Episode 8

...Alfa Brandon Scott...

"Alfa Brandon, Amara should have been back hours ago. How long must we wait before we get news of her?"

"Mind your tone, witch."

I have already sent my Beta to look for her; he will return with her shortly.

"Brandon?"

"Lincoln? Where is the girl?"

"I've searched everywhere, went to the spring where Alfa Lina claimed to have seen her last, but she wasn't there. I can't catch her scent anywhere."

"I bet this is all your doing, Lina. You must have set her up."

"How dare you accuse me without evidence, you cursed witch."

"Kyra is right; you must have done something; after all, you never liked her."

"Shut up, you worthless omega, I've already told you I didn't do anything."

"Enough with this pointless argument, you are all dismissed."

"But Alfa, we can't leave without news of our friend."

"Don't worry, Mia. I'll take charge of the search team."

She was my responsibility; I promise I will bring her back.

"Let's go, Mia, it's better if we return..."

"Brandon, how do you intend to find this girl? She doesn't even have a scent; perhaps without her wolf, her smell has become imperceptible to us."

"Don't worry about that. I'm certain I can find her."

As soon as Brandon began giving orders to the search teams, concern started to give way to a feeling he had never experienced before. He began to wonder if this might be fear, and if so, why? His wolf was restless inside him, eagerly awaiting the moment to search for the lost girl. Once his wolf emerged, it began snouting around, seeking any trace of the lavender scent that Amara emitted, which, somehow, only Brandon could detect.

"..."

While Amara tried to find her way back, even lacking any sense of direction, she believed her instincts might guide her back to the academy. Little did she know that with each step, she was drawing closer to the darkest part of the woods, where no one was allowed at night. The woods had become a dangerous place due to frequent vampire attacks. Amara began to feel she was no longer alone in that dark forest. She could swear there was a sinister presence following her, but she thought it was just her imagination—until what happened next proved her wrong. A creature with startling speed leapt from the trees towards her, and in the next second, it was upon her, sinking its fangs into her neck. A scream of horror and dread emerged from her throat; the pain from the creature's bite was immeasurable. Just as she thought it was the end, the creature withdrew its fangs, spitting out the blood it had drawn from her neck. Her eyelids grew heavy from the blood loss, but before slipping into unconsciousness, she could swear she heard the creature hiss, "BAD BLOOD."

"..."

A short distance from where Amara lay, Brandon began to detect the scent of lavender carried by the wind. The more he followed it, the stronger it became until he reached the place where Amara's figure lay. A sense of relief filled him, but upon seeing the state she was in, he felt guilty for failing to protect her. Instinctively, he picked her up and caressed her hair. When his eyes fell upon the fang marks on her neck, his expression darkened.

"Brandon, what happened to her? Lincoln inquired, panting after the long run."

"She's been attacked." Brandon replied, clenching his fists.

"Attacked? Do you mean by..."

"Yes, by a vampire."

...Amara Follen...

The sun shone intensely into the hospital room when I woke up, feeling disoriented, not knowing how long I'd slept. My mouth was parched, begging for water, and confusion clouded my memory of recent events.

As soon as the door to the room opened, my heart filled with joy at seeing my father approach; finally, I could feel safe.

"Amara, you're awake at last."

"Dad, it's so good to see you. How long have I been asleep? It feels like an eternity."

"Amara, you've slept for three days straight. You have no idea how worried I was; I feared losing you."

"Dad, you don't have to worry anymore; look, I'm fine now. I promise I'll never make you worry like this again, okay?"

"You'd better not missy."

"If you'll excuse me, Gamma Lian, I know it's early for this and that Amara just woke up, but I need to talk to her alone."

"Don't worry, Brandon, I understand the protocol. Just please don't tire her; she's still recovering."

"Okay."

"What do you want to know?"

"First, how do you feel?"

"Tired and confused."

"Do you remember what happened to you in the woods?"

"The last thing I remember is being at the academy, participating in the training, and now waking up in this hospital. I guess I'm here because I fainted again. My health has been fragile these past days."

"I see. Well then, I'll let you rest. Don't strain yourself trying to recall recent events; it could harm you."

It's intriguing that Amara can't remember the attack. Perhaps it's for the best; she won't be traumatized.

"Brandon? Did my daughter tell you anything?"

"No, she doesn't remember the attack. I suspect it's best if she continues not to know."

"I agree; it would only scare her."

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