fine sculpted figure and his handsome face.
Jolene frowned, dissatisfied by my silence.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Uh, she's daydreaming about Raiver again.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
My stars. Get a grip Legacie.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
What did I do?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I honestly have no other solution to offer. It'll be easier to accept the fact that you'll be spending the whole summer rewriting your research paper.
Blanche's mouth agape and she threw me a disappointed look.
I didn't mean to betray her with my words.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Harsh.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
I can't believe you just said that Cici.
Blanche dropped her head and whimpered.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
You could've not turned in your paper like I did.
They snapped their heads to me like I had just done a serious crime.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Unbelievable.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
We're in the lower section, and you lower us everytime.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
That's not funny!
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
You really didn't turn your paper in?
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Insane!
I laughed soundly and didn't stop until I could see them grinning uncontrollably.
I shook my head and explained what happened.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
No.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Professor Darius gave up on me from the get-go.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
He said not to bother.
Their heads turned and shook gingerly.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
You my friend, are the definition of overachiever.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
You had a recommendation from Professor Darius, I didn't. So not turning my paper in would be useless.
We laughed together and the tension was lifted.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I'll ask Kaede if he could lend us his notes.
Blanche perked up and attacked me with a bone crushing hug.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Thank you!!
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
That's more like it.
She grinned and I smiled.
Juniper brought out some snacks from her bag for us to share whilst we watch the rest of the game.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
I haven't really thought about talking with Kaede about it.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Girl, he wouldn't even spare you a glance.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
That's rude!
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
He atleast knows I'm one of Legacie's best friends.
I kept watch of Raiver and his team.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Yeah, we're only visible to him when Legacie's right next to us.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Yeah, he's kind of hard to greet sometimes, in the hallway.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Afraid he'll ignore ya right?
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
True, true.
I felt Kaede's presence nearby.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
You guys talking about me?
The three of them jumped and I was influenced as well.
We looked to our left and saw Kaede, behind him was Claude pestering Maxima.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
No, no, no.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
They're backstabbing you, cousin.
Jolene slapped my arm and I scooted further away from her.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
I don't care.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
We're not. We're just...
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
I said it's fine. I don't care.
He sat next to me and parked his bag in front of him.
Maxima ran over to me and tackled me into the ground with an embrace.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
I missed you.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
We live in the same dorm and see each other almost every morning and every night.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
What? Do you need something?
She retreated and implored me with those pale soft blue eyes of hers.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Can I borrow your matching Starlight accessory?
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
What for?
Kaede asked suspiciously.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Tsk. It's Colette's sixteenth birthday party this coming saturday.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
And the theme is Starry Night.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
I thought your Starlight collection would look perfect with my dress.
She smiled and bit her lip in high hopes.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
Don't do it Cici.
She faced Kaede with her brows almost crossing each other.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
This has got nothing to do with you Kaede.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
Should I tell Jairen or rather, Donovan that instead of preparing for the final term, their beloved baby sister insists on going to senseless rave parties where individuals get drunk and high on drugs?
°°°didn't we just fan the tension away? why is it again, starting?°°°
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Hey, hey. Be reasonable Kaede.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Yeah, you're being so overprotective. It's only a coming-of-age party.
Jolene and Blanche spoke up for Maxima, however terrified they both were of Kaede.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
And Colette couldn't have done it after the exams?
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Don't be so paranoid.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
I'm still top of my year and I won't let anyone take that from me.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
You're such a buttinsky.
Jolene, Blanche and Juniper snorted when they could no longer hold in their chortles.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
She just called you a 'buttinsky'
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
Yes, I heard it myself.
A tension built from between the group and I was wondering what happened to Claude.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
He was here a while ago.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Who?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Claude.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Oh, don't worry about him. I asked him to be buy me a fruit cake.
Blanche gasped in shock and dramatically applauded Maxima.
I turned to Keade and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Don't be so hard on her.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
It's just a party.
He took one glance at me and then looked away.
Maxima scooted closer and whispered to my ear.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
So? Can I borrow it? Just for one night?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Sure. But I'll only lend it to you the night before the said party, deal?
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Thank you! I love you!
She engulfed me in an embraced and rocked our bodies a few times before letting go.
She plopped on the grass and sighed in glorious relief.
