~YULIA
“Death is not really the end,” said the professor that stood on the podium.
He was a man in his late sixties with a balding head. I was not really paying much attention to him until he said those six words. He was in a black grey coat with matching suit pants and black leather shoes.
“It is just the beginning of another journey in another realm,” he continued. “In fact, there are ways in which you can communicate with the dead if you follow the right steps.”
An excited murmur erupted through the class. An idea popped in my head as I listened to the man. Maybe I could finally get the answers that eluded me.
A student raised her hand. “Yes?” the professor said.
“What of ghosts that refuse to pass on? Can you explain why they refuse to go on to the afterlife?”
“That is a very excellent question,” the professor said. “The preferred term should be spirit. This kind of thing happens if the deceased person has very strong emotional ties or connection to a place so that when they die, their spirit still remains. It might also be as a result of an unfinished business, maybe they were treated unfairly before they died and are seeking vengeance or it could be that there is a secret message they want to pass to their close ones.”
“How do you communicate with the dead?” I asked abruptly and Ashley gave me a questioning look.
“We shall talk more about it in the next class. Read further on Necromancy and Communication with the Dead, the school library has it.” The professor said as he packed his papers and put them in his briefcase.
“What was that all about?” Ashley asked as she adjusted her glasses. I shrugged and slinged my bag on my shoulder.
“I was just curious,” I said as we both headed out of the class together.
“Look, I know that we just met each other from the beginning of the semester, but whatever it is you are thinking of doing is not a good idea,” Ashley said as she watched me with concern.
“What do you think I am about to do?” I asked.
“Talk to the dead?” She replied. “Normally, I would never imagine you doing it, but you have been in all sorts of trouble ever since you got into this school. And then there is the whole setting people on fire thing.”
“I don’t do it on purpose, it just happens out of reflex, I can’t help it,” I said in a defensive tone.
Ashley sighed and looked ahead.
“Check it out,” She told me. “Professor Khan.” She added with a dreamy tone in her voice.
I could not blame her. Jamal was a very handsome werewolf and I had a feeling he and Lana were up to something. There was no way my lustful friend could resist a man as handsome as him I almost fell for him too.
Jamal was walking alone and the female students were all staring as he passed. “See you tomorrow?” I said.
“Same time, same place, and say hi to Lycan Issa for me.” Ashley said.
I rolled my eyes as I nodded at her and ran up to meet Jamal.
“Hey, Professor,” I said as I caught up to him. “How is Lana?”
“She continues to be quite a guest,” he replied with a small smile.
“You guys are not having sex, are you?” I asked.
“Quite an inappropriate question to ask your professor, is it not?” Jamal said in a light tone. He did not seem to be offended.
“I am just looking out for my human friend, Jamal, emphasis on human, as in the weaker being,” I said as I walked alongside him.
“Ms. Lana is in good hands, I assure you and we are not doing what we are not meant to do,” He replied.
It was a vague response but I let it go.
“How are you feeling?” He asked. I was taken aback by the question.
“What do you mean?
“You witnessed some unsavoury things, it must have taken a lot of mental and physical toll on you,” he replied.
I shrugged. “I am getting used to it,” I said.
“That is a bad thing to get used to, Yulia,” He replied. “But it is also necessary.”
“I have a feeling that things are going to get worse,” I said to him.
“Your feelings are correct,” He replied. “That is why you must prepare yourself.”
“By regularly attending your classes?” I asked playfully.
I had been avoiding his class due to what happened the last time. I was afraid that I might hurt someone again and I did not want to be known as this unstable freak who burnt people every time she felt threatened.
“You should come to class, Yulia, it is the only way you can control your powers. And you should not worry yourself about how you are perceived, you already have a reputation. You are the new Leia now.” He replied.
“Seriously, they think I am like Leia, the trouble-making campus queen?” I asked in disbelief.
“Yes, people fear you now, and you may have students wanting you to join their clique now, expect that very soon.” He said.
“I am not interested in joining any girl scout squad,” I said with disdain. “Let alone be anyone’s queen bee.”
“You already created a power vacuum, Yulia, if you do not want the position, someone else will take it,” Jamal replied.
I shrugged. “I do not mind that.”
“Well, you have to get your butt kicked or publicly humiliated to forfeit that position,” He retorted.
“For real?” I asked in disbelief. He nodded. “You are being serious.” I added with shock.
“I am. It is why Leia hates you and probably wants a rematch,” He said.
I flashed back to when she demanded to fight me again. I thought she wanted to settle the scores but now I realized that it went deeper than that.
“Let me guess, I cannot refuse,” I said.
“Refusal is futile.”