IT HAS BEEN two days—- or perhaps three days? I didn't know. Really. I was too exhausted to bother; all I did after returning from that ordeal was lie on my bed, stare at my ceiling, and imagine nothing. Food couldn't even entice me anymore. I couldn't remember how many knocks Aseyana made nor how many times Yasha shouted my name.
My mother called me several times, and I didn't bother answering. Well, I did the last time. I had to make sure she was alright. I was glad she was. Other than that, I made sure I was in the comfort of my bed for the past few days.
I needed some peace. I needed some time to process everything. And snuggling my pillow with my blanket, hugging me, and giving me warmth, gave me what I needed. I almost wished I could merge with my bouncy bed.
Anyway, after recharging myself, I finally decided to leave my room. No matter how badly I wanted to stay in my room, I couldn't do it. I had to go back home, right?
"That's absurd!"
I froze. My foot, which was about to step on the seventh step downstairs, slowly retracted. Should I continue or let them finish their argument first?
"No need to leave, Tatia. I know you're there," said Yasha.
Well, the ancestor had spoken. I shall obey.
"What's up?" I asked. I crossed my arms around my chest when I reached the kitchen. "It's still early in the morning. Why are you shouting?"
"Really," Yasha remarked, looking at me with scorn in her eyes. "It's already the afternoon; evening's coming, my dear. Are you still delirious? You can go back to your room. I think you still need some ridiculous long rest."
I blinked. Now, that surprised me.
"Okay," I raised my hands. "I'm not your enemy here." I looked at Aseyana, who looked like a kid scolded by her mother and asked. "What happened?"
Aseyana opened her mouth to explain, but Yasha didn't let her.
"This girl thinks she's old enough to decide matters on her own without the guidance of an adult," said Yasha.
"I am!"
"Really?" Yasha glared. "You are barely 18—- the age humans believe is the right age—- yet you think you are ready to live alone in a place where no one knows you?! In this random town where danger lurks?!"
"I think it isn't a bad idea," I suggested, but I only earned a hateful glare from the other.
"Yes, it is!"
I immediately shut my mouth.
"Aunt Yasha!" Aseyana shouted, her tone helpless. "I—-" she took a deep breath, "—- lived alone for years."
"What?" Yasha's brows knitted together.
"All these years, Mom, Dad, Uncle Silas—- everyone thinks only of Liliane! No one cares about my well-being. No one cares about my feelings. I lived for myself! My life goes by without anyone by my side. So, what is the difference between now and the past?!" Her eyes fluttered as she added, "I'm only changing place."
Yasha fell silent.
"I will live here," Aseyana insisted. "I will start anew. I have already decided, and I hope you, my aunt, will support it." She then turned her back and left the inn. The chiming of the bells echoed when the door opened and closed.
I gave Yasha a look. She was staring blankly at the empty air. Her lips pursed.
The atmosphere turned gloomy. Somehow, it was suffocating.
Looking back and forth between Yasha and the door, I finally chose the girl. "I'll go check on Aseyana," I said, leaving Yasha. She was big enough to take care of herself.
It took me some time before I found Aseyana. She was sitting on a bench with her hands clasped together. She didn't look like she cried, but her eyes sunken. My heart ached for the girl. I didn't know what kind of family problem she faced, but I could tell it was a big one since she ended up leaving them.
"Hey," I said, sitting beside her.
Aseyana smiled in response. "I shouldn't have raised my voice," she said. "Aunt Yasha is only thinking of my welfare, considering her previous experience in this town."
I closed my lips. The girl said the words I was about to utter.
"You're very insightful," I remarked. "Mature, even. I'm glad you think that way." Other teenagers would blame everyone and be blind and deaf to reason.
"Well," Aseyana's smiled turned into a half-smile. "Aunt Yasha would always visit us once in a blue moon and shower us with gifts and love. When she was around, I would feel the belongingness I sought. She never favoured one over the other. But sometimes, I wished she would." She looked at me with bitterness. "I wished she would favour me, love me more than my sister, like how my parents tended Liliane and forget about me." She sighed. "However, I'm okay with whatever I can receive. I no longer seek for more."
I took her hand and gripped it tightly. "There's nothing wrong with wanting more, especially since you deserve it." I smiled and winked at her. "Although, somehow, I agree with Yasha. This town seems dangerous," I added. "I know you're powerful, but one against thousands of people will never work. I doubt this town's merit. Do they even have humanity left in them?"