I felt Blanche slowly crept up to me and leaned.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Okay, now that that's settled. Won't you now talk to Kaede for me?
She whispered and I couldn't help but chuckle.
I looked to Kaede and he snapped his eyes to me, as fast as lightning could ever be.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
You need something from me?
I offered him one of his favorite fruit candies.
I could've sworn I saw his pupils dilate.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Notes.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
For a piece of fruit candy?
I heard shuffling from behind me.
Jolene held up two bags of fruit candies, all in assorted flavors.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
How about two bags?
Kaede blinked a few times.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
Lime flavor?
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
We have it all.
Blanche raised two more bags of fruit candies.
Silence fell over us for a time. From beside us, Juniper and Maxima were anticipating Kaede's jury.
He sighed and I smiled, wide.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
Deal.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
What notes do you need?
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Liquid Spells!
I turned to Blanche and gave her a warning look.
°°°don't lose your cool just yet. We were doing fine°°°
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Blanche, we need him calm and not pressured.
Blanche smiled sheepishly at us and then at Kaede who was fortunately, confused by what was occurring between us.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Liquid Spells. Research and Data.
He nodded and collected the bags of fruit candies and dunked it inside his bag.
He then pulled out a binder and handed it to me.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Couldn't it have been any bulkier?
I sarcastically whispered to myself as I ran my hand through the size of the binder.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
I need it back in three days.
Maxima and Juniper held Blanche down before she could've further protested.
Safe to say, Kaede didn't notice.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Promise.
I gave Blanche a look and she settled and calmed.
I checked the game and found Raiver's team had won.
°°°I hope they stay for a bit longer°°°
I felt Maxima's eyes on me.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Oh no. Is that why you're here? Raiver Thromortigan? Again?
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
She's highly obsessed. Almost a sickness.
°°°atleast she didn't say 'a toxic obessesion' right? there's a difference°°°
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
He's a werewolf, dear cousin. Never going to happen.
°°°but thank's for the moral support, cousin°°°
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Guys, it's just a crush. Anyone can have a crush even if it's from a different clan.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Just ask him out. Or other girls will get to him.
I planted my palm gently on the grass and cited a spell to raise tiny little blades sharp enough to tickle or atleast prick through their clothes and their skin.
The five of them hopped out from their comfortable positions and shrieked.
They danced and scratched from their buttocks down their legs and ankles.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Legacie that itches!
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Why was I involved? I didn't say anything bad!
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Damn it! I'm wearing a skirt for crying out loud!
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
Didn't I just offer you my notes?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
You got candy from it.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
It's twelve degrees outside, shouldn't you be wearing something warmer?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
And yes, it's suppose to itch.
They gasped and scoffed, completely appalled about what had just happened, but I was highly amused.
I turned to Maxima, waiting her complaint.
She was like an open book.
She smiled forcefully and shook her head.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Nah, this is nothing.
She waved and laughed gingerly.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Quit being such wusses.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
It's only grass.
She harrumphed and went back to sit beside me.
After patting to see that the grass were no longer spiked, Kaede, Juniper and Jolene went to sit with me again.
It was only Blanche who kept standing.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
It's fine, Blanche.
Maxima said and even padded the grass with her hand to reassure Blanche.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
I think I should stand for a little bit more.
I kept my eyes on Raiver the whole time.
Busy chatting with the other team.
Watching from a distance.
The way he dries his hair with a towel. How he flips it over his neck, his shoulder. How he wears a new clean white shirt.
He looked haggard and yet, fresh.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
You know a romantic bond with a Warlock and a Werewolf has never existed.
He informed, lowly so that only the two of us could hear.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
They have Destinies bound to find them.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
And it's rarely from other clans.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I know of certain Clan Traditions. I know about their Destinies and Mates.
I felt his eyes land on me, but I kept mine locked on Raiver who was now reenacting some of his opponents' moves from their game earlier.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
I don't want you keeping your hopes up.
I chuckled. Not because I was embarrassed.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I have no hopes, cousin.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I am not in need of him or any form of romance.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I just simply...
Legacie ( Female Lead )
...enjoy having to admire him, from a distance.
He responded with a deep sigh.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
I trusted that you would.
I heard Jolene's loud groan and disapproved tone from behind.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Ugh, bitch alert.
