“I still don’t understand how she could favor me.” I sat down on a comfy chair across from Mrs. Humphrey. “There’s literally nothing special about me. I suck at school. I never had friends...Luca marked me and now everyone thinks—” I paused, remembering where I was and in whose company I was in. I doubt they’d appreciate me referring to them as freaks. I peered at Elijah before my gaze settled back on Mrs. Humphrey. Elijah seemed decent. I have yet to decide how I felt about the high priestess.
“People back home aren’t exactly fond of werewolves. Everyone used to tell me scary stories about your people.”
Mrs. Humphrey sat forward in her seat. “Your people?” She arched her brow. “You mean, our people? You’re one of us, now, dear.”
I breathed out a long sigh. “It all feels so surreal.”
“I understand. I’ve been there myself.” She waved a hand toward Elijah. “Unlike him, who was born into this world, I was just like you. I grew up in a nice little neighborhood with very religious parents. They thought I was a demon spawn and had sinned greatly, kicking me out of the only home I ever had. I remember it like yesterday. But this world is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Just like me. I swallowed back the lump in my throat. Look, my parents weren’t great, but...They were still my family. They were all I had. Drunks, or not. “It’s just...How do I forget them?”
Mrs. Humphrey leaned forward and took hold of my hand. I shivered, her skin like ice. “Dear, as impossible as it seems, you will. They are horrible, moral-less people if they can throw you away like that.” It almost sounded like she was saying it for her own benefit, rather than for mine.
She patted my hand with a gentle smile before she straightened back in her seat. “I’m aware of what the outside world thinks of us. They believe us to be beasts. Cruel, blood-thirsty murderers. I promise you dear, we are anything but.”
Elijah shifted in his seat, like he wanted to add to the conversation, but decided against it.
“Just like humans, we have ones of our own who stray from us and do horrific things. However, because we stand out compared to humans, they will naturally turn all the negative attention to us instead of seeing their own capable of vile things. It’s in a human’s nature to want to be perfect and to turn a blind eye to what’s really there.”
I nodded, crossing my legs.
“Do tell me, girl, what’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?”
“Does it matter?” I asked.
Mrs. Humphrey inclined her head. “Yes dear, it does. Now, share with me, what is the worst thing you’ve ever done in your life?”
My eyes narrowed as I considered her question. “I’m...not sure. I haven’t really done many bad things.”
“It doesn’t matter how many. I just want to know what the worst is that you’re capable of,” she encouraged.
I sighed, leveling my gaze on her. “I stole a doll from a thrift store.”
“Why?” Mrs. Humphrey enquired, pressing her fingers together on her lap.
My brows furrowed into a frown. “My parents refused to buy me dolls because they believed it was a waste of money. I never had any, and I always watched the girls at school having so much fun and bragging about how they got the newest Sally Beach doll…”
Elijah pulled a face, and I scowled at him. “I was seven, okay?”
“Yes?” Mrs. Humphrey prompted, ignoring Elijah’s questioning look.
“Anyway, I wanted to play with them. I wanted to belong.”
“I see.” Her lips pursed. “Do you want to know what’s the worst thing I’ve ever done?”
“Not sure if that’s going to make a difference,” I said.
“That’s where you are wrong.” She focused on me. “You see, I burned down a tree.”
I blinked. “Okay?”
“The point is, both our worst qualities are petty compared to what others are capable of.” She straightened. “You’ve heard of the Whitevalley serial killer?”
I nodded. “It was all over the news.”
“The killer is human,” she stated. “And look at you. Look at me, and the worst things we’ve done. We, the ones deemed monsters by people out there.”
“I see.” I shifted under her sharp gaze.
“The point is, I want you to understand that our kind isn’t as evil as you were taught to believe,” she spoke. “My words are useless, though, as I know it’s been ingrained into your mind since birth. The best I can offer you, is to prove it to you. Once you live in our world, with time you’ll be proven that it’s nothing as you were told. I know from personal experience you will grow to love this world. You’ll make friends here and grow ever-lasting bonds.”
It felt like she was making the sales pitch of her life. “What if I don’t want to stay?”
“It’s entirely up to you, dear. But it would be against the huntress’ wish if you did. I have no doubt she would punish you accordingly.”
I swallowed.
“Understand that I’m not trying to scare you, but...you do not vex the likes of our gracious huntress.”
***
Mrs. Humphrey dismissed Elijah once the girl’s dormitory matron showed up. Mrs. June was as sweet as she was old—and the polar opposite of Mrs. Humphrey.
June—as she preferred to be addressed as—was a plumpy, short lady with unruly hair and mismatched clothing.
She was also the only one who didn’t fall over herself to flatter Mrs. Humphrey or bow to her every whim.
When Mrs. Humphrey requested June bring her some tea, June refused and said that she was here to help me settle, not to be her maid.
