Episode 4

...Amara Follen...

I can still hear him charging towards me, terror shredding my soul, urging me to run faster, my skin scratched and sliced by the thorns and brittle branches of the woods, causing me unpleasant pain and stinging. The blood trickling from my wounds had stained the delicate white fabric of the long-sleeved dress that clothed my body. My bare feet were now succumbing to the pain of sharp stones tearing into them.

My panic escalated when the road ahead disintegrated, leaving me on the edge of a cliff. As I turned to retrace my steps, the immense wolf was striding towards me slowly and majestically. He had narrowed the distance between us. The warm breath from his snout hit my neck sending shivers throughout my body. When he nudged my face with his snout, compelling me to meet his eyes, a sharp pain shot through my skull. I felt telepathically fused to the wolf with an invisible bond, at that moment I could hear his commanding voice in my head saying: Release me.

Waking up drenched in sweat, my body feverish and I felt weaker than on previous days. To avoid worrying my father about my condition, I decided to head to the gym early. Fortunately, I ran into Kyra who had also arrived early, providing me with company until classes began.

"Amara?"

What's wrong? You look even worse than yesterday.

"I think I caught a cold from walking in the night air."

"Amara," I paused and took a deep breath before continuing.

"You know I am a witch, right?"

"Yes, I am aware of that."

"I haven't brought it up before because I wanted you to feel comfortable talking about it, but you don't have much time. You need to bring out your wolf."

"So you know about my wolf?"

"I knew the moment I saw you. You couldn't even detect my magic with your sense of smell.

Don't be embarrassed; I'm willing to help you."

"Help me? How can you help me? And why would you do that? We barely know each other."

"I don't need reasons to help someone, unlike what many think, we witches only try to balance the supernatural scale. And if you accept, I can find a way to help you."

"Thank you for the offer, and I apologize if I have been rude before, I'm just not used to someone trying to help."

"Don't worry about it. I just hope we can be friends in the end."

"Sure."

"Good morning girls, did you fall out of bed today?"

"Good morning Mia," Kyra replied.

"I think you're the one who fell out of bed; you're always late," Amara retorted.

"Oh, you're such a drag." Laughter.

"You girls left the party early yesterday and missed Lina throwing herself at the handsome Alpha."

"Did you stay late?"

"Of course, Amara, did you really think I would leave after they let the commoners into the castle? I stayed until after the cake. Who leaves a birthday party without even having cake?" (Laughter) Here, take some.

"What's this?" Amara asked with an arched eyebrow.

"What else? Cake, duh."

"You can have my share; I don't eat sweet things."

"You witches are so eerie; I don't trust anyone who doesn't like sweets. Do you at least like coffee? Or do you just drink dubious herb teas?"

"(Laughter) Don't worry, I'm addicted to coffee."

"Phew, that's a relief.

Amara, did you notice Alpha Brandon?

He's stunningly handsome."

"I didn't see him; he stayed away from where we were sitting. And to be honest, I have no interest in meeting him. The farther we stay from the Alphas, the better."

"Looks like it's going to be difficult to stay away. Look who's coming our way."

"Well, well, what do we have here? A bunch of weirdos. Hope you all enjoyed my party, because that'll be the last you unworthy creatures will ever attend an event of such stature. However, if you're good girls and polish the dust off my shoes, I might consider inviting you to another event."

"I'd rather eat mud than clean your shoes. I have no interest in your stupid parties."

"Watch your tongue, witch, or you might end up with your head on a stake," Vick threatened.

"Before that happens, I'll turn you into a rabbit just to see the wolves of your pack hunt you down and gnaw on your bones. Come on girls, we shouldn't waste our class time."

"Ugh, that witch gives me the creeps."

"Yeah, it's better if we don't mess with her; we don't know what that damned witch is capable of. But I'll still get even with her."

...Brandon Scott...

I had a restless sleep last night and can't seem to focus on what Alpha Hanks is saying, my mind keeps drifting back to the mysterious woman from last night. While walking through the castle, I managed to catch a faint whiff of lavender, but it quickly dissipated in the endless corridors.

"Brandon?"

"Yes, Alpha Hanks? I apologize for my distraction; I was thinking about some matters concerning my pack."

"Not to worry, I understand. I was asking if you have any objections regarding our alliance?"

"There are no objections, I am well aware of the benefits of this alliance, and Lina is the perfect Luna. However, I would like more time to get to know her, as we just met yesterday. I wish to at least form a stronger bond of affinity."

"In that case, how about spending some time with us here? That way, you can develop that affinity."

"There's no problem with that; after all, my father is still the Alpha of the Northern pack and can manage without me."

"Then I'll arrange an even better room for you."

"There's no need for that, I am quite comfortable in the room I have."

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