Faith's POV
'Run, run, run!' I chant to myself, my feet pounding the pavement. I'm being chased by a pack of snarling dogs.
Just dogs, not werewolves - although, in my world, those supernatural creatures do exist.
Fairies, vampires, and all manner of paranormal beings rule over humans, with many humans forming bonds with these powerful entities. But not me.
While others live in luxury with their supernatural mates, I'm stuck running for my life from a bunch of furious canines.
I dodged into the corner, my heart racing like a wild animal as the dogs tore past, their furious barks echoing off the walls. I let out a shaky breath, my eyes scanning the deserted hallway to make sure the coast was clear.
'Late again,' I muttered to myself, cursing my luck. As a senior, I was supposed to be a model student, but it was hard to focus when you were constantly looking over your shoulder. I trudged into school, the weight of my backpack digging into my shoulders.
It was just another day at Supernatural High, where humans like me were the minority. I'd lost count of the number of times I'd been bullied, teased, or just plain ignored. But I had Sindy, my one true friend in this crazy world.
''You're late, Faith!'' Sindy said, her voice dripping with drama as we hurried to class. ''I'm sorry,'' I replied, my eyes scanning the crowded hallway for any signs of trouble.
But my mind was elsewhere, stuck on the painful memories of my parents' death at the hands of supernatural beings. It was a wound that still lingered, even though I knew my parents hadn't been angels.
As we turned a corner, we stumbled upon a scene that made my heart roll its eyes. A human student was locked in a passionate kiss with the alpha of the kingdom, their lips tangled in a messy, swoony embrace. ''Well, isn't that just peachy,'' I said dryly, earning a stare from the love struck couple.
But before things could get any more awkward, the teachers announced that school was cancelled for the day. I couldn't believe my luck! I bid Sindy adieu and set off on the long, winding road to my tiny one room apartment, feeling like I'd just been given a get out of jail free card.
Now that the alpha's found his human mate, she'll be living the high life - no more bullying, no more tears. It's like she's been reborn into a world of luxury and privilege. But I know the truth.
This world isn't all sunshine and rainbows, especially when you're a human living among supernatural creatures.
I turned 18 just last week, and I've already learned that life can be cruel and unforgiving.
Even the werewolves and vampires fear one thing: devils. Those ruthless creatures can snatch your soul without a second thought.
But as the saying goes, every evil person has a sad story to tell - or a life that's been twisted by circumstance. Either way, it's none of my business. Just then, my phone buzzed with an incoming text.
Sindy - I need you to come to the Nature's Forest Faith I need your helpðŸ˜ðŸ˜
What was Sindy thinking? Nature's Forest was one of the most treacherous places in the kingdom - a hotbed of dark magic and ancient secrets. Why would she want me to meet her there?
Sindy - please come I'm not ok
I sat on my bed, weighing my options. Should I go to Nature's Forest and meet Sindy, or should I stay safe and sound in my apartment? But Sindy was probably waiting for me, and I couldn't just leave her hanging.
I sighed, throwing off my doubts. I quickly dressed in comfortable clothes - a hoodie, pantsuit, and a pair of trusty crocs.
I grabbed my phone and wallet, and headed out the door. The drive to Nature's Forest was a long one, so I called a cab to take me there. As we wound our way through the trees, my anxiety grew. What was Sindy doing here?
When we finally arrived, I spotted Sindy sitting on a rock, her eyes fixed on the ground. I paid the driver and got out of the cab, my heart sinking as I took in Sindy's appearance.
She looked awful - her eyes were sunken, her skin pale, and her hair was a tangled mess. ''Sindy?'' I called out, my voice shaking with concern. She looked up, her eyes locking onto mine. ''What happened?'' I asked, my heart racing with fear.
''My mate...'' Sindy whispered, her voice cracking with anguish. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. ''What did he do?''
I demanded, my arms wrapping around her in a tight hug as she burst into tears. I held her close, feeling helpless and angry all at once. Why did this have to happen to my best friend? Why did she have to suffer like this? I hated feeling so powerless, like all I could do was stand there and offer empty words of comfort.
Sindy's tears soaked into my shirt, and I could feel her body shaking with sobs. I held her tighter, trying to absorb some of her pain, but it was like trying to hold back a tidal wave. All I could do was be there for her, and hope that somehow, someway, things would get better.
Sindy's words sent a chill down my spine. ''I'm thinking about running away,'' she said, her voice barely above a whisper. I felt a surge of fear for my friend's safety.
Her mate, a werewolf, was known for his possessiveness and jealousy. If he found out she was leaving, he'd stop at nothing to track her down. ''Let's leave this stupid kingdom and run to another one,'' she said, her eyes sparkling with desperation. I grabbed her hands, trying to shake some sense into her. ''What? Sindy, no! You can't just run away from him. He'll find you, and... and who knows what he'll do?''
I couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to my friend. She was already hurting so much, and running away would only make things worse.
Sindy's eyes pleaded with me, and I felt my heart ache with sadness. ''Please,'' she whispered, her voice barely audible. I hesitated, unsure of what to do. ''I'll think about it,'' I said finally, trying to buy some time.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the forest in a dark, eerie light, I suggested we head back to my house. But Sindy's expression turned determined, and she stood up, her eyes flashing with a fierce light. ''If you haven't decided in a week, I'm running away without you,''she warned, her voice firm.
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realized just how desperate she was. But before I could respond, a blood curdling scream pierced the air, making us both freeze. Instead of running away, Sindy grabbed my arm and pulled me towards the sound.
We hid behind a tree, our hearts pounding in unison, as we watched a man in black strangle a vampire. I couldn't believe my eyes - how was he doing that? Vampires were supposed to be almost invincible, and yet this man was killing one with ease.
And then, just as suddenly as it had started, everything was over. The man dropped the vampire's lifeless body, and I caught a glimpse of the vampire's pale face, his eyes frozen in a permanent stare. But I couldn't see his features clearly - it was as if my brain was refusing to process what I was seeing.
The man in black turned our way, his gaze piercing through the darkness like a hot knife through butter. I felt a chill run down my spine as our eyes met, and for a moment, I was paralyzed with fear.
But then, Sindy grabbed my arm and yanked me into a sprint. We ran like our lives depended on it, not daring to look back.
The trees blurred together as we fled, our footsteps pounding out a frantic rhythm on the forest floor. We burst out of the trees and onto the road, where a car was approaching. Without hesitation, we flagged it down and leapt inside, slamming the doors shut behind us.
The driver, startled by our sudden appearance, hesitated for a moment before hitting the gas. We sped away from the forest, leaving the darkness and the man in black behind. But as I looked back, I could have sworn I saw him standing in the middle of the road, watching us escape.
As we stumbled into the house, we thanked the driver profusely, still trying to process the events of the night.
But as soon as the door closed behind us, we burst into hysterical laughter, like two lunatics who'd just escaped the asylum. ''For a second, we almost died!'' I choked out, holding my sides as Sindy giggled uncontrollably beside me.
We laughed until our bellies hurt, until tears streamed down our faces, until we were both gasping for air. But as the night wore on, and Sindy drifted off to sleep, I found myself unable to shake off the questions swirling in my mind. Who was that man in black? What was he? And how on earth had he managed to kill a vampire with such ease?
Vampires were supposed to be immortal, invincible. But that man... he'd made it look like child's play. I tossed and turned, my mind racing with possibilities, but no answers.
The darkness outside seemed to press in on me, making me feel small and vulnerable. I knew I had to find out more about that man, and what he was capable of. But for now, I was trapped in a web of uncertainty, with no escape in sight .