LIANA “He bought his current apartment and car,” Zaylen stated. I buried my face in my hands as I bit my bottom lip, unable to digest the words. My entire body was boiling with anger. “Not only was he cheating on me, he was using me for money too?” “I am so sorry, Liana. You deserved so much better,” he mumbled, his tone laced with sympathy. “I thought I was going to take my time making James suffer throughout the month as he struggled to put together the money before the deadline, but now,” I put down my hands from my face as a look of determination and conviction took over my expressions, “I am going to give him a serious blow that he will be unable to recover from.” Zaylen couldn't help but smile, a look of pride on his face. “I am glad you are not breaking down over this.” “Gone are the days that I will have a breakdown because of that asshole,” I spat out. “The only thing he deserves is my wrath. At first, I was just going to make him suffer with the loan, but now, I am goin
LIANA Just as I was about to walk away, someone grabbed my wrist, stopping me. My heart pounded in my chest as James's grip tightened around my wrist, his words laced with venom as he spat them out in a tirade of anger and resentment. "Who the fuck do you think you are?" he snarled, his voice rising with each word, "just because you have money, do you think you can talk to me like that?” “I knew it. You always looked down on me because you have got your rich daddy's money in your bank account, don't you?” he spat out, his eyes a little psychotic. I winced as his fingers dug into my skin, pain shooting through me with each harsh tug. "Let go of me, James," I demanded, my voice trembling with defiance. “You think you can talk to me like this just because you gave me some money and I made a mistake? I am not your servant who will just take down whatever you say to me.” “What you did was not a mistake.” I glared at him. “And I am only asking you to return what I rightfully deserve to
LIANA I saw that James was fuming in anger as he left the place. My Gosh! That was so humiliating for him. Getting fired in front of everyone without a written notice? Well, he deserved that. I wasn’t feeling sorry for him at all. Zaylen turned to me and asked, “Are you okay? Did James hurt you?” I saw that his eyes were filled with concern, making my heart skip a beat. However, I assured him, “I am okay.” “Your hand…” He looked down at the bruise caused by James. “Oh, this? It doesn't hurt. It just looks a little red right now, but it will be okay soon. Don't worry.” He hummed, not looking satisfied. “Put some cream on it, though.” “Okay!” I turned to Sara, who was now sitting on a chair. “How are you feeling?” I asked her. Sara groaned. “I thought I was okay and didn't get any injuries, but now, I think I got a sprain on my ankle. It sucks, but apart from that, I am perfectly fine.” Tears of gratitude welled up in my eyes as I looked at Sara. I bent to her and pulled
LIANA I was working when Lara approached me, ruining my work aura. I glanced at her tear-stricken face. “What happened?” I ended up asking. “I had no idea James was like that. I am so sorry, Liana,” she started, with tears in her eyes falling continuously, “If I knew he was such a jerk, I would have never hurt you. I swear on our friendship.” I put on a tight-lipped smile. Friendship? Did it even exist? It was only manipulation, lies, and deceit. Why did you do that, Lara? What were your reasons to stick by my side for so long if you hated me this much? I wish I could confront her directly. But I had to be patient. Speaking of patience, I had none left to deal with her right now. James sucked up all my patience for the day. So I brushed past Lara and went to Zaylen’s cabin. “Come in,” came his voice. I stepped in and he glanced at me from head to toe before arching an eyebrow, “What’s wrong?” After mustering enough courage, I finally asked, “Zaylen, do you mind if I take th
LIANA My heart sank as I realized James was standing on the other side of the door. "James, go away," I said firmly, my voice trying to cover my fear, "I don't want to see you." But James's desperate pleas fell on deaf ears as he continued to knock, his voice filled with urgency. "Liana, please," he begged, "just let me in. We need to talk." He had to go! I couldn’t meet him at any cost. He was definitely drunk, otherwise why would he be here to meet me at this hour? It was definitely not safe meeting him right now. God, why didn't I warn the security guards to not let him into the building anymore? My intercom hasn't been working for a while, either, so I couldn't call the guards, because I had never been home when the repairman came to work on it. My hands shook as I reached for my phone. "If you don't leave right now, I'm calling the cops," I warned, my voice trembling with the weight of my words. But James seemed undeterred by my threat. "Please, Liana," he pleaded, his voice
LIANA "What the hell are you doing here?" James's voice seemed like he was surprised. I didn’t open the door but placed my ears close to hear who he was talking to. "Leave Liana alone," I heard Zaylen warn, "or else I'll take you to the cops." I heaved a sigh in relief. Zaylen was here, finally. But how could he come here in five minutes? Was he nearby or what? Anyway, it was none of my business as long as he helped me get rid of James. "You have no right to interfere in my business," James spat, his words slurred with the unmistakable edge of drunkenness. “In fact, what the hell are you even doing here? Why did she call you of all people?” "Liana is not your business," Zaylen shot back, his tone firm and commanding, "and since she is not your business, you don't need to know why I am the person she called.” James let out a disbelieving laugh. “Wow, Liana, I can't believe you are already sleeping with the boss right after breaking up with me. And you called me a cheater?”
ZAYLEN The full moon hung low in the night sky, casting its silver glow over the world below. Its ethereal light bathed the landscape in a soft, luminous glow. For my community, this night held a significance that few outsiders could understand. It was a night of transformation — a night when our true nature could no longer be hidden beneath the veil of humanity. It was a night when the primal instincts that lay dormant within us surged to the surface, demanding to be acknowledged and embraced. As I stood on my balcony, beneath the moon's watchful gaze, I felt a stirring deep within me, an urge that pulsed with the rhythm of the full-moon night. It was a feeling that was both exhilarating and terrifying, a reminder of the ancient bond that tied me to the natural world around me. In the stillness of the night, I could hear the distant howl of my brethren, their voices joining together in a haunting chorus that echoed through the darkness. It was a sound that sent shivers down m
ZAYLEN “What’s wrong, Liana? What’s going on?” I tried to remain patient. “James is here. I-I don’t know… he i-is at the do-or.” “Calm down. Take a deep breath,” I tried to calm her and she sucked in a deep breath. “Now, tell me, what’s wrong. Clearly.” “James is here at my door, knocking and ringing my doorbell. Oh no, wait, he is continuously banging on my door. I told him that I don’t wish to see him but it seems like he will break the door to meet me. And…” “And…?” “And he is drunk. His voice sounds like he is drunk. Otherwise, he wouldn’t dare to come here.” I sighed. Turns out Jordan’s instincts were right as usual. I glanced at my pack, a bit hesitant as Marcel shot me a glare. “Did you call the cops?” I asked. “I did but they didn’t pick up. There was an accident somewhere I saw on the TV so they are busy there, I think.” “Okay.” I paused to think about the consequences of my absence, but it didn't matter. Liana was in serious trouble. “I am going there. Send me y