,1991
It started with one look. Kyanne paused from putting a chip in her mouth, her eyes going blank and a small shiver passed over all of us. I was the first to snap to attention. Tomas and Jake lifted their eyes but cocked their heads west, towards the lunch room doors. I closed my eyes, breathing deeply as a scent I knew too well flowed in and walked through the doors. All the other students of Amery High didn't have a clue what just entered our school and continued with their conversations.
I didn't have to turn, the footsteps were headed this way and Jake was already snarling.
"Hello Wolk" his voice stabbed at my ears. I hid a wince as I swiveled in my seat.
"Deondre" I greeted, letting my eyes meet his as I stood to stand in front of him. To make contact with a werewolf such as I was could be called as a challenge or a death wish, especially as old as he is, though he resembled a normal teenager with Carmel skin, slick back hair and a face of an angel.
He smiled "Now now, Natalie. No reason to be suspicious, I only came to speak with you."
I narrowed my eyes at him, what was the catch?
I nodded my head after a thought and called forth my group to follow Deondre outside. We made our way to the empty Gym that would be filled come dismissal for lunch. The lights were too dim for people to hang out in here. We stopped in the middle than stood waiting for Deondre to speak. I could tell Kyanne was on edge and kept her eye on him like he would disappear at any moment and she wished to attack him beforehand. Tomas and Jake hanged back like guards but made sure not to falter their gaze.
"Yesh, you all act like you've never trusted one of my kind before" he scoffed. I grounded my teeth; oh he was trying my patience. I have a long scare on my arm from the last time "his kind" asked to be trusted.
"Either say what you came to deliver or leave" Tomas snapped.
"Ah yes, There is a new arrival coming to town. Well, a few actually, but only one will be here tomorrow. The others will take a few days."
I sighed, rolling my eyes "who?" I hated when any of them came to Willow Hollows, the town had enough of our world in seclusion here I worried for the poor humans who could be at the mercy of one of us.
"Cade Rotcher."
I froze, and felt the blood leave my face.
"As in Cade Rotcher from…" Kyannes voice trailed, afraid to even finish the sentence for fear it was true.
Deondre grinned like he liked the taste of our fear "Yes, from the Night Soul Warriors. And yes, they'll be arriving very shortly after him. Tomas bent his head, lips were moving as if he were saying a prayer.
"Why?" I asked sternly. Deondres face fell but he plastered on his mask in less than a second, I saw he was just as scared as we were but couldn't show it.
"There is an epidemic coming to Willow Hollows. The king demanded the Warriors come and stop it. That is all you need to know."
"The hell it is" I said, grabbing him and slamming him against the wall. I heard the plaster get dented but hardly think anyone will notice. Deondre's eyes glittered at my actions; he was defiantly one to like pain.
"You will tell me more" I demanded.
"Wish I could, Love. But you know the law. I cannot say a word of the events when Night Soul Warriors are brought in. by then tis top secret for protection."
Damn him, I hated when the law was recited, because it had everyone sewing their mouths shut without questioning.
I reluctantly let go of him, he dusted his expensive jacket off and walked away. I saw a sort of lowness in his shoulders that made me wonder how serious this could be.
"Something is coming? Isn't it" I said to his back.
"All I will say, is for our people, Judgment day has arrived" his tone gave me goose bumps.
18 years later
I fingered my necklace which held my blue ruby ring, chewing on the chain as I impatiently waited. It took some time to settle my nerves. I had never been sent to the principal's office before. My leg jiggled and denied to stop for any reason.
Ugh, this was torturing but at least it got me out of history. I hope I wasn't in trouble. As I waited I saw Shane Omen going up to the receptionist with a piece of paper. He was a perfect golden boy for Delinquent Prep Academy. Home for orphan kids like myself and kids who had done crime. He was sent here after juvie kicked him out and now he was about to graduate. Lucky him.
My heart rate raced like a jack hammer as he took a seat next to me. I tried to calm myself and act natural but I was never really good at such a performance. I took a deep breath and accidently inhaled his spicy liquid scent. Oh man, no wonder girls turned to putty of this guy. Had looks that Hollywood would pay for and a don't-give-a-crap attitude that you had to be born with.
The Head masters door opened and Miss Abel stood in the door.
"Sara Cypher, come in."
My shoulders slumped as I got up and went inside. I sat in one of the open chairs facing her desk. Her office was dark; some light came in but not nearly enough. Though, Delinquent Academy did have the shades drawn all the time no matter what time of day. It was like night school.
Miss Abel set herself neatly in her seat and raised her stare to me. We sat in silence for a while, till she finally spoke.
"How have you been Sara?"
"…Fine" I answer, carefully not to show any sign of lying.
"That's good."
More silence, almost to make you go crazy.
"Um, am I in trouble?"
She smiled "No I don't believe so, haven't been since you came here. Except that one little incident" she corrected. I lowered my head, knowing that one time will stay with me for the rest of my time, not like I did it on purpose.
"No, your grades are fine and your one of this school's most trusted students."
"…..that's great. So, why am I here?"
"Because you've been elected."
"Huh?"
She reached inside her drawers and handed me over a folder.
"For students at this school, people think every one of them is a lost cause. But a placement program called "New Age" is a starting chance for those students who are redeem as a waste of time either for their criminal background or too good for help, it's for a selected few young adults about to leave for the real world."
I slowly arched my brow at her, not understanding.
"Basically, if you're a good student at Delinquent Academy or have problems and are about to graduate, this program is to help you. Calm you and harness your gifts."
"Gifts?" I ask, flipping through the folder, the booklet showed an old victorian house, and description of how its owner helps students with special abilities. I gulped, finally realizing what she was meaning.
"Its….for kids who are….different" I say.
She nods "We know about you Sara. For quite some time and this" she taps the folder "Is perfect to help you."
I push it politely away, wanting to leave or be sucked in a hole.
"I know you've had troubles but this is not a request. You are going and they will help you. You won't be the only one, others from here will attend."
"Like me?" I say, so low my ears couldn't catch it.
"Almost" she tilts her head "More or less."
So suddenly, things were about to change in my world, and I didn't know which road it will take me to.
2 days later
"We're here!" Mr. Mechelle announced. I felt the car slow down and swivel onto a rough road, a few minutes later it came to a halt and my side door opened. I nearly fell out but caught myself, stretching and pulling off my shades. I had slept the whole way across state line. The other kids found other ways of transportation, but I didn't know who the other students were.
I looked up into the face of a man with light brown hair and kind eyes.
"Hello, you must be Sara Cypher. I'm Jacob Maserus, one of your Professors."
" Hi " I greeted, my voice pretty cracked, he nicely helped me out of the car and with my bags. The whole way here I dreaded what was a waiting me here at this place.
"Welcome to Willow Hollows" he said.