I followed where Jolene's eyes were directed at and landed on three girls.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Blanche, aren't you and that girl wearing the same skirt?
She asked Blanche and only then did we notice, Eunice wearing the same skirt, but in a different color, as Blanche's.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
Who are those?
He asked, but his eyes were nowhere pointed at them.
He was busy security scanning his fruit candies.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Section Three bitches.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Jolene, would you tone it down.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
Why are they bitches?
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Because they are.
I leaned closely to Kaede.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Don't argue with her. Jo's a pretty good judge of character.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
If she says she's a..uh...what she calls her, then she most certainly is.
He furrowed his brows, highly baffled.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
I did not understand a word of that.
He shook his head and left the matter alone.
The three of them was unaware of the fact that they were standing a good five feet from us and that we could hear their conversation.
Shanon ( antagonist )
Go on, Agnes. He's right there. Don't miss your chance.
Eunice ( antagonist )
It'll be a piece of cake.
Agnes ( antagonist )
You think he'll like these persimmon fruits I picked out for him?
Eunice ( antagonist )
Absolutely!
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Boke.
Jolene whispered and took an aggressive bite out of her licorice.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
He's allergic to persimmons though.
Shanon ( antagonist )
Pardon me?
Eunice ( antagonist )
Legacie.
I just heard my name being said.
Eunice ( antagonist )
Oh? H-Hi, Kaede.
She greeted. But Kaede was too absorbed by his sweets and left her unread.
Agnes ( antagonist )
How would you know, exactly?
I grabbed my phone out of reflex and held it up.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
The fan forum. It was written in his profile.
Of course this was a lie.
It wasn't written in the forum–yes, Raiver has a fan forum for his admirers and I'm subscribed to it.
Only I knew of his persimmon fruit allergy.
But now, I had to sneak a spell to include it in his biography.
Shanon checked her phone and gasped.
Shanon ( antagonist )
It's true.
Agnes looked at the screen with suspicion.
Agnes ( antagonist )
How have we missed it?
Eunice ( antagonist )
Look, it says here he likes apples.
I had to provide an alternative. He does like apples.
Eunice pointed at the screen and they read it together.
Agnes ( antagonist )
That'll do.
Eunice ( antagonist )
An apple it is.
Shanon ( antagonist )
What apple? The green or red?
I turned away from them and focused my sight on Raiver who was having a blast conversing with his team coach.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Seriously, does it matter?
She whispered to me and spread a book on top of her face.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
You should head back to your dorm if you're sleepy.
Agnes ( antagonist )
Let's go with red.
I felt their eyes land on me.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Yeah, he likes the color red.
I received a light slap from Juniper.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
You're blurting.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Was I?
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Yes.
A silence once again fell.
After a moment, Agnes and her friends have arrived at a decision.
Agnes ( antagonist )
Red apple it is.
She announced and summoned a basket full of apples.
Shanon ( antagonist )
Isn't that too many?
Eunice ( antagonist )
The amount if these would last him a week.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
I think she's applying to be his grandma rather than his girlfriend.
Maxima and Juniper snickered loudly.
Agnes ( antagonist )
It'll be grand. He'll share it with his teammates and the others.
She grinned triumphantly.
Eunice ( antagonist )
Aww, so sweet.
Shanon ( antagonist )
I'm sure he'll be flattered and impressed.
Blanche leaned on us once again.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
By grandma's dozen red apples?
She whispered and Maxima rolled over to suppress her growing laughter.
Juniper covered her mouth with the use of her sketchbook.
Agnes shifted in her place.
Agnes ( antagonist )
Right, let's go.
They left and headed straight for the Mixed Fields.
I felt Jolene leaned back and crossed her legs. She grinned darkly.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Oh, now this is a scene I don't mind paying a thousand grand for to watch over and over again.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
I also wouldn't mind wasting my parents' money just to see the load of this crap.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Boke Blast.
They teased. Blanche had already sat back down on the grass with Juniper leaning back on her.
Even Kaede was partially interested in what's about to happen.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Bet?
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Nah, we all know what'll happen.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
What do you think Cici?
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Does Raiver really like the color red?
Juniper asked, suddenly. Her sketchbook resting on her lap.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Yeah.
