Elizabeth
"Hey, Elizabeth!" a cheerful voice calls out, breaking the uneasy silence. I turn to see Lena, her bright smile a stark contrast to the wary glances of our classmates. She's the only one who's ever tried to get close, despite the fear. Her blonde hair bounces as she jogs up to me, blue eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Morning, Sally," I say quietly, offering a small smile. She's persistent, and I've come to appreciate her company, even if I don't fully let her in."How are you? Did you finish the history project?" she asks, falling into step beside me."Yes, I did. What about you?" I reply, trying to sound engaged.
Sally 's energy is contagious, and it's nice to have a semblance of normalcy. "Almost. Matt helped me with the last part," she says, glancing over her shoulder. Right on cue, Matt appears, his tall frame and messy brown hair making him easy to spot. He's smart, kind, and surprisingly insightful for someone who looks like he belongs on a football field rather than in a library. He was also a werewolf, that much I could tell. Even though I lost my visions, I still had the senses of werewolves.
"Hey, Elizabeth," Matt, greets me, his smile genuine. He's one of the few people who looks me in the eyes without flinching.
"Hi, Matt," I responded, feeling a bit more at ease. With Sally and Matt around, school isn't entirely unbearable. They make an effort to include me, to treat me like I'm just another teenager. And for that, I'm grateful. As we head to our first class, the usual stares follow us, but Sally and Matt seem immune to them. They chatter about graduation, college plans, and summer trips.
I listen, nodding occasionally, but my mind is elsewhere, always half in the past, half in the shadows of my nightmares. In class, I take my usual seat at the back, Sally and Matt flanking me. The teacher drones on about calculus, but my thoughts drift. I wonder what my father is doing now. Does he ever think of me? Does he regret his decision? Somehow, I doubt it.
The bell rings, and we head to the cafeteria. The noise is overwhelming, but I find solace in the presence of Lena and Matt. They're my anchors, the only ones who see past the strange eyes and the silent demeanor.
"Are you excited about graduation?" Sally asks, her eyes shining with anticipation."I guess so," I say, not really feeling the excitement. For me, it's just another step in this strange, human life I'm living. But I try to muster a bit of enthusiasm for her sake. "It'll be nice to move on."Matt Matt nods."Yeah, a fresh start. Maybe college will be different."
Different. The word hangs in the air, heavy with meaning. I can only hope that it will be. Maybe there, I can find some semblance of peace, a way to blend in without the constant reminder of who and what I am. Until then, I'll keep my head down, my secrets close, and my eyes—my haunting, violet eyes—hidden as best as I can.
The last exam is finally over, and the tension that had gripped the school for weeks begins to dissipate. Excitement buzzes in the air as everyone talks about the prom, scheduled for the next night. Lena and Kyle are especially enthusiastic, planning outfits and discussing last-minute details. I listen to them, a small smile playing on my lips, but inside, I feel a growing sense of unease. The nightmares have been getting worse, and an unfamiliar sensation has been creeping into my body, making me feel restless and on edge. I don't understand it, but I push the thoughts aside, determined to enjoy what might be my last night of normalcy.
The next evening, I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the simple yet elegant dress Aunt Claire helped me pick out. It's a deep blue that sets off my violet eyes, the color stark and unnatural against my pale skin. I take a deep breath, trying to calm the fluttering in my stomach. Tonight should be fun, I tell myself. Just one night to be a normal teenager.
Sally and Matt arrive to pick me up, both looking dashing in their formal attire. Sally's dress is a shimmering silver, while Matt's suit is classic black. They greet me with wide smiles, and for a moment, I forget my apprehensions.The prom is held at a large, decorated hall, and the place is already buzzing with students dancing, chatting, and laughing. I stick close to Sally and Matt, grateful for their company.
The music is loud, the lights are bright, and for a while, I manage to blend into the festivities, losing myself in the crowd.As the night progresses, though, I start to feel strange. A heat is building inside me, an unfamiliar and overwhelming sensation. My skin feels too tight, and my head starts to spin.
Excusing myself, I make my way to the balcony, desperate for some fresh air. I barely make it to the banister before I start throwing up, my body trembling with an intensity I can't control. The world spins around me, and I clutch the railing, gasping for breath.
"Are you alright?" a deep voice asks, startling me. I look up, wiping my mouth, and meet the most intense pair of dark, almost black, eyes I've ever seen. There's a power in them, a familiarity that tugs at something deep within me."I… I don't know," I manage to say, my voice weak.
The man steps closer, his presence overwhelming. He's tall, with dark hair and a commanding presence that screams authority. My heart races, and not just from my physical discomfort. There's something about him that draws me in, something that makes my very soul ache with recognition.``I'm Sebastian," he says, his voice gentler now. "Let me help you." Sebastian. The name resonates within me, and I realize who he is. Matt's older brother. The Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack. My mind races as the connection between us snaps into place, clear and undeniable. "I'm Elizabeth," I whisper, feeling a strange pull toward him.His eyes widen slightly, and I see the recognition there.
"Elizabeth… my fated mate," he murmurs, more to himself than to me.The realization hits me like a tidal wave. This is why I've been feeling so strange. My first heat, the undeniable connection to my fated mate. It all makes sense now. Sebastian reaches out, his hand gentle as it touches my arm. The contact sends a jolt through my body, calming and exciting all at once. "You're burning up," he says softly. "Come, let's get you somewhere more private."I nod, unable to form words, and let him guide me away from the crowded hall. The world around us fades away, leaving just the two of us and the bond that's beginning to form. In this moment, I feel something I haven't felt in a long time: hope.
Maybe, just maybe, I've found the place where I truly belong.