Red POV
His outstretched hand hovered before me, a silent invitation that I hesitated to accept. Ignoring his gaze, I tentatively reached out and allowed our hands to touch. In that instant, a peculiar sensation coursed through my veins, distinct from the shock and surprise that had gripped me earlier at school. It was a pleasant feeling, one that stirred a sense of intrigue within me.
As he pulled me up with a firm grip, I instinctively withdrew my hand, a sudden dizziness washing over me. Physical contact with this enigmatic individual seemed ill-advised, a notion that took root in my mind.
"That's not gonna happen," I murmured under my breath, my words barely audible as he turned away, intent on retrieving a stick. His actions were shrouded in mystery, leaving me to wonder what purpose this stick would serve.
"Catch," he called out, tossing the stick in my direction. It fell to the floor, leaving me perplexed. My eyebrow arched inquisitively as I sought clarification.
"What am I gonna use this for?" I questioned, my voice laced with skepticism, searching for understanding in his eyes.
"To fight, obviously," he retorted, his response accompanied by an eye roll that did not escape my notice. A flicker of exasperation danced within me, but I refused to let it deter me. If I were to engage in this training, it seemed only fitting to start with the basics.
"Umm... I know I said I wanted to practice, but can't we take it slow? Like a beginner's lesson," I proposed, my gaze fixed upon the elongated stick in my hands. Doubts crept in, questioning how such a simple implement could be effective in combat.
Why utilize a mere stick when supernatural creatures roamed this realm?
"This is a beginner's lesson, Red," he replied, retrieving his own stick and swinging it in my direction. Startled, I instinctively moved back, attempting to dodge his unexpected attack. "You didn't give me a heads up," I protested, my voice rising, though I managed to maintain a semblance of composure.
"Do you think those demons out there will give you a heads up? You wanted to train so badly, right? Well, here's your training," he admonished, his strikes coming fast and fierce. I stood in stunned silence, momentarily paralyzed by the intensity of his onslaught.
"Fine," I bit my lip, a mixture of determination and trepidation coursing through me. "But could you slow down a bit? Not everyone possesses werewolf speed," I requested, gripping my stick with newfound resolve, mentally preparing myself for the challenges that lay ahead.
"So, you know I'm a wolf," he smirked, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes.
"Obviously," I scoffed, dismissing the notion. "The girls practically worship the ground you paw on." His head tilted back as laughter escaped his lips, and for a fleeting moment, my gaze fixated on the rise and fall of his Adam's apple.
Focus, Red.
"Why didn't Uncle J show up?" I coughed, averting my eyes, searching for anything but his piercing gaze.
"He was busy," he replied, his tone tinged with an ambiguity that left me questioning his words.
"Okay," I mumbled, uncertainty lingering in the air between us.
"Let's begin."
And so, we commenced our training. He explained that the stick was merely a child's practice tool, assuring me that I would eventually wield a more efficient weapon. The thought elicited a sense of resignation within me, for I knew the road ahead would be arduous.
I lost count of how many times his stick struck me, while I managed to connect only once. His leniency in allowing me that small victory was appreciated, but my stubbornness refused to accept such concessions. Minutes turned into an eternity, each strike a lesson etched into my memory. Eventually, he deemed it necessary for me to retreat to my hostel, lest I resemble a walking corpse.
He offered me a place to sleep in his office once again, a gesture that I immediately regretted. I noticed a flicker of hurt in his eyes, but he quickly masked it, nodding in silent understanding.
As we made our way out of the training hall, a question that had been gnawing at me resurfaced, demanding an answer.
"Why did you disqualify me?" I inquired, my voice laced with a tinge of frustration. Memories of the clinic visit I had missed silently lingered, but I dared not voice them.
"Huh?" he responded, momentarily caught off guard by my query.
"During the training, when I fell, I heard I was disqualified," I clarified, observing as he wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand.
"I felt like it," he replied nonchalantly, his words leaving me with more questions than answers.
"Great," I rolled my eyes, deciding not to press the matter further. I knew he had a knack for evading my inquiries, preferring to keep me in the dark. With a sigh, I pushed open the door, preparing to make my exit. But before I could take more than a few steps, his hand gently grasped my wrist, sending a familiar surge of electricity through me. I met his gaze, noticing his intense focus on my wrist.
"Sorry," he apologized, releasing his grip, and a part of me inexplicably yearned for his touch once more, but I restrained myself.
"I had to remove you. It was the rule. Perhaps you missed that part," he offered, a hint of embarrassment coloring his voice. I nodded, feeling a flush of embarrassment myself, and averted my gaze, directing my attention elsewhere.
It wasn't my fault.
Rhyes had been interrupting me throughout.
"Also..." he began, his voice trailing off as he stared at me. "Seeing you hurt isn't the best sight," he confessed, his features contorting into a frown.
What did he mean by that?
"Goodnight, Red. I have you for first period. Don't be late," he concluded, leaving me standing there, bewildered by his cryptic words.
Lost in thought, I retraced my steps back to the hostel, contemplating the events of the evening and his peculiar behavior. Whenever he was near, he seemed different-a paradox of openness and guardedness. His actions and words intertwined in a complex web, leaving me yearning for answers that remained just out of reach.