I covered my mouth to hide my smile. In the short amount of time that I’ve been here, the two women have made me feel more welcome than my family ever did in my entire life combined.
Regardless of Mrs. Humphrey and June’s reassurance, I still couldn’t shed the fear pooling inside my belly. I sat in a corner watching the two women set up an altar dedicated to huntress Diana and lit candles. When they were done, June ushered me toward the altar and instructed me to take off my jacket. “It’s cold in here,” I shivered, rubbing my arms.
June placed a hand on my shoulder. “No worry, child, this should be fairly quick. You’re going to love the girl’s dorm. There’s a snug fireplace in the common room, and each room has a heater installed.”
“It was an expensive demand from the students, but worth it,” Mrs. Humphrey added. “It gets cold here in the evenings. But, what also makes me feel warm is a nice cup of tea.” She threw June a pointed look.
June rolled her eyes. “Are we going to do this, or are you going to wait for this poor thing to freeze her toosh off?”
I bit back a smile, watching Mrs. Humphrey do her work, her lips drawn tight with annoyance. When she finished drawing symbols on my neck and shoulder, she picked up a small crystal bowl filled with crushed herbs and sprinkled them across my skin.
A warm, tingling sensation formed wherever they touched, and Mrs. Humphrey chanted in an unfamiliar language.
I glanced at June, who held a candle inside her hand with her eyes closed. Her lips moved feverishly along with Mrs. Humphrey’s, but her voice wasn’t audible.
I turned my focus back to Mrs. Humphrey. She had turned and was drawing a circle on the floor in front of me.
Once her chanting stopped, her eyes settled on me. “Say the recruiter’s name, dear.”
“Luca?” I tested and gasped as a figure appeared out of thin air right in the middle of the circle. “Holy crap.”
June snorted. “Crap is certainly not holy, child.”
“What the hell?” Luca spun around to find me gaping at him. “Are you serious right now?”
“Don’t blame me. You’re the one that left me hanging,” I shrugged. “They’re trying to help me, unlike you.”
Luca’s eyes turned to slits when he spotted Mrs. Humphrey. “We meet again, old hag.”
Mrs. Humphrey blanched. “Get the guardians. Now!”
My eyes widened as June rushed out of the room, looking flustered.
I turned to Mrs. Humphrey. “Did I miss something here?”
“How did you do it?” Mrs. Humphrey ignored me, her face turning red. “How?”
“Like you all do. The huntress came to me and told me to mark her.” Luca smirked. “Didn’t think it would be such a big deal.”
“Liar. Once you’re exiled you can’t get in touch with the spiritual realm,” Mrs. Humphrey barked. “I’m asking you once more, how?”
“Exiled?” My brows knitted together.
“Let’s just say I got screwed over and kicked from the werewolf club.” Luca eyed me. “But the huntress still deemed me worthy enough to mark someone as valuable as you.”
“How am I valuable?”
“Oh, you’ll find out soon enough,” he smirked.
“This is your room.” June turned her back to the cherry-red door decorated with postcards from across the world. A few faux sunflowers were stuck haphazardly in between. “You’ll be sharing it with another girl. Ariah Winter. I think you should get along quite well. She’s a bit shy, but a sweet girl, non-the-less.” I nodded, stepping toward the door. “I see you only brought this.” June pointed at my two duffel bags. “We have a store room filled with second-hand goodies for those who come over empty handed. You know, not everyone’s parent’s, especially those coming from human ones, are exactly keen on helping their young ones settle in and make their stay as comfortable as possible.” “Yeah, well…” What could I say? I was still having a hard time processing the fact that my mom did this to me. I wondered how Dad was going to react. I shook the thought from my head—not that he cared, anyway. “The point is.” June rested a hand on my arm. “You’re welcome to visit me and take a few things
“You’ve never been to the moon festival before?” Ariah’s eyes bulged. “I’m not from a werewolf family,” I explained, placing my neatly folded clothes into our shared closet. Ariah had moved her clothes to her side to make space for mine, but it was a tight fit. Where her side was overflooded, mine was mostly empty. I wasn’t sure how werewolves worked for money, but it was at the top of my list of things to do. “Like I said, humans don’t go out of their way to take part of anything out of the human norm.” “Hmm,” Ariah responded. “I’ve seen a lot of humans partake in our festivities.” “My parents are anti-werewolf.” “Oh, you’ve got one of those.” Ariah remained silent for what could be a minute. “I’m sorry, Hailey. That must really suck.” “Things happen, I guess.” “Hey, you can always join mine during the holidays,” she perked. “Then you don’t have to be stuck here in old people’s company.” I offered her a smile. “You barely know me.” Ariah tapped the tip of her nose with a fore