Agnes and her friends reached the fields and easily caught the attention of the coach.
Raiver's team, including him started to walk towards them.
Agnes had a big smile on her face.
To be honest, I envied how brave she was.
However, it was not fear that kept me from interacting with him, but perhaps a sense of pride and duty.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
She's handing them out.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Isn't Raiver's a little far out of her reach.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
He hasn't gotten an apple yet.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
He's being kind.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
He's letting his team have first takes before him.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Or maybe he just doesn't like apples.
Jolene mumbled and I grinned, unconsciously.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
He likes apples.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
He likes the color red.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
But he prefers green apples because it's much sweeter.
I heard a sound laugh from my friends and a slow dramatic applause from Blanche.
Flabbergasted, I turned to them with crossed brows.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
What?
Jolene was half smirking, half smiling.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
You are a fucking menace.
She cheered and grabbed my face and kissed both my cheeks.
I laughed uncontrollably.
I was sort of ticklish in that area, or rather, quite sensitive.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Jo, sit your *** back down. Don't celebrate too obviously or they'll notice us.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Haha!
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Seriously, Jo, you're on high again.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Look...
Maxima pointed and we all turned back to Agnes and her friends.
Agnes pulled out the last apple and offered it to Raiver but he held his hand out to reject it.
If I read the movement of his mouth correctly. I'd assume he said something along the lines of, "I'm good with apples, thank you. And thank you for feeding my team."
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
That's gotta be bummer for her. She fed his whole team and yet the only guy she wanted to hand it out to, rejects it.
Atleast, even if it was only a polite smile, Raiver did smile for Agnes.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I'm so petty.
Kaede ( 11th cousin )
What?
I shook my head and slapped my sketchbook shut.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I'm heading back.
I grabbed my bag as I stood up.
I snatched the jacket I sat on to prevent any dirt getting caught on my jeans and wagged it.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
We're going back.
Jolene swiped her bag from the ground and got up, as well as the others.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Alright, I want some bubble bath.
Maxima ( 13th cousin )
Already?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Yeah, I need to finish a painting.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Please do it in the balcony, I can't with the smell of oil paint.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I'll use acrylic then.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Alright, pass.
We headed back to the dorms.
I purposely fell behind and took a quick final glance at Raiver.
He was heading back to dorms either.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Bye then.
Chapter 2: A Summer ReTreat
It was in the summer that I had first met Raiver.
I was nine. He was fourteen.
I remembered it so vividly.
It was at Shadowscar Training Camp, a Mixed-Clan Facility operating every summer.
My family's winter estate resides at the other side of the lake. I had gone out to the woods one night after a bad day and got lost in the Shaded Forest which was beyond our territory and within Shadowscar's domain.
It was Raiver who had found me and led me home.
It was the first time I've ever seen such a magnificent wolf.
Coated in black and grey.
His eyes were sharp silver.
and from the moment I laid eyes on him, I fell inlove.
My eyes flickered open and I shot up from bed.
I checked my bedside clock and read, 4:15 am.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Too early.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
My alarm doesn't go off in two hours.
I craned my neck and peeked through the window and saw the Vampire Campus lights brightly shining from afar.
At 4:00 am, certain Field Facilities have been awakened due to some early morning activities.
But honestly, this Academy never sleeps.
°°°should I go for a run or something?°°°
°°°who am I kidding, I don't even run°°°
I suddenly had a thirst for nostalgia.
I got up from bed and silently made my way to the door.
I only grabbed the keys and my ID card.
I shut the door without any sound and walked barefoot still in my nightgown and without a bra, down the hall.
It wasn't the best attire for going out and there are strict dress codes within the campus.
If I was caught underdressed, I would acquire demerits.
It was a good thing I was a Warlock and had practiced the art of being invisible through surveillance cameras.
I should thank Jairen, my cousin, for allowing me knowledge of this trick.
I neared the entrance as well as the only portal of exit to the dorm.
I found the Dorm Mother watching television, with her back against me inside her cube.
A thin glass was the only thing that separated us.
I sang an enchantment song.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
'cold winds cold breeze'
I started and saw her head perked up.
I stopped in my tracks and gingerly strode towards her.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
'feeling of comfort and happy'
She began to bob her head from side to side.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
'a heartbeat in the chest'
Her head was tardily pulled down at her front.