"I can assure you, Ms. Ivanov. The citizens of my town are good people."
Aseyana and I looked behind at the same time. I couldn't help but raise a brow when I saw the fairy. She looked arrogant yet respectable in her suit.
"Ms. Drakos and Ms. Ivanov," she smiled perfunctorily. "If you don't mind, may I speak with the two of you?"
—
When we were invited for a chat, I never thought we would enter a school. The students' eyes followed us as we passed the corridors. They didn't shy away, blatantly staring at us with curious gazes. And, of course, I didn't let myself lose. I stared at them with the same vigour. I couldn't help but smirk when they avoided my gaze.
Hmmph!
"Please," Principal Stonefield opened a door and gestured for us to enter.
Now, I understand why she was called 'Principal Stonefield'.
"What do you want to talk about, Principal Stonefield?" Aseyana asked when all sat down.
"Have some," Principal Stonefield offered a basket of fruits, where I gladly took a pear. "Last night's event still needs some discussion," she replied to Aseyana's question. "The Moon Pack no longer exists. No werewolf left to continue its legacy."
"I think they deserve total extinction. No need to continue whatever legacy they have," I remarked. I couldn't help it. They were hateful. I took a bite of the pear, and my ears almost clapped. It was delicious! "This is so delicious, by the way," I praised.
"I'm glad you like it," Principal Stonefield smiled. "I grew them myself."
My mouth formed an 'o'. I liked this fairy. Speaking of which, her surname seemed familiar. Wasn't the restaurant Brittany took me to named 'La Stonefield Cuisine'? My eyes brightened. Did she own that restaurant?
"Anyway, the other packs are worried about your intention," Principal Stonefield continued. "They fear that you will destroy the town's peace."
I frowned.
"Nothing would have happened if they hadn't imprisoned my aunt for years and taken my friend to become a sacrifice," said Aseyana. "The Moon Pack could only blame themselves for their outcome."
I nodded, taking another bite.
"I have also given evidence that they performed dark magic," Aseyana immediately added. "Dark magic is forbidden, as you said. They shouldn't put the blame on us."
"I believe you," said Principal Stonefield. "But the others doubt what you showed them last night. You are an unknown witch who came from nowhere. Hence, your words and actions have no effect. They are debating whether what you conjured was nothing but an illusion or the truth." She clasped her hands together and laid her chin on her knuckles. "I've meted punishment last night. I killed Brittany. That may turn them against me. However, they still see me as this town's protector. Thus, they will not do something against you to show me some face. But you need to provide solid evidence to stop their restlessness."
Aseyana and I looked at each other.
Hmmm…
"How about," I said, suddenly thinking of something, "the witch that was supposed to preside over the ritual?"
Aseyana's eyes widened in realisation. "Yes! Aunt took her somewhere before you came. She's not dead yet. She's oozing with darkness."
"Elder Penelope," Principal Stonefield frowned. "She's a strange one. She never tried to associate with anyone aside from the members of the Moon Pack. I guess you can present her to tomorrow's foundation. At the same time," she smiled, "I will officially accept you as part of the town."
My hand that was about to put the pear in my mouth froze. Then, I pointed at my nose. "Myself included?"
"Of course."
I quickly shook my head. "I have no intention of staying here," I declined. "But thank you for the offer."
"I understand," she nodded. "Unfortunately, you have no other option for this matter."
"Pardon?" What was happening to this country's democratic ways?
"The moment your blood was used in the ritual—- it triggered your identity as a bloodling. Every creature who comes across you will know you're a bloodling," she explained. "In short, you're in great danger."
I suddenly felt my blood run cold.
"The only way to survive this is to stay in Arcane Town," she continued. "I will protect you."
I frowned. "Why?" I asked curiously.
Principal Stonefield smiled.
"I read in an ancient book that fairies are born to uphold justice in this world," Aseyana explained. "They protect nature, fight against evil, and ensure the safety of every bloodling born." She looked at me and added, "That's why I trust Principal Stonefield."
I nodded blankly. So, I got my own guardian? It meant I wasn't forsaken, then. That thought brought a portion of happiness to me. However, my mood sank upon remembering that I couldn't leave this town.
What the heck happened to my freedom?!