LIANA "Lara, is that you?" I called out, my voice tinged with disbelief as I struggled to make sense of what was happening. But there was no response, only the oppressive silence of the closet closing in around me like a vice. Panic surged through me as I pounded on the door, desperate to escape the confines of the small, windowless room. "Let me out!" I cried, my voice echoing off the walls in a futile plea for help. “Somebody, help! I am locked in here! Let me out!” But as the moments stretched into eternity, it became painfully clear that I was alone, trapped in the darkness with no way out. Fear threatened to overwhelm me when I realized I didn’t have my phone with me either. I left it on the desk! I continuously kept banging on the door, having no choice, with a hope that someone would open it for me. After a long time, which literally seemed like forever, the door burst open. I looked at the person, only to find Sara there. I rushed to her and I clung to Sara tightl
LIANA “This stupid work never ends. I hate my office — not only because of work but also because everyone I knew around me and got close to is somehow a stupid werewolf,” I grumbled as I finished packing my stuff. I was finally done with my work for the day. I swear to God, ever since this stupid ex of mine left, all his work literally landed on my desk. Zaylen meant it when he said I had to complete James’s work until he found a replacement. Ugh, why did I have to accept this job position when my department's last general manager quit without notice? If I hadn't, I wouldn't have to be working so hard right now. I prayed our HR found a replacement for James soon and that replacement would be way better than James at the job. I seriously didn't like overtime! I was about to leave when it occurred to me that Zaylen worked late almost every night, and I confirmed it when I noticed the private elevator was still on. As much as working kept my mind off of things, I really needed som
LIANA “I see,” Zaylen responded, his tone even. “Hey! I asked you something,” I grumbled. “I am not allowed to reveal them,” he said flatly. “Okay, fine. But why aren't you saying anything else? Don't you have any words of comfort?” I pressed. Closing the file, he leaned back in his chair. “I thought you just wanted to vent. I didn't realize I had to provide a response.” “Wow, so you weren't even listening,” I accused. “Oh, I heard you alright. It's hard to ignore such a loud voice,” he teased. “I'm loud? How dare you say that!” I exclaimed. “My apologies,” he said with a hint of amusement. “Hmph.” I crossed my arms against my chest, puffing my cheeks. “Your apology doesn't take back the fact you just insulted me!” He hummed, a mischievous tone to it. “Isn't it common for friends to insult each other?” My jaw dropped at his blatant comment. “Now that you're done venting, I'll get back to work.” He reached for his laptop, ready to resume his tasks, but I interrupted him. I
ZAYLEN As I parked outside Liana's place, I couldn't help but wonder why I agreed to this. I hated loud places, especially places like clubs. It was torture for a werewolf like me, who had sensitive ears. While it had its benefits for hearing low whispers and faraway sounds, it was disastrous for the high-volume ones. Besides, I wanted to relax tonight after getting back home. I would have had the house all to myself since my sister was on a business trip at the moment as well. The pounding bass and blaring music of a club were the last things I wanted to subject myself to. But there I was, waiting for Liana. She had insisted, saying, “Please give me some time to go home and get ready. I want to change into a party dress. You know, something more confident and outgoing?” Her eyes were sparkling with excitement and eagerness, and for some reason, I couldn't say no. It was kinda awe-inspiring how much Liana had changed just in a matter of a few days. I used to think she was a n
LIANA Zaylen chuckled in response to my question, his amusement evident in his voice. "No, I don't," he replied casually. A twinge of uncertainty nagged at me. "You won't be jealous?" I probed further, searching for a hint of emotion in his demeanor. "Do you want me to be?" he countered, his tone teasing. "Maybe?" I admitted, the words slipping out before I could stop them. He reminded me of the reason we were together, a reminder that stung more than I cared to admit. "Hey, you're supposed to get over your rebound with me," he said, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "I'm trying, okay?" I retorted defensively, feeling the weight of my unresolved emotions pressing down on me. "Then go. Have a fun drink with that guy who hit on you," he urged, his words laced with resignation. I smiled, shaking my head. Despite his permission, I couldn't bring myself to leave his side. "I came here with you, remember? I think I'll stay," I said, my voice softer now, tinged with s
LIANA Zaylen and I, we both were in a cab right now. Why? Well, because we had alcohol and it wasn’t a wise decision to drive in a drunken state — even if we drank only a little bit. “Stop here,” Zaylen ordered the cab driver, who stopped instantly. I looked outside through the windshield. It wasn’t a forest or dark purple-ish otherworldly road, which I expected because of him being a werewolf. In fact, it was a typical city road. It was a similar road which was near my house. “Do you live nearby?” I asked, turning to him. He shook his head slightly. “No, but you do. So it’s time for you to leave.” Immediately, a frown appeared on my lips. “Why will I leave?” “Because we are near your house. Simple,” he stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the entire world. I crossed my arms against my chest. “I am not leaving. I will go with you,” I said sternly. Zaylen looked at the cab driver, who was tapping on the steering wheel, probably waiting for us to finish our talk. “T
LIANA Dr. Daniel, who was Zaylen’s personal doctor according to Zaylen, checked him and now we were sitting in his cabin, waiting for him to say something. “Well, it’s nothing serious,” Dr. Daniel said, sitting comfortably on his chair. “But Zaylen, you should avoid loud places like that in the future. You know the damage it does to us.” He started writing some medication for Zaylen, while I felt immediate guilt filling me. It was due to me that Zaylen was in this condition. He agreed despite knowing the side effects, just for my sake — our friendship’s sake. He was really a nice guy. Even though he didn’t feel anything for me and what I felt for him was a rebound, I was glad to have him as my friend. He didn’t abandon me and helped me sort out my feelings. He really highly valued his friendships. I was lucky to have him in my fucked up life. My chain of thoughts were broken by the ringtone of my phone. I checked the caller ID and saw it was my dad. My eyes grew as wide as sa
ZAYLEN Before Liana could fall, I held her up in my arms in an instant. “Liana…” I called out. Her eyes were closed, and by taking a closer look at her beautiful face, it seemed like she was writhing in pain. A sudden surge of panic and concern washed over me like a tidal wave seeing her like that. “Zaylen…” I could feel her pain as if it were my own, each agonized breath she took sending a shiver down my spine. “Liana…” I called out again, but there was no response. It seemed like she fainted. With a gentle touch, I lifted her delicate form, cradling her close to my chest as I hurried towards the hospital. With each step I took, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was stirring within me, something different. I have never felt like this before. As I was about to step inside the hospital, Liana’s eyes jolted open. Once she realized she was in my arms, she mumbled, “Put me down.” I sighed in relief, seeing she got back her consciousness. I put her down obedi