I saw her breathing softly.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
't'was as if the sky had fallen'
I swiped my ID car on the door lock and didn't.
Jairen also taught me a spell to trick the system.
Safe to say, I haven't been caught for two years now.
I felt cobbled floor underneath my feet.
I headed down the path leading to Hunters Forest.
It was quite similar to the Shaded Woods back in Shadowscar Territory.
Hunters Forest is the training ground for Warlock Hunters.
No one ever goes here at this hour, I think.
I discovered possible night or early morning access in this place two years ago through Jairen.
Some days when I couldn't stop my desires to reminisce, I would come here to comfort and recall that fateful night over and over, until before daybreak.
It was why that memory is ultimately vivid for me.
It was Raiver's only memory of me.
Of course, he wouldn't remember.
I was a snotty, snobby, spoiled kid.
I reached Hunters Forest and punched a portal in the air, right outside the gated fence and stepped in.
I landed inside without so much as an alarm going off.
I walked the path and felt the grass, moss, leaves and rocks under my feet.
I could feel the heartbeat of every tree and every living creature cradled in its warmth.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Alora, sister of Aldea, daughter of Aluini, the guardian of the forest.
I whispered and the trees danced in delight.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Elter, brother of Emeri, son of Ekkel, the guardian of the beasts.
Owls, bats and the sound of tiny squeaks and squeals echoed inside the forest.
I smiled and continued my walk to Hunters Circle.
It was courtesy to acknowledge the main dwellers of this forest.
It was my grandmother who had taught me the secrets of the guardians.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
last but not the least.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Keilia, sister of Krinia, daughter of Kolai, the guardian of guardians.
I stopped at the foot of the forest and before me was Hunters Circle.
Seven giant stones were rounded at the center.
A sudden light was born in the middle of the stones and stretched to form a beautiful woman.
She waved at me and I to her.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Hello, Keilia.
She doesn't speak but sparked brighter.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I'll be hanging out here for a while.
She bowed and I mimicked her movement.
She lifted her arms and swirled in a beautiful dance.
The light disappeared and I waved a hand goodbye.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Always a pleasure.
I stood there for a while. I don't dare to cross the circle or go any further than that for I would be crossing the boundaries to the Vampire, Werewolf and Gifted Campus' side of the forest.
Hunters Forest has four divisions.
A founding magic, stronger compared to mine resides to protect each territory from other campuses. It would cause an alarming disturbance if I ever broke boundaries.
I took a step back but I caught sight of a figure from the other side.
°°°am I seeing this right?°°°
I couldn't prise my eyes away from him knowing all too well how rude it is to stare.
He stood at the other end of the circle, shirtless and with only trousers on.
His feet were bare and he had a hoodie slung in his hand like a drunk.
My heart was beating fast.
°°°keep your cool Legacie. It's just Raiver°°°
°°°a normal werewolf boy°°°
I noticed his eyes, shining silver.
They were gazing at me intensely.
°°°did I interrupt him or something?°°°
Claude once said that the werewolves visit Hunters Forest at night to do some sort of Happy Hour or Happy Howling?
°°°I haven't heard anyone howling though°°°
Raiver ( Male Lead )
What are you here for?
His voice was refined and deep, I almost shat my pants.
°°°he's speaking to a stranger°°°
°°°why does he looked so pissed?°°°
°°°I really must have interrupted some kind of happy activity°°°
My eyes swept the space around us and looked for any hint of danger or anomaly, but found none.
°°°he's asking me a question, but I don't know what to answer°°°
Raiver ( Male Lead )
I'm asking you a question.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
What are you doing here at this hour?
I took a subtle step back.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
Do you have permission to be in here?
°°°would he notice if I pretended to be sleepwalking?°°°
I blinked gently and kept my eyes straight, but not towards him.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
I'll not ask again.
A heard loud thuds behind him and in mere seconds a wolf emerged from the shadows and shifted in his human form leaving him shirtless but with his trousers on.
I have heard of a werewolf's shifting mark. A marked enchantment that enables them to transform back into human form with their lower trousers or shorts intact.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
Is that you Nyle?
He asked the guy behind him but kept his eyes still directed at me.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Yes, Captain.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
Report to me.
