1 year ago..

"Zia, just kill me now!"

"No!! why would I?"

"Stop crying! If you don't do it, might as well do it to you!"

I've never seen those eyes before. And I don't want to see it anymore!

Just a blink of an eye, I rushed towards him; I grab his neck and stab him using the dart I've been keeping for the rest of my life. Who would have thought that this thing will be very useful.

I've cried as soon as I saw blood streaming down to my palm. This, this shall be the first and last.

1 year later..

"Hey Zia! Done with the class?"

I was in the middle of remembering the past when I heard a familiar voice. It was Stacy one of my friend. Or I should thought.

"Yeah. How about you?"

"Done already. Anyway, Zack and the gang wants to have a get together party, wanna come?"

I was hesitant. I want to go but I don't think I belong to the group. I must politely decline the offer.

"Not today Stacy. I need to get home as early as possible."

I saw Stacy frown. I was shocked by her reaction but I didn't say any more words.

"Is it because of the rumor again? Please don't mind them."

Sadness crossed in Stacy's face. She was a good friend of mine, but I don't want her to be isolated just because of me.

"I'm really sorry Stacy. Maybe next time."

Hearing her sigh makes me want to join for a bit.

No! What was I thinking. I need to go before I change my mind.

"I badly need to go Stacy."

I turned my back at her but she grabbed my shoulder as I take my leave.

"Wait."

I slowly face her with a confused look on my face.

"Any news about your family? Are they really in soke sort of cult or something?"

I was taken aback but I manage to answer her questions. Afterall she's still my friend.

"I haven't had any news about them, and I don't think I know them well about this cult thingy."

Her face suddenly lighten up. She smiled at me while giving me a head to toe scan.

"Cheer up! I'll believe whatever you say. Don't worry about the rumors okay? I'm always here for you, you can tell me everything."

She gave me that assurance. I didn't answered with words I just nod.

"Now go. I'll catch up with Zack and the gang. See ya!"

I wave as a sign of goodbye.

Even the rumors are true or not, it's not like I personally know who my parents are or why did they abandon me just like that.

I was in deep thoughts while walking at the hall when I heard a strong thud. I search for where the sound is.

As I look room by room allas I saw a shadow standing by the window. It was quite dark so I can't barely see who was it. I heard a slight laugh and it gets me on my nerves! Seriously I should fine the switch.

"Don't. Ever. Think. Of. Lighting. The. Room." Said by whoever is standing there.

"And why?"

He slowly walks towards me and unconsciously I walk backwards as if I sense a danger while he walks. Again, I heard a laugh but this time it was quite loud it pisses me off but to my surprise as the shadow walks beneath the tiny light coming from the moon above in the sky, the shadow is a man.

The man stopped walking with a tiny space between us. I can smell his breathing. Perhaps he used to smoke since I can smell a mint while he breaths.

"We finally met. Zia."

My eyes widen as I heard him say my name. Does he know me? Who is he anyway? And what's with the greetings. Too many questions rushes through my head.

"W-who are you?"

He laughs again.

"Why are you stammering? Afraid I'll come at you? You haven't change huh?" He said sarcastically.

Even it's dark in this room I managed to roll my eyes and cross my arms while standing across him.

"You are really amusing Zia. Anyway, I didn't come here to tease you. I'm here to tell you that your life is in danger."

Say what now?! Danger? Who? Me?

"What are you talking about? Who are you, really?"

"I'm just... Nevermind. You don't need to know m-"

I heard another strange sound coming from the window. And I saw another shadow, this time it was two.

"Who the hell are you?!"

I panicked for the first time in my life. Who are these guys and why do they keep coming from the window when there's a door for god's sake!

"So this is the infamous Zia." Said the new comer.

"Danny, I told you not follow me here." This time it was the man I met before this two came.

"Oh come on Caden! We're bored!" Didn't know his name and I don't have any interest to know it.

"Nevermind. Yes this is Zia." The named Caden pointed me.

I just glared at him while at the same time giving a confused stare at this two person infront of me.

"Nice to finally meet you Zia. I'm Eric. Remember my name." He winked at me.

Gross!

