I sat in the room that Ma’am Elena had given me, my thoughts racing with anxiety. What would this place hold for me? I had no idea, but I was eager to find out. Tonight could be my chance to meet the right people, to put my plans into action. I just had to be careful.
As I sat on the floor, thinking, exhaustion overtook me, and I fell asleep. I must have been more tired than I thought because I slept deeply, like a baby. The noise of loud voices and the sound of running footsteps eventually woke me. I sat up quickly, disoriented and groggy, my head still foggy from sleep.
It took me a moment to remember where I was. This place was new, and it was going to take time for me to get used to everything and everyone. But I didn’t have time to sit around. I had to act quickly if I wanted to make things work in my favor.
By the time I gathered my thoughts, the footsteps had already faded. The loud voices were gone, and I found myself alone in the quiet room. Without wasting any time, I hurried out and followed the sound of distant cheers and noise.
I finally reached an open area where a crowd had gathered. From a distance, I could see people laughing, talking, and enjoying themselves. They all seemed to be having a good time.
I stood there, unsure of what to do. As a stranger in the Nightwalker pack, I felt out of place. So, I found a spot far from everyone and sat down quietly, watching the activities from a distance.
As I sat alone, I spotted Ma’am Elena seated on a chair in the distance. She was surrounded by men and women who appeared to be of high rank. They were talking and smiling, but I was too far away to hear their conversation. I couldn’t help but admire the respect and power she commanded. She must hold a significant position here, but I still didn’t know exactly what it was.
Most of the girls my age had men around them, and from the way they carried themselves, it was clear that they were mated. Sitting alone made me feel even more out of place. I was the only one without a partner, without a connection.
Deep in thought, I watched as people danced and enjoyed themselves. Suddenly, I felt a tap on my right shoulder. Startled, I quickly turned around to see who it was. Liza stood behind me, smiling brightly, with Kaitlyn beside her, silent as usual.
“Hello, Kimberly! Are you having fun?” Liza asked, her voice cheerful as always.
I gave her a small smile and nodded, though I wasn’t sure what my response meant. Fun wasn’t exactly what I was feeling.
They both sat down next to me. Liza, ever the talker, started a conversation immediately, her smile never fading. Kaitlyn, on the other hand, stayed quiet, her expression blank.
“So, Kimberly, tell us about yourself!” Liza asked, her tone friendly, but her curiosity clear.
I hesitated. Trust didn’t come easily to me, not after the way people had betrayed me in the past. I’d learned the hard way not to reveal too much. So I gave her a guarded reply.
“About myself? What is there to tell that you all don’t already know?” I said, trying to keep my tone light but cautious.
Liza’s smile didn’t falter, even though I wasn’t being forthcoming. She seemed unfazed by my reluctance, but I didn’t care much how she felt. I had bigger plans, and I needed to focus on getting close to the right people. I couldn’t afford to let anyone get too close to me emotionally.
‘I need to get familiar with the most important people here,’ I thought, my eyes locked on Liza’s still-smiling face. If I played this right, I could make things work in my favor.
Just then, we heard the announcer’s voice boom through the air, signaling the start of the run. Excitement filled the crowd, and everyone stood up, eager to join in.
“Would you like to join the run, or would you prefer to stay here?” Liza asked, her voice gentle as she stood up with Kaitlyn beside her, ready to go.
I froze, unsure of what to do. I had no idea what the run was about. Was it a tradition? Were there rules? I didn’t want to make a mistake, so I just shook my head, feeling confused and a little out of place.
“I wish you would come with us and enjoy it,” Liza said, her voice softer now, her eyes looking away from mine as if disappointed.
For a moment, I thought about it. Maybe joining them would help me blend in, help me get closer to the pack. But I wasn’t ready yet. I needed more time to understand the dynamics of this place.
“I’ll stay,” I finally said, offering a weak smile. “Maybe next time.”
Liza’s face brightened a little, and she nodded. “Alright. We’ll see you later, then!” she said, her smile returning as she and Kaitlyn walked off to join the others.
I watched them leave, a small part of me regretting that I wasn’t going with them. But I knew I had to be patient. Rushing into things wouldn’t help me in the long run.
As the crowd moved toward the run, I stayed seated, watching them from a distance. I was alone, but for now, that was okay. I had plans, and I needed to play my cards carefully if I was going to succeed here.
“One step at a time,” I whispered to myself, my eyes still on the disappearing crowd. “I’ll find my place soon enough.”