The dining hall carried a happy vibe interwoven with color and the aroma of baked goodies. Ariah grabbed me by the wrist, practically dragging me across the room. Slowly, heads turned and took notice of me. Few nudged their friends, while others pointed shamelessly. I think it might be because I had my neck fully exposed, with my hair tied in a high ponytail, and everyone could see my mark. It became painfully clear that I was an anomaly. Not a single other student had a mark like mine. Theirs were all a smaller version of the one Elijah had, minus the paw-like print. And, minus the hideous veins—which Elijah claimed went away eventually. “I’m introducing you to our friends. I just know you’re going to love them,” Ariah exclaimed, steering me to the left side of the room toward a table where two other students waited. There was confetti scattered across the table, with two large bowls; one filled with candy and the other with potato chips. In the center of the table was a plate sta
“How do you talk to the huntress?” I asked, trailing after Ariah. She was showing me around and getting me acquainted with everyone. People were mostly friendly, but no one passed an opportunity to ask about my mark. Hopefully, by next week people would have grown used to it and forgotten about it. It was getting tiresome to explain the same thing, over and over again. No one seemed to come to grips with the fact that I had no clue why mine was the way it was. If anything, I’d like some answers too. “You tap into the spiritual realm. It’s quite a process, so I can’t just explain it to you. In separate lessons, you will be taught how to, most likely, since we already covered it at the beginning of the year. They always do that with new pups. Catch them up on the essentials in separate lessons, most of the time, with the headmistress.” “I see.” I didn’t know how I felt about extra classes since, from what I’ve seen, my schedule was going to be packed as it is. “This is the girl’s c
Ariah parted ways with me before lunchtime, informing me she promised one of the teachers she’d help him with something. I agreed to meet up later with her, Nate and Celeste, making my way up a flight of stairs toward the library. I wanted to find the book of the divine, among things, to see if I could learn anything about my mark or the meaning of it. I scarcely rounded the corner where the library was, spotting a sign that said: Be back in an hour. I sighed, falling back against a wall, contemplating what I could do next. I didn’t know how long an hour would be, considering there wasn’t a time stating when it was written. I didn’t want to go back to my room because I have virtually nothing there to keep me occupied. Maybe this would be a good time for me to drop in by June and see what there was that I could use for my side of the room? As I stretched out my arms, yawning and turning back the way I came when low voices behind me drew my attention. “I told you to leave me alone,
Katie’s big silver eyes sparkled as she peered around our table with anticipation. “Elijah says one of you is new here as well?” I offered her a small wave. “That would be me.” She stuck out her hand to me. “Hi, I’m so glad I’m not the only one.” I awkwardly shook it, noticing Nate hiding a smirk behind his palm. “Honestly, I’m glad too. But unfortunately, because of my mark, I stick out like a sore thumb.” “Worse than a sore thumb,” Nate supplied. I sputtered a laugh. “Yeah, thanks.” “Are you born into the club or specially hand-picked from the planet of norm?” Celeste asked. Katie smiled. “Born and bred.” “Born and bred?” Nate wiggled his brows. “No offense to you, but why do they always say born and bred? Isn’t it supposed to be the other way around?” Celeste choked on her milkshake. “Nate, bred, as in raised, not the other bred you're thinking of.” “You mean produced? Made? Formed—” “Good gracious, Nate, you need to get laid. Your mind is in the gutter,” Ariah snorted.
Elijah didn’t stay much longer after, claiming he had some guardian business to tend. I hoped he’d make better progress regarding finding information about the mark on my neck than I have thus far. It would have helped a great deal if I knew more about this world I now find myself bound to. A sad tug inside my chest was hard to ignore each time I thought of my parents. A big part of me hoped my dad would reason with my mom, or maybe bother to call me, or send a message at the least. I haven't heard a thing from them since Mom dumped me at that train station. I gathered my things, about to leave, when my eyes caught the small sign that said the library was hiring assistants. I remembered Ariah—or was it Celeste?—mentioning it. It was getting hard for me to keep up with everything, but I couldn’t wait to get a job. I needed to take care of myself, even if I was overwhelmed. I stuffed my books into my backpack and headed for the front desk, thinking of how I could confidently phrase
A loud screech tore me from my sleep. A thud sounded beside me, and Ariah cursed. “Oh crap,” she bit out. “Hailey, you awake?” I sat up, blinking at her inky shape in the dark bedroom. “Who can sleep through this noise? What’s going on?” “I have no idea,” she answered, her shape moving toward the wall, and she flicked on the light. I cringed, taking a moment to adjust my eyes to the light. “Sound like some kind of alarm.” Ariah unlocked our bedroom door and poked her head out. “What’s going on?” she asked someone outside. I kicked the covers off from me and threw my legs over the side of the bed. I got up and headed for our shared closet, pulling out a hoodie and pulling it over my head. When I turned, Ariah was grabbing her slippers. “Everyone needs to go to the dining hall, right now.” I blinked. “Why? Did they say what’s up?” She nudged on her slippers, glancing up at me. “No, they didn’t. Just that it was urgent and those who fail to show up will get in trouble.” “Wow, oka