"The name is Danny." He simply introduced himself.

"Okay enough with the introduction let's get to the point."

He looked at me seriously this time.

"Again, you are in danger so you need to come with us. I expect your full cooperation."

"And why would I cooperate with you strangers?" I gave them my untrusted look.

The three of them gave off a depressing sigh.

"Look here Zia, if it weren't for the orders of our leader, we wouldn't dare look for you specially you are the daughter of our ene--"

"I said enough!" Caden roars. It was a terrifying roar I've ever heard for the first time.

Silence was all in there is in this room. I'm kinda feel suffocated by the tension they give off.

"Zia, this is very serious." Caden broke the silence.

But no. Why would I give in? Gonna leave this room immediately.

"And I am serious as well. Whatever you are saying doesn't makes any sense. I don't even know you and now you're telling me that my life is in danger?! You've gotta be kidding me. Do I look like easy to you?"

This is my chance. I have to make an opening and run as fast as I can.

I started to make a step backward but unfortunately the guy name Danny was in my back! How did he get there?!

"Trying to run away? Not that easy." He smirked playfully.

"Damn it! Let me go home! Stop harassing me!"

"We know who your parents are."

That one sentence. Just one and my head is spinning. I feel dizzy as blurry thoughts rushed through my head. I heard voices but I can hear the words clearly. My heart start to beat fast and harder, I feel like I'm about to throw up.

"Stop saying nonsense!" I tried by best to talked back.

As I regain my strength, I headbutt Danny and made an opening. This is my chance. I was the best runner in our class infact no one can beat me from running.

I saw the exit and I was relieved that they're not following me either. Good thing my place is near to my campus so this will be an easy escape from those idiots!

I saw a turn. I smirked. Nearly there! Just hang in there Zia! Just another turn and you will be home safe and sound! I cheered myself.

I stopped in confusion. H-how did he get here?! Does he have a power?!

"H-how did you find me?!"

I saw Caden standing in front of me meters away. As if he already waiting for me.

"Look, stop running away. I told you hundreds of times, I know you and who your parents are."

"Shut up already! Do you think I will believed you just because you said you know me and my parents?! I am not that easy to fool you know!"

Disappointment. That's what I saw in his face. He slow walks towards me again. As he was an inch away from me he stopped so look at him with confusion.

"Sorry I don't want to do this to you but you gave me no choice."

I was about to speak when I felt a weird sensation, I feel so dizzy while trying to look at his face. He's handsome but I never knew he could change his eye color.

Wait what?! He changed his eye color? But how? I want to ask him about that but suddenly my eye sight became blurry and it became black.

I think I lose my consciousness.

As I gain consciousness, I heard voices like they're arguing or something. My head hurts like hell, I can't even open my eyes.

"How many times do I have to tell you stop following me. Look at her state right now?!"

"Was it my fault?! She keeps on running, she can't even cooperate even though we told her that we knew her parents and whereabouts!"

It was Caden and Danny arguing. I should fake my sleep for the meantime. I want to know what they're up to and why on earth they want me to come with them.

"I know you're faking your sleep. Get up."

My eyes widen. I'm busted! I said to myself.

I slowly open my eyes, but all I can see is a blurry faces. I look around but still it was so blurry. I blinked 3 times and to my surprised I saw Caden, Eric and Danny looking down on me.

"Now the princess is awake I shall take my leave." Danny said in sarcastic way.

What is his problem?!

"Zia, I'm very sorry for what Danny and Caden did to you." He said with sincerity.

I just nod and look away. I don't want to see those guilty eyes of his. My heart soften when someone do that I can let my guard down!

I look around again since my vision is finally clear. The interior of this room is soothing to the eyes. It was made of wooden and glassy materials, the window is as big as a big tv screen, there are also plants to make the atmosphere fresh and nature friendly.

I like it. No! Wait? What did I just say?! I don't like it here! No way I'm gonna like it here!

"Hey! Where am I?" I asked out of nowhere.

Eric and Caden look at each other then they laugh.

"Hah! Sorry about that. Well, Caden will explain to you so, I will leave you both."

He waved goodbye and I heard the door close. Only I and Caden are left in this room.