I watched as Liza and Kaitlyn departed, joining the others who were eagerly preparing for the run. A small part of me wanted to go with them, but something deep inside held me back. I hadn’t shifted into my wolf form in such a long time that I was beginning to feel like the power to do so was slipping away.
One reason I didn’t want to join them was simple: I needed to take my time. I couldn’t jump into everything they were doing, especially not on my first day here at the Nightwalkers Pack. I needed to ease into things, observe, and learn. Rushing could ruin everything.
So, I stayed seated, watching as the others gathered. From my spot, I saw the announcer step forward, preparing to give some important instructions. His voice boomed across the crowd.
“As we go out for the run tonight, it won’t be like our regular one,” the announcer declared. “We’re going out as a strong pack to hunt. We’ve noticed unknown movements in the woods and suspect invaders. If you find anything suspicious, bring it back. We need to protect our pack.”
The moment he finished speaking, I saw a shift in the crowd’s energy. The excitement turned to anger. They were ready to fight, to defend their territory. The Nightwalkers took pride in their dominance, and the idea of an invader threatened that pride. Their faces were tense with eagerness, as if they couldn’t wait to tear apart anyone who dared challenge them.
I stayed seated, my thoughts racing. Who could these invaders be? And what could their mission here possibly be? I was curious but also a little uneasy.
‘Let’s wait and see what they find,’ I thought, trying to keep my mind calm. I took a deep breath, curious yet a bit excited.
Then, one by one, they began to shift into their wolf forms. I watched in amazement as Kaitlyn, usually so quiet, transformed into a massive gray wolf with striking blue eyes. It was a sight to behold, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe and intimidation.
Ma’am Elena stepped down from her spot and walked to the front of the group. She raised her hand, and as soon as she lowered it, the entire pack of wolves dashed into the woods, disappearing into the trees. I noticed a slight smile cross her face as she watched them go.
I remained seated, alone with my thoughts.
‘Liza seems nice, but I can’t trust her yet,’ I thought, feeling cautious. ‘Kaitlyn is unpredictable, and she barely talks to me. I don’t see anyone I can trust or get close to yet. Should I try to get to know Ma’am Elena more?’
I was deep in thought when I suddenly felt a light touch on my left shoulder. Startled, I jumped up from my seat and immediately bowed my head. It was Ma’am Elena.
“Greetings, Ma’am Elena,” I said quickly, showing my respect.
“Good evening, Kimberly. How are you tonight?” she asked, her voice calm but curious.
“I’m doing fine, Ma’am,” I replied, keeping my head slightly bowed.
She studied me for a moment before speaking again. “I believe you’ve attained your shape-shifting state, haven’t you? So why didn’t you join the others for the run tonight? Is it because you’re not from this pack?” She raised an eyebrow, clearly expecting an explanation.
I wasn’t expecting her to ask, and it threw me off a bit. I hesitated before answering, trying to choose my words carefully.
“Yes, I have, but I’m not sure how everything works here yet. I thought it’d be best to get used to the environment first before joining in on things,” I explained respectfully, hoping my answer would satisfy her.
“Hmm…” Ma’am Elena said thoughtfully, her eyes locked on mine. “That’s understandable, but there are a few things you need to know.” Her voice became more serious as she continued. “I want you to follow these instructions carefully.”
I nodded, waiting for her to continue.
“First, you will follow the daily routine given to you by the chief maidservant. Second, you are not allowed to enter the main building of the pack house unless you’re summoned. Lastly, be cautious about who you make friends with and what you say. This is to keep you out of trouble.”
Her words were stern, and I could tell she wasn’t taking any chances with me. I nodded again, more firmly this time.
“Thank you, Ma’am. I will do my best to follow your instructions,” I replied, a small smile of gratitude forming on my face as I bowed my head again.
Ma’am Elena nodded, about to turn and leave, when suddenly, we heard the sound of the pack returning. The wolves were running back into the clearing, their shapes quickly shifting back to human form as they approached.
The leader of the group, a man named Jefferson, transformed back with blood smeared around his mouth. His eyes were dark and intense as he stepped forward.
“Jefferson, what’s going on?” Ma’am Elena asked, her voice steady but laced with concern. Her eyes narrowed as she studied him.
Jefferson wiped the blood from his mouth, taking a deep breath before speaking. “We found something,” he said, his voice low but filled with tension.
“What did you find?” Ma’am Elena asked, her tone sharp…