Upon entering the room, I was greeted by the sight of Ana, snoring blissfully, her pillow adorned with drool. The absurdity of the scene tempted me to capture it with a photo, but my weariness and soreness dissuaded me from any such endeavors. I collapsed onto my bed, embracing my pillow tightly.
Also... Seeing you hurt isn't the best sight.
Those seemingly innocuous words resonated with a depth that surpassed their surface meaning. I couldn't help but close my eyes, replaying the night's events in my mind, a blush staining my cheeks as I entertained thoughts that held more significance than I dared to admit.
===================
Chapter: Secrets Unveiled
"I can't. I just can't," I muttered, standing outside the school within the depths of the forest, accompanied by Amelia. She had requested that I call her by her name instead of "grandma," as it made her feel old. I understood her sentiment to some extent.
The pain from yesterday's intense practice session with Mr. Caddel still lingered within me. However, Amelia had assured me that today would focus on unlocking my mind as a witch. I naively believed it would be an easy endeavor.
Boy, was I wrong.
"Red, you must embrace your inner witch. We don't carry spell books and wands around like they do in the movies," she explained, perched on a half-chopped log while I sat on the grass, feeling somewhat vulnerable.
I couldn't help but be concerned about being discovered, but Amelia reassured me that her protection spell would keep us hidden.
"Can you blame me for thinking otherwise? Hollywood portrays witches in various ways," I replied, closing my eyes and savoring the refreshing breeze.
"This isn't working," I sighed, opening my eyes and gazing up at Amelia.
"I know," she responded, her expression etched with a frown.
Once again, I closed my eyes, attempting to relax and free my mind, just as she had instructed.
"ξυπνάω"
"What did you say?" she whispered, her eyes widened in surprise.
"Huh?"
"You just said something. Say it again," she urged, approaching me with a mix of curiosity and astonishment.
"Um... ξυπνάω.?" I repeated, puzzled by her reaction. She abruptly halted her steps and settled down beside me on the ground.
"Red, who taught you that spell?"
"That's a spell?" I asked, seeking confirmation.
"Yes, it may not be particularly dangerous, but it is indeed a spell. It's used to awaken from sleep, like an alarm clock in your human realm. However, you have to instruct your consciousness to rouse you," she explained, shedding light on its purpose.
"Wait," I interjected, scooting closer to her, attempting to grasp the concept. "So, you're saying the spell works by interacting with your consciousness, and it prompts your consciousness to wake you up?"
"Exactly. In the witchworld, one witch would use the spell to awaken another witch. It's often employed as a prank when it involves another witch, though," she added, providing further context.
"But how did you know about the spell? Did your mother teach it to you?"
"No... well, I can't remember," I mumbled, lowering my head in frustration.
"Red, there's something you need to know," she uttered softly, preparing to disclose something significant. However, before she could continue, Rhyes appeared.
"Red, you need to return to the school immediately!" his voice echoed in my mind, causing me to groan in frustration.
"Are you alright, child?" Amelia asked, concern etched on her face as she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"I'm fine," I reassured her, attempting to calm her worries.
"Not now, Rhyes. I'm occupied with Amelia," I mentally replied, expressing my discontent.
"That's precisely why I'm contacting you. Your aunt is here," he conveyed urgently, leaving me dumbfounded.
"Aunt May?" I questioned, trying to make sense of the situation.
"No! Your mum's sister"
"What?" I almost shouted in disbelief, but quickly remembered that Amelia was still present. I glanced at her, contemplating how to break the news that her daughter had arrived.
My aunt? My mother's sister?
Why are all my relatives suddenly appearing?
A family gathering would be quite welcome at this moment.
"I think we should go," I announced, rising from the forest floor.
"Why? You still haven't told me anything," she insisted, sitting on the ground, waiting for an explanation that I knew wasn't appropriate at that moment.
"Red? Amelia?" I heard Uncle J's voice calling our names, and relief washed over me.
"Jayden?" she exclaimed, rising from the ground, bewildered as she scanned the forest.
"He can't see us, remember," I reminded her of her invisibility spell.
"Oh, right," she murmured, whispering something under her breath. It reminded me of the time Avery had done something similar in the library.
I suppose that's how their magic works.
"Here you are," Uncle J sounded relieved as he approached us.
"Amelia, we need you at the school immediately," he informed her, causing a flicker of worry to cross her face. It didn't surprise me, as Rhyes had already informed me earlier.
"Morgan is here," she exclaimed, her eyes widening with a mix of worry and fear.
"How? I never revealed my location to her," her voice quivered with concern.
"I don't know either,but she specifically asked for you, Red," Uncle J explained, causing both of them to turn their gaze towards me, their expressions filled with apprehension.
"Me? How does she even know about me?"
"I don't have the answers either. I tried to get her to talk, but she wouldn't listen," Uncle J sighed, running his hands through his hair in frustration.
"Let's just go," Amelia declared, taking a step toward the school. However, a nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach urged me to make an excuse and hide in the dormitory. Yet, my legs seemed to have a different plan, and I found myself following them into the school, heading towards Uncle J's office.
I hope my gut was wrong.
_____________________________
In Chapter 4: ξυπνάω means to wake
up
Guys I'm sorry that it's too short, I think I might have writer's block at the moment🤧🤧🤧 but I won't let it win✊✊
Hope you enjoyed this Chapter ❤️