I look at him with a question written on my face.

He laughed again while walking towards me. He sat beside me on the bed.

"First, let me clean your wound."

I'm confused. What wound?

I flinched for a bit as he's about to reach my head. His face is so near to my face that I swallowed multiple times. My heart won't stop from beating hard it, I can't even breathe!

"Hey!" I pushed him slightly to make a distance from each other.

"I-I can do it by myself. Thank you for helping anyway."

I wish my face is not as red as a tomato. Geez! What's with this guy!

"Now answer my question. Where am I? Where are we?"

I reached for my wound while waiting for his reply.

He was hesitant at first, they way he looked at me I can say that he was really saying the truth.

"Since your life is in danger, you will temporarily be staying here with our pack. This is our home base, this is located at the highest mountain no one can come here that easily."

Pack? What does he mean by pack?

"By danger, what does it mean? Will I die due to sickness? Someone will kill me?"

"Someone, no not just someone. You're father."

Shocked flashed in my face.

"W-what do you mean my f-father? You're not making any sense at all."

He sighed. He face me, look into my eyes with his serious black eyes.

"You're father will kill you. I don't know exactly when or where but I can sense that he will kill you anytime soon."

I'm still confused but I want to ask more questions.

"Tell me more. Why would a father kill his own flesh? His daughter to be exact."

He didn't answer my question immediately. Is that even a hard question?

"I don't know what's his real motive, but I can only think of one main reason why he have to do such length as killing his own blood and flesh."

For the first time, since he was close to me, I saw sadness in his eyes but it suddenly fades away. He changed his emotion that fast.

"And what was this reason you're talking about?"

"Because, you and I are both fated for each other."

My jaw dropped literally as he said those words. Suddenly I made a sarcastic laugh which pisses him off.

Oh my gosh Caden! If you saw your pissed face I bet you will gey embarrassed. Of course I won't tell you. Sweet Revenge yes!

"Fated? Who? You and I?"

He look at me with seriousness on his face then nod slowly.

"Aren't you being a clown just right now? Stop fooling around. I told you, I'm not that easy. PISSED. OFF!"

I stood up on the bed and walk towards the door, but before leaving I face him he looked at me Intently.

"You don't need to worry about me. I can handle myself. So just mind your business."

I reached for the knob, but it won't open. I aggressively face him. He just shrugged and smirk.

I gave him my death glare but he just made an "O" using his mouth! Damn bastard!

He stood up and walks towards me. Walking. Still walking. And still walking until there's no space between us. His forehead touches mine, his nose to my nose but thankfully there's even an inch distance between our lips.

I can't breathe properly goddammit! What does he think he's doing?!

He lean his body towards mine so I had to step back but I can't since there's a door behind me! And it's LOCKED FROM THE OUTSIDE!!!

"W-what do you you're doing?!"

He smiled at me while rubbing his nose to mine. I forcely close my eyes I can't take those playful eyes!

I heard him chuckled.

"Evertime that only inches are the only distance between us you keep on stammering. Are you affected by my presence?"

The nerve! I open my eyes, I wish I didn't. He's still close to me!! This is torture! I want to run!!

Oh! A brilliant idea came to my mind. I open my eyes slowly, i bit my lower lips, reached his broad shoulder while giving him a seductive smile.

I saw they way he change his emotion again. I laugh all to myself. You fell into my trap you pervert bastard! I said to myself.

I keep seducing him and when I saw an opening, I firmly grabbed both of his shoulders, and in a split second I kicked his balls! He kneeled down in pain.

This is my last chance. I need to get away from him and this place!

I went to the window only to find out there's someone downstairs busy swiping her phone. Since the door is locked and Caden is there blocking the way even though he's in pain I can't used the door.

I look down and estimate how high this is if I will jump out of the window. Luckily it wasn't that high and the ground is full of grass. This is a safe escape. I'm afraid of heights actually but..

For Pete's sake this is the only option I have!

I made a step backwards, breathe heavily as I put my strength on my foot I shorten the distance between me and the window. I throw myself to break the glasses of the window and fell down on the grassy ground.