The guy named Nyle leaned in and whispered something in Raiver's ear.
It was quite a long report.
It would've been easier for me to sneak out if Raiver didn't have his eyes on me.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
That's good. Round up the others and take them back to Main Campus.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
You may retire from there, Nyle. Thank you.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Yes, Captain.
Nyle caught sight of me before he could leave.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Wh-what's going on there, Captain?
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Who is that?
Raiver ( Male Lead )
A Warlock.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
But...why is she here? Did she have permission? Is she a Warlock Vanguard?
Warlock Vanguards are the most highly skilled sorcerers in Mysteria.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
I'm still getting into that, but she has been very uncooperative.
°°°that's because you're terrifyingly hot°°°
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Perhaps do you think she got lost sleepwalking? I mean look at her, she's in her night gown walking barefooted.
I saw Raiver's brow twitched and his gaze intensified.
I felt something churn in my lower body, starting from my abdomen.
°°°isn't it too early for me to be hungry?°°°
°°°i think I'm really going to shat myself°°°
°°°it would be embarrassing if that happened°°°
Raiver ( Male Lead )
Turn your gaze away then.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Oh. Of course.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
Do you really think she could be sleepwalking?
°°°yes, Legacie, pretend you're sleepwalking°°°
I turned my head to the right, to the direction of the Gifted Campus and then stared at the dark for a while before turning back around.
This time I was facing ahead our campus.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
See how she moves, her stance? She's definitely sleepwalking.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
I heard a few Warlocks acquire the habit and find themselves being teleported onto strange places.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
A friend of mine once woke up in the Sahara Desert.
I poured all my energy into preventing myself from snickering upon hearing what he had said.
The Warlock who sleepwalked out of his dorm woke up in the sahara desert and realized he had been standing there for more than two hours. It was Jairen's coven who rescued him out of there.
I steadied my breathing and began to walk ahead.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
See?
Raiver ( Male Lead )
How would she know which path to take to return back?
°°°that's a fair point°°°
°°°should I take a fake turn?°°°
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
I have no idea. But she'll wake up to it soon.
I stopped in my tracks and turned my body to the right.
This path would lead me to a clearing.
Raiver ( Male Lead )
She stopped again.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Best not to worry about it Captain.
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
Warlocks are guided by higher guardians, aren't they?
Raiver ( Male Lead )
I'm aware. But she doesn't look like she's friends with any guardians.
I almost reacted and gasped.
°°°i grew up being surrounded by them°°°
Nyle ( ML's Beta Leader )
That could be true enough.
I took the fake path and disappeared into the dark.
I could no longer hear Raiver's voice nor their conversations.
When I thought I had gone too far, I turned to another path and sprinted towards the gate.
I drew a portal as I was running and jumped in. I landed outside Hunters Forest and walked back to the dorm building.
The Dorm Mother was still asleep so I switched the television off for her.
I headed inside my dorm without a creak and found Jolene still fast asleep.
I sang an enchantment to remove traces of my scent, foot prints and portal dusts before and after Hunters Forest.
I went in the bathroom and took a long cold shower.
9:00 am / Junior Section Five / Homeroom Class / Thursday
I sat in my chair quietly and listened as my friends, Jolene, Juniper and Blanche gossip about a lot of trivial academy stuff I had no interest to relate to.
Claude was resting his head on my shoulder and was rather snoring quite loud.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Ah! Legacie, we've already ordered our tickets for Dane Daring's concert this summer.
I snapped my eyes to her and grinned uncontrollably.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Front row seats?
She smirked and turned to Blanche.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
VIP
I gasped and applauded her.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
You are amazing beyond words.
Claude snorted louder than before and I flinched.
Jolene rolled her eyes and hopped off the desk she was sitting on and slapped Claude on his shoulder.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Get up!
Claude shot up from his seat looking discombobulated.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Wha? What?
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Did you hit me?
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Yes, dingus.
Claude scowled at her and went back to lean on my arm.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
I was taking a nap, Jo.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
You shouldn't be.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Why do you look so tired though?
Claude sighed and straightened up.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Is Maxima giving you a hard time?
He looked shocked and ready to defend her.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Nuh-uh. It wasn't Maxi.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Then why do you look like you've been out in the sun for a hundred years?