"Ouch! That's fucking hurt!"

"You okay?"

A girl ia guarding this ground. I think I can handle her.

"I'm fine don't trouble yourself. I need to go."

"Not so fast Zia." She hold shoulder and stop me from running away.

Ugh!!! What's with these people!!

I face her, lean towards her and gave her a hard headbutt.

"Ouch! What the hel---"

I didn't let her finish her sentence. You look cool and I like it but sorry I better go.

"Sorry I don't want to hurt you, but you gave me no choice. I badly need to leave right now so stop stopping me!"

She's still in pain so I run as fast as I could I ended up in the forest. It's quite dark and too quiet.

This place is scary. I want to get out of here fast!

*Rustle*

Is someone there? Oh come on! I don't want this! I'm too scared as it is! Dammit! Why did I ran into the forest?!

I suddenly felt a cold wind pass through my whole body. I still heard those rustling sound, I think someone is following me. I began to walk faster and faster and get panicked as I heard those rustling sound again but now it's clear that it's following me!

I began to run while checking at the back if suddenly someone will pop up behind my back.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

I think I bump into somthing hard that I fell down.

"Ouch my head! Damn!"

"Are you alright?"

I was shocked to hear that familiar voice. I slowly look up to the owner of that voice and when our eyes met all I could do is to cover my mouth.

He was standing in front of me with disappointment all over his face. My hands are trembling as I cover my mouth. I keep on asking myself who the hell is this man infront of me and how he could find me that easily.

"Aren't you tired?" He asked.

I didn't answer. Who cares if I'm tired.

I try to stand, he noticed it so he held his hand to help me but I totally ignore it. He slowly take his hand back and put it inside his pocket.

"Stop running away from now on Zia. Didn't I told you that your life is in danger? What if he found you and take you away?"

"Enough!" I hissed.

"Aren't you tired as well?! You keep bubbling about how my life is in danger but you haven't explain everything to me!"

He shook his head and put his right hand in his forehead.

"I thought you were smarter that than." he said in disappointment.

"I tried everything to explain it to you but all you did is to run away! How should I gain your trust so that you will believe everything I said earlier? You think this is just a coincidence?! You think this is just a game?! If this is just a game, you think I will waste my time and effort just to chase you?! How fool of you!"

I didn't bother to talk back. As I can see he looks so damn serious about it. But why does my mind keep on disapproving? My heart wants to believe but my mind says otherwise.

My body keeps on following what my mind said and it's to run away.

"You try to run away this time, maybe I need to use my force just to bring you back in our home base." This time he said that as if it was a threat.

"There you are."

A voice of a girl? I turned around only to see that girl i headbutt earlier.

"You're hard to handle huh? That hurts a bit you know?" She said.

"Her name is Anna." Caden introduced her.

"Gonna punish you for what you did to me."

With that she stared at me seriously and I began to feel strange. It's like I'm being held by the neck it's hard to breathe!

*Cough*

*Cough*

"S-stop!" *Cough*

"Enough Anna! You don't have to do this."

"But lead---"

"I said stop. Go back to our home base I will deal this myself."

All she did is to blink three times and the sensation I felt vanished away just like that. Now I can breathe properly. But it made me feel discomfort. As if it was her warning not to mess with her.

I look at her for the last time, I was amazed by how she looks. She's beautiful in his black skin, combine with brownish colored eyes her hair is tied in ponytale. Her body is slim she looks stunning in her plain white tshirt and maong jacket. She wore a long maong pants and a booths.

"You got lucky. But the next time we met, I will take you down."

After she said that she's gone already in a split second.

Confused look flashed in my faces as I look to where Caden is standing.

"I'll explain everything if you agree to go back in our home base. This is not a good place to talk important business."

I look around and he had a point. This is a forest where wild animals are living, and it's dark I can't even see Caden's face.

He look around as well, he was scanning the area. He looks so serious I don't know why.

" We need to hurry back." He said.

I don't have any strength left to argue so I just nod.

"Lead the way." That's all I said.

He walks towards me and as inch is the only distance we had, he grabbed my waist, he lean his body to mine. It's hot! He carried me like a bride.