I turned to Claude anticipating his answer.
He sighed and scratched the back of his head.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
It's my grandmother. She wants to arrange an engagement between our families and Carsynstone.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Woah.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
That's big.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
I know!
Carsynstone is a Warlock Family known for their familial ties with the King of Warlocks.
Jolene shook her head in disbelief.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
I didn't know the Carsynstones had a knack for bad taste.
The girls and I coincidentally snickered at Blanche's comment.
Claude looked absolutely exhausted. He crossed his brows and slammed his head on the desk.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
It'll probably never happen, you know, unless an heiress is in love with you.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
She is. Idith Carsynstone, said she was a childhood friend, but I barely remember her. She seems to delude herself.
I looked to my friends and eyed them each but none of us had anything to say that would make this better.
I patted Claude's shoulder.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
How obsessed is she about you?
Blanche asked cautiously.
Claude popped his head out to look at Blanche.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
I'm not messing. It's true.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
I never said it wasn't! I just wanted to know the scale of how much obsession there is. Give me an amount.
Jolene shook her head all the while smiling.
She returned back to her seat which was right in front of Claude.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Did she express how much she wanted to marry you?
Claude furrowed his brows and sighed heavily.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
What's the story between the two of you.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Yeah, and why are we only hearing this now?
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
I think he's come to gloat.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Ugh! You guys are unbelievable.
The girls giggled and teased, but I could tell they were deeply worried for him.
I brushed his shoulders with my hand and leaned a little closer.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Tell us, what happened?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
I didn't know your family were close with the Carsynstones.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
We aren't.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
But ever since my big brother married into the Phelirov Coven, we've been seeing a lot more of the Carsynstones.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
The Phelirovs? How are they related to the Carsynstones?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
They aren't related by blood, but businesses.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
That makes sense.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Continue.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
So anyway, Idith somehow remembered me from a long time ago, it was I think the King's Winter Ball, back in 2012, I'm not sure.
Blanche snapped her fingers and gasped.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Yes, I remember that ball. My family was there too.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
Mine too.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Was that the Gift of Magic Celebration?
We nodded at her question.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Yes, that event.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Apparently she was the girl I saved from the kids bullying her at King's Town Circle.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Since then, she told me she's been in love with me.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Oh, now I get it.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
So basically, it was like love at first sight.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
That's so cute.
Claude grimaced at the word cute and scoffed.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
It is not.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
It was a long time ago.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
She said her family left after the ball but I was always on her mind, eventually slithered down her heart. Now that they've come back she proposed an engagement between us and used her family's influence to influence my family.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
It's so fecking cringe.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
We had that conversation last week and I haven't slept properly ever since.
He slammed his fist on the table and eyes immediately landed on our group.
One of Claude's friends asked if he was alright.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Yeah, I'm fine man.
Blanche stared at Claude with a mixed look of admiration and disgust?
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Idith sounds a bit like you when you're around Maxima don't you realize?
Jolene and Juniper snickered and then proceeded to laugh.
But then he was aware. He slumped in his seat and harrumphed.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Yeah, I know.
He dropped his head low and we laughed at him.
I patted his back and leaned in to whisper.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Hey, all will be well.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Maxima might seem to always be holding out on you, but she'll never let you go just like that.
He beamed and looked to me. He smiled genuinely.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Thanks, Ci.
We heard the door slid open and Professor Darius came in.
Professor Darius Arkain
Good morning, cracknuts!
Professor Darius Arkain
Find your seats, please.
The class replied with their subtle 'good mornings' and scurried to fill their seats.
Claude leaned back on his chair.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Aren't you a bit late Professor?
Professor Darius has yet to reach his desk when he stopped mid-walk and turned to Claude.
Professor Darius Arkain
Piss off, Claude.
The whole classroom chuckled.
I nudged Claude and he turned to me with a grin.
I gave him a look and he stopped.
Professor Darius finally stood behind his desk.
He greeted us with a heavy sigh and then began to scratch his forehead.
Jolene leaned her chair back to get closer to us.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
He seems anxious.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
I wonder what's going on.
She whispered to Blanche who was behind her seat.
Professor Darius pulled a scroll out of thin air and spread it along his desk.