"W-what are you doing?!" I protest.

"This is the fastest way. Hold on tight!"

He run as fast as he can. It feels someone is chasing him. I can't see the way clearly because he was too fast. As if he's like a ghost he just passed through the trees.

I put both of my hands around his neck, I'm afraid I will fall sooner or later. I heard him chuckle as well as how his heart beats fast and loud. I ignore his laugh and close my eyes. I'm scared but he's so warm feels like I am secure when his around me.

Minutes passed and we aren't moving. I open my eyes and look up to him but he's already staring at me while smiling playfully. I look away since his face is so close to mine.

"We're already here. I will put you down."

He slowly put me down on the ground and I took my hands that are hanging in his neck. My heart beats so fast and it's loud too! What is wrong with me?!

"T-thanks. That was fast."

He didn't answer so I look at him. He was staring something with those serious look again. I follow his gazed only to see that their so called home base is so bright. All the lights are turned on.

What's the occasion?

"Now, this is not good." He suddenly speak.

"What do you mean?"

"Can you trust me once on this?"

He sounds too serious although he's serious all the time but this is different. I'm not sure what's going on, but I just nod. He smiled genuinely. That was the first time I saw him smile that way.

I was taken aback because of that smile. Never thought he can smile like that. Well, all he did was to look serious.

He holds my hand, I was in shocked but I didn't protest. His hands as warm as well. I hope my face is not that red. I don't want him to find out I was affected by this touchy thingy.

We walk back inside to their home base or I should say inside their house. I look around and just like the room I was earlier, this is also made in wooden and glassy materials.

"Presentable." I said unconsciously. I cover my mouth using my other hand.

"Indeed it is."

Luckily he didn't misunderstood what I said.

We enter the house I see many people staring at us. Or at me only?

He stopped walking so I stopped as well. He greeted them using his stare, they all bow down their heads. I'm confused but I didn't have the courage to ask. They're so many and most of them are staring at me like I did something against the law.

"So this is the brave Zia." A man infront of us spoke.

I scanned him and it looks like he's in his middle age. He looks like Caden but only older and grumpier I guess.

"Welcome to our home, Zia. I am Samuel, Caden's father."

He held his hand towards me to hand shake so I gave mine.

"I don't know what's going on but thanks?" I doubtfully answered.

He laughs and take away his hand.

"She's quit different and I admit she's kinda brave."

They all laugh aside from Caden who's behind my back.

"Anna." He called.

"Yes sir."

"You told me she's good. Wanna fight her?"

My eyes widen and I turn to my back to Caden. He just shrugged.

"If you will allow me sir, I would love to." She stared at me and she positioned her body in fighting stance.

I gulp hard. I don't know that this is a part of welcoming someone. How warm! Judging by her fighting stance she looks well prepared and gone through daily training.

Can I take her down? I don't know if I can win against her. I mean I'm in Judo class but I don't have any confidence if I can withstand her. And it looks like she have different fighting style.

"Are you okay to fight Anna, our brave Zia?" Samuel asked me as if he's challenging me.

I hesitate for a minute, I feel myself if I can but it looks like I can handle her somehow.

Just as I open my mouth Caden speak up.

"Leave this matter to me." He said.

Everyone stare at him with a question on their faces. I have the same reaction. He walks infront of me and face me.

"You will fight with me. Let's see if you have the same strength and endurance like your father or a good fighter as your mother."

Say what?! I will fight him instead of Anna?!

"What are you talk--"

"If you win even just one's I will answer your questions. As many as you can ask." He stared at me playfully.

I felt my blood boil out of my body! His looks pisses me off!

"And if you win?" I bravely asked.

"Either you like it or not, you will be staying here from this point forward."

That's a trap! So he have the guts to fight me now huh?

"This is childish." I said.

He just shrugged.

"Now your answer?" Samuel spoke.

I look around me and all of them are staring at me waiting for my answer, I even look at Caden if he is really serious about fighting me and it looks like he is.

Arrrrgh! This man is playing with me! Fool of me to fall for his games!

I look at him seriously. He's still waiting for my answer.

"I - - - - - - - - -"