Professor Darius Arkain
Alright you numbnuts.
Professor Darius Arkain
A message from the Principal herself.
He sighed, looking partly distraught.
Jolene raised her hand and Professor Darius acknowledged.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Is something the matter Professor?
Professor Darius nodded cautiously.
He faced us with his arms crossed against his chest.
Professor Darius Arkain
Yes, err..
Professor Darius Arkain
At midnight last night there was a class five rogue encounter at the Werewolf Campus.
The whole classroom was filled with echoes of gasps.
I felt a surge of negative energy from all around me.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
What happened?
Professor Darius shook his head.
Professor Darius Arkain
It was not clarified to me by the Principal, but that was the only information or reason I was told to announce.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
But there should be more.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
How did the rogue get in? Was it an inside job? Do they have a traitor amongst their camp?
Blanche was no doubt anxious. She once lost a family member to a rogue attack when she was five.
Professor Darius Arkain
Careful with your assumptions, Ms. Gimblett.
Professor Darius warned gently.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
Sorry, Professor.
She sighed heavily. I reached for Blanche's shoulder as she only sat ahead of me and gave it a light squeeze.
Professor Darius Arkain
They have yet to submit a full report.
Professor Darius Arkain
Now I am telling you this because it is necessary to provide you a reason.
The Academy is requiring a Summer Training Camp for the Year Tens, Elevens, and Twelves.
Professor Darius Arkain
You will be joined by the University Year One to Four and the Program will run for eight weeks, starting the first week of summer. Effective immediately.
°°°this can't be happening°°°
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Dane Daring's concert is on the third week of the summer.
Heads gathered to look at me.
Professor Darius was looking at me in utter disbelief.
He laughed soon after throwing me that look and so did the rest of the class.
Professor Darius Arkain
Glad to hear where your priorities lie Ms. Volguardsen.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
My apologies Professor, I didn't mean to say it out loud.
He chuckled and shook his head.
Professor Darius Arkain
That's alright.
Professor Darius Arkain
Okay, I'll be handing out these booklets containing the consent forms, itinerary and everything that is important.
He stretched his arm and grape colored booklets appeared on the desks.
I opened the booklet and found the introduction.
Soon after, I realized that my booklet did not contain a consent form.
I was about to raise my hand in question of when Professor Darius spoke.
Professor Darius Arkain
Ah, Legacie, the Vice Principal has already signed your consent form.
I looked to Professor Darius and nodded.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Alright, sir.
Blanche ( fl's best friend #4 )
This place looks so cool!
Blanche squealed as she turn to every page.
Juniper ( fl's best friend #2 )
The scenery is beautiful too.
Juniper smiled in adoration. She must be planning on capturing a few spots for her to draw on canvas.
Jolene pouted and sighed with a tiny bit of rage.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Yes, I get it, everything is brilliant, but what are we going to do?
She whispered between us.
Claude, Juniper and Blanche looked at Jolene who was slightly panicking.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Cici's right. We'll miss Dane Daring's concert.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Relax Jo, he won't run out of concerts. Sure doesn't he have a mall show somewhere in Spring?
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Surely?
Jolene's mood suddenly shifted from bad to exuberant.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Oh? Oh yeah. Okay, alright we'll get the tickets right after summer.
Professor Darius waved to collect our attention.
Professor Darius Arkain
Okay, now take these home over the weekend and have your guardians sign it.
Professor Darius Arkain
You must give it back by monday.
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Where is this place Professor?
Professor Darius groaned.
Professor Darius Arkain
Would it hurt for you to read once in a while, Mr. Prestwood?
Professor Darius Arkain
Shadowscar Terrain, also previously known as Shadowscar Training Camp.
°°°that's why it looked familiar°°°
°°°wait, does this mean?°°°
Claude ( fl's best friend #3 )
Woah, woah. Professor are you telling me that we'll be in Werewolf Territory?
Now all heads gathered to look at Professor Darius.
Professor Darius nodded awkwardly.
Jolene ( fl's best friend #1 )
Professor, may I ask who will be heading this Training Activity?
There was a dramatic pause before Professor Darius spoke.
Professor Darius Arkain
Shadowscars' First Alpha Scion, Raiver Thormortigan.
Legacie ( Female Lead )
Oh shite.
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